35 ChatGPT Prompts That Help You Create Better Videos and Grow Faster
Copy-paste prompts for video ideas, click-worthy titles, scripts that keep viewers watching, SEO descriptions, and channel growth strategies. Less creator's block, more uploads.
Video Ideas & Content Strategy
Generate 30 Days of Video Ideas
I run a YouTube channel about [niche/topic]. My audience is [describe target viewer]. My best-performing videos are about [list top 3-5 topics]. Subscriber count: [number]. Upload frequency: [how often]. Generate 30 video ideas organized by: 10 "search" videos (topics people actively Google), 10 "suggested" videos (topics that ride trends or related videos), 10 "community" videos (topics that spark comments and shares). For each idea: video title (optimized for clicks AND search), the viewer's intent (why they'd click), estimated competition level (low/medium/high), and which of my existing videos it could link to. Flag the 5 ideas most likely to bring NEW subscribers vs engage existing ones.
Creates a balanced content calendar instead of random video ideas. The search/suggested/community split ensures you're growing from multiple traffic sources.
Pro tip: Batch-film the "search" videos first — they compound over time and bring subscribers for months. Trend videos have a short shelf life, so only film those when timing is right.
Find Your Next Viral Video Topic
My YouTube channel covers [niche]. My typical views: [number]. My best video got [number] views because [why you think it performed well]. Analyze what makes videos go viral in my niche and suggest 5 video concepts with high viral potential. For each: the specific angle that creates shareability, the emotional trigger (curiosity, surprise, controversy, aspiration, fear), a title/thumbnail combination that drives clicks, why this would outperform my typical content, the risk level (safe bet vs high risk/high reward), and a content structure that maximizes watch time. Don't suggest generic "top 10" lists — suggest concepts with a genuine hook.
Identifies the elements that create shareable content in your specific niche. The emotional trigger identification is what separates viral hits from average videos.
Pro tip: Viral videos still need a solid foundation. A clickbait title with mediocre content gets views but kills your channel long-term. The video must deliver on the title's promise.
Plan a Video Series That Keeps Viewers Coming Back
I want to create a recurring video series for my [niche] channel. My audience cares about [topics/problems]. Videos I've done that got high engagement (comments, likes, watch time): [List 3-5 examples] Design a series concept: series name and branding, episode format and structure (consistent across episodes), 12 episode ideas with titles, the hook that makes viewers want the next episode, how to structure each episode so it works standalone AND as part of the series, a "gateway" first episode designed to hook new viewers, and a release cadence recommendation. Consider what makes series work on YouTube: consistency, anticipation, and binge-ability.
Series increase subscriber loyalty and watch time because viewers come back for the next episode. This prompt designs a series with built-in binge-ability.
Pro tip: Announce the series in advance and commit to a schedule. "New episode every Tuesday" creates appointment viewing. Missing your schedule destroys the habit.
Analyze Why a Video Underperformed
My latest video underperformed. Help me diagnose why: Title: [title] Thumbnail: [describe it] Topic: [what the video was about] Length: [duration] Views in first 48 hours: [number] Average view duration: [time or percentage] Click-through rate: [if available] Typical performance: [your channel's baseline] Diagnose the likely problem: was it a title/thumbnail issue (low CTR = people didn't click)? A content issue (low retention = people clicked but left)? A topic issue (low impressions = YouTube didn't promote it)? Or a timing issue (uploaded at wrong time, too much competition)? For each possible issue, suggest specific fixes. Create an improved title and thumbnail concept. Suggest how to repurpose or update this video for a second chance.
Turns a failed video into a learning opportunity. The CTR vs retention vs impressions diagnosis pinpoints exactly which part of the video funnel broke.
Pro tip: Low impressions + low CTR = YouTube tested your video and it failed. Look at similar successful videos in your niche and study what their titles and thumbnails have that yours didn't.
Create a Content Calendar Aligned with Trends
Help me plan my YouTube content for the next [month/quarter]. Niche: [your niche] Upload schedule: [frequency] Upcoming events/seasons: [holidays, product launches, industry events, seasonal trends] Evergreen topics I haven't covered: [list them] Collaborations planned: [if any] Create a content calendar that: aligns videos with upcoming search trends and seasonal spikes, alternates between trending and evergreen content, spaces similar topics apart (don't bore subscribers), plans "event" videos to publish the day interest peaks, includes buffer videos for weeks when I'm busy or uninspired, and schedules community posts and Shorts around each video. For trend-dependent videos, suggest when to film and when to publish for maximum impact.
