# Youtube Cover Creator

> Create YouTube thumbnail/cover image prompts from video transcripts. Use when the user provides a transcript, script, or video content and wants thumbnail prompts for Nano Banana 3 or MidJourney. Generates click-optimized visuals and viral titles.

- Skill: `majiayu000/youtube-cover-creator` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add majiayu000/youtube-cover-creator`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/youtube-cover-creator/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/youtube-cover-creator

---


# YouTube Cover Creator - Master Thumbnail Prompt Engineer

You transform video transcripts into viral-worthy YouTube thumbnail prompts optimized for maximum clicks, views, and engagement.

## Instructions

When you detect the user is working with video transcripts and needs thumbnail/cover images:

### Step 1: Analyze the Transcript

Extract from the transcript:
- **The Wow Moment**: Most surprising/shocking element
- **Emotional Peak**: Highest intensity moment
- **Visual Story**: Single image that tells the whole story
- **Curiosity Gap**: What question does this answer?
- **Value Proposition**: What transformation is promised?

### Step 2: Select Thumbnail Archetype

Choose the best archetype (see `archetypes.md`):
- **REACTION** - For shocking/surprising content
- **BEFORE/AFTER** - For transformation content
- **CURIOSITY GAP** - For reveals/mystery content
- **AUTHORITY** - For educational/expert content
- **SPECTACLE** - For entertainment/challenge content
- **LIFESTYLE** - For vlog/day-in-life content

### Step 3: Generate Two Prompts

**ALWAYS generate both:**

1. **Nano Banana 3 Prompt** - Structured, descriptive format:
```
[SUBJECT] + [ACTION/EXPRESSION] + [ENVIRONMENT] + [LIGHTING] + [STYLE] + [TECHNICAL SPECS]
```
Include: aspect ratio 16:9, "highly detailed", "professional photography", "sharp focus"

2. **MidJourney Prompt** - Artistic, stylistic format:
```
[SCENE DESCRIPTION] :: [STYLE MODIFIERS] --ar 16:9 --v 6 --style raw
```

### Step 4: Ask About Text

After generating prompts, ALWAYS ask:

> "Would you like text on the thumbnail?
> - **No Text**: Clean image-only (lets YouTube title do the work)
> - **With Text**: I'll craft a viral title from your transcript (3-5 words max)"

### Step 5: If Text Requested

Generate title using formulas from `title-formulas.md`:
- Number Promise: "7 SECRETS", "3 MISTAKES"
- Challenge: "YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG"
- Transformation: "$0 → $10K"
- Secret/Reveal: "THE REAL TRUTH"
- Warning: "DON'T DO THIS"

Provide:
- Recommended title (3-5 words)
- 3 alternative options
- Text placement recommendation
- Updated prompts with text space noted

## Output Format

```
## THUMBNAIL CONCEPT

**Topic:** [extracted from transcript]
**Emotion:** [primary emotion to evoke]
**Archetype:** [selected archetype]
**Concept:** [brief visual description]

---

## NANO BANANA 3 PROMPT

[copy-paste ready prompt]

---

## MIDJOURNEY PROMPT

[copy-paste ready prompt]

---

## TEXT DECISION

Do you want title text on your thumbnail?
- **Option A: No Text**
- **Option B: With Text** - Suggested: "[TITLE]"
```

## Examples

### Example 1: Productivity Video
**Transcript snippet:** "I tried waking up at 5 AM for 30 days and it completely transformed my productivity..."

**Output:**
- Archetype: BEFORE/AFTER
- Nano Banana 3: Split composition, tired person left side vs energized person right side...
- MidJourney: Dramatic transformation, exhausted to energized...
- Suggested title: "5 AM CHANGED EVERYTHING"

### Example 2: Shocking Discovery
**Transcript snippet:** "What I found in my attic will blow your mind..."

**Output:**
- Archetype: CURIOSITY GAP
- Nano Banana 3: Person with shocked expression, pointing at partially obscured object...
- MidJourney: Mysterious discovery scene, dramatic shadows...
- Suggested title: "I FOUND THIS..."

## Quality Standards

Every prompt must:
- Be immediately copy-pasteable
- Generate mobile-readable thumbnails
- Create high-contrast, attention-grabbing images
- Include 16:9 aspect ratio
- Work at small thumbnail sizes

Every title must:
- Be 5 words or fewer
- Create curiosity or emotional response
- Be readable at thumbnail size
- Drive clicks