Key principles
Hook in the first 5 seconds - The opening determines whether someone watches
or scrolls. State the value proposition, create curiosity, or pattern-interrupt
immediately. Never start with an intro logo or "hey guys, welcome back."
Retention is the algorithm's favorite metric - YouTube promotes videos that
keep people watching. Every script decision, edit cut, and visual choice should
serve retention. If a section doesn't earn the next 30 seconds, cut it.
The thumbnail is half the video - A video nobody clicks is a video nobody
watches. Design the thumbnail before writing the script - it forces you to
distill the video's promise into one compelling visual moment.
Pattern interrupt every 30-60 seconds - Human attention decays predictably.
Use B-roll, graphics, camera angle changes, music shifts, or pacing changes to
re-engage viewers at regular intervals throughout the edit.
Metadata serves discovery, not description - Titles, descriptions, and tags
exist to help YouTube's algorithm match your video to the right audience. Write
for searchability and click-through, not as a content summary.
Core concepts
The video production pipeline has four phases that feed into each other:
Pre-production is where most successful videos are won or lost. This includes
topic research (what does the audience want?), title/thumbnail concepting (is this
clickable?), and scriptwriting (does the structure retain?). Spending 60% of effort
here and 40% on production/post is the right ratio for most creators.
Production covers filming, audio capture, and lighting. For most YouTube
creators, "good enough" production quality with exceptional content beats
cinema-quality production with weak scripts. Prioritize clear audio above all
else - viewers tolerate mediocre video but abandon bad audio instantly.
Post-production is the editing phase where pacing, visual engagement, and
polish come together. The edit should feel invisible - cuts serve the story, not
the editor's ego. J-cuts, L-cuts, and jump cuts each have specific retention
functions. See references/editing-workflows.md.
Publishing and optimization is the final mile - thumbnail upload, title
refinement, description with keywords and chapters, end screens, and cards.
The first 48 hours after publish are critical for algorithmic evaluation.
See references/youtube-seo.md.
Common tasks
Write a YouTube video script
Use the HBES (Hook-Bridge-Body-Exit-Subscribe) framework:
- Hook (0:00-0:30): Open with a curiosity gap, bold claim, story entry, or
pattern interrupt. Example: "There's a reason 90% of new channels quit after
6 months - and it has nothing to do with equipment."
- Bridge (0:30-1:00): Transition from hook to body. Establish credibility, set
expectations ("In the next 10 minutes, you'll learn X, Y, and Z").
- Body (1:00 to end-2:00): Deliver core content using one structure: listicle,
step-by-step tutorial, story arc (problem-struggle-discovery-resolution), or
comparison with a verdict. Each section follows: Claim - Evidence - Example -
Transition.
- Exit (last 30s): Deliver payoff. Summarize the key takeaway in one sentence.
End with energy, never trail off.
- Subscribe CTA: Weave naturally into content ("If this is helping, subscribe
so you don't miss part 2") rather than begging at the start.
See references/scriptwriting-frameworks.md for advanced structures and templates.
Design an effective thumbnail
Follow the 3-element rule - a strong thumbnail has exactly three components:
- Face or subject - A human face with exaggerated emotion (surprise, concern,
excitement) outperforms text-only by 2-3x CTR. If no face, use a striking
subject at large scale.
- Text overlay - 3-5 words maximum. Bold sans-serif fonts (Impact, Bebas Neue,
Montserrat Black). Text adds context the image alone cannot convey.
- Visual contrast - Complementary colors, bright against dark or vice versa.
Must be legible at 160x90 pixels (mobile size).
See references/thumbnail-design.md for color psychology, composition, and testing.
Avoid: cluttered backgrounds, small text, low contrast, stock photo aesthetics.
Optimize YouTube SEO metadata
Title: Front-load primary keyword in first 40 characters. Add a curiosity or
benefit modifier ("How to X Without Y", "X in 2025"). Keep under 60 characters.
