/youtube-script

name: memstack-content-youtube-script
description: "Use this skill when the user says 'YouTube script', 'video script', 'write script for YouTube', 'YouTube video outline', or is creating scripted content for a YouTube video with hooks, chapters, and CTAs. Do NOT use for TikTok/Reels short-form scripts or webinar presentations."
version: 1.0.0
license: "Proprietary, MemStack™ Pro by CW Affiliate Investments LLC. See LICENSE.txt"

🎬 YouTube Script: Writing retention-optimized video script...

*Produces a timestamped video script with hook, retention techniques, visual directions, SEO metadata, and thumbnail concept, optimized for YouTube's algorithm.*

Activation

When this skill activates, output:

`🎬 YouTube Script, Gathering topic and audience details...`

Then execute the protocol below.

| Context | Status | |---------|--------| | User says "write youtube script" or "youtube script" | ACTIVE | | User says "video script" or "write script for video" | ACTIVE | | Creating a scripted video for YouTube or video platform | ACTIVE | | Writing a blog post (not video) | DORMANT: use blog-post | | Writing a podcast outline | DORMANT | | Discussing YouTube strategy at a high level | DORMANT |

Anti-patterns

| Trap | Reality Check | |------|---------------| | "Start with an intro about who I am" | Viewers don't care who you are until you've hooked them. Identity comes after value. | | "Cover everything about the topic" | YouTube rewards depth on one angle, not breadth across many. Pick one promise and deliver it fully. | | "The content speaks for itself" | Retention techniques (open loops, pattern breaks) keep viewers watching. Great content with poor pacing loses to good content with great pacing. | | "I'll figure out the visuals during editing" | Script the visuals alongside the words. B-roll and graphics are planned, not improvised. | | "Thumbnails are just screenshots" | The thumbnail is 50% of click-through rate. Design it before filming, it shapes the video's angle. |

Protocol

Step 1: Gather Video Details

If the user hasn't provided details, ask:

> I need a few details for the script: > 1. **Topic**: what's this video about? > 2. **Target viewer**: who is watching? (beginner dev, business owner, tech enthusiast, etc.) > 3. **Video length goal**: short (5-8 min), standard (10-15 min), long-form (20+ min)? > 4. **CTA goal**: what should viewers do? (subscribe, click a link, watch next video, buy) > 5. **Channel context**: is this part of a series? What's the channel about? > 6. **Presentation style**: talking head, screencast, voiceover with visuals, mixed?

Step 2: Write the Hook (First 30 Seconds)

The hook determines whether viewers watch or leave. Structure it as three beats:

## HOOK [0:00 - 0:30]

### Beat 1: Pattern Interrupt [0:00 - 0:05]
**[VISUAL: [Eye-catching opening shot / bold text on screen / unexpected image]]**

[Speaker:]
"[Bold opening: a surprising stat, contrarian claim, or provocative question]"

Examples:
- Stat: "90% of startups fail because of one mistake. And you're probably making it right now."
- Contrarian: "Everything you've been taught about [topic] is wrong."
- Question: "What if I told you that [common approach] is actually hurting your [outcome]?"
- Demo: "Watch this." [Show the end result before explaining how]

### Beat 2: Promise [0:05 - 0:15]
[Speaker:]
"In this video, I'm going to show you [specific outcome].
By the end, you'll know exactly how to [tangible result]."

### Beat 3: Credibility [0:15 - 0:30]
[Speaker:]
"[Brief credibility: I've [done X] / helped [N] people / spent [time] researching this].
And I'm going to break down [the framework / the exact steps / what actually works]."

**[VISUAL: Quick montage of proof: screenshots, results, credentials]]**

**Hook rules:**

• Pattern interrupt first, break expectations within 5 seconds
• Promise must be specific, "how to grow your channel" is vague; "how to get your first 1,000 subscribers in 30 days" is specific
• Credibility is 1-2 sentences max, prove you're worth listening to, then move on
• Never start with "Hey guys, welcome back to my channel": earn the intro first
• Total hook: under 30 seconds

Step 3: Structure with Retention Techniques

Build the body using techniques that maintain watch time:

Open Loops

Plant unanswered questions that pay off later:

[Speaker:]
"Now, there are three strategies that work, but the third one is the one that
changed everything for me. I'll get to that in a minute. First, let's talk about..."

**Open loop placement:**

• Drop an open loop at the end of the hook (tease something coming later)
• Plant 1-2 mid-video loops before major sections
• Always close loops before the video ends: broken promises kill trust

Pattern Breaks

Change the visual or audio rhythm every 60-90 seconds to reset attention:

| Break Type | When to Use | Example | |-----------|------------|---------| | B-roll cut | Every 30-60 seconds of talking head | Show the thing being discussed | | On-screen text | Key stats, definitions, lists | Bold text highlighting the main point | | Camera angle change | Every 2-3 minutes | Switch between close-up and medium shot | | Music shift | Section transitions | Background music changes mood | | Direct address | When making a key point | Look directly at camera, pause, then speak | | Screen recording | Tutorial/demo sections | Switch from talking head to screen |

Visual Cues

Script what appears on screen alongside dialogue:

[Speaker:] "There are three types of content that perform on YouTube."

**[ON SCREEN: "3 Content Types" in bold text]**

[Speaker:] "Number one: tutorials."

**[ON SCREEN: "1. Tutorials" with icon]**
**[B-ROLL: Quick clips of tutorial-style content]**

Step 4: Write Body Sections

Each section follows a retention-optimized structure:

## SECTION 1: [Topic] [1:00 - 4:00]

### Transition In
[Speaker:]
"[Bridge from