video-caption-creation

This skill creates algorithm-optimized captions and on-screen text for short-form video content using the "Triple Word Score" system to maximize reach and engagement.

Core Philosophy: Content serves the topic first. When you serve the topic correctly, algorithms will serve your content to people interested in that topic.

Use this skill when you need to:

• Create on-screen text hooks for video clips (3-5 options per clip)
• Write captions for short-form video (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, etc.)
• Optimize video for algorithm discovery (topic identification in first 10 seconds)
• Generate strategic hashtag sets (10-12, broad to specific)

Do NOT use for:

• Text-only social posts (use social-content-creation skill instead)
• Long-form YouTube videos (separate workflow)
• Podcast show notes (separate podcast workflow)

---

Algorithms and humans need to immediately understand your content through FOUR signals:

1. Audio Transcript (MOST IMPORTANT)

• What you say out loud - algorithms auto-transcribe this
• Explicitly say topic words in first 10 seconds
• Repeat core terminology throughout
• Use natural speech patterns with topic-relevant vocabulary

2. On-Screen Text Reinforcement

• Visual overlay that reinforces spoken words
• Lead with topic words in first text overlay
• Use bold, clear terminology
• Don't compete with audio - reinforce it

3. Caption Copy Optimization

• Post description with topic-relevant keywords
• Open with topic-relevant phrases in first sentence
• Include natural keyword variations
• Provide context for algorithm understanding

4. Strategic Hashtag System

• 10-12 hashtags (optimal range)
• Mix broad and specific (#Productivity + #TimeManagement)
• Include audience-specific (#Entrepreneurs)
• Span from general to niche

When all four signals align, algorithms AND humans immediately recognize: "This is for me."

---

Step 1: Generate On-Screen Text Hooks

Goal: Create 3-5 hook options that stop the scroll in first 3 seconds

#### The McDonald's Test

> "Someone who works at McDonald's should be able to read and understand your headline instantly."

• Avoid fancy vocabulary ("optimization paradigm" vs "work smarter not harder")
• Choose accessible language over impressive terminology
• Wider net = better performance

#### Hook Categories

1. Polarizing Statements

• "Your [perceived weakness] is actually your superpower"
• "Stop chasing [common goal everyone pursues]"
• "[Respected institution] operates like [controversial comparison]"

2. Counter-Intuitive Reveals

• "My first attempt failed. Perfect."
• "The worst experiences are the best teachers"
• "Everyone has genius hiding somewhere"

3. Direct Challenges

• "Never give up on the outliers"
• "Don't judge people by their [surface trait]"
• "Make your audience love [topic] again"

4. Curiosity Gaps

• "Her boyfriend freaked out..." (for dramatic content)
• "The third tip will blow your mind"
• Use carefully - can create confusion if unclear

#### Generate 3-5 Options

For each video clip, create file: [Clip Name]_Captions.md

Format:

```markdown

# [Clip Name] - Caption Options

[Brief description of video content, key quote, or main message]

Option 1: Your biggest weakness is actually your superpower

• Framework: Polarizing Statement

Option 2: Stop chasing perfection. Try this instead.

• Framework: Direct Challenge

Option 3: The one thing experts get wrong about creativity

• Framework: Curiosity Gap

Option 4: Most advice teaches compliance. This teaches results.

• Framework: Contrast/Counter-Intuitive

Option 5: 3 reasons your "bad habit" might be genius

• Framework: Numbered List + Counter-Intuitive

RECOMMENDED: Option 1 (Polarizing) for Short-Form, Option 4 (Contrast) for LinkedIn

```

#### Quality Check for Hooks

• [ ] Would this make ME stop scrolling?
• [ ] Creates curiosity or emotion in 2 seconds?
• [ ] Can my grandmother understand instantly?
• [ ] Hints at payoff without giving it away?
• [ ] Passes McDonald's Test (accessible language)?

---

Step 2: Create Platform-Specific Captions

Goal: Write optimized captions for each target platform

Short-Form Video Platforms (Identical Treatment)

Applies to: YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook Reels

• Character Limit: 2,200 (use 50-150 characters optimal)
• Hashtags: 3-5 (include platform tag: #Shorts for YouTube)
• Tone: Casual, energetic, hook in first few words
• Example: "Your biggest weakness might be your superpower 💡 #Productivity #Mindset #Growth"

Key: Hook immediately, use emojis, keep text scannable

---

LinkedIn (Separate Strategy)

Platform-Specific Guidelines:

• Character Limit: 3,000 (use 150-300 characters optimal)
• Hashtags: 3-5
• Tone: Professional yet conversational, value-driven
• Format: Hook → insight → CTA (save, comment, share)
• Example: "Your so-called 'weakness' might be teaching you more than any course. Constraints build creativity and resourcefulness. #Productivity #Mindset #GrowthMindset"

Note: For LinkedIn posts, use the social-content-creation skill instead of this skill.

