---
name: youtube-creator
description: |
  End-to-end YouTube channel strategy from niche selection through scripting, production, SEO optimization, analytics interpretation, and monetization milestone planning for sustainable channel growth. Use when the user asks about youtube creator or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "youtube social-media marketing content-marketing"
  category: "marketing-sales"
  subcategory: "seo-growth"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Youtube Creator

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to youtube creator.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on youtube creator
- User asks about youtube creator best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to youtube creator

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of youtube creator

## Questions to Ask First

Before building any YouTube strategy, clarify these fundamentals:

1. What is your primary goal? (Revenue, authority, lead generation, creative expression, community)
2. What niche or topic area are you considering? Do you have existing expertise or audience?
3. What is your current equipment situation? (Phone only, basic camera, full setup)
4. How many hours per week can you realistically dedicate to YouTube?
5. Are you comfortable on camera, or do you prefer voiceover/screencast formats?
6. What is your monetization timeline expectation? (6 months, 1 year, 2+ years)
7. Do you have existing content (blog, podcast, courses) to repurpose?
8. Who is your target viewer? Age, interests, problems they need solved?
9. What channels in your space do you admire? What do they do well?
10. Are you building a personal brand channel or a faceless/brand channel?

## Niche Selection Framework

### The Niche Viability Matrix

Score each potential niche 1-5 on these dimensions:

| Dimension | Question | Weight |
|-----------|----------|--------|
| Passion | Can you make 500 videos on this? | 3x |
| Expertise | Do you know more than 80% of viewers? | 2x |
| Search Demand | Are people searching for this? | 3x |
| Competition Gap | Can you offer something others don't? | 2x |
| Monetization | Will this audience spend money? | 2x |
| Evergreen Potential | Will videos get views in 2 years? | 1x |

A score above 50 (out of 65) indicates a strong niche. Below 35, reconsider.

### Niche Validation Process

1. Search your topic on YouTube - are there channels with 10K-100K subs? (Good - proves demand without oversaturation)
2. Check Google Trends for upward or stable trajectory
3. Use TubeBuddy or vidIQ to assess keyword competition
4. Identify 3-5 sub-niches you could own (e.g., not "cooking" but "30-minute weeknight meals for families")
5. Create 10 video title ideas in 15 minutes - if you struggle, the niche may be too narrow

## Scripting: The Hook-Body-CTA Framework

### The Hook (First 30 Seconds)

The hook determines whether viewers stay or click away. Average retention drop in the first 30 seconds is 30-40%. Your hook must fight this.

**Hook Types:**

1. **Problem-Agitation**: "You're losing subscribers every day and you don't even know why."
2. **Curiosity Gap**: "I tested every thumbnail style for 90 days. The results surprised me."
3. **Contrarian**: "Everything you've been told about YouTube SEO is wrong."
4. **Result-First**: "This strategy took my channel from 200 to 50,000 subscribers in 6 months."
5. **Story Open**: "Last Tuesday, I got an email from YouTube that changed everything."

**Hook Structure Template:**
```
[Pattern Interrupt - unexpected statement or visual]
[Problem/Promise - what the viewer will get]
[Credibility - why you're the one to deliver]
[Transition - bridge to body content]
```

### The Body (Middle 70-80%)

**Structure Options:**

- **Listicle**: "7 ways to..." - easiest to script, good for beginners
- **Tutorial**: Step-by-step process - high search value
- **Story-Lesson**: Narrative arc with takeaways - highest retention
- **Comparison**: A vs B with clear verdict - strong for search
- **Case Study**: Deep analysis of one example - builds authority

**Retention Techniques Within the Body:**
- Open loops: "I'll show you the exact tool in step 4"
- Pattern interrupts every 60-90 seconds (B-roll, graphic, angle change)
- Micro-hooks at each section transition
- "But here's where it gets interesting..." bridges
- Visual variety: talking head, screen share, B-roll, text overlay

### The CTA (Final 30-60 Seconds)

Layer your CTAs - never just say "like and subscribe":

```
Primary CTA:   Watch the next video (keeps session time high)
Secondary CTA: Subscribe with bell notification
Tertiary CTA:  Comment with specific prompt (drives engagement)
Passive CTA:   Link in description (lead magnet, product)
```

## Thumbnail Design Principles

### The 3-Second Test

Your thumbnail must communicate the video's promise in under 3 seconds at mobile size (small rectangle).

