# Short Form Video Scripts > Writes short-form video scripts and matching social captions using a Hook to Truth to Do This Instead to CTA structure that builds authority through proof rather than hype. Use when asked for a Reel/Short/TikTok script, a talking-head script, video captions, repurposing a transcript into short-form, or a recurring series format. Fill in the [BRACKETED] sections with your own voice and CTA. - Skill: `rdoser13/short-form-video-scripts` (Agent Skill) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add rdoser13/short-form-video-scripts` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/rdoser13/short-form-video-scripts/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: rdoser13 (https://skillmd.com/u/rdoser13) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/rdoser13/short-form-video-scripts --- # Short-Form Video Scripts > **Setup:** replace every `[BRACKETED_PLACEHOLDER]` with your own details (CTA, voice, themes). The structure is the skill; the voice is yours. ## What this Skill is for Generate short-form video scripts and social captions that: - Position the creator as a trusted authority in their niche - Lead with proof, credibility, and practical frameworks - Optimize for *trust and pipeline*, not vanity metrics ## What this Skill is NOT for - "AI hype" content, vague motivation, or trend-chasing without proof - Buzzword-heavy marketing jargon - 100% AI-generic scripts that could be said by anyone --- ## Default output (when the user doesn't specify) When asked for **scripts**: - Provide **Title** + **Script** (read-aloud ready) - Scripts must read aloud to **60+ seconds** - Use the flow: **Hook → Truth → Do This Instead → CTA** - Add light pacing cues and contrast examples to hit time naturally When asked for **captions**: Return 3 items (CSV-ready): 1) Caption (WITH hashtags) 2) Caption (WITHOUT hashtags) 3) Engagement question (punchy, ends with "?") --- ## Required CTA (must be verbatim) `[YOUR_CTA]` Write it once and reuse it verbatim on every script. A CTA that changes every video never becomes recognizable. A good one names who you are, the one credential that earns attention, the single action you want, and a comment prompt. Template: *"I'm [NAME], [ONE CREDENTIAL]. If this helped you, [SINGLE ACTION]. Drop your thoughts in the comments below."* --- ## House style Replace these with your own voice rules if you have them. These defaults work for most authority-building creators: - Direct and confident (peer-to-peer, not teacher-to-student) - Plainspoken (9th-grade reading level) - Short sentences. No long walls of text. - Proof-driven: results, examples, mini case studies, concrete contrasts - Ban fluff + ban buzzwords (no "game-changing", "revolutionary", "cutting-edge") - No fake certainty. If a claim needs context, qualify it. --- ## Authority rules (non-negotiables) 1) **Hook must earn trust fast** - Contrarian, myth-busting, or calls out a common mistake - Mention AI when relevant, but don't make AI the "hero" 2) **Truth must include proof** Use at least one: - A number ("$12k from one intent-based video") - A clear example ("Here's what breaks when you post AI slop…") - A simple before/after ("views vs trust; volume vs proof") 3) **Do This Instead must be a framework** - 1 clear play with steps - "If you do X, you get Y" logic - No giant lists unless the user requests it 4) **CTA always included** - Keep it at the end - Don't add extra personal intro before value --- ## Script template (default) Use this structure unless the user requests "copy/paste with no labels". ### Title A short title that frames the angle (no clickbait). ### Script **Hook (0–5s):** [Pattern interrupt + clear claim] **Truth (5–30s):** [Debunk + why it matters + proof/example] **Do This Instead (30–55s):** [A simple framework with steps] **CTA (final 10–15s):** [Verbatim CTA] --- ## Cinematic/retention layer (lightweight) Add 2–4 cues per script: - On-screen text suggestion for the hook - A quick "cut here" moment for pacing - A loop line near the end (implied continuation, curiosity, or comment prompt) Keep it subtle. Substance > editing gimmicks. --- ## Caption rules (must follow) - Short, scroll-stopping, not a script recap - Includes one proof/trust line OR one hard contrast - Ends with a question (engagement) - Hashtags: 3–4 relevant, not spammy Caption format (CSV-ready): - WITH hashtags: single paragraph + hashtags at end - WITHOUT hashtags: same paragraph, no hashtags - Engagement question: one line ending with "?" --- ## Content themes to rotate (don't repeat the same angle back-to-back) `[YOUR_THEMES — list 5-8 recurring arguments you want to be known for]` A theme is a POSITION, not a topic. "SEO" is a topic and produces generic scripts. "Discovery changed but SEO is not dead" is a position and produces an argument. Example set from an authority-building creator, replace with your own: - Authority beats volume (proof beats noise) - The channel changed, the discipline did not - Third-party mentions beat owned content for credibility - One long asset becomes thirty (content flywheels) - Buyers follow proof, not confident-sounding output - Simple systems beat flashy automations If generating a batch (5-10 scripts), distribute themes so no two consecutive scripts share one. --- ## Special modes: recurring series (activate only when requested) A named series compounds. Viewers recognize the format, and a numbered entry gives you a reason to post again. Define yours here so the skill can produce them on request. ``` ### "[SERIES NAME]" series - Title pattern: [e.g. "[SERIES NAME] #X: [angle]"] - Hook requirement: [a phrase that must appear, so the format is recognizable] - Tone: [what makes this series different from your default] - Numbering: [number entries if you plan a run of them] ``` Two shapes that reliably work: - **A myth-busting series** whose hook always contains the series phrase, calling out shortcuts and fake authority in your niche. - **A hot-take series** with a numbered title and a fixed opening line, for opinions you would not lead a normal video with. --- ## Using project files (when provided by the user) When the user references or supplies: - YouTube transcripts: pull 3–5 key points, then build ONE clear angle per script - Social post examples: mirror the cadence and directness - A retention/pacing framework: use it for cues, but still hit 60+ seconds - Offer docs: if the user asks about their program or offer, align with that positioning --- ## Assumptions (when info is missing) Don't ask questions unless absolutely necessary. Instead: - Make reasonable assumptions (state them in 1–2 lines) - Proceed with the best version Example: Assumption: Platform is YouTube Shorts; audience is B2B SaaS founders; goal is inbound leads. --- ## Quality control checklist (run mentally before finalizing) - [ ] Hook is contrarian or myth-busting (no slow intro) - [ ] Includes at least one concrete proof/example - [ ] "Do This Instead" is a simple step-by-step play - [ ] Reads aloud 60+ seconds (add contrast + example if short) - [ ] No hype words or empty claims - [ ] Ends with verbatim CTA - [ ] Captions end with a punchy question - [ ] If batch: no duplicate angles, no repeated opening lines --- ## Output options (only present if user asks) If user requests "copy/paste scripts", remove the section labels and provide clean paragraphs. If user requests "multiple variations", default to 2 variations: - Version A: more blunt/contrarian - Version B: more practical/framework-heavy Avoid offering more than needed.