#### Platform-Specific Caption Template

```markdown

YouTube Shorts / Instagram Reels / TikTok / Facebook Reels

Your biggest weakness is actually your superpower 💡

Traditional advice teaches compliance. This teaches results.

#Productivity #Mindset #Growth #Success

---

LinkedIn (Use social-content-creation skill)

Your so-called "weakness" might be teaching you more than any course.

Constraints force creativity, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. Traditional advice teaches compliance. Real growth comes from embracing what makes you different.

#Productivity #Mindset #GrowthMindset

```

Reference for detailed platform guidelines: references/platform-guidelines.md

---

Step 3: Apply Algorithm Optimization

Goal: Ensure content is discoverable and serves the right audience

#### Topic Identification Checklist

First 10 Seconds (Critical):

• [ ] Topic words spoken explicitly in audio
• [ ] On-screen text reinforces topic words
• [ ] Visual elements support topic (environment, materials, context)
• [ ] Energy/delivery matches topic expectations

Throughout Video:

• [ ] Core terminology repeated naturally
• [ ] Topic focus maintained (not scattered across multiple topics)
• [ ] Value delivered on topic promise

Caption & Metadata:

• [ ] Caption opens with topic-relevant phrase
• [ ] Natural keyword variations included
• [ ] Hashtags span broad to specific (10-12 total)
• [ ] Description provides context for algorithm

#### Strategic Hashtag System

Formula: Broad → Mid → Specific → Niche

Example for productivity content:

Broad (1-2): #Productivity #Success

Mid (2-3): #TimeManagement #PersonalDevelopment #WorkSmarter

Specific (3-4): #DeepWork #FocusHacks #MorningRoutine #ProductivityTips

Niche (2-3): #SolopreneurLife #RemoteWorkTips #DigitalNomad

Audience (1-2): #Entrepreneurs #Freelancers

Platform (1): #Shorts (for YouTube), #Reels (for Instagram)

Total: 10-12 hashtags

#### Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Misleading Signal Trap

• Topic says "education" but content is really entertainment
• ✅ Fix: Topic signals match actual content value

❌ Buried Lede

• Topic words don't appear until middle of content
• ✅ Fix: Topic identification happens in first 10 seconds

❌ Scatter Shot

• Trying to cover multiple topics in one piece
• ✅ Fix: Laser focus on one clear topic per piece

❌ Brand First Approach

• Making content about your brand/company
• ✅ Fix: Making content about the topic, featuring your expertise

---

Standard Output File: `[Clip Name]_Captions.md`

```markdown

# [Clip Name] - Captions & Optimization

Duration: [XX seconds]

Core Message: [1-2 sentence summary]

Topic: [Primary topic for algorithm]

Target Audience: [Who this serves]

---

Option 1: [Text]

• Category: [Hook category]
• Platform fit: [Platforms]

Option 2: [Text]

• Category: [Hook category]
• Platform fit: [Platforms]

Option 3: [Text]

• Category: [Hook category]
• Platform fit: [Platforms]

RECOMMENDED: [Which option and why]

---

TikTok

[Caption text with emojis]

[Hashtags: 3-5]

---

Instagram Reels

[Caption text with emojis]

[Hashtags: 5-10]

---

YouTube Shorts

[Caption text]

[Hashtags: 3-5 including #Shorts]

---

LinkedIn

[Caption text - more professional tone]

[Hashtags: 3-5]

---

Facebook

[Caption text with emojis]

[Hashtags: 2-5]

---

Topic Keywords (spoken in first 10 seconds): [List keywords]

Secondary Keywords (throughout): [List keywords]

Hashtag Set (10-12 total):

• Broad: [2 tags]
• Mid: [3 tags]
• Specific: [4 tags]
• Niche: [3 tags]

First 10 Second Audio Script:

"[Exact words that will be spoken - must include topic keywords]"

---

• [ ] McDonald's Test passed (accessible language)
• [ ] Topic clear in first 3 seconds
• [ ] On-screen text reinforces (not competes with) audio
• [ ] Platform character limits followed
• [ ] Hashtag counts appropriate per platform
• [ ] Triple Word Score complete (audio, on-screen, caption, hashtags)

```

---

This skill references:

Detailed Guidelines

• references/platform-guidelines.md - Platform-specific rules and best practices
• references/hook-categories.md - Detailed hook category examples and when to use each

Style & Voice

• voice-pirate-wires skill - Authentic voice principles
• anti-ai-writing skill - Humanize captions that sound too polished

---

A successful video caption:

✅ Stops the scroll - Hook creates curiosity/emotion in first 3 seconds

✅ Passes McDonald's Test - Accessible to broad audience

✅ Triple Word Score complete - Audio, on-screen, caption, hashtags all aligned

✅ Topic-first - Algorithm knows what this is about immediately

✅ Platform-optimized - Character limits, hashtag counts, voice appropriate

✅ Discoverable - Strategic hashtags span broad to niche

---

• social-content-creation - For text-only social posts (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook)
• youtube-title-creator - Pair captions with optimized video titles
• hook-and-headline-writing - Foundational hook strategies

---

Content Issues:

❌ Jargon or fancy vocabulary in hooks

❌ Giving away the payoff in the hook

❌ On-screen text competes with (instead of reinforces) audio

❌ Generic hooks everyone uses

Algorithm Issues:

❌ Topic words not spoken in first 10 seconds

❌ Too many topics in one video

❌ Hashtags all broad or all niche (not spanning range)

❌ Misleading hooks that don't match content

Platform Issues:

❌ Same caption copy across all platforms

❌ Too many hashtags (LinkedIn, X) or too few (Instagram)

❌ Wrong tone for platform (too casual for LinkedIn, too formal for TikTok)

❌ External links where they hurt reach (Facebook main post)

---

• v1.0 (2025-10-27): Initial skill creation

- Triple Word Score system

- 4 hook categories

- Platform-specific guidelines for 6 platforms

- Algorithm optimization checklist

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For platform updates or new hook categories, add to references folder and note in version history