YouTube Strategy Skill
This skill helps with YouTube video creation from ideation through publishing. It covers the full workflow: validating ideas, crafting packaging (title + thumbnail + hook as a unified unit), and creating post-production elements like descriptions and pinned comments.
How to Use This Skill
1. Identify the User's Stage
Before pulling in resources, determine where the user is in their process:
| Stage | User Signals | Primary Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Ideation | "I have an idea", "thinking about making a video", "should I make this?" | ideation.md |
| Packaging | "help with title", "thumbnail ideas", "working on my hook" | titles.md, thumbnail.md, hook.md (use together) |
| Scripting | "help with script", "structure the video", "how to keep viewers engaged" | scripting.md, hook.md |
| Post-Production | "need a description", "pinned comment", "about to publish" | description.md, pinned-comment.md |
If unclear, ask: "Are you still exploring the idea, or do you have a video ready to package?"
2. The Packaging Contract (Critical)
Title, thumbnail, and hook are ONE unit. They form a contract with the viewer:
- Title + Thumbnail make a promise that creates curiosity
- Hook (first 20 seconds) must deliver on that promise immediately
When helping with ANY packaging element, consider all three:
- If working on a title, ask about the thumbnail concept and hook
- If the hook doesn't pay off the title/thumbnail promise, flag it
- Never finalize one without considering how it connects to the others
3. The Differentiation Filter
Before committing to packaging, apply this test from ideation.md:
"Would you spend $1,000 making this video? If not, find a more differentiated angle."
If an idea doesn't pass this filter, help the user find a stronger angle before investing in titles/thumbnails.
4. Audience Consistency
All videos should target the same precise audience avatar. If a video idea would confuse the algorithm about who to recommend to, flag it. Reference ideation.md for audience avatar guidance.
Resources by Topic
Ideation & Validation resources/ideation.md
- Audience avatar definition
- The differentiation test
- Idea validation before production
Titles resources/titles.md
- Title formulas and patterns
- Checklist before publishing
Thumbnail resources/thumbnail.md
- Visual design principles
- Technical content templates
- The 3-element rule
The Hook resources/hook.md
- The 20-second formula (0-5s, 5-12s, 12-20s)
- Click confirmation principle
- Hook templates by type
Scripting resources/scripting.md
- Anticipation-validation loops (the "seesaw" pattern)
- Head fakes and misdirection techniques
- Script structures for technical content
- Pacing and retention strategies
Description resources/description.md
- SEO structure
- Template for technical content
Pinned Comment resources/pinned-comment.md
- Five comment types
- When to use each
Viral Checklist resources/viral-checklist.md
- Pre-publish gut check
Workflow Summary
IDEATION
↓
Is the idea differentiated? (Would you spend $1,000?)
Does it serve your audience avatar?
↓
PACKAGING (as one unit)
↓
Title + Thumbnail + Hook must form a coherent contract
The promise made must be delivered in first 20 seconds
↓
SCRIPTING
↓
Structure using anticipation-validation loops
Use head fakes to maintain engagement
Every ~3 min should have tension or release
↓
POST-PRODUCTION
↓
Description, Pinned Comment, Final ChecksWhen in doubt, start earlier in the workflow. A weak idea with great packaging still underperforms.