---
name: youtube-pipeline
description: Complete YouTube video production pipeline from ideation to distribution. Covers Strategy (Phase 1), Packaging (Phase 2), Scripting (Phase 3), Shorts (Phase 3.5), Production (Phase 4), and Repurposing (Phase 5).
---

# YouTube Pipeline Skill

This skill provides access to the complete YouTube video production pipeline. When activated, read the workflow files in the user's vault for the full, up-to-date instructions.

## Quick Reference

| Phase | Workflow | Purpose |
|-------|----------|---------|
| 1 | `/youtube-phase1-strategy` | Find proven topic via 3-source validation (YT Studio + VidIQ + Google Trends) |
| 2 | `/youtube-phase2-packaging` | Engineer title & thumbnail |
| 3 | `/youtube-phase3-scripting` | Write retention-optimized script |
| 3.5 | `/youtube-phase3.5-shorts` | Create 6 Shorts (3 Topic + 3 Extract) |
| 4 | `/youtube-phase4-production` | Film, edit, polish |
| 5 | `/youtube-phase5-repurposing` | Distribute to all platforms (YT, TikTok, IG, LinkedIn) |
| Master | `/youtube-pipeline` | Orchestrate all 6 phases |

---

## Source Files (Always Read These First)

The workflow docs are bundled in this skill's `resources/` folder for quick access:

**Workflow Files (Local):**
```
.agent/skills/youtube-pipeline/resources/youtube-pipeline.md
.agent/skills/youtube-pipeline/resources/youtube-phase1-strategy.md
.agent/skills/youtube-pipeline/resources/youtube-phase2-packaging.md
.agent/skills/youtube-pipeline/resources/youtube-phase3-scripting.md
.agent/skills/youtube-pipeline/resources/youtube-phase3.5-shorts.md
.agent/skills/youtube-pipeline/resources/youtube-phase4-production.md
.agent/skills/youtube-pipeline/resources/youtube-phase5-repurposing.md
```

**Source of Truth (User's Vault):**
If you need to sync or check for updates, the authoritative files are:
```
c:\CreativeOS\Creator_Command_Hub_Obsidian\📁 YouTube Brain\.agent\workflows\
c:\CreativeOS\Creator_Command_Hub_Obsidian\📁 YouTube Brain\📂 Processed_Notes\Workflow\
```

**Prompts (For External AI Use):**
```
c:\CreativeOS\Creator_Command_Hub_Obsidian\📁 YouTube Brain\📝 01-Prompt\Transcription Extraction Prompt v2.md
c:\CreativeOS\Creator_Command_Hub_Obsidian\📁 YouTube Brain\📝 01-Prompt\Video QA Prompt.md
c:\CreativeOS\Creator_Command_Hub_Obsidian\📁 YouTube Brain\📝 01-Prompt\Title Thumbnail Picker Prompt.md
c:\CreativeOS\Creator_Command_Hub_Obsidian\📁 YouTube Brain\📝 01-Prompt\Shorts Bridge Protocol.md
```

**Automation Scripts (Phase 1):**
```
.agent/skills/youtube-pipeline/scripts/parse_yt_studio.ps1  # Parse YT Studio Inspiration HTML
.agent/skills/google-trends/scripts/search.js               # Google Trends CLI (separate skill)
```

---

## Phase 1 Automation Tools

### YouTube Studio HTML Parser
Extracts topics and volume indicators from YouTube Studio's Inspiration tab.

**User Workflow:**
1. Go to YouTube Studio → Inspiration → Search topic
2. Right-click results → Inspect → Find `<yta-section id="top-section">`
3. Right-click → Copy → Copy outerHTML
4. Paste into `.html` file

**Agent Command:**
```powershell
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.gemini\antigravity\skills\youtube-pipeline\scripts\parse_yt_studio.ps1" -InputFile "topic.html" -OutputFile "parsed.md"
```

### Google Trends CLI
Uses the separate `google-trends` skill for automated trend searching.

**Agent Command:**
```powershell
node "$env:USERPROFILE\.gemini\antigravity\skills\google-trends\scripts\search.js" -k "Claude Cowork" -p youtube -t "now 7-d"
```

## How to Use This Skill

### Option 1: Full Pipeline
Invoke `/youtube-pipeline` and follow the prompts. The orchestrator will:
1. Ask where you're starting
2. Chain through all 6 phases
3. Track state across phases

