youtube-video-analyst

YouTube Video Analyst

Deconstructs YouTube video transcripts to extract viral formulas, hook architecture, retention mechanics, and emotional engineering patterns.

When to Use This Skill

This skill activates when users:

• Want to analyze a YouTube video transcript
• Need to reverse-engineer viral content formulas
• Ask for hooks, retention mechanics, or emotional triggers from a video
• Want to create content templates based on successful videos
• Request a "viral blueprint" or content deconstruction

Getting the Transcript

Method 1: Auto-Fetch from YouTube URL

Run the fetch script to automatically extract the transcript:

python ${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/scripts/fetch_transcript.py "YOUTUBE_URL_OR_VIDEO_ID"

The script outputs the full transcript text ready for analysis.

Method 2: Manual Paste

User can paste the transcript directly. Common sources:

• YouTube's built-in transcript feature (click "..." → "Show transcript")
• Services like ytscribe.ai, youtubetotranscript.com
• Any other transcript extraction tool

Analysis Process

Approach the transcript like a crime scene investigator examining evidence. Extract EVERYTHING systematically:

1. First, read the entire transcript to understand the full arc
2. Identify and categorize every hook, transition, and retention mechanism
3. Map the emotional journey beat-by-beat
4. Decode the structural framework underlying the content
5. Extract reusable patterns as fill-in-the-blank templates
6. Assign virality scores and explain WHY each element works
7. Compile everything into a modular blueprint ready for immediate use

Think step-by-step. Be exhaustive. Miss nothing. Every sentence exists for a reason in viral content—find that reason.

Analysis Framework

Analyze the transcript and extract the following components with surgical precision:

SECTION 1: HOOK ARCHITECTURE

• Primary Hook (first 3-8 seconds): Extract exact wording, identify hook TYPE (curiosity gap, pattern interrupt, bold claim, controversy, story loop, identity trigger), explain psychological mechanism
• Secondary Hooks: Every re-engagement hook throughout the video with timestamp markers
• Hook Templates: Convert each hook into a [BLANK] template for any topic
• Hook Stack Analysis: How multiple hooks layer together in the opening

SECTION 2: STRUCTURAL BLUEPRINT

• Content Framework: Identify the macro-structure (Problem-Agitate-Solve, Story-Lesson-CTA, List-Depth-Summary, etc.)
• Beat Map: Every major transition point and what triggers the shift
• Pacing Pattern: Fast/slow rhythm, where energy peaks and valleys
• Section Breakdown: Divide into clear acts/segments with purpose of each
• Time Allocation: Percentage of video spent on each structural element

SECTION 3: RETENTION MECHANICS

• Open Loops: Every unresolved question or promise that keeps viewers watching
• Pattern Interrupts: Moments designed to snap attention back
• Curiosity Gaps: Information deliberately withheld to create tension
• Payoff Points: Where loops close and satisfaction hits
• Cliffhanger Techniques: Mini-cliffhangers between sections
• "Wait, What?" Moments: Lines designed to stop the scroll

SECTION 4: EMOTIONAL ENGINEERING

• Emotional Arc Map: Graph the emotional journey (anticipation → tension → relief → excitement)
• Trigger Words: Specific words chosen for emotional impact
• Identity Hooks: Moments that make viewers feel "this is for ME"
• Us vs. Them: Any tribal/belonging dynamics created
• Status Plays: Appeals to aspiration, fear of missing out, superiority
• Vulnerability Points: Where authenticity creates connection

SECTION 5: STORYTELLING ELEMENTS

• Narrative Framework: Core story structure used (Hero's Journey, Rags-to-Riches, etc.)
• Character Elements: How the speaker positions themselves
• Conflict/Tension: What creates stakes and drama
• Specificity Anchors: Concrete details that make it believable
• Sensory Language: Words that create mental images
• Dialogue/Quotes: How direct speech is used for impact

SECTION 6: LINGUISTIC PATTERNS

• Power Phrases: High-impact phrases worth stealing
• Sentence Rhythm: Short vs. long sentence patterns
• Repetition Techniques: What gets repeated and why
• Contrast Pairs: Before/after, problem/solution contrasts
• Command Language: Direct instructions to the viewer
• Conversational Triggers: Words that create intimacy ("you," "we," "imagine")

