Pre-publish quality gate with 8 checks every video must pass. Kill weak videos before they hurt your channel. Based on MrBeast, Paddy Galloway, and algorithm research. Use before publishing any video.
Evaluate: $ARGUMENTS
In the 2026 algorithm, your channel is evaluated as a WHOLE. One weak video doesn't just flop — it signals to the algorithm that your channel is inconsistent. Kill weak videos before they go live.
"The idea sets the ceiling, the execution determines the result." (Paddy Galloway)
If the ceiling is low, no amount of execution saves it.
Every video must pass ALL 8. Any gate failed = fix it or kill it.
Does the title use at least one of Jake Thomas's 3 triggers?
Score: Does the title make YOU want to click from a stranger's channel? Be honest.
FAIL criteria: Title is descriptive but not compelling. "How to Set Up AWS Bedrock" = weak. "AWS Bedrock Costs 90% Less Than You Think (Here's How)" = pass.
FAIL criteria: Thumbnail repeats the title, or is text-heavy, or has no clear focal point.
FAIL criteria: Opens with "Hey guys, welcome to my channel" or any filler before the hook.
The 2026 algorithm weights satisfaction above watch time.
FAIL criteria: Title promises X, video delivers Y. Or video is padded to hit a length target.
FAIL criteria: Long stretches without payoffs, flat energy, or obvious "skip to" sections.
FAIL criteria: Video is interchangeable with 50 other channels' content.
FAIL criteria: Untested format with no evidence of demand.
MrBeast rule: "If a concept doesn't excite me personally, it won't be filmed."
FAIL criteria: You're publishing because "I need to upload something" not because the video is good.
| Gate | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Title Click Trigger | PASS/FAIL | |
| 2. Thumbnail-Title Synergy | PASS/FAIL | |
| 3. First 5 Seconds | PASS/FAIL | |
| 4. Satisfaction Delivery | PASS/FAIL | |
| 5. Retention Architecture | PASS/FAIL | |
| 6. "Would Someone Subscribe?" | PASS/FAIL | |
| 7. Format Validation | PASS/FAIL | |
| 8. Personal Excitement | PASS/FAIL |
## Virality Gate: "[Video Title]"
### Results
| # | Gate | Status | Issue | Fix |
|---|------|--------|-------|-----|
| 1 | Title Click Trigger | [P/F] | [if F, what's wrong] | [specific fix] |
| 2 | Thumbnail Synergy | [P/F] | | |
| 3 | First 5 Seconds | [P/F] | | |
| 4 | Satisfaction Delivery | [P/F] | | |
| 5 | Retention Architecture | [P/F] | | |
| 6 | Subscribe Worthiness | [P/F] | | |
| 7 | Format Validation | [P/F] | | |
| 8 | Personal Excitement | [P/F] | | |
### Verdict: [SHIP / FIX / KILL]
**Score**: [X]/8
### If FIX:
[Specific changes needed, in priority order]
### If KILL:
[Why this video isn't worth the channel damage. What to make instead.]