Plans your uploads around when people are actually searching for topics, not when you happen to think of them. Seasonal alignment can 2-5x views on the same topic.
Pro tip: Film seasonal content 2-3 weeks early. Publishing "Best Christmas Gifts" on December 1st instead of December 20th means you rank before the competition floods in.
Develop Your Channel's Unique Angle
I create content about [niche], but so do thousands of other channels. Help me find my unique angle. My background: [professional experience, unique knowledge, personality traits] What I do differently: [anything that sets you apart] Feedback from viewers: [what they say they like about your channel] Channels I admire: [list competitors or inspiration] What frustrates me about existing content in my niche: [what's missing or done poorly] Analyze the competitive landscape and suggest: 3 unique positioning options for my channel, a "channel promise" statement (what viewers get from me that they can't get elsewhere), content formats that play to my strengths, a visual/verbal brand identity that reinforces my positioning, and the specific audience segment I should own. For each positioning option, explain the upside potential and the trade-offs.
Finds the gap in the market that your channel can own. The "channel promise" becomes your decision filter for every future video.
Pro tip: The best positioning comes from the intersection of what you know, what you enjoy, and what your audience needs. Don't pick an angle you'll hate executing in 100 videos.
Titles & Thumbnails
Generate Click-Worthy Video Titles
My video is about [describe the video content in detail]. Target audience: [who]. The video's key takeaway: [what viewers learn or experience]. Generate 15 title options across these styles: curiosity gap (makes them need to know), direct value (exactly what they'll get), controversy or hot take (challenges assumptions), social proof (others have succeeded), and urgency/timeliness (why watch now). For each title: rate estimated CTR potential (1-10), note whether it's search-optimized or browse-optimized, flag if it risks feeling clickbaity, and confirm it's under 60 characters (visible on all devices). Recommend the top 3 and explain why they'd outperform the rest.
Generates titles across different psychological trigger styles so you can A/B test or choose the approach that fits your brand. The CTR rating helps you pick winners.
Pro tip: Put the most important word in the first 5 words. On mobile, titles get truncated — your hook must be visible even when cut short.
Design a Thumbnail Concept
I need a thumbnail for my video: "[video title]." The video is about [brief description]. My channel's visual style: [describe — colors, face or no face, text style]. Design 3 thumbnail concepts with: the main image/scene (what to show), facial expression and body language if including a face, text overlay (maximum 3-4 words), color scheme that pops against YouTube's white/dark backgrounds, visual hierarchy (what the eye sees first, second, third), and an A/B testing suggestion (one element to change between versions). For each concept: explain the emotional response it triggers and how it creates curiosity that the title alone doesn't. Also suggest what NOT to include (common thumbnail mistakes in my niche).
Creates thumbnails designed for emotional response and curiosity, not just to look pretty. The visual hierarchy ensures the key element is what viewers notice in a split-second scroll.
Pro tip: Zoom out your design and look at it at the size of a postage stamp. If you can't read the text or understand the image at that size, it won't work as a thumbnail.
A/B Test Your Titles with a Framework
I'm about to publish a video and want to choose between these title options: Option A: [title] Option B: [title] Option C: [title] Video content: [brief description] Target audience: [who] Channel size: [subscriber count] Primary traffic source: [search/suggested/browse] Analyze each title on: search keyword potential (will it rank?), emotional click trigger (why someone would click), specificity (does it set clear expectations?), competition (how many similar titles exist?), watch-time prediction (does the title attract the right audience who'll stay?), and brand consistency (does it fit my channel's voice?). Score each 1-10 on these criteria and recommend the winner. If none are great, suggest an improved version that combines the best elements.
Provides a data-driven framework for title selection instead of going with your gut. The watch-time prediction is especially valuable — clickbait titles attract the wrong audience.
Pro tip: Use YouTube's built-in A/B test feature if you have access. If not, publish with your best title and swap it after 48 hours if CTR is below your channel average.
Rewrite Underperforming Titles
These videos have good content but underperformed, likely due to weak titles: [List 5-10 video titles with their view counts and your typical view count] For each: diagnose what's wrong with the current title (too vague? no hook? wrong keywords? too long?), rewrite it with 3 alternatives, explain which psychological trigger each new title uses, and predict the view improvement. Also: identify any patterns in my weak titles (am I making the same mistake repeatedly?) and suggest a title formula I should follow for my niche.
