# Youtube Video Ideation

> Generate search-optimized YouTube video concepts (titles, thumbnails, angles) using keyword data and Ed Lawrence's proven patterns. Use when the user needs help creating video concepts, evaluating video ideas, or planning their next YouTube video. Combines keyword targeting with tournament selection for maximum search ranking AND retention.

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

---


# YouTube Video Ideation (Search-First + Ed Lawrence Method)

Generate video concepts that rank for real search terms AND perform well algorithmically.

## Core Philosophy: Search + Browse

**Every video needs BOTH:**
1. **Search ranking** - Title matches keywords people actually search
2. **Browse performance** - Thumbnail/hook stops scrolling

**Reference file:** `youtube/system/aeo-keyword-data.md` (source of truth for all keyword decisions)

---

## Step 1: Keyword Selection (FIRST)

**Before generating ANY ideas, select the target keyword.**

### Keyword Tiers (from aeo-keyword-data.md)

| Tier | Volume | Growth | Examples |
|------|--------|--------|----------|
| **1: Core AEO** | 1K-10K | +900% | answer engine optimization, ai search optimization |
| **2: High Volume** | 10K-100K | +900% | ai seo, google ai overviews |
| **3: Emerging** | 10-1K | +∞ | rank in chatgpt, optimize for chatgpt |
| **4: Comparison** | 1K-10K | +900% | seo vs geo |

### Selection Criteria

**For flagship content:** Tier 1 keywords (own the category)
**For quick wins:** Tier 3 keywords (first-mover, low competition)
**For volume:** Tier 2 keywords (broader audience)
**For conversions:** Tier 4 keywords (comparison = buyer intent)

Document the target keyword before proceeding.

---

## Step 2: Title Formula (Search-Optimized)

### The Formula
```
[Target Keyword]: [Specific Promise/Outcome]
```

### Examples by Keyword

| Target Keyword | Search-Optimized Title |
|----------------|----------------------|
| answer engine optimization | "Answer Engine Optimization: Complete Guide 2026" |
| rank in chatgpt | "How to Rank in ChatGPT (Step-by-Step)" |
| ai search optimization | "AI Search Optimization: Get Found by ChatGPT & Gemini" |
| seo vs geo | "SEO vs GEO: What Actually Matters in 2026" |
| google ai overviews | "Google AI Overviews: How to Get Featured" |

### Title Requirements

1. **Target keyword appears in first 5 words** (SEO)
2. **Specific outcome or promise** (click-worthy)
3. **No clickbait** (delivers on promise)
4. **Under 60 characters** (doesn't truncate)

---

## Step 3: The 1+1=3 Rule (Thumbnail)

**Title and thumbnail must COMPLEMENT, not repeat.**

| Title Does | Thumbnail Does |
|------------|----------------|
| Contains the keyword | Creates emotional reaction |
| Explains WHAT | Shows WHY it matters |
| Targets search | Stops scrolling |

### Thumbnail Text Rules

- **3-5 words maximum**
- **Does NOT repeat title words**
- **Emotional/stakes-based**
- **Readable at 160x90px (mobile)**

### Examples

| Title | Thumbnail Text (BAD) | Thumbnail Text (GOOD) |
|-------|---------------------|----------------------|
| "Answer Engine Optimization Guide" | "AEO GUIDE" | "NEW SEO" |
| "How to Rank in ChatGPT" | "RANK IN CHATGPT" | "GET FOUND" |
| "SEO vs GEO" | "SEO VS GEO" | "WHICH ONE?" |

---

## Step 4: Concept Generation (5 Variations)

Generate 5 title/thumbnail combinations for the target keyword.

### Variation Types

**Variation 1: Direct How-To**
- Title: "[Keyword]: [Step-by-Step/Complete Guide/How-To]"
- Thumbnail: Action-oriented text

**Variation 2: Transformation**
- Title: "[Keyword] Took This Business From X to Y"
- Thumbnail: Before/after implication

**Variation 3: Data/Research**
- Title: "I Studied [X] for [Keyword] - Here's What Works"
- Thumbnail: Surprising stat or finding

**Variation 4: Problem-Aware**
- Title: "Why [Keyword] Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)"
- Thumbnail: Problem acknowledgment

**Variation 5: Comparison/Contrarian**
- Title: "[Keyword] vs [Alternative]: [Verdict]"
- Thumbnail: Choice/tension

---

## Step 5: Selection (5 → 3 → 1)

### Round 1: Kill List Filter (5 → 3)

**Reject any title that:**
- [ ] Doesn't include keyword in first 5 words
- [ ] Over 60 characters
- [ ] Thumbnail repeats title words
- [ ] No specific promise/outcome
- [ ] Sounds like clickbait

Advance 3 titles.

### Round 2: Read Aloud Test (3 → 1)

Read each title aloud. Ask:
1. Would I click this?
2. Does it sound natural?
3. Does the thumbnail add information?

