youtube-video-analyst

Forensic deconstruction of YouTube videos to extract viral formulas, hooks, and retention mechanics. Analyzes video transcripts across 11 systematic sections: hook architecture, structural blueprint, retention mechanics, emotional engineering, storytelling, linguistic patterns, algorithm signals, CTAs, and viral coefficient scoring Extracts reusable fill-in-the-blank script templates, power phrases, and transition patterns ready for immediate application to new content Includes implementation playbook with top 10 steal-this elements, niche adaptation guides, and A/B test recommendations Requires transcript input (auto-fetchable from YouTube URL or manually pasted) and user context on niche, tone, platform, and target video length

INSTALLATION
npx skills add https://github.com/shipshitdev/library --skill youtube-video-analyst
Run in your project or agent environment. Adjust flags if your CLI version differs.

SKILL.md

$2a

python library/agents/.claude/skills/youtube-video-analyst/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:

  • First, read the entire transcript to understand the full arc
  • Identify and categorize every hook, transition, and retention mechanism
  • Map the emotional journey beat-by-beat
  • Decode the structural framework underlying the content
  • Extract reusable patterns as fill-in-the-blank templates
  • Assign virality scores and explain WHY each element works
  • 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

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