Best prompts for YouTube

AI prompts for YouTube: research a video angle, write a spoken script with timed beats, then get titles plus a description ready to paste.

A YouTube video usually fails in the click or in the first half minute. These prompts split those jobs. Use the ideas prompt when the topic is still a pile of tabs. Write with the script prompt once you know the promise. Pack the upload with titles and description last. The Shorts prompt turns the same idea into a 30-second cut.

8 prompts

AI prompt to find YouTube video ideas

Start here if you do not know what to film this week. Lock an idea you can shoot with the gear you have.

Prompt

Act as a YouTube producer who picks videos a small channel can actually film this week. Goal: Propose video ideas for [CHANNEL NICHE OR TOPIC] that I can shoot with what I already have. Context: - Channel name and niche: [CHANNEL NICHE] - Who watches: [VIEWER AND WHY THEY CLICK] - Videos I already published: [TITLES OR "NEW CHANNEL"] - Format I can film: [TALKING HEAD, SCREEN RECORDING, TUTORIAL, VLOG, REVIEW, OR SKIT] - Time I have to film and edit: [HOURS] - Length I usually publish: [MINUTES] - Goal for the next video: [SEARCH TRAFFIC, RETURN VIEWERS, OR SUBSCRIBERS] - Gear and locations: [PHONE, MIC, DESK, KITCHEN, OR OTHER] - Proof I can show: [DEMOS, RESULTS I OWN, SCREENSHOTS, OR NONE] - Topics I will not cover: [AVOID] Success criteria: - Ideas fit [FORMAT I CAN FILM] and [TIME I HAVE] - Do not invent view counts or subscriber numbers. Do not promise that a video will rank - Separate a search-led idea from a browse-led idea - If you name a competing video, mark UNVERIFIED unless you looked it up - Each idea states what I film on day one Instructions: 1. Restate the channel in one sentence. Name the viewer job the next video should finish. 2. Give 8 search phrases I should run before I lock a topic. For [GOAL FOR THE NEXT VIDEO], say whether I should chase a how-to query or a curiosity click. 3. Propose 6 video ideas. For each include: - Working title - Search or browse (pick one) - Why this viewer would click - What I film with [GEAR AND LOCATIONS] - The one promise the video must keep - A risk if the idea is too wide or I lack the proof 4. Pick one idea as "film this week." Say why the others wait. 5. For the picked idea, list 5 questions I still need to answer before I write the script. 6. End with a "Before you film" check: three things to verify with search or by watching two recent videos on the same promise. Output format: Return sections 1 through 6 in order. Use the numbered headings exactly as above. Style rules: - Write like a producer on a deadline - Prefer a narrow video I can finish this week - If my niche and gear conflict, say so and shrink the idea

How to use

Fill gear and time first. Those two fields kill ideas that need a crew.
Paste two titles from your channel in a follow-up and ask which idea continues a series without repeating them.
After the first pass, pick one idea and ask "What would make a returning viewer skip this?"

Tips

Treat any named video as a lead. Watch it before you claim a gap.
If all six ideas need new gear, the prompt did not read [GEAR AND LOCATIONS].
A new channel should pick the idea you can film twice. First cut is usually the practice cut.

For best results, give your AI access to:web search

Example output

Section 1 (abbreviated)

Channel: weeknight cooking for one person with a single pan.
Viewer job: get dinner on a plate in 20 minutes without a leftover mountain.

Section 3 (excerpt)

Working title: One-pan gnocchi when you only have a bag of frozen peas
Search or browse: search
Why they click: they already bought the gnocchi and need the method tonight
What you film: phone over the stove, one pan, frozen peas, jarred pesto
Promise: plated food in 15 minutes of active time
Risk: looks like every pesto-gnocchi video unless you show the water-off trick

Section 4
Film this week: the gnocchi video. You named the groceries. The others need a shop run.

AI prompt to write a YouTube video script

After the promise is locked. Paste the topic and a length. Get spoken lines you can read on camera.

