YouTube research

YouTube Research#

Workspace Context#

Read bootstrap context before asking questions: strategy/brand.md for brand, audience, offer, channels, tools, constraints, and metrics; about/me.md for personal voice; content/ideas.md and content/calendar.md for content planning. Use legacy product-marketing context files only as fallback. Save generated drafts to content/<platform>/drafts/YYYY-MM-DD_short-topic-slug.md, and route durable learnings back to strategy/brand.md, about/me.md, or content/ideas.md.

Operating Contract#

This skill is self-contained for its frontmatter scope: use its local instructions, references, scripts, and assets as the playbook; ask only for missing task-specific inputs; hand off to adjacent skills instead of expanding scope; and return an actionable artifact, decision, plan, draft, or diagnostic.

Three modes in one skill:

1. Topic Research — competitive landscape, content gaps, strategic insights before planning a video
2. Video Analysis — forensic deconstruction of transcripts to extract viral formulas and retention mechanics
3. API Queries — direct YouTube Data API v3 access for search, stats, comments, and channel info

When to Use#

• Researching a video topic before planning production
• Analyzing a competitor video to extract what makes it work
• Fetching channel stats, video metrics, or comments via the API
• Identifying content gaps and opportunities in a niche

YouTube Data API Setup#

1. Get an API Key#

1. Go to Google Cloud Console (opens in a new tab) → APIs & Services → Library
2. Enable YouTube Data API v3
3. Create Credentials → API Key

export YOUTUBE_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

Important: When piping curl output, wrap the command in bash -c '...' to preserve env vars:

bash -c 'curl -s "https://..." -H "..." | jq .'

2. Key API Commands#

Search Videos:

bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/search?part=snippet&q=YOUR_QUERY&type=video&maxResults=10&order=viewCount&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[] | {videoId: .id.videoId, title: .snippet.title, channel: .snippet.channelTitle}'

Get Video Details (stats, duration):

bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/videos?part=snippet,statistics,contentDetails&id=VIDEO_ID&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[0] | {title: .snippet.title, views: .statistics.viewCount, likes: .statistics.likeCount, duration: .contentDetails.duration}'

Get Channel by Handle:

bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/channels?part=snippet,statistics&forHandle=@HANDLE&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[0] | {id: .id, title: .snippet.title, subscribers: .statistics.subscriberCount, videos: .statistics.videoCount}'

Get Video Comments:

bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/commentThreads?part=snippet&videoId=VIDEO_ID&maxResults=20&order=relevance&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[] | {author: .snippet.topLevelComment.snippet.authorDisplayName, text: .snippet.topLevelComment.snippet.textDisplay, likes: .snippet.topLevelComment.snippet.likeCount}'

Get Trending Videos:

bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/videos?part=snippet,statistics&chart=mostPopular&regionCode=US&maxResults=10&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[] | {title: .snippet.title, channel: .snippet.channelTitle, views: .statistics.viewCount}'

Quota: 10,000 units/day. Search = 100 units. Most others = 1 unit.

See YouTube Data API docs (opens in a new tab) for full reference.

Mode 1: Topic Research#

Conduct research before planning a new video. Focus on insights and big levers — not data dumping.

Workflow#

Step 0: Create research file

Save all research to: ./youtube/episode/[episode_number]_[topic_short_name]/research.md

If it already exists, read it and continue from where it left off.

Step 1: Understand the topic

• What problem does this video solve?
• Why would someone click on it?
• What makes it relevant now?

