Create a systematic approach for researching, scripting, and producing long-form YouTube content that performs.
What This Workflow Does
Research successful channels, analyze video structures, create comprehensive scripts with research backing, and build repeatable video formats.
How to Do It
Phase 1: Channel & Video Research
Step 1: Analyze Successful Channels
"Analyze these YouTube channels: [paste 3-5 channel URLs]. What content formats do they use most? What's their video structure?"
Step 2: Study Top-Performing Videos
"Find the top 10 most-viewed videos about [your topic] on YouTube. Analyze their structure, hooks, and storytelling approach"
Step 3: Identify Your Video Formats
"Based on this research, what are the 3 best video formats I should create for [your niche] on YouTube?"
Phase 2: Video Script Template Creation
Step 4: Create Format Templates
Example prompt:
"Create 3 YouTube video script templates: 1. Tutorial/How-to format (10-15 min) 2. Deep-dive analysis format (15-20 min) 3. List/countdown format (8-12 min) Include: Hook, intro, body structure, and outro for each"
Step 5: Build Hook Library
"Give me 20 YouTube video hook examples that work for [niche]. Show me both 'cold open' style and 'intro' style hooks"
Phase 3: Research-to-Script Workflow
Step 6: Gather Research
For each video, collect sources:
Competitor videos on same topic
Articles and studies
Expert interviews
Your own expertise
Example:
[Add 3 YouTube videos, 2 articles, 1 PDF] "Synthesize all this research and create a comprehensive outline for a 15-minute video about [topic]"
Step 7: Create Full Script
"Using the outline, write a complete YouTube script with: - Cold open hook (15 sec) - Intro with value promise (30 sec) - Main content with timestamps - Transitions between sections - Outro with CTA Total length: 12-15 minutes"
Step 8: Add Visual Notes
"Add B-roll suggestions and on-screen text recommendations throughout the script"
YouTube Video Templates
Tutorial/How-To Template
Structure:
"Create a tutorial script template: - Hook: Problem/pain point (0:00-0:15) - Intro: Solution promise + credibility (0:15-1:00) - Step 1: [with timestamp] (1:00-3:00) - Step 2: [with timestamp] (3:00-5:00) - Step 3: [with timestamp] (5:00-7:00) - Common mistakes (7:00-8:00) - Next steps (8:00-9:00) - Outro + CTA (9:00-10:00)"
Deep-Dive Analysis Template
Structure:
"Create an analysis script template: - Hook: Surprising insight (0:00-0:20) - Context: Why this matters (0:20-2:00) - Background (2:00-5:00) - Main analysis broken into 3-4 sections (5:00-15:00) - Implications (15:00-17:00) - Conclusion (17:00-18:00) - CTA (18:00-19:00)"
Listicle/Countdown Template
Structure:
"Create a top 10 list script template: - Hook: Tease #1 + promise (0:00-0:30) - Quick intro (0:30-1:00) - #10 through #6 (1:00-5:00) - #5 through #2 (5:00-9:00) - #1 with detail (9:00-11:00) - Bonus tip (11:00-12:00) - CTA (12:00-13:00)"
Example Prompts by Video Type
Educational/Tutorial
"I want to create a tutorial on [topic]. Research the top 5 tutorials, analyze their approach, then write me a better script that's more comprehensive and easier to follow"
Review/Comparison
"Create a comparison video script: [Product A] vs [Product B]. Research both products, find user reviews, and create an unbiased 12-minute comparison script"
Explainer/Analysis
"Explain [complex topic] in a 10-minute video. Research the best explanations online, then create a script that simplifies it with examples and analogies"
Commentary/Opinion
"I want to give my take on [current topic/trend]. Research what others are saying, then write a script presenting my unique perspective: [your viewpoint]"
Documentary-Style
"Create a documentary-style script about [topic]. Research the history, key events, and current state. Make it engaging with storytelling elements. 18-20 minutes"
Research-to-Script Process
Single Video Workflow
Step 1: Define Topic & Angle
"I want to make a video about [topic]. Research what's already been covered and suggest 3 unique angles I could take"
Step 2: Gather Research
[Add 5 YouTube videos on topic] [Add 3 articles] [Add your own notes] "What are the key points I should cover? What's missing from existing content?"
Step 3: Create Outline
"Create a detailed outline for a 15-minute video covering all these insights in a logical flow"
Step 4: Write Full Script
"Write the complete script with timestamps, following the outline. Include hook, intro, transitions, and outro"
Step 5: Add Production Notes
"Add B-roll suggestions, on-screen text, and visual elements throughout the script"
Why This System Works
✅ Research-backed (not guessing what to create)
✅ Comprehensive scripts (nothing missed)
✅ Repeatable formats (faster production)
✅ Professional quality (structured approach)
✅ SEO-optimized (with keyword research)
Pro Tips
Research Phase:
Analyze 10+ successful videos per format
Study 3-5 channels in your niche thoroughly
Identify gaps in existing content (your opportunity)
Note what gets most comments (audience wants more)
Scripting Phase:
Use templates for faster creation
Include timestamps in scripts (helps editing)
Write B-roll notes while scripting (easier production)
Add on-screen text suggestions (better retention)
Read aloud before finalizing (catch awkward phrasing)
System Maintenance:
Track performance of each format
Update templates quarterly based on data
Research competitors monthly for new ideas
Analyze your top 10% (what made them work?)