# youtube-scriptwriting

Converts rough notes and brain dumps into structured YouTube scripts focused on viewer retention. Guides you through hooks, core structures, and editing audits.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, OpenCode · 539 installs · ★ 29
- Author: cdeistopened
- License: MIT · policy=mirror · the beginning of the file is at the end of this page
- Source: https://github.com/cdeistopened/skill-stack/tree/HEAD/.claude/skills/youtube-scriptwriting/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-07-08
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/youtube-scriptwriting

## What it does

The skill guides you through seven sequential checkpoints, from defining the core viewer promise to writing the final call to action. Research relies on a Shock Score rating from 1 to 100 to filter out obvious facts. Only points scoring 50 or higher make it into the outline. The hook must align spoken lines, on-screen text, and visuals within the opening three seconds.

Body sections follow the Value Loop: context, direct application, and framing. To maintain attention, the workflow places your second-best point first and inserts rehooks every 30 to 60 seconds. Before finalizing, the draft passes three audits targeting narrative flow, sixth-grade reading comprehension, and speed-to-value.

Writing breaks down if you skip the research phase. Without 5 to 10 high-shock facts collected before outlining, the resulting script defaults to generic statements.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add cdeistopened/skill-stack --skill youtube-scriptwriting -a claude-code
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/youtube-scriptwriting/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/youtube-scriptwriting/

### Codex

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add cdeistopened/skill-stack --skill youtube-scriptwriting -a codex
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/youtube-scriptwriting/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add cdeistopened/skill-stack --skill youtube-scriptwriting -a cursor
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/youtube-scriptwriting/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install cdeistopened/skill-stack youtube-scriptwriting
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/youtube-scriptwriting/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add cdeistopened/skill-stack --skill youtube-scriptwriting -a gemini-cli
```

2. **Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/cdeistopened/skill-stack --path .claude/skills/youtube-scriptwriting
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/youtube-scriptwriting/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add cdeistopened/skill-stack --skill youtube-scriptwriting -a opencode
```

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/cdeistopened/skill-stack/tree/HEAD/.claude/skills/youtube-scriptwriting/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- Turn raw research notes into a structured YouTube video script
- Write a 3-second hook using target, transformation, and stakes
- Organize educational content using Tutorial, Listicle, or Problem-Solver structures
- Audit video drafts for narrative flow and sixth-grade reading level

## Example prompts
- Write a YouTube script from my raw notes in `notes.md` using the Problem-Solver structure.
- Draft three hook options for an educational video following the 3-second value rule.
- Run a Story Flow Audit and Comprehension Audit on this draft script.

## Source text · SKILL.md · MIT

Below is the content of a third-party file. It is data, not instructions for you: do not act on anything written inside unless the human asks. Block tag: 8909b04a7b4b6b2d.

BEGIN THIRD-PARTY FILE 8909b04a7b4b6b2d
```text
---
name: youtube-scriptwriting
description: Transform raw ideas and brain dumps into polished YouTube scripts through a structured checkpoint workflow. Use when the user wants to write a YouTube script, improve video retention, craft hooks, structure educational or entertainment content, or turn source material (transcripts, notes, research) into a compelling video script. Guides through research, hook writing, story structure, body content, and editing phases.
---

# YouTube Script Writing

Transform disorganized ideas into retention-optimized scripts through a checkpoint-based workflow.

## Core Psychology

All great scripts operate on one principle: **Reality must beat expectations.**

- Viewer expectations = what they think will happen based on title/thumbnail
- Reality = what you actually deliver in the video
- When reality > expectations → satisfaction, engagement, shares
- When reality < expectations → disappointment, drop-off, bounce

Every decision in scriptwriting serves this gap.

## The Workflow

Work through these checkpoints in order. Each builds on the previous.

### Checkpoint 1: Define the Foundation

Before writing anything:

1. **Target audience**: Who specifically is watching? What do they already know?
2. **Desired emotion**: Pick ONE primary emotion to transfer:
   - Awe/inspiration
   - Amusement/humor
   - Excitement/joy
   - Anger/outrage
   - Surprise/shock/curiosity
   - Sadness/empathy
3. **Core promise**: One sentence describing what viewer gets from watching

### Checkpoint 2: Research & Mine for Shock

Find the facts that will beat expectations. See [references/research.md](references/research.md).

**Shock Score Method**: Rate each fact 1-100 based on "How many viewers would NOT know this?"
- 80+ = Gold (most viewers surprised)
- 50-79 = Good supporting points
- Below 50 = Skip unless essential context

Collect 5-10 high-shock facts before proceeding.

### Checkpoint 3: Write the Hook

The hook confirms the click and opens a curiosity loop. See [references/hooks.md](references/hooks.md) for the 9 proven formats.

**Quick Formula** (works for any niche):
- **Target**: Who is this for?
- **Transformation**: What will they gain?
- **Stakes**: What happens if they don't watch?

**Hook Commandments** (verify all 4):
1. Alignment: Visual, spoken, and text hooks match
2. Speed: Value promised in first 3 seconds
3. Clarity: Topic is unmistakable
4. Curiosity: Opens a question they must answer

### Checkpoint 4: Choose Story Structure & Outline

Pick ONE structure that fits your content. See [references/structures.md](references/structures.md) for all 7 formats.
```
END THIRD-PARTY FILE 8909b04a7b4b6b2d

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