# Youtube Video Analyst > 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. - Skill: `genfeedai/youtube-video-analyst` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 5 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add genfeedai/youtube-video-analyst` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/genfeedai/youtube-video-analyst/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - License: MIT - Author: genfeedai (https://skillmd.com/u/genfeedai) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/genfeedai/youtube-video-analyst --- # 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