### Option 2: Single Phase
Jump directly to any phase:
- `/youtube-phase1-strategy` — Just need a topic (uses 3-source validation)
- `/youtube-phase2-packaging` — Just need title/thumbnail
- `/youtube-phase3-scripting` — Just need a script
- `/youtube-phase3.5-shorts` — Create 6 Shorts from a video
- `/youtube-phase4-production` — Just need production guidance
- `/youtube-phase5-repurposing` — Distribute to all platforms

---

## AI Persona: The Brutal Expert

When running this pipeline, the AI operates as:

- **Never yes-mans.** Weak ideas get called out.
- **Demands proof.** "This video is viral" → "Show me the view:sub ratio."
- **Generates outputs.** AI generates titles, hooks, thumbnail concepts for user to pick from.
- **Teaches the why.** Every step includes the reasoning behind it.
- **Challenges weak work.** "That hook is mid. Try this instead..."

---

## Phase 1: 3-Source Research Validation

Find proven topics using three data sources:

| Source | What to Check | Signal |
|--------|---------------|--------|
| **YouTube Studio Trends** | Inspiration tab → "What people are looking for" | High/Medium volume |
| **Competitor VidIQ** | Videos 4+ weeks old still getting views/hr | Evergreen topic |
| **Google Trends** | Explore → YouTube Search → Rising queries | Breakout (5000%+) |

**Perfect Storm:** When all 3 sources point to the same topic = proven opportunity.

---

## Phase 3.5: 6 Shorts System (Topic + Extract)

⚠️ **Retention Protection:** Extract shorts hurt main video retention (viewers skip sections they've seen). Post extract shorts LAST.

| Category | Count | What It Is | When to Post |
|----------|-------|------------|--------------|
| **Topic Shorts** | 3 | NEW recordings on the topic | Week 1: Mon/Wed/Fri |
| **Extract Shorts** | 3 | Sandwich Method clips from main | Week 2: Mon/Wed/Fri |

**Topic Short Types:**
1. **Hot Take** — Spicy opinion on the topic
2. **Quick Win** — One actionable tip
3. **Story Hook** — Personal story as teaser

**Sandwich Method (Extract Shorts):**
| Layer | Time | What It Is |
|-------|------|------------|
| **Top Bun** | 0:00-0:05 | Fresh hook (user records new VO) |
| **Meat** | 0:05-0:50 | Clip from main video |
| **Bottom Bun** | 0:50-1:00 | Fresh CTA (user records new VO) |

---

## Phase 5: Repurposing & Distribution

| Platform | Content | Extra Work |
|----------|---------|------------|
| **YouTube** | Main + 6 Shorts | None |
| **TikTok** | Same 6 Shorts | None (repost) |
| **Instagram** | Same 6 Shorts (Reels) | None (repost) |
| **LinkedIn** | 6 Shorts + 3 Text Posts + Stories | Text posts need drafting |

**Result:** 1 filming session = 7 pieces of content = 2 weeks of distribution across all platforms.

---

## Key Frameworks (Phase 3 Scripting)

These are embedded in the Phase 3 workflow but summarized here for reference:

| Framework | What It Does |
|-----------|--------------|
| **Ego Trap Hook** | "You think [X] is helping you, but it's actually why you're failing" |
| **Cost of Inaction** | "If you ignore this, you'll keep [Pain] while others [Gain]" |
| **DISC Layering** | Hit all personality types: D=Results, I=Story, S=Steps, C=Data |
| **30-Second Snap** | Reset attention every 30 seconds with visual/energy change |
| **Loop Architecture** | Open Loop → Content → Payoff → Bridge to next loop |

---

## Updating This Skill

The workflow files in `resources/` are copies. The source of truth is the user's vault.

**To Sync (PowerShell):**
```powershell
Copy-Item -Path "C:\CreativeOS\Creator_Command_Hub_Obsidian\📁 YouTube Brain\.agent\workflows\youtube-*.md" -Destination "$env:USERPROFILE\.gemini\antigravity\skills\youtube-pipeline\resources\" -Force
```

**When to Sync:**
- After updating any workflow in the vault
- After adding new phases

To add new phases: First create in the vault's `.agent/workflows/`, then sync here.