Step 2: Research your own channel

Use the API to find related videos you've already published. Document:

• Related videos (title, video ID, URL, key metrics)
• What's already been covered and how to differentiate

Step 3: Competitor research

Search for 5–8 top videos on the topic. For each:

• Get video details (views, likes, duration)
• Note the title, angle, and what makes it successful
• Synthesize common patterns and approaches

Step 4: Content gap analysis

Document:

• What's saturated — 3–5 over-covered angles
• Gaps (Opportunities) — rated ⭐⭐⭐ high / ⭐⭐ medium / ⭐ low
• Recommended focus — specific angle + unique value proposition

Rating criteria:

• ⭐⭐⭐ High: Significant gap, strong demand, clear differentiation
• ⭐⭐ Medium: Moderate gap, some competition, good potential
• ⭐ Low: Minor gap, heavily competed

Research File Template#

# [Episode]: [Topic] - Research

## Episode Overview
**Topic**: [Brief description]
**Target Audience**: [Who this is for]
**Goal**: [What viewers will learn/gain]

## YouTube Research
### Your Previous Videos
[Related videos with metrics]

### Top Competing Videos
[5-8 videos: title, channel, views, angle, what works]

### Key Insights
[Patterns and findings synthesized]

## Content Gap Analysis
### What's Already Well-Covered
[List]

### Content Gaps (Opportunities)
[Rated list with ⭐ ratings]

### Recommended Focus
[Specific angle and unique value proposition]

## Production Notes
**Status**: Research Complete
**Created**: [Date]

Parallel Research#

If the host environment supports parallel research, split focused tasks such as competitor search, own-channel review, and comment mining. Otherwise, do them sequentially and synthesize findings after each section.

Pitfalls#

• Data dumping — Limit to 5–8 competitors, synthesize patterns instead of listing every video
• Vague gaps — "Not much content on this" → identify the specific missing angle
• Long reports — Focus on insights and big levers

Next step: Use youtube-content skill to plan the video based on this research.

Mode 2: Video Analysis#

Forensic deconstruction of video transcripts to extract viral formulas, hooks, and retention mechanics.

Getting the Transcript#

Auto-fetch:

python skills/youtube-research/scripts/fetch_transcript.py "YOUTUBE_URL_OR_VIDEO_ID"

Manual paste: YouTube's built-in transcript (click "..." → "Show transcript") or ytscribe.ai.

Analysis Framework#

Approach the transcript like a crime scene — extract everything systematically. See reference/analysis-framework.md for the full checklist and templates.

Analyze these 11 dimensions:

1. Hook Architecture — Primary hook (first 3–8s), hook type, secondary hooks, fill-in-blank templates
2. Structural Blueprint — Content framework (PAS, Story-Lesson-CTA, List-Depth-Summary), beat map, pacing
3. Retention Mechanics — Open loops, pattern interrupts, curiosity gaps, payoff points
4. Emotional Engineering — Emotional arc, trigger words, identity hooks, Us vs. Them dynamics
5. Storytelling Elements — Narrative framework, character positioning, conflict/stakes, specificity
6. Linguistic Patterns — Power phrases, sentence rhythm, repetition, conversational triggers
7. Algorithm Signals — Watch time optimizers, engagement bait, share/save triggers
8. CTA Architecture — Primary CTA, soft CTAs, timing, value exchange
9. Viral Coefficient — Shareability score (1–10), comment bait density, crossover potential
10. Reusable Templates — Fill-in-blank opening hooks (3 variations), section templates, transition library
11. Implementation Playbook — Top 10 steal-this elements, niche adaptation, A/B test suggestions

Before Analysis, Collect Context#

• Your niche/topic
• Your content style (casual, educational, hype, etc.)
• Target platform and video length goal

Output Format#

Structure output with all 11 sections. End with a Quick Reference Cheatsheet — one-page summary of all extracted patterns for rapid implementation.

Tools#

• YouTube API: bash -c 'curl ...' with $YOUTUBE_API_KEY
• MCP (if available): mcp__plugin_yt-content-strategist_youtube-analytics__search_videos, get_video_details, get_channel_details
• Web: WebSearch and WebFetch for industry trends and context

Supporting file: reference/analysis-framework.md#

Viral Video Analysis Framework#

Quick reference for the 11-section viral content deconstruction.