### Thumbnail Formula

**Elements that work:**
1. **Face with emotion** - exaggerated expression, 60%+ of frame
2. **Contrast** - bright colors against dark, or vice versa
3. **Text** - 3-5 words maximum, large font, contrasting color
4. **Context clue** - one object or prop that tells the story
5. **Before/After** - split frame showing transformation

**Elements to avoid:**
- More than 7 words of text
- Small, detailed images
- Cluttered compositions
- Low contrast color schemes
- Generic stock photo aesthetics

### Thumbnail Testing Workflow

1. Create 2-3 thumbnail variants before publishing
2. Upload the strongest option
3. After 48 hours, check CTR in analytics
4. If CTR is below 4%, swap to variant B
5. Test for another 48 hours
6. Document what works for your audience over time

## SEO: Title, Description, and Tags

### Title Optimization

**Title Formulas That Drive Clicks:**
```
[Number] [Adjective] [Topic] That [Benefit]
  "7 Simple Editing Tricks That Make Videos Look Professional"

How to [Achieve Result] [Timeframe/Qualifier]
  "How to Edit YouTube Videos in Under 30 Minutes"

I [Did Something] for [Timeframe] - Here's What Happened
  "I Posted Every Day for 90 Days - Here's What Happened"

[Topic]: [Specific Angle]
  "YouTube Analytics: The Only 3 Numbers That Actually Matter"

Why [Common Belief] Is Wrong (And What to Do Instead)
  "Why Posting Daily Is Wrong (And What to Do Instead)"
```

**Title Rules:**
- Front-load the keyword (first 5 words)
- Keep under 60 characters for full display
- Include a power word (secret, proven, ultimate, exact)
- Create information gap between title and thumbnail

### Description Optimization

```
First 2 lines: Keyword-rich summary (visible before "Show More")
Line 3-5: What the viewer will learn
Line 6-10: Timestamps/chapters
Line 11-15: Links (lead magnet, tools mentioned, social)
Line 16-20: Related videos on your channel
Final lines: Hashtags (3-5 maximum), boilerplate about channel
```

### Tags Strategy

Tags have diminished in importance but still matter:
1. First tag: exact target keyword
2. Tags 2-3: keyword variations
3. Tags 4-6: broader topic tags
4. Tags 7-10: channel-level tags (your name, brand)

## Analytics Interpretation

### Key Metrics and What They Mean

| Metric | Healthy Range | What It Tells You |
|--------|--------------|-------------------|
| CTR (Click-Through Rate) | 4-10% | Thumbnail + title effectiveness |
| AVD (Average View Duration) | 40-60% of length | Content quality and pacing |
| Impressions | Trending up | Algorithm reach |
| Subscriber conversion | 1-3% per video | Channel value proposition |
| Returning viewers | 20-30% | Community strength |
| Traffic sources | Balanced mix | Discovery health |

### The Analytics Review Workflow (Weekly)

1. **Monday**: Check top-performing video from last week - what made it work?
2. **Compare**: CTR and AVD against your channel average
3. **Traffic Sources**: Is search growing? Are suggested videos increasing?
4. **Audience Tab**: When are your viewers online? (schedule accordingly)
5. **Revenue Tab**: RPM trends, which videos earn most per view
6. **Action Item**: One specific change for next week based on data

### Reading Audience Retention Graphs

- **Steep drop at 0:30**: Hook is weak, rework your opening formula
- **Gradual decline**: Normal, aim for flat sections
- **Spikes**: Viewers rewatching - use more of whatever caused the spike
- **Cliff drops mid-video**: Cut that segment type from future videos
- **Flat line at end**: Strong content, viewers watch to completion

## Monetization Milestones

### Phase 1: Foundation (0-1,000 Subscribers)

- **Revenue**: $0 from YouTube directly
- **Focus**: Content quality, finding your voice, building library
- **Side revenue**: Affiliate links in descriptions ($50-200/month possible)
- **Milestone targets**: 50 videos published, identify top 3 performing formats

### Phase 2: Partner Program (1,000 Subs + 4,000 Watch Hours)

- **Revenue**: $100-500/month from AdSense (varies wildly by niche)
- **Focus**: Consistency, SEO optimization, thumbnail improvement
- **New revenue**: Channel memberships, Super Chat, merch shelf
- **CPM ranges by niche**: Finance $15-30, Tech $8-15, Lifestyle $3-8, Gaming $2-6

### Phase 3: Growth (10,000+ Subscribers)

- **Revenue**: $1,000-5,000/month blended
- **Focus**: Brand deals, own products, community building
- **Sponsorship rates**: Roughly $20-50 per 1,000 views for mid-tier creators
- **Product opportunities**: Courses, templates, coaching

