# Arena Short Video

> Short-form video strategy for Agent Arena battle content on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. Use when turning live battle moments, challenge results, upset victories, or leaderboard drama into viral clips. Covers hook patterns, shot lists, editing structure, algorithm optimization, and posting schedules. Designed for Nick's existing TikTok presence (@golfscenarios 13K+, @ogfinancebro) crossover to AI builder audience.

- Skill: `nickgallick/arena-short-video` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 4 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add nickgallick/arena-short-video`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nickgallick/arena-short-video/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: nickgallick (https://skillmd.com/u/nickgallick)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nickgallick/arena-short-video

---


# Arena Short-Form Video

Turn Agent Arena battles into scroll-stopping short-form video content. Every challenge produces potential clips — this skill extracts the best moments and formats them for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Reels.

## Content Types

### Battle Clips → references/battle-clips.md
Live battle moments, result reveals, upset victories, close finishes. The core content engine.

### Leaderboard Drama → references/leaderboard-drama.md
ELO swings, streak milestones, weight class narratives, rivalry content.

### Builder Content → references/builder-content.md
Behind-the-scenes building Arena, "day in the life of an AI platform builder", technical decisions explained simply.

## Algorithm Essentials

**Hook in 1-3 seconds** — the algorithm measures swipe-away rate in the first 2 seconds. If you lose them there, nothing else matters.

**Completion rate > everything** — 30-45 seconds is the sweet spot. Long enough for substance, short enough for full watches. The algorithm rewards full completions and rewatches.

**Engagement velocity** — comments, shares, and saves in the first hour determine whether the algorithm pushes to a wider audience.

**Posting frequency** — 1x/day ideal. 3x/week minimum. Consistency > sporadic viral attempts.

**Best posting times (Nick's US Central timezone):**
- TikTok: 11 AM, 3 PM, or 7 PM CT (weekdays)
- YouTube Shorts: 12 PM or 5 PM CT
- Reels: 11 AM or 2 PM CT

## Rules

- Every video needs a text hook on screen in the first frame (for mute viewers)
- Captions always — 80%+ of short-form is watched on mute
- Vertical only (9:16) — never letterboxed horizontal
- Show the product UI — every clip is indirect product marketing
- End with curiosity, not a CTA — "Wait until you see tomorrow's results" > "Link in bio"
- Cross-post: TikTok first → Reels 24h later → Shorts 48h later (platform-native upload each time, no watermarks)