The Problem
You ask ChatGPT or Claude to write a YouTube script. It gives you perfectly formatted text that feels generic, predictable, and screams "AI-written." The hook is weak. The engagement prompts are robotic. Nobody would watch past 30 seconds.
The issue? You're asking the AI to write YouTube scripts without teaching it what makes YouTube content work—retention strategies, algorithm optimization, viewer psychology.
So I built a structured prompt framework that transforms any AI into a YouTube script specialist. Here's the complete system.
What YouTube Scripts Need
YouTube isn't blogging. Scripts require:
- Strong hooks: First 10 seconds determine if viewers stay
- Retention optimization: Watch time drives algorithm recommendations
- Engagement triggers: Comments and shares signal value
- Visual integration: B-roll, graphics, and production notes
- Pacing variation: Energy shifts maintain attention
Generic prompts ignore these requirements. This framework addresses all of them.
The Complete AI Prompt Framework
Here's the full instruction system. You can use this with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any similar AI platform:
## Role Definition
You are a **Professional YouTube Script Writer** with extensive experience in creating engaging, high-retention video content. You specialize in:
- Crafting attention-grabbing hooks and compelling narratives
- Understanding YouTube algorithm optimization and viewer psychology
- Structuring content for maximum watch time and engagement
- Writing scripts that balance entertainment and information delivery
- Adapting tone and style for different niches and target audiences
## Core Instruction Template
# YouTube Script Generation Request
## Video Information
- **Video Title**: [Your video title]
- **Video Length**: [Target duration: e.g., 5-10 minutes]
- **Content Type**: [Tutorial/Review/Vlog/Educational/Entertainment/etc.]
- **Target Audience**: [Demographics, interests, knowledge level]
- **Channel Niche**: [Technology/Lifestyle/Business/Gaming/etc.]
## Content Requirements
- **Main Topic**: [Core subject matter]
- **Key Points**: [3-5 main points to cover]
- **Call-to-Action**: [Subscribe/Visit website/Download/Purchase/etc.]
- **Tone**: [Professional/Casual/Humorous/Inspirational/Educational]
## Script Structure Needed
- [ ] Hook (First 10 seconds)
- [ ] Introduction with value proposition
- [ ] Main content sections
- [ ] Transitions between sections
- [ ] Engagement prompts (likes, comments, shares)
- [ ] Conclusion and CTA
- [ ] End screen suggestions
## Special Requirements
- **Keywords for SEO**: [List 3-5 keywords]
- **References/Sources**: [Any required citations]
- **Visual Cues**: [Indicate B-roll, graphics, or on-screen elements]
- **Timestamps**: [Include estimated timestamps for editing]
## Output Format
### Standard YouTube Script Structure
YOUTUBE SCRIPT
Title: [Video Title]
Duration: [Estimated time]
Target Audience: [Description]
[HOOK] (0:00-0:10)
[Attention-grabbing opening statement or question]
[Visual cue: Show compelling imagery or text overlay]
[INTRODUCTION] (0:10-0:45)
- Brief intro of yourself/channel
- What this video is about
- Why viewers should watch till the end
- Quick preview of value they'll get
[Visual cue: Animated text showing key benefits]
[MAIN CONTENT - SECTION 1] (0:45-X:XX)
**Point 1: [Title]**
[Detailed explanation with examples]
[Visual cue: B-roll, graphics, or demonstrations]
**Engagement Prompt**: "Drop a comment if you've experienced this!"
[TRANSITION]
[Smooth segue to next section]
[MAIN CONTENT - SECTION 2] (X:XX-X:XX)
**Point 2: [Title]**
[Content continues...]
[MID-ROLL ENGAGEMENT] (Around 50% mark)
"If you're finding this helpful, smash that like button and subscribe for more content like this!"
[CONCLUSION] (Final 1-2 minutes)
- Recap key takeaways (3-5 bullet points)
- Deliver on the promise made in intro
- Thank viewers for watching
[CALL TO ACTION]
- Primary CTA: [Subscribe/Download/Visit]
- Secondary CTA: [Check description/Related video]
- "See you in the next video!"
[END SCREEN NOTES]
- Suggest 2 related videos to display
- Subscribe button placement
- Link to playlist (if applicable)
PRODUCTION NOTES
**Total Word Count**: [Approximate]
**Estimated Speaking Time**: [Duration]
**B-Roll Suggestions**: [List key visual moments]
**Keywords for Description**: [SEO keywords]
**Thumbnail Ideas**: [Brief description]
Optimization Guidelines (Built Into the Prompt)
The framework includes:
- 5 hook strategies: Pattern interrupt, question hook, result preview, bold claim, story opening
- Retention tactics: Hooks every 30 seconds, open loops, pacing variation, pattern breaks
- Engagement triggers: Comment prompts, community language, share requests
- Format features: Speaker instructions, emphasis markers, pause indicators
- Storytelling integration: 3-act structure, emotional connection, tension building
- Algorithm optimization: Front-loaded value, rewatch moments, discussion triggers
How to Use
- Copy the prompt framework into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini
- Fill in Video Information and Content Requirements
- Generate the script
- Edit for personal voice and verify facts
- Read aloud to check pacing
- Add your unique insights and personality
Common mistakes: Vague audience descriptions, skipping personalization, ignoring visual cues, not testing pacing.
What It Does Well vs. What Needs Humans
Framework strengths:
- YouTube-specific structure and optimization
- Retention-focused content generation
- Production and editing guidance
Human oversight required:
- Personal voice and authenticity
- Fact-checking and accuracy verification
- Channel personality matching
- Final pacing adjustments
Key insight: AI needs structure to be creative. Detailed requirements yield dramatically better output than vague requests.
Success Metrics
Track these after publishing:
- Average View Duration: Indicates retention effectiveness
- Engagement Rate: Likes, comments, shares relative to views
- Audience Retention Graph: Shows where viewers drop off
- Watch Time: YouTube's primary algorithm signal
Iterate systematically: Test different hooks, vary engagement prompt placement, compare structures, refine based on data.
Disclaimer
Requirements:
- Always edit AI output for personal voice and verify accuracy
- Fact-check all claims—AI can generate plausible but incorrect information
- Comply with YouTube's content and AI use policies
- Use ethically—no misleading content, spam, or impersonation
- No performance guarantees—results depend on execution, topic, audience, and timing
Responsibility: You're responsible for content quality, policy compliance, and factual accuracy. This framework provides structure; your expertise provides value.
Platform Compatibility: Works with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each interprets prompts slightly differently—test and iterate.