Improves your back catalog by fixing the most common title mistake: describing what the video is about instead of why someone should watch it.
Pro tip: Updating titles and thumbnails on older videos is one of the highest-ROI activities on YouTube. A better title on an existing video costs zero production time and can double its views.
Create Title-Thumbnail Combinations That Work Together
My video is about [topic]. Create 5 title + thumbnail concept COMBINATIONS where the title and thumbnail work together (not just independently). The principles: the thumbnail shows something the title doesn't (and vice versa), together they create a curiosity loop that demands a click, the title adds context the thumbnail needs, and neither feels complete without the other. For each combination: Title: [title], Thumbnail: [visual description], Curiosity mechanism: [why someone NEEDS to click], What the viewer expects: [the promise being made], and How the video delivers: [how to fulfill the promise]. The title and thumbnail should never say the same thing — that wastes half your real estate.
Most creators design titles and thumbnails separately. The best performers design them as a system where each adds information the other doesn't.
Pro tip: Test by covering the title and looking at just the thumbnail. Does it make you curious? Now cover the thumbnail and read just the title. Does it add something new? Both should work independently AND be better together.
Optimize Titles for YouTube Search
I create videos in the [niche] space and want more search traffic. My current subscriber count: [number]. For my top 5 video topics: [List topics] For each topic: identify the best search keywords (what people actually type), show the search-optimized title (keyword near the front, under 60 chars), a browse-optimized alternative (for suggested/browse traffic), the search volume and competition assessment, related keywords to include in description and tags, and long-tail variations that smaller channels can rank for. Explain when to prioritize search titles vs browse titles based on my channel size. Include a strategy for ranking on competitive keywords as a smaller channel.
Creates search-optimized titles that bring consistent organic traffic. Smaller channels should prioritize long-tail keywords where they can actually rank.
Pro tip: Type your keyword into YouTube search and look at autocomplete suggestions. These are real searches people make — use them as title inspiration.
Scripting & Content Structure
Write a Video Script with Retention Hooks
Write a script for my [length]-minute video titled "[title]." The video covers [describe main content]. Audience: [who's watching and their knowledge level] Tone: [educational/entertaining/motivational/casual] Structure the script with: a hook that grabs attention in the first 5 seconds (no "hey guys, welcome back"), a preview of value ("by the end of this video, you'll know..."), content sections with retention hooks at each transition (questions, teasers, pattern interrupts), a storytelling framework (not just information delivery), specific moments to add b-roll, graphics, or visual changes, a strong call-to-action that doesn't feel forced, and timestamps for a [length]-minute video. Mark retention risk points where viewers typically drop off and include strategies to keep them watching.
Creates a script optimized for watch time — not just information delivery. The retention hooks at transitions prevent the drop-off that happens when viewers feel they've "got the point."
Pro tip: The first 30 seconds determine 50% of your retention. Don't waste them on introductions, logos, or "before we start..." — hook immediately, then introduce yourself.
Structure a Tutorial Video for Maximum Clarity
I'm making a tutorial video teaching [skill/process]. Audience knowledge level: [complete beginner/some experience/intermediate]. The process has [number] steps. Key points to cover: [List the main things you'll teach] Structure the tutorial: cold open showing the finished result (motivate them to watch), quickly address prerequisites (what they need before starting), break the process into clear, numbered steps, for each step: what to do, why it matters, common mistakes to avoid, add "checkpoint" moments where viewers can verify they're on track, include a troubleshooting section for common problems, and end with "next steps" (what to learn after this). Suggest visual aids (screen recordings, graphics, annotations) for each section.
Structures tutorials for learning, not just showing. The checkpoints and troubleshooting sections prevent viewers from getting lost and leaving frustrated.
Pro tip: Show the finished result in the first 10 seconds. If viewers can see what they'll be able to do by the end, they stay for the whole tutorial.
