Short-Form Writer (Freelance), fern

Short-Form Writer (Freelance), fern

An opportunity to join an exciting, well-funded and fast-growing creator economy business.

Electrify is a dynamic new digital media company that invests in and scales creators with an established YouTube presence. We have invested in various leading channels and fern is one of the leading channels in our portfolio.

fern is a fast-growing, cutting-edge digital outlet for political and social topics with nearly 5 million subscribers. Our work has received national and international recognition, including the DAfFNE award, the NYT TV & Film award, and nominations for the prestigious Rudolf Diesel medal and the German Environmental Media Award. We focus on investigative research, video essays, and documentaries for a curious, engaged audience that always seeks deeper answers.

Now, we are expanding our vision: fern is launching dedicated short-form content to bring our signature visual storytelling and journalistic quality to all major vertical platforms.

Come and build the future of media with us!

About the role  

The Short-Form Writer is responsible for ideating and scripting compelling, accurate, and platform-optimised short-form video concepts for fern.

Working closely with editorial and production teams, you will translate diverse complex topics into clear, engaging narratives designed for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and TikTok.

This is a light-touch role for now (a few days per month), focused on generating strong ideas, strong hooks, and retention driven scripts that set the foundation for high-performing content.

Key Responsibilities  

• Develop original short-form video ideas aligned to fern’s editorial focus.

• Write clear, engaging, and well-researched scripts for short-form platforms.

• Craft strong, scroll-stopping hooks and tightly structured narratives optimised for retention.

• Translate complex topics spanning history, geopolitics, science, technology, and society into accessible, compelling storytelling.

• Work from briefs or existing long-form content to create short-form adaptations where relevant.

• Collaborate with Art Directors, Editors and Animators to ensure scripts translate effectively into visual storytelling.

• Iterate on scripts based on feedback and performance insights.

• Stay up to date with short-form trends, formats, and platform best practices.

• Contribute to occasional branded content ideation where required.

Skills and experience 

• English language proficiency (essential).

• Proven experience writing high-performing short-form content for social platforms.

• Strong understanding of hook-writing, pacing, and retention strategies.

• Ability to simplify complex topics without losing accuracy or nuance.

• A genuine curiosity across a wide range of topics, including history, geopolitics, science, technology, and society.

• Experience writing for visual formats.

• Strong research skills and attention to factual accuracy.

• Ability to work efficiently and deliver high-quality output within a limited time allocation.

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with remote teams.

• Background in journalism, documentary, or factual storytelling.

• Experience working with educational or documentary-style content.
  

Desirable 

• Familiarity with fern or similar documentary-led channels (desirable).

Electrify Culture

• Dynamic environment - We are dedicated to providing a world-class creative culture where our employees can thrive. We’re looking for self-starters with an entrepreneurial mindset who want to be part of our success story. You’ll discover new opportunities, take ownership of important initiatives and learn at a fast pace.

• Work anywhere - We are a remote team with employees around the world. This means you are free to work from anywhere with a good internet connection.

• Our Values – We are committed to fostering a culture that values innovative, diverse ways of thinking and the ability to drive positive change. DEI is in our DNA, and our DEI Committee and Social Hub initiatives reflect this commitment.

• Force for good - We believe in unlocking the power of Electrify to tell stories that change lives. Digital media has the opportunity to propagate inspiring ideas and knowledge that can generate extraordinary change. Electrify Impact provides initiatives and resources to support emerging creators and positive impact organisations amplify their voice. In support of the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) , we actively encourage support on our mission to make the world a better place for all.

What we offer

• Work from anywhere

• Flexible hours

• Employee referral program

• The opportunity to work in a fast-paced, vibrant, dynamic, and innovative environment where you can learn and grow quickly

• A supportive, inclusive and collaborative team

Electrify is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, colour, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.