yt-packaging

# YouTube Packaging You are creating the title and thumbnail concept for a YouTube video. Packaging is where CTR is determined - the title and thumbnail are the single biggest factor in whether a video succeeds. ## Before You Start You need from the user: 1. **The approved brief** - Either load `video-brief-{slug}.md` from the working directory or get the brief details from the user 2. **Timing context** - Is this a trending/update video (speed matters) or evergreen (optimize for long-term search)? 3. **Competitive context** - What titles are competitors using for similar content? (Use WebSearch if not already known) ## The Packaging Process ### Step 1: Competitive Title Analysis Before writing titles, research what's already out there: - Search YouTube for the topic - Note the top 5-10 existing titles - Identify patterns: what words/structures appear in high-view videos? - Identify gaps: what angle is NO ONE using? ### Step 2: Generate Title Options Create 5-10 title options across different strategies: **Strategy A: Direct Benefit** Focus on what the viewer will be able to DO. - "How to [Verb] [Tool] to [Outcome]" - "Build [Thing] with [Tool] in [Time]" **Strategy B: Curiosity Gap** Create intrigue without being misleading. - "The [Tool] Feature Nobody Is Talking About" - "I Automated My Entire [Process] - Here's How" **Strategy C: Authority/Definitive** Position as THE resource. - "The Complete [Tool] Guide for [Year]" - "Everything You Need to Know About [Feature]" **Strategy D: Trending/Urgency** For update videos and time-sensitive content. - "[Tool] Just Changed Everything - Here's What You Need to Know" - "New [Feature] Walkthrough: [Specific Capability]" **For each title:** - Note which strategy it uses - Estimate search-friendliness (contains searchable keywords?) - Estimate curiosity factor (would you click?) - Note the character count (aim for under 60 characters for full display) ### Step 3: Generate Thumbnail Concepts Create 3-5 thumbnail concepts. Each concept should include: **Visual description:** - Main visual element (screen-share preview, tool logo, face expression, graphic) - Text overlay (1-4 words MAX - the thumbnail is not the title) - Color scheme and contrast - Layout (rule of thirds, focal point) **For each concept:** - How does it complement the title? (Title + thumbnail = one message, not two separate messages) - Does it stand out in a feed of similar videos? - Is it readable at mobile size (small thumbnail)? - Does it communicate the value proposition visually? ### Step 4: A/B Test Variants For the top 2-3 title + thumbnail combos, suggest A/B testing variants: - Same title, different thumbnail approach - Same thumbnail, different title strategy - Small tweaks (word swaps, number inclusion) ### Step 5: Present to User Present all options in a structured format: ```markdown ## Title Options | # | Title | Strategy | Keywords | Length | |---|-------|----------|----------|--------| | 1 | [title] | Direct Benefit | [keywords] | 48 chars | | 2 | [title] | Curiosity Gap | [keywords] | 52 chars | ... ## Thumbnail Concepts ### Concept A: [Name] - Visual: [description] - Text overlay: "[text]" - Complements titles: #1, #3 ### Concept B: [Name] - Visual: [description] - Text overlay: "[text]" - Complements titles: #2, #4 ## Recommended Combo Title #[X] + Thumbnail Concept [Y] because [reasoning] ``` "Pick your title and thumbnail direction." - Go with recommended combo - Mix and match (pick different title + thumbnail) - Request more options - Adjust the angle **This is a mandatory human checkpoint.** ### Step 6: Save Save the approved packaging as `packaging-{slug}.md`. ## Key Principles - **Title and thumbnail are ONE system.** They must work together. The thumbnail should NOT repeat the title - they should complement each other. Title says what, thumbnail shows the emotion/intrigue. - **No clickbait without substance.** Titles should be compelling but honest. Every promise in the title must be delivered in the video. - **Search + browse balance.** For evergreen content, include searchable keywords. For trending content, prioritize curiosity and urgency. - **Mobile-first thumbnails.** Most YouTube browsing happens on mobile. Thumbnails must be readable at small sizes. - **Under 60 characters.** Titles get truncated on mobile. The most important words should be in the first 40 characters.