How to make fake text message videos
5 min read · Updated October 24, 2026
Text story videos play out a conversation one message at a time over moving footage. They are quick to watch, easy to binge, and simple to make once you know the pieces.
Make a text story video →Why text story videos work
A chat is the most familiar thing on anyone's phone, so viewers read it instantly. Each new message is a small reveal, which keeps people watching to see the next one. Most of the craft is in the writing: a strong opener, short messages, and a turn at the end.
1. Write the conversation
- Open with a message that raises a question ("we need to talk about what you did at the wedding").
- Keep messages short — one thought each. Long paragraphs stop the rhythm.
- Build to a twist, a confession or a punchline in the last few messages.
- Use an image message for the reveal when a picture says it better.
2. Get the timing right
Silent text videos should move fast; viewers read quicker than you expect. If you add narration, let the voice set the pace instead, so each message waits for its line to be read. A typing bubble before a reply builds a moment of suspense.
3. Choose the look and add sound
A light or dark chat look, a contact name and photo at the top, and a short sound on the messages that land (the reveal, the punchline) make it feel real. Keep sounds for the big moments so they still mean something.
Make one with Zlayo
- 1
Write both sides
Type the chat message by message, add images, or pull a conversation from a YouTube video.
- 2
Pick the look and footage
Light or dark, a name and photo at the top, typing bubbles, reactions, and background gameplay underneath.
- 3
Get it playing out
Messages appear 0.3 seconds apart, or at the pace of the narration if you switch it on, with a sound on any message you choose.
Questions
No. It's on Zlayo's paid plans, from $19 a month. You can make a free account to look around first.
Yes. Switch narration on and pick a voice for each side — including a voice you cloned in Voice Studio.
Yes. Open it in Zlayo's editor, where every chat state is its own layer you can move or retime.