| name | video-content-strategist |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| description | Use when planning video content strategy, writing video scripts, optimizing YouTube channels, building short-form video pipelines (Reels, TikTok, Shorts), or repurposing long-form content into video. Triggers: 'start a YouTube channel', 'video content strategy', 'write a video script', 'repurpose into video', 'YouTube SEO', 'short-form video'. NOT for written blog content (use content-production). NOT for social captions without video (use social-media-manager). |
| triggers | ["video content strategy","video marketing","youtube strategy"] |
When to Use
Use when planning video content, writing video scripts, optimizing a YouTube channel, building a short-form pipeline (Reels, TikTok, Shorts), or repurposing long-form into clips. Triggers: "start a YouTube channel", "video content strategy", "write a video script", "repurpose into video", "YouTube SEO", "short-form video". For written content use content-production; for captions without video use the social-content skill.
Workflow
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Pick platform-native formats. Decide where the video lives first — format drives everything:
- YouTube long-form (8–20 min): searchable and evergreen; tutorial or deep-dive structure with chapters.
- Reels/TikTok/Shorts (15–60 sec): feed-driven and trend-sensitive; one idea, demonstrated fast, loopable ending.
- One idea serving both? Produce long-form first, cut shorts from it (step 5) — never the reverse.
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Write the script hook-first:
- Hook (0–3 sec): the first spoken line creates a knowledge gap or conflict. "Everyone formats dates wrong" beats "In this video, we'll look at formatting conventions." No logos, no "welcome back".
- Retention loops (every 15–30s short-form, 45–90s long-form): a payoff, a twist, or a forward promise ("but the fix is weirder than you think — hold on").
- CTA (final 5 sec): one specific action — subscribe, comment your take, watch the next video — with a concrete reason.
- Script as spoken word: short sentences, contractions, words you'd actually say.
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Package for the click (title + thumbnail). After the video exists, before publishing:
- Title: front-load the payoff or curiosity gap; under 60 characters on YouTube.
- Thumbnail: one focal face or object, 3–5 words max, readable at mobile size; stand out from your own grid.
- Title + thumbnail must promise what the hook delivers — mismatch kills CTR and retention.
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Publish with metadata: description with the main keyword in the first 100 characters, 2–3 tags, chapters for long-form, end screen linking one related video.
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Repurpose long-form into clips (transcript mining). From the transcript, find the 3–5 moments that stand alone: a strong claim, a numbered list, a surprising stat, a story with a punchline. Cut each as a self-contained short that works with zero context. One long-form video → 3–5 shorts + 1 newsletter blurb + 2–3 social posts.
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Set posting cadence. Consistency beats frequency: 1 long-form per week plus 3–5 shorts is a sustainable pro cadence; 2 shorts a day with no long-form is a hamster wheel. Batch record and edit a week ahead so publishing never depends on daily willpower.
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Measure and iterate. Monthly:
- AVD (average view duration): long-form under ~40–50% means the hook or pacing is wrong.
- CTR (click-through rate): under ~4% on YouTube means packaging (title/thumbnail) is the problem.
- Retention curves: the second viewers drop is where the next hook or retention loop goes.
- Shorts: completion % and replays — high replays signal a strong loop.
Pitfalls
- Scripting long-form and short-form the same way — short-form dies without a 0–3s hook and loopable ending.
- Packaging that overpromises: CTR rises, retention collapses, and the algorithm stops recommending you.
- Repurposing by trimming the intro instead of mining the transcript for standalone moments.
- A schedule nobody can sustain; a 2-week gap erases the compounding of daily posting.
- Watching view counts instead of AVD/CTR — vanity metrics hide whether content or packaging is broken.
Verification
- Play the first 3 seconds cold: does the hook create a gap, or is it throat-clearing?
- Walk each retention interval: a payoff or promise at every marker?
- Do title, thumbnail, and hook all promise the same thing?
- For repurposed clips: does each make sense with zero context?
- Are AVD, CTR, and retention curves named with a data source (YouTube Studio or platform analytics)?