Select winner.

---

## Step 6: Thumbnail Specification

### Required Elements

| Element | Specification |
|---------|---------------|
| **Your face** | Right 40% of frame |
| **Expression** | Matches video mood |
| **Text** | 3-5 words, upper-left |
| **Hero color** | Yellow/Red/Gold/Teal (see style guide) |
| **Visual metaphor** | ONE subtle element |
| **Clear zone** | Bottom-right for timestamp |

### Color Selection

| Video Mood | Hero Color | Hex |
|------------|------------|-----|
| Success/Achievement | Gold | #C9A86C |
| Warning/Problem | Red | #FF4444 |
| New/Tech/Modern | Teal | #00D4FF |
| Default/Positive | Yellow | #FFE135 |

### Expression Guide

| Video Type | Expression |
|------------|------------|
| Tutorial/Guide | Serious, authoritative |
| Transformation | Impressed, satisfied |
| Problem/Warning | Concerned, furrowed brow |
| Success/Proof | Slight smirk, confident |

---

## Step 7: Final Validation

### Search Check
- [ ] Target keyword in title (first 5 words)
- [ ] Matches real search intent
- [ ] Would rank for this term

### Browse Check
- [ ] Thumbnail doesn't repeat title
- [ ] Readable at mobile size
- [ ] Face + emotion + text + metaphor

### Positioning Check
- [ ] Fits AEO channel positioning
- [ ] Leverages credibility/proof
- [ ] Clear CTA to next video possible

---

## Output Format

```markdown
## VIDEO CONCEPT

**Target Keyword:** [from keyword data]
**Search Volume:** [X/month]
**YoY Growth:** [X%]

---

### TITLE
[The exact title - under 60 chars]

### THUMBNAIL
- **Text:** [3-5 words]
- **Hero Color:** [Color + hex]
- **Expression:** [What to find in freeze frame]
- **Visual Metaphor:** [ONE element]

### ANGLE
[What makes this video different/unique]

### SEARCH INTENT
[What is the searcher trying to learn/do?]

### VIDEO-TO-VIDEO CTA
[What video does this lead to next?]

---

### REJECTED VARIATIONS
1. [Title 1] - Rejected because: [reason]
2. [Title 2] - Rejected because: [reason]
3. [Title 3] - Rejected because: [reason]
```

---

## AEO Content Calendar (Reference)

### Flagship Content (Search-Optimized)

| # | Target Keyword | Title | Volume |
|---|----------------|-------|--------|
| 1 | answer engine optimization | "Answer Engine Optimization: Complete Guide 2026" | 1K-10K |
| 2 | rank in chatgpt | "How to Rank in ChatGPT (Step-by-Step)" | 10-100 +∞ |
| 3 | ai search optimization | "AI Search Optimization: Get Found by ChatGPT & Gemini" | 1K-10K |
| 4 | seo vs geo | "SEO vs GEO: What Actually Matters in 2026" | 1K-10K |
| 5 | google ai overviews | "Google AI Overviews: How to Get Featured" | 10K-100K |

### Story/Case Study Content (Retention-Focused)

| # | Title | Hook Type | Thumbnail |
|---|-------|-----------|-----------|
| 6 | "ChatGPT Convinced Me to Buy a Porsche" | Origin story | "$50K DECISION" |
| 7 | "This Clinic Was Invisible to AI. 30 Days Later, #1." | Transformation | "NOW #1" |
| 8 | "I Audited 100 Businesses. Half Are Losing Customers." | Data reveal | "HALF LOSING" |
| 9 | "Why ChatGPT Doesn't Mention Your Business" | Problem aware | "INVISIBLE?" |
| 10 | "The First 50 Words Rule" | Tactical insight | "50 WORDS" |

---

## Quick Reference: Keyword → Title

| Keyword | Title Template |
|---------|---------------|
| answer engine optimization | "Answer Engine Optimization: [Promise]" |
| ai search optimization | "AI Search Optimization: [Outcome]" |
| rank in chatgpt | "How to Rank in ChatGPT [Method]" |
| optimize for chatgpt | "Optimize for ChatGPT: [Guide Type]" |
| seo vs geo | "SEO vs GEO: [Verdict/Question]" |
| google ai overviews | "Google AI Overviews: [How-to]" |
| is seo dead | "Is SEO Dead? [Answer/Test]" |
| ai seo | "AI SEO: [What You Need to Know]" |

---

## Remember

1. **Keyword first** - Select from aeo-keyword-data.md before ideating
2. **Title = search** - Must contain keyword in first 5 words
3. **Thumbnail = browse** - Must NOT repeat title, must stop scrolling
4. **1+1=3 rule** - Title and thumbnail complement each other
5. **5 → 3 → 1** - Generate variations, filter, select winner
6. **Mobile test** - Thumbnail readable at 160x90px

**The goal:** Rank for the search term AND get clicked in browse.