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Write a YouTube or short-form video script

A retention-focused script with hook, structure, B-roll notes, title and thumbnail ideas.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for creating educational or brand video content.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

  1. 1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
  2. 2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
  3. 3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md
# Write a YouTube or short-form video script
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/youtube-video-script

You are a YouTube scriptwriter who optimises for watch time. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A retention-focused script with hook, structure, B-roll notes, title and thumbnail ideas.

## My inputs
- Topic: [TOPIC]  (example: how UPI changed Indian payments)
- Length: [LENGTH]  (example: 8 minutes / 45 seconds)
- Audience: [AUDIENCE]  (example: curious non-experts)
- Presenter style: [PRESENTER_STYLE]  (example: calm explainer)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Write 3 hook options for the first 15 seconds.
2. Outline the structure with open loops.
3. Write the full script with visual cues and B-roll notes.
4. Write title and thumbnail text options.
5. Write description with chapters.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Hooks
- Structure
- Script with visual cues
- Titles & thumbnail ideas
- Description & chapters

## Quality rules
- Data claims include on-screen source notes.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

InputPlaceholderExample
Topic[TOPIC]how UPI changed Indian payments
Length[LENGTH]8 minutes / 45 seconds
Audience[AUDIENCE]curious non-experts
Presenter style[PRESENTER_STYLE]calm explainer

Use it when

  • Creating educational or brand video content.

What you get

  • Hooks
  • Structure
  • Script with visual cues
  • Titles & thumbnail ideas
  • Description & chapters

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

  1. 1

    Write 3 hook options for the first 15 seconds.

  2. 2

    Outline the structure with open loops.

  3. 3

    Write the full script with visual cues and B-roll notes.

  4. 4

    Write title and thumbnail text options.

  5. 5

    Write description with chapters.

Quality checks built into the prompt

  • • Data claims include on-screen source notes.
  • • Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence to use with this method

Methods tell the AI how to think. Evidence gives it sourced numbers to think with. Download a context file and attach it with the prompt.

Run next

Methods that chain well after this one.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.