SECTION 7: ALGORITHM SIGNALS

• Watch Time Optimizers: Elements designed to maximize retention
• Engagement Bait: Moments designed to trigger comments
• Share Triggers: What makes someone send this to a friend
• Save Triggers: Information worth bookmarking
• Subscribe Hooks: Why someone would want more
• Thumbnail/Title Alignment: How content delivers on the click promise

SECTION 8: CALL-TO-ACTION ARCHITECTURE

• Primary CTA: Main ask and how it's positioned
• Soft CTAs: Subtle nudges throughout
• CTA Timing: When asks happen and why that timing works
• Value Exchange: What viewer gets for taking action
• Objection Handling: How resistance is preemptively addressed

SECTION 9: VIRAL COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS

• Shareability Score (1-10): With specific reasoning
• Comment Bait Density: How many discussion triggers exist
• Controversy Calibration: Edgy enough to engage, safe enough to share
• Niche Crossover Potential: Appeal beyond core audience
• Emotional Intensity Map: Peaks that trigger sharing impulse

SECTION 10: REUSABLE TEMPLATE OUTPUT

Create a complete fill-in-the-blank script template that captures ALL extracted patterns:

• Opening Hook Template (with 3 variations)
• Section-by-section framework with [BLANKS]
• Transition phrases as templates
• Retention hook templates for each section
• Emotional beat markers
• CTA template sequence
• Suggested timing for each section (as percentages)

SECTION 11: IMPLEMENTATION PLAYBOOK

• "Steal This" Checklist: Top 10 elements to use immediately
• Adaptation Guide: How to apply to different niches
• Common Mistakes: What would break the formula
• Enhancement Opportunities: Where the original could be better
• A/B Test Suggestions: Elements to experiment with

User Context Collection

Before analysis, gather this context from the user:

• MY NICHE/TOPIC: What topic will you create content about?
• MY CONTENT STYLE: Your typical tone (casual, educational, hype, etc.)
• TARGET PLATFORM: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, Shorts, etc.
• VIDEO LENGTH GOAL: Short-form (<60s), Mid-form (2-10min), Long-form (10min+)

Output Format

Structure your analysis with these sections:

## Hook Architecture
[Primary Hook Analysis]
[Hook Type Classification]
[Secondary Hooks List with Timestamps]
[Fill-in-Blank Hook Templates]

## Structural Blueprint
[Content Framework Identification]
[Complete Beat Map]
[Pacing Analysis]
[Section Breakdown with Percentages]

## Retention Mechanics
[Open Loops Catalog]
[Pattern Interrupts List]
[Curiosity Gap Analysis]
[Payoff Mapping]

## Emotional Engineering
[Emotional Arc Visualization]
[Trigger Word Library]
[Identity Hook Analysis]
[Psychological Lever Breakdown]

## Storytelling Elements
[Narrative Framework]
[Character Positioning]
[Conflict/Stakes Analysis]
[Specificity Anchors List]

## Linguistic Patterns
[Power Phrase Library]
[Rhythm Analysis]
[Repetition Catalog]
[Conversational Trigger Map]

## Algorithm Signals
[Retention Optimizer List]
[Engagement Trigger Catalog]
[Share/Save Trigger Analysis]

## CTA Architecture
[CTA Sequence Map]
[Timing Analysis]
[Value Exchange Framework]

## Viral Coefficient
[Scorecard with Ratings]
[Shareability Analysis]
[Crossover Potential Assessment]

## Reusable Template
[COMPLETE FILL-IN-BLANK SCRIPT TEMPLATE]
[Opening Variations]
[Section Templates]
[Transition Library]
[CTA Templates]

## Implementation Playbook
[Top 10 Steal-This Elements]
[Niche Adaptation Guide]
[Mistake Prevention Checklist]
[Enhancement Opportunities]
[A/B Test Recommendations]

## Quick Reference Cheatsheet
[One-page summary of all extracted patterns for rapid implementation]

Integration with Other Skills

After analysis, use the content-creator skill to:

• Generate new video scripts using the extracted templates
• Create social media content promoting the new video
• Build a content lineup based on the viral formula

Quick Start

1. Get transcript (auto-fetch or paste)
2. Provide your context (niche, style, platform, length)
3. Receive full 11-section viral blueprint
4. Use templates to create your own content