Create a "Talking Head" Script That Keeps Energy High
Write a talking-head script for a [length]-minute video about [topic]. This is just me talking to camera — no B-roll budget, no fancy editing. Tone: [conversational/authoritative/funny/passionate] Key points: [list 3-5 main arguments or takeaways] Write the script with: natural, conversational language (not essay-style), varied sentence lengths and rhythms (no monotone delivery), built-in vocal variety cues [SLOW DOWN], [PAUSE], [EMPHASIZE], rhetorical questions that re-engage the viewer, specific examples and stories (not abstract points), physical movement cues (lean in, gesture, stand up), and "pattern interrupt" moments every 60-90 seconds. Make it sound like I'm talking to a friend, not reading. Include a note about where I can improvise vs where I should stick to the script.
Makes talking-head videos engaging without production budget. The vocal cues and pattern interrupts prevent the "death by monologue" that kills solo videos.
Pro tip: Record the script once as a "rehearsal" and watch it back. Every moment where YOUR attention wanders is a moment you'll lose viewers. Tighten those sections.
Write a YouTube Short/Vertical Video Script
Write a script for a [30/60]-second YouTube Short about [topic]. The format: [tutorial/hot take/story/before-after/comparison/reaction]. The Short must: hook in the first 1 second (no build-up), deliver value incredibly fast, end with a loop or reason to rewatch, feel complete (not a teaser for a longer video), and work without sound (add text overlay notes). Write: the exact script word-by-word with timing notes, text overlays for each segment, visual direction (what to show), the hook sentence (most important — determines if they swipe past), and a caption that drives engagement (comments, shares). Also suggest 3 variations of the same content in different Short formats.
Shorts require a completely different scriptwriting approach — density over depth. The 1-second hook is critical because the swipe threshold is near-zero.
Pro tip: Film 3-5 Shorts in one session. The content is short but the setup takes time. Batch production makes Shorts actually worth the effort.
Write a Video Introduction That Prevents Clicks Away
Write 5 different opening scripts (first 30 seconds each) for my video titled "[title]" about [topic]. Each should use a different hook technique: 1. Bold claim: Start with a surprising statement 2. Story: Open with a relatable micro-story 3. Question: Ask a question that demands an answer 4. Demonstration: Show a result that makes them want to know how 5. Contrarian: Challenge something they believe For each opening: the exact script (word for word), visual direction for the first 5 seconds, where it connects to the main content, and the viewer emotion it triggers. Rate each opening on: attention-grab strength, relevance to the video content, and risk of misleading the viewer.
The introduction is where most viewers leave. Five different options let you pick the strongest hook for your specific video and audience.
Pro tip: Film all 5 openings and test them with a small audience (friends, Discord community) before publishing. The opening that gets the best reaction is your winner.
Structure a Long-Form Video for Maximum Watch Time
I'm making a [20-40+ minute] deep-dive video about [topic]. This is longer than my usual content and I'm worried about retention. Main sections: [List 4-7 sections of the video] Structure the video for maximum watch time: opening that sets stakes high enough for a long commitment, a "roadmap" that tells viewers what's coming (creates anticipation), section transitions that tease the next section (don't let them feel "done"), pacing variation (intense sections followed by lighter moments), strategic placement of the most compelling content (not all at the beginning), mid-video re-hook for viewers who drift (at the typical drop-off point), and a conclusion that feels worth the time investment. Create a retention timeline showing expected viewer attention at each point and your strategy for each phase.
Long-form videos need deliberate pacing architecture. The retention timeline helps you place your strongest content at the moments when viewers are most likely to leave.
Pro tip: Put a "mini-reveal" or interesting point at the 70% mark. This is where most long-form videos lose their remaining audience. A surprise at 70% carries them to the end.
YouTube SEO & Descriptions
Write an SEO-Optimized Video Description
Write a YouTube description for my video titled "[title]" about [topic]. Target keywords: [list primary and secondary keywords] Links to include: [website, social media, related videos] Timestamps: [list chapter markers if available] Create a description with: a strong first 2 lines (visible before "show more" — include primary keyword), a natural paragraph expanding on the video content (150-200 words with keywords), timestamps/chapters, relevant links organized clearly, 3-5 hashtags, a call-to-action (subscribe, comment prompt), and relevant keyword phrases naturally woven throughout. Do NOT keyword stuff — write for humans first, algorithm second. Also suggest: tags for the video and 3 community post ideas to promote it.
Writes descriptions that rank in YouTube search while being useful to actual viewers. The first 2 lines are critical — they're the only part visible in search results.
Pro tip: Include your primary keyword in the first sentence of the description. YouTube weights the beginning of the description more heavily for search ranking.