Prompt

Act as a YouTube script editor who writes for the ear. Goal: Write a film-ready YouTube script for [VIDEO TOPIC OR WORKING TITLE]. Context: - Channel and niche: [CHANNEL NICHE] - Viewer: [WHO CLICKS AND WHAT THEY WANT DONE] - Video length: [MINUTES, e.g. 10 MINUTES] - Format (pick one): [TALKING HEAD, SCREEN RECORDING, TUTORIAL, REVIEW, STORY, OR HYBRID] - Promise in the title: [THE CLICK PROMISE] - Proof I can show: [DEMOS, STEPS, SCREENSHOTS, RESULTS I OWN, OR NONE] - Must include: [PRODUCT, LINK, DISCLAIMER, OR CTA] - Must avoid: [CLAIMS, TOPICS, OR PHRASES TO SKIP] - Tone: [DRY, WARM, BLUNT, OR PASTE A SHORT SAMPLE] Success criteria: - Hook holds for the first 20 to 30 seconds without a subscribe ask - Every spoken line fits [VIDEO LENGTH] at a calm talking pace - One promise. No second video stuffed into the middle - Pattern break every 30 to 45 seconds. Use a cut or a demo so the picture changes - Spoken language. Short sentences. Sounds like a person talking to one viewer - On-screen text adds a number or a step the voice skips - Do not invent results, view counts, or testimonials unless I put them in [MUST INCLUDE] Instructions: 1. Name the hook type (open loop, bold claim, demo first, or relatable miss). Say why in one sentence. 2. Write 3 cold-open options for the first 20 seconds. Each under 45 words. 3. Pick the strongest open and write the full spoken script with timestamps every 20 to 30 seconds through [VIDEO LENGTH]. Mark spoken lines, on-screen text, and B-roll on separate lines. 4. Add chapter headings that match the beats. Keep each chapter title under 40 characters. 5. Write one mid-video CTA after the first payoff (subscribe only if it helps the next step). Write one end-screen CTA with two video ideas to link. 6. Add a "Before you film" checklist: words to cut if I stumble, props to set, and one shot I should film twice. Output format: Return sections 1 through 6 in order. Use the numbered headings exactly as above. Style rules: - Write for speaking out loud. If a sentence is hard to say, split it - No fake urgency and no "smash that like" - If [VIDEO LENGTH] is under 8 minutes, skip the mid-roll story - If proof is NONE, do not fake a case. Teach the method only

How to use

Lock length before you paste the topic. Scripts grow when the clock is vague.
If you already have an outline, paste it under [PROOF I CAN SHOW] and ask the model to keep those beats.
Run a second pass with "cut 90 seconds" or "open with cold-open option 2."

Tips

Read the hook out loud twice. Cut any word you trip on.
If the middle sags, ask for one extra demo beat.
Film the open three times. YouTube keeps people on the first half minute.

Example output

Section 1 (abbreviated)

Hook type: demo first. The click promise is dinner in one pan, so the pan should be on the heat before you introduce yourself.

Section 2 (excerpt)

- "Frozen gnocchi. Frozen peas. One pan. If this sticks, leftover water is usually why."
- "I used to boil gnocchi in a pot I then had to wash. You can skip that pot."
- "This is the 15-minute version. No extra pot. No leftover lake of pasta water."

Section 3 (excerpt)

0:00-0:20 HOOK
Spoken: "Frozen gnocchi. Frozen peas. One pan. If this sticks, leftover water is usually why."
On-screen: ONE PAN / 15 MIN
B-roll: dry pan on the burner, bag of gnocchi hitting the pan

0:20-0:50
Spoken: "Most packs say boil first. That is extra dishes. We start them in a thin film of water and let them steam, then fry."
On-screen: SKIP THE POT
B-roll: splash of water, lid on

AI prompt for YouTube titles and descriptions

Right before upload. Titles, thumbnail text, description, tags, and a pinned comment from the script you already have.

