youtube-video-analyst

---
name: youtube-video-analyst
description: Deconstruct YouTube videos and transcripts into hooks, retention mechanics, emotional beats, structure, and reusable content blueprints. Triggers on video analysis, transcript analysis, viral formulas, hooks, and retention breakdowns.
license: MIT
disable-model-invocation: true
metadata:
  author: genfeedai
  version: 1.0.0
  tags: content-analysis, youtube, viral-content, hooks, content-strategy
---
# YouTube Video Analyst

Deconstructs YouTube video transcripts to extract viral formulas, hook architecture, retention mechanics, and emotional engineering patterns.

## When to Use This Skill

This skill activates when users:

- Want to analyze a YouTube video transcript
- Need to reverse-engineer viral content formulas
- Ask for hooks, retention mechanics, or emotional triggers from a video
- Want to create content templates based on successful videos
- Request a "viral blueprint" or content deconstruction

## Getting the Transcript

### Method 1: Auto-Fetch from YouTube URL

Run the fetch script to automatically extract the transcript:

```bash
python ${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/scripts/fetch_transcript.py "YOUTUBE_URL_OR_VIDEO_ID"
```

The script outputs the full transcript text ready for analysis.

### Method 2: Manual Paste

User can paste the transcript directly. Common sources:

- YouTube's built-in transcript feature (click "..." → "Show transcript")
- Services like ytscribe.ai, youtubetotranscript.com
- Any other transcript extraction tool

## Analysis Process

Approach the transcript like a crime scene investigator examining evidence. Extract EVERYTHING systematically:

1. First, read the entire transcript to understand the full arc
2. Identify and categorize every hook, transition, and retention mechanism
3. Map the emotional journey beat-by-beat
4. Decode the structural framework underlying the content
5. Extract reusable patterns as fill-in-the-blank templates
6. Assign virality scores and explain WHY each element works
7. Compile everything into a modular blueprint ready for immediate use

Think step-by-step. Be exhaustive. Miss nothing. Every sentence exists for a reason in viral content—find that reason.

## Analysis Framework

Analyze the transcript and extract the following components with surgical precision:

### SECTION 1: HOOK ARCHITECTURE

- **Primary Hook** (first 3-8 seconds): Extract exact wording, identify hook TYPE (curiosity gap, pattern interrupt, bold claim, controversy, story loop, identity trigger), explain psychological mechanism
- **Secondary Hooks**: Every re-engagement hook throughout the video with timestamp markers
- **Hook Templates**: Convert each hook into a [BLANK] template for any topic
- **Hook Stack Analysis**: How multiple hooks layer together in the opening

### SECTION 2: STRUCTURAL BLUEPRINT

- **Content Framework**: Identify the macro-structure (Problem-Agitate-Solve, Story-Lesson-CTA, List-Depth-Summary, etc.)
- **Beat Map**: Every major transition point and what triggers the shift
- **Pacing Pattern**: Fast/slow rhythm, where energy peaks and valleys
- **Section Breakdown**: Divide into clear acts/segments with purpose of each
- **Time Allocation**: Percentage of video spent on each structural element

### SECTION 3: RETENTION MECHANICS

- **Open Loops**: Every unresolved question or promise that keeps viewers watching
- **Pattern Interrupts**: Moments designed to snap attention back
- **Curiosity Gaps**: Information deliberately withheld to create tension
- **Payoff Points**: Where loops close and satisfaction hits
- **Cliffhanger Techniques**: Mini-cliffhangers between sections
- **"Wait, What?" Moments**: Lines designed to stop the scroll

### SECTION 4: EMOTIONAL ENGINEERING

- **Emotional Arc Map**: Graph the emotional journey (anticipation → tension → relief → excitement)
- **Trigger Words**: Specific words chosen for emotional impact
- **Identity Hooks**: Moments that make viewers feel "this is for ME"
- **Us vs. Them**: Any tribal/belonging dynamics created
- **Status Plays**: Appeals to aspiration, fear of missing out, superiority
- **Vulnerability Points**: Where authenticity creates connection

### SECTION 5: STORYTELLING ELEMENTS

- **Narrative Framework**: Core story structure used (Hero's Journey, Rags-to-Riches, etc.)
- **Character Elements**: How the speaker positions themselves
- **Conflict/Tension**: What creates stakes and drama
- **Specificity Anchors**: Concrete details that make it believable
- **Sensory Language**: Words that create mental images
- **Dialogue/Quotes**: How direct speech is used for impact

### SECTION 6: LINGUISTIC PATTERNS

- **Power Phrases**: High-impact phrases worth stealing
- **Sentence Rhythm**: Short vs. long sentence patterns
- **Repetition Techniques**: What gets repeated and why
- **Contrast Pairs**: Before/after, problem/solution contrasts
- **Command Language**: Direct instructions to the viewer
- **Conversational Triggers**: Words that create intimacy ("you," "we," "imagine")

