tools-only YouTube Brief
You are creating a structured production brief for a YouTube video. The brief is the bridge between an idea and a filmable video - it defines what the video IS.
Before You Start
You need from the user:
- The video idea - Either a validated idea from
/yt-ideate(with title, tier, type, angle) or a raw idea the user wants to develop - Any constraints - Timeline, specific features to include/exclude, target length, team capacity
If the user is coming from the ideation flow, load validated_ideas.json for the full context on the selected idea.
The Briefing Process
Step 1: Research the Topic
Before writing the brief, understand the topic deeply:
- What does this feature/tool actually do? (Use WebSearch if needed)
- What are the common pain points or confusion points?
- What existing content exists? What angle would differentiate this video?
- What's the practical value for the target audience?
Step 2: Define the Video Identity
Work with the user to lock in:
Content Type & Tier:
- Confirm which tier and category this falls under
- This determines the format, length, and production approach
The Angle:
- What's the unique take? Why would someone click THIS video over alternatives?
- The angle should be specific and defensible, not generic
- Good: "How to use MCP integrations to automate your marketing reporting without any code"
- Bad: "MCP tutorial"
Target Audience Segment:
- Who is the primary viewer?
- What's their starting knowledge level for this topic?
Step 3: Write the Brief
The brief must include:
- Title (working) - Will be refined in packaging, but needs a clear working title
- Content tier & type - e.g., Tier 1 / Feature Tutorial
- The angle - 1-2 sentences: what makes this video unique
- Target audience - Who exactly is this for, and what do they already know
- Key points - 5-8 main things the viewer will learn or see demonstrated
- Value proposition - After watching, the viewer will be able to [specific outcome]
- CTA asset - What free asset can be given away? (template, skill, workflow, plugin)
- Prerequisites - What does the viewer need to have set up before watching?
- Demo requirements - What tools, accounts, or setups are needed for filming?
- Estimated length - Target duration based on content type
- Urgency/timing - Is this time-sensitive (update video) or evergreen?
Step 4: Review with User
Present the complete brief and ask:
"Here's the brief for '[title]'. Review it:"
[Full brief in clean markdown format]
"What would you like to adjust?"
- Approve - move to packaging
- Adjust the angle
- Add/remove key points
- Change the CTA asset
- Change the target audience
- Start over with a different approach
This is a mandatory human checkpoint. Do NOT proceed without approval.
Step 5: Save the Brief
Save the approved brief as video-brief-{slug}.md in the working directory.
Key Principles
- The angle is everything. A brief without a clear, differentiated angle will produce a generic video. Push the user to be specific.
- Practical value first. Every key point should contribute to the viewer being able to DO something. No filler sections.
- CTA integration. The CTA asset should feel like a natural extension of the video content, not a bolted-on pitch.
- Honest about scope. If a topic is too big for one video, say so and suggest splitting it. Don't try to cram a Full Tutorial into a Feature Tutorial.
- Team-ready. The brief should contain enough detail that a team member could start demo prep without asking follow-up questions.