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Best prompts for YouTube script outlines using audience retention strategies
12 copy-ready prompts to generate YouTube script outlines optimized for audience retention. Each prompt requests hooks, pacing, visual cues, timestamps, CTAs, and retention tactics so AI outputs are ready to turn into full scripts or thumbnails.
Claude Opus 4
GPT-5
Gemini 2.5 Pro
Claude Sonnet 4
Gemini 2.5 Flash
You know that sinking feeling when you watch your YouTube video's retention graph plummet after the first 30 seconds? You've got great content, but viewers are clicking away faster than you can say "smash that subscribe button." The problem isn't your ideas, it's that generic AI prompts give you generic outlines that bore people to death.
These 12 battle-tested prompts transform your AI into a retention mastermind that creates scroll-stopping YouTube outlines. From 60-second hooks that grab attention to multi-loop teasers that keep viewers glued to their screens, each prompt is designed to solve specific retention challenges like viewer dropoff, low engagement, and clickbait backlash. Instead of struggling with flat, lifeless scripts that hemorrhage views, you'll have copy-ready outlines optimized for maximum watch time and audience engagement.
1
60-Second Hook + 8-Section Retention Outline
Write a YouTube script outline for the topic: [TOPIC]. Start with a 60-second hook that includes an emotional opener, a bold promise, and a curiosity tease. Then produce 8 labeled sections (Section 1–8) each with a 20–120s time estimate, 1–2 sentence summary, and one explicit retention tactic to use in that section (e.g., ask a question, show counterintuitive fact, quick montage, short cliffhanger). End with a 30–45s closing that includes a main CTA and a promise for a next video. Replace [TOPIC] with the channel's niche and audience level.
Create a 60-second high-impact hook, then an 8-section outline with time estimates and one retention tactic per section (open loop, teaser, pattern interrupt, micro-CTA).
2
Problem-Agitate-Solve with Timed Teasers
Produce a PAS-based script outline for video topic: [PROBLEM TOPIC]. For each PAS section (Problem, Agitation, Solution), list 3 subpoints with time estimates. After each subpoint include a 1-line tease that creates an open loop to be resolved later in the video. Conclude with a 20–30s immediate-value takeaway and a 15s strong CTA to comment. Include suggested placement for a mid-roll teaser at an exact timestamp.
Use PAS framework and insert mini-teasers or cliffhangers every 45–90 seconds to keep viewers watching.
3
Curiosity-Gap Sequence with Delayed Answering
Create a script outline for: [TOPIC]. Start with 3 provocative questions in the first 15–30s. Map out 6 segments where each segment answers one question partially and promises the final complete answer only in the final segment. For each segment, give a one-sentence visual suggestion (B-roll, graphic) and specify an exact seconds-to-seconds timestamp range. Add a final 'full answer reveal' section and a 10s cliffhanger to encourage sharing.
Build a curiosity-led script where key questions are posed early and answers are intentionally delayed and distributed to raise watch-through rate.
4
Story Arc + Visual Cue Plan
Generate a 5-beat story arc script outline for the personal-experience video: [STORY TOPIC]. For each beat include: 1–2 sentence emotional copy, 1 explicit retention technique (e.g., slow-motion reveal, jump cut, close-up), and a precise visual cue (B-roll idea, graphic text, cutaway). Provide recommended section lengths.
Outline a short narrative arc (setup, conflict, turning point, resolution) and pair each beat with specific on-screen directions and b-roll to hold attention.
5
Micro-CTAs and Engagement Prompts Every 45–60s
Draft a sectioned outline for video: [TOPIC]. Insert a micro-CTA or engagement prompt at the end of every 45–60 second block. For each prompt explain why it will increase retention and give the exact on-camera phrasing (10 words or less). Include 5 micro-CTAs and indicate timestamps for each.
Place short, low-friction engagement prompts (like 'type YES' or 'which of these?') throughout to boost comments and retention.
6
Chapter Markers and Ideal Section Lengths
Produce chapter markers and an outline for: [EDUCATIONAL TOPIC]. Provide 6–8 chapter titles, ideal section lengths (in seconds), a one-line summary for each, and which chapter is most likely to cause dropoff plus one tactic to prevent it (e.g., immediate value, teaser). Also recommend ideal time to place a mid-roll CTA.
Create chapter-style outline optimized for viewer dropoff patterns with recommended section lengths and descriptive chapter titles.
7
Thumbnail-Hook Alignment and Anti-Clickbait Checklist
Create a script outline for: [VIDEO CLAIM]. Start with exact first 15 seconds that mirror the thumbnail text. Provide 5 follow-up lines for the first minute that substantiate the claim. Include a 6-point 'anti-clickbait' checklist (phrasing to avoid, what to show to prove claims) and a fallback micro-segment if the claim requires nuance.
Ensure the opening lines directly deliver the thumbnail promise and avoid misleading claims; include an anti-clickbait checklist to preserve retention.
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