Prompt

Act as a YouTube packager. Your job is the click and the first two description lines. Goal: Write titles, thumbnail text, and upload copy for [VIDEO TOPIC OR WORKING TITLE]. Context: - Channel and niche: [CHANNEL NICHE] - Viewer: [WHO SEES THIS IN SEARCH OR BROWSE] - How they find it: [SEARCH, BROWSE, SUGGESTED, OR UNSURE] - Promise the video keeps: [WHAT THEY CAN DO AFTER WATCHING] - Script or outline (paste): [SCRIPT OR BEATS] - Length: [MINUTES] - Words I will print on the thumbnail: [MAX 5 WORDS I CAN SET IN LARGE TYPE] - Must include in the description: [LINKS, DISCLAIMER, OR TIMESTAMPS I ALREADY HAVE] - Tone of titles: [PLAIN, CURIOUS, OR SPECIFIC NUMBER] Success criteria: - Titles stay under 70 characters. Prefer under 60 - Thumbnail text is 3 to 5 words. Readable on a phone - First two description lines state the promise. They must make sense with the title cut off - Do not invent view counts, rankings, or "viral" claims - Do not invent links. Use only what I put in [MUST INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION] - Chapters match beats I actually pasted. If the paste has no times, give chapter titles only and mark times as UNVERIFIED Instructions: 1. Say whether this upload is search-led or browse-led in one sentence. Name the query or the curiosity gap. 2. Write 8 title options. For each, give the character count and one line on why it matches [HOW THEY FIND IT]. 3. Pick 3 titles as a shortlist. For each, write 2 thumbnail-text options (3 to 5 words) plus a visual note (object, face, before/after, or big number). 4. Write the description: - Lines 1-2 (the part that shows before "more") - Body of 80 to 150 words that keeps the promise and names who it is for - Chapter list - Hashtags: 3 to 5, mix of niche and broad - A links block that only repeats what I supplied 5. Write 12 tags. Put the exact-match phrase first if the video targets search. 6. Write a pinned comment (under 200 characters) that asks one useful question or points to a chapter. 7. Suggest 2 end-screen video ideas I can link if I have them, plus one line for the subscribe card. Output format: Return sections 1 through 7 in order. Use the numbered headings exactly as above. Style rules: - No all-caps titles except one short word - No "you won't believe" and no fake year-in-review bait - If the script is thin, say what fact is missing before you write clever titles

How to use

Paste the spoken script if you have it. An outline works. A one-line topic makes the titles generic.
Tell it how people will find the video. Search titles and browse titles are different jobs.
Ask for a second pass that only rewrites the first two description lines.

Tips

Test two thumbnail texts on the same take. YouTube lets you run that as a test if the channel is eligible.
If every title needs a number you did not film, the script is missing the proof.
Write the first two description lines last. They should still work if the title is truncated.

For best results, give your AI access to:file uploads

Example output

Section 1 (abbreviated)

Search-led. Query: one pan gnocchi with frozen peas.

Section 2 (excerpt)

- One-Pan Gnocchi With Frozen Peas (15 Min) (42)
- Skip the Pot: Frozen Gnocchi in One Pan (41)
- Frozen Gnocchi Dinner When You Have Nothing Fresh (52)

Section 4 (excerpt)

Lines 1-2: One pan. Frozen gnocchi. Frozen peas. Fifteen minutes of active time and one pot you do not wash.

Chapters:
0:00 Why you skip the extra pot
0:50 Start with water
4:10 Peas and pesto
8:20 Plate and leftovers

AI prompt to write a viral TikTok video script

When the same idea should also live as a Short. Different clock. Different first two seconds.

Prompt

Act as a short-form video writer who knows how TikTok pacing works. Goal: Write a film-ready TikTok script for [TOPIC OR IDEA]. Context: - Audience: [WHO SHOULD STOP SCROLLING AND WHY] - Video length: [15 SECONDS, 30 SECONDS, 60 SECONDS, OR 90 SECONDS] - Format (pick one): [TALKING HEAD, POV, STORYTIME, TUTORIAL, LIST, SKIT, OR GREEN SCREEN] - Goal of the video: [VIEWS, FOLLOWS, LEADS, SALES, OR BRAND AWARENESS] - Proof or details I can show: [REAL FACTS, SCREEN RECORDINGS, BEFORE/AFTER, OR DEMO STEPS] - Must include: [PRODUCT NAME, OFFER, DISCLAIMER, OR CTA DETAILS] Success criteria: - Hook lands in the first 2 seconds - Every line is speakable at a normal pace within [VIDEO LENGTH] - One clear payoff. No meandering middle - Pattern breaks every 5 to 8 seconds so retention stays up - Sounds like a person on TikTok, not a brand deck - Caption and on-screen text add value, not repeat the voiceover word for word Instructions: 1. Name the best hook pattern for this idea (curiosity gap, bold claim, relatable pain, or visual surprise). Say why in one sentence. 2. Write 3 hook options for the first 3 seconds. Keep each under 12 words. 3. Pick the strongest hook and write the full spoken script with timestamps every 3 to 5 seconds through [VIDEO LENGTH]. 4. Add on-screen text cues: what appears on screen, when, and for how long. 5. Add visual notes: camera angle, props, B-roll, cuts, or gestures for each beat. 6. Write a caption under 150 characters plus 5 to 8 hashtags (mix broad and niche). 7. End with a short "Before you film" checklist. Output format: Return sections 1-7 in order. Use the numbered labels exactly as above. Style rules: - Write for the ear. Short sentences. Strong verbs. - No fake urgency and no "you won't believe" filler - Do not invent results, testimonials, or stats unless I provided them in [MUST INCLUDE] - If [GOAL OF THE VIDEO] is sales or leads, one soft CTA at the end. No hard pitch in the hook.