Research Keywords for Your Next Video
I'm planning a video about [topic] for my [niche] channel (subscriber count: [number]). Help me research keywords: suggest 10-15 relevant search terms viewers might use, categorize them by: high volume + high competition, high volume + low competition (sweet spot), low volume + low competition (easy wins for small channels). For each keyword: estimated monthly search volume, how difficult it would be for my channel size to rank, title suggestion optimized for this keyword, and related keywords to include in the description. Recommend which keyword I should target based on my channel size and competition level.
Finds the keywords your channel can actually rank for based on your size. Small channels chasing "how to make money online" waste time — this prompt finds achievable targets.
Pro tip: Use YouTube autocomplete as a validation tool. Type your keyword into YouTube search — if autocomplete suggests it, people are searching for it. If it doesn't appear, the volume may be too low.
Optimize an Existing Video for More Views
I have a video that's getting some traction and I want to maximize its potential: Current title: [title] Current views: [number] Current CTR: [if available] Current average view duration: [if available] Traffic source breakdown: [search/suggested/browse — if available] Suggest optimizations: improved title (if the current one is weak), updated description with better keywords, new thumbnail concept, end screen and card suggestions (link to which other videos?), community post to drive traffic to it, a pinned comment that boosts engagement, and a Short that promotes the long-form video. Prioritize optimizations by expected impact — what should I change first?
Squeezes more views out of existing content. This is higher ROI than making new videos because the content already exists — you're just improving its packaging.
Pro tip: Update the thumbnail first — it has the biggest impact on CTR. A new thumbnail can double views on an existing video within a week.
Create YouTube Chapters and Timestamps
My video titled "[title]" covers these topics in this order: [List each topic/section with approximate time] Create: formatted timestamps for the description (starting with 0:00), chapter titles that are both descriptive and intriguing (not just "Part 1, Part 2"), a "key moments" structure that YouTube can feature in search results, and a brief description for each chapter. Make chapter titles work as standalone hooks — someone scanning chapters should want to skip to the most interesting ones (which then hooks them into watching the whole video).
Well-structured chapters improve viewer experience and help YouTube surface your video in "key moments" search results. Chapter titles that work as hooks keep viewers jumping through the video instead of leaving.
Pro tip: Your first timestamp must be 0:00 or YouTube won't recognize the chapters. Each subsequent timestamp must be at least 10 seconds after the previous one.
Write Engagement-Driving Pinned Comments
My latest video is about [topic]. Title: "[title]." The video covers [brief summary]. Write 5 pinned comment options that: spark discussion (not just "great video?" but thought-provoking questions), encourage viewers to share their experience, create a sense of community, mention a specific point from the video (so it feels genuine, not generic), and include a subtle prompt to check out [another video/playlist]. For each comment, explain what type of engagement it's designed to generate (comments, likes, click-throughs) and which audience segment it targets.
Pinned comments are free engagement tools that most creators waste. A well-crafted question in the pinned comment can multiply comment count by 3-5x.
Pro tip: Ask a question that has a genuinely interesting range of answers. "Do you agree?" gets yes/no. "What's the worst example you've seen of [topic]?" gets stories.
Growth & Monetization Strategy
Create a Channel Growth Strategy
Help me create a 90-day growth plan for my YouTube channel. Current state: [subscribers, average views, upload frequency, niche] Goal: [specific target — subscribers, views, monetization threshold] Resources: [time per week, equipment, budget for ads/tools] Biggest challenge: [what's holding you back] Create a strategy covering: content pillars (what types of videos to prioritize), upload cadence optimization, collaboration opportunities in my niche, community building (comments, community posts, social media), Shorts strategy to accelerate subscriber growth, SEO improvements for existing content, month-by-month milestones, and metrics to track weekly. Include "quick wins" I can implement this week and "long-term plays" that compound over time. Be honest about realistic growth expectations for my channel size.
Creates a structured growth plan instead of the random "just post consistently" advice. The quick wins keep motivation high while long-term plays build sustainable growth.
Pro tip: Focus on one growth lever at a time. Trying to optimize titles, increase upload frequency, start Shorts, and do collaborations simultaneously means doing everything poorly.
