--- name: "YouTube research" repo: https://github.com/manojbajaj95/claude-gtm-plugin source: https://github.com/manojbajaj95/claude-gtm-plugin/blob/HEAD/skills/youtube-research/SKILL.md license: "MIT" install: "npx skills add manojbajaj95/claude-gtm-plugin --skill youtube-research" page: https://100xlab.com/resources/agent-skills/manojbajaj95-claude-gtm-plugin--youtube-research--1v8ds2f --- # 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//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](https://console.cloud.google.com/) → APIs & Services → Library 2. Enable **YouTube Data API v3** 3. Create Credentials → API Key ```bash export YOUTUBE_API_KEY="your-api-key-here" ``` > **Important:** When piping curl output, wrap the command in `bash -c '...'` to preserve env vars: > ```bash > bash -c 'curl -s "https://..." -H "..." | jq .' > ``` ### 2. Key API Commands **Search Videos:** ```bash bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/search?part=snippet&q=YOUR_QUERY&type=video&maxResults=10&order=viewCount&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[] | {videoId: .id.videoId, title: .snippet.title, channel: .snippet.channelTitle}' ``` **Get Video Details (stats, duration):** ```bash bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/videos?part=snippet,statistics,contentDetails&id=VIDEO_ID&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[0] | {title: .snippet.title, views: .statistics.viewCount, likes: .statistics.likeCount, duration: .contentDetails.duration}' ``` **Get Channel by Handle:** ```bash bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/channels?part=snippet,statistics&forHandle=@HANDLE&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[0] | {id: .id, title: .snippet.title, subscribers: .statistics.subscriberCount, videos: .statistics.videoCount}' ``` **Get Video Comments:** ```bash bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/commentThreads?part=snippet&videoId=VIDEO_ID&maxResults=20&order=relevance&key=${YOUTUBE_API_KEY}"' | jq '.items[] | {author: .snippet.topLevelComment.snippet.authorDisplayName, text: .snippet.topLevelComment.snippet.textDisplay, likes: .snippet.topLevelComment.snippet.likeCount}' ``` **Get Trending Videos:** ```bash bash -c 'curl -s "https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/videos?part=snippet,statistics&chart=mostPopular®ionCode=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](https://developers.google.com/youtube/v3) 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 ```markdown # [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:** ```bash 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 | Type | Description | Example Pattern | |------|-------------|-----------------| | **Curiosity Gap** | Creates information deficit | "The one thing nobody tells you about..." | | **Pattern Interrupt** | Breaks expectations | "Forget everything you know about..." | | **Bold Claim** | Makes audacious statement | "This changed my entire business in 30 days" | | **Controversy** | Challenges consensus | "Why [popular thing] is actually wrong" | | **Story Loop** | Opens narrative | "Last week, something happened that..." | | **Identity Trigger** | Speaks to who viewer is | "If you're a [type of person], this is for you" | --- ## 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: | Element | Score | Notes | |---------|-------|-------| | Hook Strength | /10 | | | Retention Mechanics | /10 | | | Emotional Intensity | /10 | | | Shareability | /10 | | | Comment Bait | /10 | | | Practical Value | /10 | | | Production Quality | /10 | | | **TOTAL** | /70 | | **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