Description: First 2 lines appear above the fold - include primary keyword and
a hook. Add 200-300 words of keyword-rich context. Include timestamps/chapters.
Tags: 5-10 tags mixing broad and specific. First tag = exact primary keyword.
Maximum 3 hashtags (shown above title on mobile).
See references/youtube-seo.md for keyword research and algorithm signals.
Structure edits for retention
Map edit pacing to the audience retention curve:
- 0:00-0:30 (Hook zone): Fast cuts, 2-3 second shots. No filler. 30-40% of
viewers drop here.
- 0:30-3:00 (Setup zone): Slightly slower. Establish structure. Include a
"mini-payoff" before 2:00 to survive the second drop-off cliff.
- 3:00-middle (Body): Alternate 30-60 second teach segments with 5-10 second
pattern interrupts (B-roll, graphics, angle changes).
- Last 20% (Payoff): Accelerate pacing. Deliver promised value. Tease next
video for end-screen clicks.
See references/editing-workflows.md for cut types and software workflows.
Create video chapters
Chapters improve SEO, user experience, and watch time. Format in description:
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - Why this matters
2:10 - Step 1: Setting up the project
4:30 - Step 2: Implementing the core logic
7:15 - Step 3: Testing and debugging
9:00 - Common mistakes to avoid
10:30 - Final results and next steps
Rules: first timestamp must be 0:00, minimum 3 chapters, each title should be
descriptive and keyword-aware (not "Part 1", "Part 2").
Repurpose long-form into shorts
Extract high-retention segments for Shorts, TikTok, and Reels:
- Identify retention peaks - segments where the graph is flat or rising
- Reframe vertically (9:16), keep subject center-frame
- Hook in first 1-2 seconds (not 5 like long-form)
- Target 30-45 seconds for optimal Shorts performance
- Add captions - 80%+ of short-form is watched without sound
- End with a loop - last frame connects to first for replay value
Anti-patterns / common mistakes
| Mistake |
Why it's wrong |
What to do instead |
| Writing scripts like blog posts |
Written and spoken language have different rhythms; blog-style sounds stiff on camera |
Write conversationally - read aloud while drafting, use contractions, short sentences |
| Burying the hook |
Starting with context, backstory, or intros before the hook kills early retention |
Open with the most compelling 10 seconds of the entire video |
| Over-editing |
Excessive transitions, sound effects, and zoom cuts feel amateur and exhaust viewers |
Use cuts that serve content; invisible editing is the goal |
| Clickbait without payoff |
Thumbnails/titles that overpromise destroy trust and tank retention |
Every promise in the thumbnail must be fulfilled in the video |
| Ignoring audio quality |
Viewers forgive bad video but not bad audio; poor audio signals amateur |
Invest in a decent microphone before upgrading cameras |
| Keyword stuffing metadata |
Cramming unrelated keywords into titles/descriptions triggers spam detection |
Use 1 primary keyword naturally in title, 2-3 related terms in description |
| Inconsistent uploads |
Sporadic uploads confuse the algorithm and break subscriber habits |
Pick a sustainable cadence (weekly, biweekly) and maintain it 3+ months |
Gotchas
YouTube's algorithm evaluates the first 24-48 hours heavily - Publishing at the wrong time of day (when your audience is asleep) depresses early click-through rate, which signals low quality to the algorithm and suppresses further distribution. Analyze your audience's peak activity in YouTube Analytics and schedule publishes for 1-2 hours before that window.
Thumbnail CTR on the home feed differs from search CTR - A thumbnail optimized for search (keyword-heavy text overlay) often underperforms on the home feed where curiosity and emotion drive clicks. Test thumbnails in both contexts; your best search thumbnail may not be your best browse thumbnail.
YouTube chapters only activate if the first timestamp is exactly 0:00 - If the first chapter timestamp is 0:01 or has any formatting variation (space before the dash, colon instead of a hyphen), YouTube will not generate chapters and the description timestamps will be plain text. Validate chapter formatting exactly.
