| name | source-command-content-ideation-shorts |
| description | Generate YouTube Shorts scripts from Content Engine + daily notes + web research |
source-command-content-ideation-shorts
Use this skill when the user asks to run the migrated source command content-ideation-shorts.
Command Template
YouTube Shorts Generation
Generate high-performing YouTube Shorts scripts.
Config
| Setting | Value |
|---|
| Default Count | 5 |
| Output | Dynamous/Content-Ideation/Shorts/YYYY-MM-DD/ |
Paths (from dynamous-engine root)
Input:
content-engine/output/DAILY_DIGEST.md ← Read first
content-engine/output/topics/ ← List folders, read most recent
Dynamous/Daily Notes/ ← List files, read most recent (has a space!)
Skill Reference (read these for templates/guidelines):
.Codex/skills/yt-shorts/SKILL.md
Long-form scripts (optional - for repurposing):
Dynamous/Content-Ideation/YouTube/YYYY-MM-DD/
Output:
Dynamous/Content-Ideation/Shorts/YYYY-MM-DD/
Workflow
1. Read Skill Guidelines
Read .Codex/skills/yt-shorts/SKILL.md to understand:
- Short types (Quick Tip, Before-After, Myth Buster, Mini Tutorial, Hot Take, Tool Spotlight)
- Hook formulas and patterns
- Script format with visual planning
- Length and pacing requirements
2. Read Content Engine Data
Read content-engine/output/DAILY_DIGEST.md
List content-engine/output/topics/ folders, sort by name, read all .md files from the most recent date folder.
3. Read Daily Notes
List Dynamous/Daily Notes/ files (format: YYYY-MM-DD.md), sort by name, read the most recent one.
Look for IMPORTANT markers (must include) vs general ideas (context only).
4. Check for Long-Form Scripts
Optionally read any YouTube scripts from the same day to find repurposing opportunities:
- Extract single insights from longer scripts
- Find the "hook moments" in long-form content
- Identify tips that can stand alone
5. Web Research
Search 3-5 key topics from the digest for current news, trends, and hooks.
6. Prioritize and Select Ideas
For Shorts, prioritize:
- IMPORTANT items from daily notes (must include)
- Single extractable insights from digest items
- Surprising stats or counterintuitive claims
- Quick tips that can stand alone
- Hot takes and contrarian angles
Best ideas for Shorts:
- Can be explained in ONE sentence
- Have natural hook potential (surprising, counterintuitive, impressive result)
- Don't require extensive context
- Have visual demonstration potential
7. Generate Shorts
Get today's date. Create folder: Dynamous/Content-Ideation/Shorts/YYYY-MM-DD/
For each selected idea, create a Short following the yt-shorts SKILL.md format:
- Include Source Attribution at the top (digest item #, original URL from topic file, deep dive path)
- Choose appropriate Short type
- Write a scroll-stopping hook (first 3 seconds)
- Plan visuals and text overlays
- Keep to 75-150 words spoken
- End abruptly, no lingering outro
Write each Short to Dynamous/Content-Ideation/Shorts/YYYY-MM-DD/{slugified-topic}.md
8. Create Index
Create Dynamous/Content-Ideation/Shorts/YYYY-MM-DD/index.md:
# YouTube Shorts - YYYY-MM-DD
## Shorts Created
### 1. {Title}
- **File**: [{slug}.md](./{slug}.md)
- **Type**: {Quick Tip / Before-After / etc.}
- **Length**: {target seconds}
- **Hook**: "{first 3 seconds}"
- **One Idea**: {single takeaway}
### 2. {Title}
...
## Repurposed From
- {Long-form script title} → {Short title}
...
## Ideas for Later
- {remaining ideas that could work as Shorts}
Output Structure
Dynamous/Content-Ideation/Shorts/2026-01-04/
├── index.md
├── Codex-one-hour-tip.md
├── ai-agent-failure-myth.md
├── zero-config-deployment-demo.md
├── developer-divide-hot-take.md
└── google-engineer-validation.md
Platform Notes
- Shorts reward retention over everything else
- First 3 seconds determine 50-60% of performance
- ONE idea per Short - never try to cover multiple points
- 30-45 seconds is sweet spot for educational content
- Visual variety every 2-4 seconds
- Strong captions for silent viewing
- No "subscribe" CTAs in the video (algorithm penalty)
- Can repurpose across TikTok and Reels with minor adjustments