### SECTION 7: ALGORITHM SIGNALS

- **Watch Time Optimizers**: Elements designed to maximize retention
- **Engagement Bait**: Moments designed to trigger comments
- **Share Triggers**: What makes someone send this to a friend
- **Save Triggers**: Information worth bookmarking
- **Subscribe Hooks**: Why someone would want more
- **Thumbnail/Title Alignment**: How content delivers on the click promise

### SECTION 8: CALL-TO-ACTION ARCHITECTURE

- **Primary CTA**: Main ask and how it's positioned
- **Soft CTAs**: Subtle nudges throughout
- **CTA Timing**: When asks happen and why that timing works
- **Value Exchange**: What viewer gets for taking action
- **Objection Handling**: How resistance is preemptively addressed

### SECTION 9: VIRAL COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS

- **Shareability Score** (1-10): With specific reasoning
- **Comment Bait Density**: How many discussion triggers exist
- **Controversy Calibration**: Edgy enough to engage, safe enough to share
- **Niche Crossover Potential**: Appeal beyond core audience
- **Emotional Intensity Map**: Peaks that trigger sharing impulse

### SECTION 10: REUSABLE TEMPLATE OUTPUT

Create a complete fill-in-the-blank script template that captures ALL extracted patterns:

- **Opening Hook Template** (with 3 variations)
- **Section-by-section framework** with [BLANKS]
- **Transition phrases** as templates
- **Retention hook templates** for each section
- **Emotional beat markers**
- **CTA template sequence**
- **Suggested timing** for each section (as percentages)

### SECTION 11: IMPLEMENTATION PLAYBOOK

- **"Steal This" Checklist**: Top 10 elements to use immediately
- **Adaptation Guide**: How to apply to different niches
- **Common Mistakes**: What would break the formula
- **Enhancement Opportunities**: Where the original could be better
- **A/B Test Suggestions**: Elements to experiment with

## User Context Collection

Before analysis, gather this context from the user:

- **MY NICHE/TOPIC**: What topic will you create content about?
- **MY CONTENT STYLE**: Your typical tone (casual, educational, hype, etc.)
- **TARGET PLATFORM**: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, Shorts, etc.
- **VIDEO LENGTH GOAL**: Short-form (<60s), Mid-form (2-10min), Long-form (10min+)

## Output Format

Structure your analysis with these sections:

```markdown
## Hook Architecture
[Primary Hook Analysis]
[Hook Type Classification]
[Secondary Hooks List with Timestamps]
[Fill-in-Blank Hook Templates]

## Structural Blueprint
[Content Framework Identification]
[Complete Beat Map]
[Pacing Analysis]
[Section Breakdown with Percentages]

## Retention Mechanics
[Open Loops Catalog]
[Pattern Interrupts List]
[Curiosity Gap Analysis]
[Payoff Mapping]

## Emotional Engineering
[Emotional Arc Visualization]
[Trigger Word Library]
[Identity Hook Analysis]
[Psychological Lever Breakdown]

## Storytelling Elements
[Narrative Framework]
[Character Positioning]
[Conflict/Stakes Analysis]
[Specificity Anchors List]

## Linguistic Patterns
[Power Phrase Library]
[Rhythm Analysis]
[Repetition Catalog]
[Conversational Trigger Map]

## Algorithm Signals
[Retention Optimizer List]
[Engagement Trigger Catalog]
[Share/Save Trigger Analysis]

## CTA Architecture
[CTA Sequence Map]
[Timing Analysis]
[Value Exchange Framework]

## Viral Coefficient
[Scorecard with Ratings]
[Shareability Analysis]
[Crossover Potential Assessment]

## Reusable Template
[COMPLETE FILL-IN-BLANK SCRIPT TEMPLATE]
[Opening Variations]
[Section Templates]
[Transition Library]
[CTA Templates]

## Implementation Playbook
[Top 10 Steal-This Elements]
[Niche Adaptation Guide]
[Mistake Prevention Checklist]
[Enhancement Opportunities]
[A/B Test Recommendations]

## Quick Reference Cheatsheet
[One-page summary of all extracted patterns for rapid implementation]
```

## Integration with Other Skills

After analysis, use the **content-creator** skill to:

- Generate new video scripts using the extracted templates
- Create social media content promoting the new video
- Build a content lineup based on the viral formula

## Quick Start

1. Get transcript (auto-fetch or paste)
2. Provide your context (niche, style, platform, length)
3. Receive full 11-section viral blueprint
4. Use templates to create your own content

• README.md 1 KB
• SKILL.md 9 KB
• metadata.json 1 KB
• references/analysis-framework.md 5 KB
• scripts/fetch_transcript.py 5 KB