Reusing a Shorts clip verbatim from long-form suppresses both videos - YouTube detects near-duplicate content and may deprioritize the Short, the long-form, or both. Reframe Shorts by adding a unique hook, captions, or vertical-specific b-roll rather than extracting the segment unchanged.
Writing a script that reads naturally is harder than writing to be read - Scripts written in prose style sound stilted when spoken. Common failure: long dependent clauses, no paragraph breaks for breath, transitions that work visually but not aurally. Read every script aloud before recording; if you pause or stumble, rewrite that sentence.
References
For detailed content on specific sub-domains, read the relevant file from references/:
references/scriptwriting-frameworks.md - HBES deep dive, story arcs, retention scripting templatesreferences/editing-workflows.md - Cut types, pacing maps, software-specific workflows (Premiere, DaVinci, CapCut)references/thumbnail-design.md - Color theory, composition grids, A/B testing, tool recommendationsreferences/youtube-seo.md - Keyword research methods, algorithm signals, metadata optimization playbook
Only load a references file if the current task requires deep detail on that topic.
Companion check
On first activation of this skill in a conversation: check which companion skills are installed by running ls ~/.claude/skills/ ~/.agent/skills/ ~/.agents/skills/ .claude/skills/ .agent/skills/ .agents/skills/ 2>/dev/null. Compare the results against the recommended_skills field in this file's frontmatter. For any that are missing, mention them once and offer to install:
npx skills add AbsolutelySkilled/AbsolutelySkilled --skill <name>
Skip entirely if recommended_skills is empty or all companions are already installed.
1---2name: video-production3description: Use this skill when creating, editing, or optimizing video content for YouTube and other platforms. Triggers on script writing, video editing workflows, thumbnail design, YouTube SEO, content strategy, retention optimization, or channel growth. Covers the full production pipeline from ideation to publish - scriptwriting frameworks, editing pacing, thumbnail best practices, metadata optimization, and audience retention techniques.4license: MIT5---67## Key principles891. **Hook in the first 5 seconds** - The opening determines whether someone watches10 or scrolls. State the value proposition, create curiosity, or pattern-interrupt11 immediately. Never start with an intro logo or "hey guys, welcome back."12132. **Retention is the algorithm's favorite metric** - YouTube promotes videos that14 keep people watching. Every script decision, edit cut, and visual choice should15 serve retention. If a section doesn't earn the next 30 seconds, cut it.16173. **The thumbnail is half the video** - A video nobody clicks is a video nobody18 watches. Design the thumbnail before writing the script - it forces you to19 distill the video's promise into one compelling visual moment.20214. **Pattern interrupt every 30-60 seconds** - Human attention decays predictably.22 Use B-roll, graphics, camera angle changes, music shifts, or pacing changes to23 re-engage viewers at regular intervals throughout the edit.24255. **Metadata serves discovery, not description** - Titles, descriptions, and tags26 exist to help YouTube's algorithm match your video to the right audience. Write27 for searchability and click-through, not as a content summary.2829---3031## Core concepts3233The video production pipeline has four phases that feed into each other:3435**Pre-production** is where most successful videos are won or lost. This includes36topic research (what does the audience want?), title/thumbnail concepting (is this37clickable?), and scriptwriting (does the structure retain?). Spending 60% of effort38here and 40% on production/post is the right ratio for most creators.3940**Production** covers filming, audio capture, and lighting. For most YouTube41creators, "good enough" production quality with exceptional content beats42cinema-quality production with weak scripts. Prioritize clear audio above all43else - viewers tolerate mediocre video but abandon bad audio instantly.4445**Post-production** is the editing phase where pacing, visual engagement, and46polish come together. The edit should feel invisible - cuts serve the story, not47the editor's ego. J-cuts, L-cuts, and jump cuts