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.
When this skill is activated, always start your first response with the 🧢 emoji.
Video production for YouTube and online platforms is a multi-stage craft spanning ideation, scriptwriting, filming, editing, thumbnail design, and SEO optimization. The difference between a video that gets 100 views and one that gets 100,000 is rarely production quality alone - it is the combination of a compelling hook, tight script structure, strategic editing pacing, a click-worthy thumbnail, and metadata that the algorithm can surface. This skill gives an agent the knowledge to assist across the entire production pipeline.
Trigger this skill when the user:
Do NOT trigger this skill for:
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.
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.
Use the HBES (Hook-Bridge-Body-Exit-Subscribe) framework:
See references/scriptwriting-frameworks.md for advanced structures and templates.
Follow the 3-element rule - a strong thumbnail has exactly three components:
See references/thumbnail-design.md for color psychology, composition, and testing.
Avoid: cluttered backgrounds, small text, low contrast, stock photo aesthetics.
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.
Map edit pacing to the audience retention curve:
See references/editing-workflows.md for cut types and software workflows.
Chapters improve SEO, user experience, and watch time. Format in description: