Video Caption Writer

Purpose

This skill creates algorithm-optimized captions and on-screen text for short-form video content using the "Triple Word Score" system to maximize reach and engagement.

Core Philosophy: Content serves the topic first. When you serve the topic correctly, algorithms will serve your content to people interested in that topic.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• Create on-screen text hooks for video clips (3-5 options per clip)
• Write captions for short-form video (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, etc.)
• Optimize video for algorithm discovery (topic identification in first 10 seconds)
• Generate strategic hashtag sets (10-12, broad to specific)

Do NOT use for:

• Text-only social posts (use text-content skill instead)
• Long-form YouTube videos (separate workflow)
• Podcast show notes (use podcast-production skill)

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The Triple Word Score System

Algorithms and humans need to immediately understand your content through FOUR signals:

1. Audio Transcript (MOST IMPORTANT)

• What you say out loud - algorithms auto-transcribe this
• Explicitly say topic words in first 10 seconds
• Repeat core terminology throughout
• Use natural speech patterns with topic-relevant vocabulary

2. On-Screen Text Reinforcement

• Visual overlay that reinforces spoken words
• Lead with topic words in first text overlay
• Use bold, clear terminology
• Don't compete with audio - reinforce it

3. Caption Copy Optimization

• Post description with topic-relevant keywords
• Open with topic-relevant phrases in first sentence
• Include natural keyword variations
• Provide context for algorithm understanding

4. Strategic Hashtag System

• 10-12 hashtags (optimal range)
• Mix broad and specific (#Education + #LearningStyles)
• Include audience-specific (#HomeschoolParents)
• Span from general to niche

When all four signals align, algorithms AND humans immediately recognize: "This is for me."

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The 3-Step Workflow

Step 1: Generate On-Screen Text Hooks

Goal: Create 3-5 hook options that stop the scroll in first 3 seconds

The McDonald's Test

"Someone who works at McDonald's should be able to read and understand your headline instantly."

• Avoid fancy vocabulary ("quadratic formula" vs "stop raising entitled kids")
• Choose accessible language over impressive terminology
• Wider net = better performance

Hook Categories

1. Polarizing Statements

• "Your kid's [negative thing] is actually genius"
• "Stop raising [undesirable trait] kids"
• "[Institution] operates like prisons"

2. Counter-Intuitive Reveals

• "My son's first job sucked. Perfect."
• "The worst experiences are the best teachers"
• "Every kid has genius hiding somewhere"

3. Direct Challenges

• "Never give up on the weird kid"
• "Don't judge the trench coat kid"
• "Make your kids love learning again"

4. Curiosity Gaps

• "Her boyfriend freaked out..." (for dramatic content)
• "The third tip will blow your mind"
• Use carefully - can create confusion if unclear

Generate 3-5 Options

For each video clip, create file: [Clip Name]_Captions.md

Format:

# [Clip Name] - Caption Options

## Source Material
[Brief description of video content, key quote, or main message]

## On-Screen Text Hook Options (First 3 Seconds):

**Option 1:** Your kid's Minecraft addiction is actually genius
- **Framework:** Polarizing Statement

**Option 2:** Stop trying to limit screen time. Try this instead.
- **Framework:** Direct Challenge

**Option 3:** The one thing schools get wrong about boys
- **Framework:** Curiosity Gap

**Option 4:** Schools teach compliance. Minecraft teaches problem-solving.
- **Framework:** Contrast/Counter-Intuitive

**Option 5:** 3 reasons your kid's "screen addiction" might be genius
- **Framework:** Numbered List + Counter-Intuitive

**RECOMMENDED:** Option 1 (Polarizing) for Short-Form, Option 4 (Contrast) for LinkedIn

Quality Check for Hooks

• Would this make ME stop scrolling?
• Creates curiosity or emotion in 2 seconds?
• Can my grandmother understand instantly?
• Hints at payoff without giving it away?
• Passes McDonald's Test (accessible language)?

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Step 2: Create Platform-Specific Captions

Goal: Write optimized captions for each target platform

Short-Form Video Platforms (Identical Treatment)

Applies to: YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook Reels

• Character Limit: 2,200 (use 50-150 characters optimal)
• Hashtags: 3-5 (include platform tag: #Shorts for YouTube)
• Tone: Casual, energetic, hook in first few words
• Example: "Your kid's Minecraft addiction is actually genius 🎮 #Education #Parenting #Gaming"

Key: Hook immediately, use emojis, keep text scannable

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LinkedIn (Separate Strategy)

Platform-Specific Guidelines:

• Character Limit: 3,000 (use 150-300 characters optimal)
• Hashtags: 3-5
• Tone: Professional yet conversational, value-driven
• Format: Hook → insight → CTA (save, comment, share)
• Example: "Your kid's 'screen addiction' might be teaching them more than traditional school. Minecraft builds problem-solving, creativity, and systems thinking. #Education #Parenting #21stCenturyLearning"

Note: For LinkedIn posts, use the text-content skill instead of this skill.

Platform-Specific Caption Template

## Short-Form Video Captions

### YouTube Shorts / Instagram Reels / TikTok / Facebook Reels
Your kid's Minecraft addiction is actually genius 🎮

Schools teach compliance. Minecraft teaches creation.

#Education #Parenting #Minecraft #Gaming

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### LinkedIn (Use social-content-creation skill)
Your kid's "screen addiction" might be teaching them more than traditional school.

Minecraft isn't just a game—it's problem-solving, creativity, and systems thinking in action. Schools teach compliance. Minecraft teaches creation.