each have specific retention48functions. See `references/editing-workflows.md`.4950**Publishing and optimization** is the final mile - thumbnail upload, title51refinement, description with keywords and chapters, end screens, and cards.52The first 48 hours after publish are critical for algorithmic evaluation.53See `references/youtube-seo.md`.5455---5657## Common tasks5859### Write a YouTube video script6061Use the HBES (Hook-Bridge-Body-Exit-Subscribe) framework:6263- **Hook (0:00-0:30):** Open with a curiosity gap, bold claim, story entry, or64 pattern interrupt. Example: "There's a reason 90% of new channels quit after65 6 months - and it has nothing to do with equipment."66- **Bridge (0:30-1:00):** Transition from hook to body. Establish credibility, set67 expectations ("In the next 10 minutes, you'll learn X, Y, and Z").68- **Body (1:00 to end-2:00):** Deliver core content using one structure: listicle,69 step-by-step tutorial, story arc (problem-struggle-discovery-resolution), or70 comparison with a verdict. Each section follows: Claim - Evidence - Example -71 Transition.72- **Exit (last 30s):** Deliver payoff. Summarize the key takeaway in one sentence.73 End with energy, never trail off.74- **Subscribe CTA:** Weave naturally into content ("If this is helping, subscribe75 so you don't miss part 2") rather than begging at the start.7677See `references/scriptwriting-frameworks.md` for advanced structures and templates.7879### Design an effective thumbnail8081Follow the 3-element rule - a strong thumbnail has exactly three components:82831. **Face or subject** - A human face with exaggerated emotion (surprise, concern,84 excitement) outperforms text-only by 2-3x CTR. If no face, use a striking85 subject at large scale.862. **Text overlay** - 3-5 words maximum. Bold sans-serif fonts (Impact, Bebas Neue,87 Montserrat Black). Text adds context the image alone cannot convey.883. **Visual contrast** - Complementary colors, bright against dark or vice versa.89 Must be legible at 160x90 pixels (mobile size).9091See `references/thumbnail-design.md` for color psychology, composition, and testing.9293> Avoid: cluttered backgrounds, small text, low contrast, stock photo aesthetics.9495### Optimize YouTube SEO metadata9697**Title:** Front-load primary keyword in first 40 characters. Add a curiosity or98benefit modifier ("How to X Without Y", "X in 2025"). Keep under 60 characters.99100**Description:** First 2 lines appear above the fold - include primary keyword and101a hook. Add 200-300 words of keyword-rich context. Include timestamps/chapters.102103**Tags:** 5-10 tags mixing broad and specific. First tag = exact primary keyword.104Maximum 3 hashtags (shown above title on mobile).105106See `references/youtube-seo.md` for keyword research and algorithm signals.107108### Structure edits for retention109110Map edit pacing to the audience retention curve:111112- **0:00-0:30 (Hook zone):** Fast cuts, 2-3 second shots. No filler. 30-40% of113 viewers drop here.114- **0:30-3:00 (Setup zone):** Slightly slower. Establish structure. Include a115 "mini-payoff" before 2:00 to survive the second drop-off cliff.116- **3:00-middle (Body):** Alternate 30-60 second teach segments with 5-10 second117 pattern interrupts (B-roll, graphics, angle changes).118- **Last 20% (Payoff):** Accelerate pacing. Deliver promised value. Tease next119 video for end-screen clicks.120121See `references/editing-workflows.md` for cut types and software workflows.122123### Create video chapters124125Chapters improve SEO, user experience, and watch time. Format in description:126127```1280:00 - Introduction1290:45 - Why this matters1302:10 - Step 1: Setting up the project1314:30 - Step 2: Implementing the core logic1327:15 - Step 3: Testing and debugging1339:00 - Common mistakes to avoid13410:30 - Final results and next steps135```136137Rules: first timestamp must be `0:00`, minimum 3 chapters, each title should be138descriptive and keyword-aware (not "Part 1", "Part 2").139140### Repurpose long-form into shorts141142Extract high-retention segments for Shorts, TikTok, and Reels:1431441. Identify retention peaks - segments where the graph is flat or rising1452. Reframe vertically (9:16), keep subject center-frame1463. Hook in first 1-2 seconds (not 5 like long-form)1474. Target 30-45 seconds for optimal Shorts performance1485. Add captions - 80%+ of short-form is