### Phase 4: Scale (100,000+ Subscribers)

- **Revenue**: $10,000-50,000+/month
- **Focus**: Team building, systems, diversification
- **Typical revenue split**: 30% AdSense, 30% sponsorships, 40% own products
- **Team needs**: Editor, thumbnail designer, social media manager

## Equipment Tiers

### Tier 1: Starter ($0-200)
- Camera: Smartphone (iPhone or recent Android)
- Audio: Lapel mic ($20-40)
- Lighting: Window light + $20 ring light
- Editing: DaVinci Resolve (free) or CapCut
- Result: Perfectly adequate for starting. Content matters more than gear.

### Tier 2: Intermediate ($500-1,500)
- Camera: Sony ZV-1 or Canon M50 Mark II
- Audio: Rode PodMic or Blue Yeti
- Lighting: 2-point LED panel setup
- Editing: DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere
- Teleprompter app: BigVu or PromptSmart

### Tier 3: Professional ($3,000-8,000)
- Camera: Sony A7IV or Canon R6 II
- Lens: 24-70mm f/2.8 or 35mm f/1.4
- Audio: Shure SM7B + Focusrite Scarlett interface
- Lighting: 3-point Aputure setup
- Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro + After Effects
- Acoustic treatment for recording space

## Upload Schedule Strategy

### Optimal Posting Frequency by Channel Size

- **0-1K subs**: 2-3x/week (build library fast, find what works)
- **1K-10K**: 1-2x/week (quality over quantity, optimize per video)
- **10K-100K**: 1-2x/week (consistency is key, add Shorts)
- **100K+**: Quality-driven schedule, delegate editing

### Scheduling Framework

```
Monday:    Research + outline for Video A
Tuesday:   Script Video A, design thumbnail
Wednesday: Film Video A
Thursday:  Edit Video A, schedule upload for Saturday
Friday:    Research + outline Video B
Saturday:  Video A goes live - engage comments for 2 hours
Sunday:    Batch film B-roll, create Shorts from last week's video
```

### Best Upload Times (General Guidelines)

- Publish 2-3 hours before your audience's peak activity
- Check your Analytics > Audience > "When your viewers are on YouTube"
- Typically: Weekdays 2-4 PM EST, Weekends 9-11 AM EST
- Consistency matters more than optimal timing

## Community Tab Strategy

### Post Types That Drive Engagement

1. **Polls**: Ask audience what video to make next (boosts investment)
2. **Behind-the-scenes**: Photos from filming, workspace, process
3. **Quick tips**: Single valuable insight, no video required
4. **Engagement bait**: "Wrong answers only" or "Rate my setup"
5. **Announcements**: Upload schedule, milestones, collaborations

### Community Tab Cadence

Post 2-4 times per week between uploads. This keeps your channel active in subscriber feeds even on non-upload days. Community posts that generate comments signal to the algorithm that your audience is engaged.

## Growth Accelerators

### Collaboration Strategy
1. Find creators at similar subscriber count (0.5x to 2x your size)
2. Propose mutual value (not "let's do a collab" but "here's a video idea that serves both our audiences")
3. Structure: appear on their channel, they appear on yours
4. Cross-pollinate audiences with genuine recommendations

### YouTube Shorts Strategy
- Repurpose long-form highlights into 30-60 second Shorts
- Use Shorts as a funnel to long-form content
- Different algorithm - Shorts can explode independently
- Include verbal CTA: "Full breakdown on my channel"
- Post 3-5 Shorts per week alongside 1-2 long-form videos

### Search vs Browse Content Mix
- **Search content** (40%): Tutorial, how-to, review - steady baseline views
- **Browse content** (40%): Trending topics, opinion, story - viral potential
- **Community content** (20%): Q&A, behind-scenes - loyalty building

## Common Pitfalls

1. **Perfectionism paralysis**: Your first 50 videos will not be great. Ship anyway.
2. **Comparing to established creators**: They have teams and years of practice.
3. **Ignoring analytics**: Data tells you what your audience wants. Listen.
4. **Inconsistent uploads**: The algorithm rewards predictable publishing.
5. **Neglecting audio**: Viewers tolerate bad video but not bad audio.
6. **No clear value proposition**: Every video must answer "why should I watch this?"
7. **Trying to appeal to everyone**: Narrow audience = stronger community.
8. **Burning out on daily uploads**: Sustainable pace beats sprint-and-crash.


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Youtube Creator deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with youtube creator for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete youtube creator framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.