Plan Collaborations That Grow Both Channels
I want to collaborate with other YouTubers to grow my [niche] channel ([subscriber count]). My strengths: [what I bring to a collab] Ideal collaborator: [size, niche, audience overlap] Collaboration types I'm open to: [guest appearances, joint videos, shoutouts, competitions] Help me: identify the ideal collaborator profile (channel size, niche proximity, audience overlap), create a pitch template for reaching out (not just "wanna collab?"), design 5 collaboration formats that benefit both channels, plan how to structure the collab so both audiences get value, suggest how to cross-promote before and after, and set up success metrics (subscribers gained, view count, engagement). Include: what to say, what to offer, and how to make it irresistible for the other creator.
Collaborations are the fastest growth hack on YouTube — if done right. This prompt creates pitches that get accepted by showing value for the other creator.
Pro tip: Collaborate with channels slightly larger than yours (2-5x your size). Same-size collabs share audience but don't grow either channel much. Much-larger channels rarely accept.
Monetize Beyond AdSense
My YouTube channel has [subscribers] subscribers and gets [monthly views] monthly views in the [niche] space. I currently earn [amount] from AdSense. Help me diversify revenue. My audience demographics: [age, interests, spending habits if known] Skills beyond YouTube: [consulting, writing, design, etc.] Existing assets: [email list, course, products, etc.] Suggest revenue streams ranked by: potential revenue, effort to implement, alignment with my content, and audience willingness to pay. Consider: digital products (courses, templates, ebooks), affiliate marketing (specific products for my niche), sponsorships (how to pitch, what to charge), memberships (what to offer at each tier), merchandise (what my audience would actually buy), consulting or services, and licensing or syndication. For each: estimate monthly revenue potential, initial setup effort, and ongoing maintenance. Give me a 6-month roadmap to implement the top 3.
Creates a diversified revenue strategy beyond the AdSense check. Most successful YouTubers earn 70%+ of income from non-AdSense sources.
Pro tip: Start with one additional revenue stream and perfect it before adding another. A well-executed affiliate strategy beats a half-baked course, sponsorship program, and membership combined.
Write a Sponsorship Pitch
I want to pitch [brand/company type] for a sponsorship on my YouTube channel. Channel stats: [subscribers, monthly views, average views per video, audience demographics, engagement rate] Niche: [your niche] Previous sponsors: [if any] Type of integration: [dedicated video, mention, product review, ongoing deal] Create: a pitch email that's concise and professional (under 250 words), a media kit outline with the metrics that matter to brands, 3 integration ideas showing how I'd feature their product naturally, pricing suggestions based on my channel size and engagement, negotiation strategy (what's negotiable vs non-negotiable), and a contract checklist (deliverables, timeline, usage rights, payment terms). Position the pitch around ROI for the brand, not just my channel stats.
Creates a professional sponsorship pitch that speaks the brand's language: ROI, audience alignment, and creative integration — not just "I have X subscribers."
Pro tip: Brands care about audience fit more than channel size. A 10K channel in a specific niche often gets better sponsorship rates than a 100K general channel because the audience is targeted.
Build an Email List from YouTube
I want to build an email list from my YouTube audience of [subscribers] in [niche]. Currently I have [number] email subscribers (or none). Help me: design a lead magnet that my YouTube audience would actually want (not just "subscribe to my newsletter"), create a funnel: video → lead magnet → email list → [goal], write the in-video call-to-action script (natural, not salesy), design the landing page copy for the lead magnet, plan an email welcome sequence (3-5 emails), and suggest how to mention the lead magnet without being annoying across multiple videos. Include: where to host the landing page, what email tool to use for my size, and realistic conversion rate expectations.
An email list is the asset YouTube can't take away. This prompt builds a natural funnel from your videos to an owned audience you control.
Pro tip: Offer something genuinely useful, not just "exclusive content." A template, checklist, or mini-course related to your best video converts better than vague newsletter promises.
Production & Workflow
Create a Video Production Workflow
Help me create an efficient production workflow for my YouTube channel. Current situation: Upload goal: [videos per week] Time available: [hours per week for YouTube] Content type: [talking head/tutorials/vlogs/etc.] Equipment: [what you have] Editing: [self-edit/editor/AI tools] Biggest time sink: [what takes longest] Design a workflow that: breaks production into batched phases (research → script → film → edit → publish), creates templates for repeatable elements (intro, outro, description, thumbnails), identifies tasks to batch (film multiple videos in one session), suggests what to outsource or automate first, includes quality checkpoints before publishing, and fits within my available time. Create a per-video checklist and a weekly schedule template. Estimate time per phase so I can identify bottlenecks.