watched without sound1496. End with a loop - last frame connects to first for replay value150151---152153## Anti-patterns / common mistakes154155| Mistake | Why it's wrong | What to do instead |156|---|---|---|157| Writing scripts like blog posts | Written and spoken language have different rhythms; blog-style sounds stiff on camera | Write conversationally - read aloud while drafting, use contractions, short sentences |158| Burying the hook | Starting with context, backstory, or intros before the hook kills early retention | Open with the most compelling 10 seconds of the entire video |159| Over-editing | Excessive transitions, sound effects, and zoom cuts feel amateur and exhaust viewers | Use cuts that serve content; invisible editing is the goal |160| Clickbait without payoff | Thumbnails/titles that overpromise destroy trust and tank retention | Every promise in the thumbnail must be fulfilled in the video |161| Ignoring audio quality | Viewers forgive bad video but not bad audio; poor audio signals amateur | Invest in a decent microphone before upgrading cameras |162| Keyword stuffing metadata | Cramming unrelated keywords into titles/descriptions triggers spam detection | Use 1 primary keyword naturally in title, 2-3 related terms in description |163| Inconsistent uploads | Sporadic uploads confuse the algorithm and break subscriber habits | Pick a sustainable cadence (weekly, biweekly) and maintain it 3+ months |164165---166167## Gotchas1681691. **YouTube's algorithm evaluates the first 24-48 hours heavily** - Publishing at the wrong time of day (when your audience is asleep) depresses early click-through rate, which signals low quality to the algorithm and suppresses further distribution. Analyze your audience's peak activity in YouTube Analytics and schedule publishes for 1-2 hours before that window.1701712. **Thumbnail CTR on the home feed differs from search CTR** - A thumbnail optimized for search (keyword-heavy text overlay) often underperforms on the home feed where curiosity and emotion drive clicks. Test thumbnails in both contexts; your best search thumbnail may not be your best browse thumbnail.1721733. **YouTube chapters only activate if the first timestamp is exactly `0:00`** - If the first chapter timestamp is `0:01` or has any formatting variation (space before the dash, colon instead of a hyphen), YouTube will not generate chapters and the description timestamps will be plain text. Validate chapter formatting exactly.1741754. **Reusing a Shorts clip verbatim from long-form suppresses both videos** - YouTube detects near-duplicate content and may deprioritize the Short, the long-form, or both. Reframe Shorts by adding a unique hook, captions, or vertical-specific b-roll rather than extracting the segment unchanged.1761775. **Writing a script that reads naturally is harder than writing to be read** - Scripts written in prose style sound stilted when spoken. Common failure: long dependent clauses, no paragraph breaks for breath, transitions that work visually but not aurally. Read every script aloud before recording; if you pause or stumble, rewrite that sentence.178179---180181## References182183For detailed content on specific sub-domains, read the relevant file from `references/`:184185- `references/scriptwriting-frameworks.md` - HBES deep dive, story arcs, retention scripting templates186- `references/editing-workflows.md` - Cut types, pacing maps, software-specific workflows (Premiere, DaVinci, CapCut)187- `references/thumbnail-design.md` - Color theory, composition grids, A/B testing, tool recommendations188- `references/youtube-seo.md` - Keyword research methods, algorithm signals, metadata optimization playbook189190Only load a references file if the current task requires deep detail on that topic.191192---193194## Companion check195196> On first activation of this skill in a conversation: check which companion skills are installed by running `ls ~/.claude/skills/ ~/.agent/skills/ ~/.agents/skills/ .claude/skills/ .agent/skills/ .agents/skills/ 2>/dev/null`. Compare the results against the `recommended_skills` field in this file's frontmatter. For any that are missing, mention them once and offer to install:197> ```198> npx skills add AbsolutelySkilled/AbsolutelySkilled --skill <name>199> ```200> Skip entirely if `recommended_skills` is empty or all companions are already installed.
mkurman