Analysis Checklist#

1. Hook Architecture#

• Primary hook extracted (first 3-8 seconds)
• Hook type identified (curiosity gap, pattern interrupt, bold claim, controversy, story loop, identity trigger)
• Secondary hooks cataloged with timestamps
• Fill-in-blank templates created

2. Structural Blueprint#

• Content framework identified (PAS, Story-Lesson-CTA, List-Depth-Summary, etc.)
• Beat map complete (all transition points)
• Pacing pattern analyzed
• Section breakdown with time percentages

3. Retention Mechanics#

• Open loops cataloged
• Pattern interrupts listed
• Curiosity gaps identified
• Payoff points mapped

4. Emotional Engineering#

• Emotional arc graphed
• Trigger words extracted
• Identity hooks found
• Us vs. Them dynamics noted

5. Storytelling Elements#

• Narrative framework identified
• Character positioning analyzed
• Conflict/stakes mapped
• Specificity anchors listed

6. Linguistic Patterns#

• Power phrases extracted
• Sentence rhythm analyzed
• Repetition techniques noted
• Conversational triggers mapped

7. Algorithm Signals#

• Watch time optimizers found
• Engagement bait identified
• Share/save triggers noted
• Subscribe hooks analyzed

8. CTA Architecture#

• Primary CTA mapped
• Soft CTAs throughout noted
• Timing analyzed
• Value exchange defined

9. Viral Coefficient#

• Shareability scored (1-10)
• Comment bait density measured
• Controversy calibration assessed
• Crossover potential evaluated

10. Reusable Templates#

• Opening hook templates (3 variations)
• Section templates with blanks
• Transition phrase library
• CTA templates

11. Implementation Playbook#

• Top 10 steal-this elements
• Niche adaptation guide
• Common mistakes listed
• A/B test suggestions

Hook Types Reference#

Content Framework Templates#

Problem-Agitate-Solve (PAS)#

[PROBLEM]: State the pain point
[AGITATE]: Make it worse, show consequences
[SOLVE]: Present your solution

Story-Lesson-CTA#

[STORY]: Personal narrative or case study
[LESSON]: Key takeaway or insight
[CTA]: What viewer should do next

List-Depth-Summary#

[LIST]: Introduce N items/tips/strategies
[DEPTH]: Deep dive on each
[SUMMARY]: Recap + action step

Before-After-Bridge#

[BEFORE]: Current painful state
[AFTER]: Desired future state
[BRIDGE]: How to get there

Emotional Arc Patterns#

The Rollercoaster#

Hope → Tension → Relief → Excitement → Action

The Build-Up#

Curiosity → Anticipation → Revelation → Satisfaction

The Transformation#

Pain → Struggle → Breakthrough → Triumph

Power Phrase Templates#

Opening Hooks#

• "Here's what [experts/nobody] won't tell you about [TOPIC]..."
• "I spent [TIME] figuring out [TOPIC] so you don't have to..."
• "Stop [COMMON MISTAKE] - do this instead..."
• "The [NUMBER] [TOPIC] mistakes that cost me [CONSEQUENCE]..."

Retention Phrases#

• "But here's where it gets interesting..."
• "And this is the part most people miss..."
• "Wait, it gets better..."
• "Now pay attention to this next part..."

Transition Phrases#

• "Now that you understand [X], let's talk about [Y]..."
• "This brings us to the most important point..."
• "Here's where everything changes..."

CTA Phrases#

• "If this helped, you'll love [NEXT ACTION]..."
• "Drop a [COMMENT] if you want me to cover [TOPIC]..."
• "The link is in the description..."

Viral Scorecard#

Rate each element 1-10:

Score Interpretation:

• 60-70: Viral potential
• 45-59: Strong performer
• 30-44: Average
• <30: Needs work

Quick Implementation Guide#

To Clone a Viral Formula#

1. Extract the skeleton - Get the structural framework
2. Keep the timing - Match percentage breakdowns
3. Steal the hooks - Adapt exact patterns
4. Match the energy - Follow pacing rhythm
5. Use the loops - Apply same retention techniques
6. Mirror the arc - Follow emotional journey

Common Mistakes to Avoid#

• Copying words instead of patterns
• Ignoring pacing/timing
• Skipping the hook stack
• Weak open loops
• No payoff points
• Generic CTAs