#Education #Parenting #21stCenturyLearning

Reference for detailed platform guidelines: references/platform-guidelines.md

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Step 3: Apply Algorithm Optimization

Goal: Ensure content is discoverable and serves the right audience

Topic Identification Checklist

First 10 Seconds (Critical):

• Topic words spoken explicitly in audio
• On-screen text reinforces topic words
• Visual elements support topic (environment, materials, context)
• Energy/delivery matches topic expectations

Throughout Video:

• Core terminology repeated naturally
• Topic focus maintained (not scattered across multiple topics)
• Value delivered on topic promise

Caption & Metadata:

• Caption opens with topic-relevant phrase
• Natural keyword variations included
• Hashtags span broad to specific (10-12 total)
• Description provides context for algorithm

Strategic Hashtag System

Formula: Broad → Mid → Specific → Niche

Example for education content:

Broad (1-2): #Education #Parenting

Mid (2-3): #Homeschool #AlternativeEducation #LearningDifferences

Specific (3-4): #Homeschooling #Microschools #Unschooling #ProjectBasedLearning

Niche (2-3): #OpenEducation #HomeschoolLife #LearningThroughPlay

Audience (1-2): #HomeschoolMom #HomeschoolParents

Platform (1): #Shorts (for YouTube), #Reels (for Instagram)

Total: 10-12 hashtags

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Misleading Signal Trap

• Topic says "education" but content is really entertainment
• ✅ Fix: Topic signals match actual content value

❌ Buried Lede

• Topic words don't appear until middle of content
• ✅ Fix: Topic identification happens in first 10 seconds

❌ Scatter Shot

• Trying to cover multiple topics in one piece
• ✅ Fix: Laser focus on one clear topic per piece

❌ Brand First Approach

• Making content about your brand/company
• ✅ Fix: Making content about the topic, featuring your expertise

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Output Format

Standard Output File: [Clip Name]_Captions.md

# [Clip Name] - Captions & Optimization

## Video Details
**Duration:** [XX seconds]
**Core Message:** [1-2 sentence summary]
**Topic:** [Primary topic for algorithm]
**Target Audience:** [Who this serves]

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## On-Screen Text Options (Choose 1)

**Option 1:** [Text]
- Category: [Hook category]
- Platform fit: [Platforms]

**Option 2:** [Text]
- Category: [Hook category]
- Platform fit: [Platforms]

**Option 3:** [Text]
- Category: [Hook category]
- Platform fit: [Platforms]

**RECOMMENDED:** [Which option and why]

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## Platform-Specific Captions

### TikTok
[Caption text with emojis]

[Hashtags: 3-5]

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### Instagram Reels
[Caption text with emojis]

[Hashtags: 5-10]

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### YouTube Shorts
[Caption text]

[Hashtags: 3-5 including #Shorts]

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### LinkedIn
[Caption text - more professional tone]

[Hashtags: 3-5]

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### Facebook
[Caption text with emojis]

[Hashtags: 2-5]

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## Algorithm Optimization

**Topic Keywords (spoken in first 10 seconds):** [List keywords]

**Secondary Keywords (throughout):** [List keywords]

**Hashtag Set (10-12 total):**
- Broad: [2 tags]
- Mid: [3 tags]
- Specific: [4 tags]
- Niche: [3 tags]

**First 10 Second Audio Script:**
"[Exact words that will be spoken - must include topic keywords]"

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## Quality Checks
- [ ] McDonald's Test passed (accessible language)
- [ ] Topic clear in first 3 seconds
- [ ] On-screen text reinforces (not competes with) audio
- [ ] Platform character limits followed
- [ ] Hashtag counts appropriate per platform
- [ ] Triple Word Score complete (audio, on-screen, caption, hashtags)

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Bundled Resources

This skill is self-contained. All guidance is inline above.

Cross-References

• text-content/references/platforms/ - Platform-specific guidelines for text posts
• short-form-video/ - Production workflow including FORMAT_INVENTORY.md

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Success Metrics

A successful video caption:

✅ Stops the scroll - Hook creates curiosity/emotion in first 3 seconds ✅ Passes McDonald's Test - Accessible to broad audience ✅ Triple Word Score complete - Audio, on-screen, caption, hashtags all aligned ✅ Topic-first - Algorithm knows what this is about immediately ✅ Platform-optimized - Character limits, hashtag counts, voice appropriate ✅ Discoverable - Strategic hashtags span broad to niche

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Related Skills

• text-content - For text-only social posts (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook)
• youtube-clip-extractor - Complete workflow from YouTube URL to publishable clips
• opened-daily-newsletter-writer - Newsletters often generate video clip concepts
• short-form-video - Full short-form video production workflow

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Content Issues: ❌ Jargon or fancy vocabulary in hooks ❌ Giving away the payoff in the hook ❌ On-screen text competes with (instead of reinforces) audio ❌ Generic hooks everyone uses

Algorithm Issues: ❌ Topic words not spoken in first 10 seconds ❌ Too many topics in one video ❌ Hashtags all broad or all niche (not spanning range) ❌ Misleading hooks that don't match content

Platform Issues: ❌ Same caption copy across all platforms ❌ Too many hashtags (LinkedIn, X) or too few (Instagram) ❌ Wrong tone for platform (too casual for LinkedIn, too formal for TikTok) ❌ External links where they hurt reach (Facebook main post)

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Version History

• v1.0 (2025-10-27): Initial skill creation
  • Triple Word Score system
  • 4 hook categories
  • Platform-specific guidelines for 6 platforms
  • Algorithm optimization checklist

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For platform updates or new hook categories, add to references folder and note in version history