Turns video creation from a chaotic all-day process into a structured workflow with clear phases. Batching alone can double your output without increasing hours.
Pro tip: Batch your filming days. Set up lighting and camera once, change your shirt between videos, and film 3-4 videos in one session. This alone saves 3-4 hours per week.
Repurpose a Long Video into Multiple Pieces
I have a [length]-minute YouTube video about [topic] that performed well ([views] views). Help me repurpose it into maximum content: Extract: 3-5 YouTube Shorts (identify the best 30-60 second clips and write hooks for each), a blog post version (outline with key points), 5-10 social media posts (Twitter/X threads, Instagram carousels, LinkedIn posts), a podcast episode script (what to add for audio-only audience), an email newsletter edition, and a community post for YouTube. For each piece: identify the specific clip or section to use, write the adapted script/copy for that platform, and suggest the best time to publish relative to the original video. Create a publishing schedule that maximizes the original video's impact across platforms.
One great video becomes 15-20 pieces of content across platforms. This prompt identifies the best moments and adapts them for each platform's format.
Pro tip: Post the Shorts 2-3 days after the long-form video. Shorts viewers who want more depth click through to the full video — it's a traffic flywheel.
Write a Creative Brief for Your Editor
I need to give my editor clear instructions for my video about [topic]. Video length target: [minutes] Editing style: [fast-paced/documentary/calm/comedic] Reference videos: [links or descriptions of the edit style I want] Create an editing brief that includes: overall pacing and energy level, specific transitions and effects to use (and avoid), where to add text overlays, graphics, or memes, music mood and placement, b-roll suggestions for each section, sections to tighten (cut pauses, ums, tangents), sections to emphasize (slow down, add effects), thumbnail moment to capture, and export settings. Write it clearly enough that the editor doesn't need to ask clarifying questions.
A clear creative brief saves revision rounds with your editor. Most "bad edits" are actually bad briefs — the editor didn't know what you wanted.
Pro tip: Include 2-3 reference videos showing the exact style you want. Visual references communicate editing style 10x better than written descriptions.
Plan Your Recording Setup for Maximum Quality
I want to improve my video quality without a huge budget. Current setup: Camera: [what you use] Microphone: [what you use] Lighting: [what you use] Recording space: [describe your room/studio] Budget for upgrades: [amount] Biggest quality complaint: [what bothers you about current videos] Prioritize improvements by impact: what to upgrade first, second, third (rank by: audio > lighting > camera > background), specific product recommendations at my budget, free improvements I can make right now (room treatment, camera position, lighting angle), settings optimization for my current equipment, and a "studio setup" diagram for my recording space. Explain WHY each improvement matters (what viewers notice, what affects the algorithm, what's just creator ego).
Prioritizes quality improvements by actual viewer impact. Most creators buy a better camera when they need better audio — this prompt corrects that.
Pro tip: Upgrade audio first, always. Viewers will watch a low-res video with great audio but immediately leave a 4K video with bad audio. A $50 microphone upgrade beats a $500 camera upgrade.
Overcome Creator Burnout and Stay Consistent
I'm experiencing YouTube burnout. Symptoms: [Describe: not wanting to film, comparing to others, feeling like content isn't good enough, exhausted by the algorithm, losing passion for the topic, etc.] Channel: [niche, subscribers, upload frequency] How long I've been creating: [time] What used to excite me: [what originally motivated you] Help me: identify the specific causes of MY burnout (not generic advice), create a sustainable upload schedule I can maintain long-term, redesign my workflow to reduce the exhausting parts, find ways to reconnect with the creative joy, set realistic expectations vs algorithm pressure, decide what to delegate, simplify, or stop doing, and plan a "creative reset" without losing momentum. Be honest about what expectations are unrealistic for my channel size. Don't suggest "just take a break" without a plan for coming back.
Addresses creator burnout with a structured recovery plan instead of generic "take care of yourself" advice. The workflow redesign targets the specific activities causing exhaustion.
Pro tip: The creators who last decades are the ones who find sustainable pace, not the ones who sprint and crash. Two good videos a month beats four mediocre ones from exhaustion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to go deeper?
These prompts are just the beginning. Learn the full workflow with step-by-step video courses on our academy.