How to use

Put the raw idea in [TOPIC OR IDEA], even if it is messy. One sentence is enough to start.
Add a TikTok URL in [MUST INCLUDE] if your chat tool can open links. Otherwise describe the first 10 seconds and ask for the same pacing with your topic.
Run a second pass with "cut to 30 seconds" or "rewrite hook option 2 as the main script."

Tips

Pick one length and stick to it. Scripts balloon when the time limit is vague.
Film the hook three ways. TikTok rewards the first three seconds more than perfect lighting.
If the script feels flat, ask for "one visual gag in the middle" without changing the payoff.

Example output

Section 1

Hook pattern: relatable pain. Most home cooks already own the fix and never use it.

Section 2

- "Your cast iron is sticky because of this one step."
- "Stop scrubbing cast iron. Do this instead."
- "I ruined cast iron for years until someone showed me this."

Section 3 (excerpt)

0:00-0:03 HOOK
"Your cast iron is sticky because of this one step."

0:03-0:08
"After cooking, you probably rinse it hot and call it done. That leaves a film that builds up."

0:08-0:15
"Salt scrub. Wipe. Thin oil. Heat two minutes. That's it."

Section 6

Caption: The cast iron reset I wish I learned ten years ago.
Hashtags: #castiron #cookinghacks #kitchenhacks #homecooking #foodtok #skillet #castironcare #learnontiktok

Before you film
- Read the hook out loud twice. Cut any word you stumble on
- Check you can finish the script inside [VIDEO LENGTH] at a calm pace
- ...

Ask before answering AI prompt

Use this when the channel is new and you have not picked search or browse yet.

Prompt

Ask before answering: [PASTE TASK OR QUESTION]

How to use

Replace [PASTE TASK OR QUESTION] with something where the right answer depends on details.

Tips

Best when you want fewer assumptions and a better first real answer.

Example output

Before I answer, how old is the puppy and how long can it currently stay calm indoors?

Also, are you training in an apartment, a house with a yard, or a busy city street?

ELI5 AI prompt

If you cannot say the video promise in one plain sentence, the title will stay mush.

Prompt

ELI5: [PASTE TEXT OR TOPIC]

How to use

Replace [PASTE TEXT OR TOPIC] with anything you want explained in simple words.

Tips

Best for a first simple explanation before you ask for deeper detail.

Example output

Sourdough starter is like a tiny pet that eats flour and water.

When it is happy and bubbly, it helps bread rise and gives it that tangy bakery smell.

tldr AI prompt

Paste a transcript or a rival video's outline. Keep the section order. Drop the fluff before you write your version.

Prompt

tldr: [PASTE TEXT]

How to use

Replace [PASTE TEXT] with an article, email, transcript, report, or notes.

Tips

Best when you need the point quickly before deciding whether to read the full text.

Example output

The recipe is mainly about patience: chill the dough, use cold butter, and do not crowd the tray.

The most important step is resting the dough before baking, because that gives the cookies a thicker center.

Red Team AI prompt

Paste the hook and title pair. Ask what would make a subscriber click away in the first 20 seconds.

Prompt

Red Team: [PASTE TEXT OR IDEA]

How to use

Replace [PASTE TEXT OR IDEA] with a draft, plan, decision, offer, or argument.

Tips

Best when you want a direct critique before you act on something.

Example output

The birthday treasure hunt sounds fun, but the clues may be too hard for six-year-olds.

Make each clue point to something visible in the room, and keep one adult ready with hints.

Related collections

Best prompts for ChatGPT
Best ChatGPT prompts for marketing and writing, plus planning for meetings. Copy ready prompts you can paste straight into ChatGPT for daily business work.
ChatGPT Hacks
ChatGPT hacks you can paste: short prefixes that change how the model answers. Copy ELI5, TLDR, red team, and nine more power moves.
Best prompts for a weirdly useful Sunday with ChatGPT
ChatGPT prompts for a useful Sunday project you can actually finish. Copy one prompt and get a clear task, whether you juggle or prep for a dealer visit.