zrosenfield/youtube-description

YouTube Video Description Generator

Turn a video transcript into an engaging, well-structured YouTube description that hooks viewers, summarizes value, and supports discoverability.

When to Use

• User provides a video transcript and wants a YouTube description
• User asks for help writing copy for a YouTube upload
• User wants to optimize an existing video description
• User has a transcript file (.txt, .md, .docx, .pdf) and mentions YouTube

Process

1. Analyze the Transcript

Read through the full transcript and identify:

• Core topic: What is this video fundamentally about?
• Key moments: 3-7 major segments, turning points, or valuable insights
• Target audience: Who would watch this? What level of expertise?
• Tone: Is the video casual/conversational, educational, professional, entertaining?
• Unique value: What makes this video worth watching over alternatives?
• Any calls to action: Links, products, services, or follow-ups mentioned

2. Draft the Description

Use this structure (adapt based on video type and tone):

[Hook — 1-2 sentences that create curiosity or state the value proposition. This is what shows above the "Show more" fold, so it needs to be compelling.]

[Summary — 2-4 sentences expanding on what the viewer will learn, see, or experience. Use natural language, not keyword stuffing.]

⏱ Timestamps
0:00 - [Intro/Opening topic]
X:XX - [Key moment 1]
X:XX - [Key moment 2]
...

[Optional sections as relevant:]

🔗 Links & Resources
- [Any tools, products, articles, or resources mentioned]

📌 Key Takeaways
- [2-4 bullet points summarizing the most valuable insights]

[Closing — brief context about the creator/channel, subscribe CTA]

#hashtag1 #hashtag2 #hashtag3

3. Guidelines for Quality

Hook (above the fold):

• The first 2-3 lines are critical — they show in search results and above "Show more"
• Lead with a question, bold claim, or clear benefit statement
• Avoid generic openings like "In this video, I talk about..."
• Match the energy and tone of the actual video

Timestamps:

• If the transcript includes timing information, generate accurate timestamps
• If no timing info is available, note sections topically and tell the user to fill in timestamps
• Use descriptive labels, not vague ones like "Part 2" or "More info"

Tone matching:

• Mirror the creator's voice from the transcript — casual videos get casual descriptions, professional content stays polished
• Don't over-formalize a conversational video or casualize a serious one

SEO awareness:

• Naturally incorporate the primary topic keywords in the first 1-2 sentences
• Use 3-5 relevant hashtags at the end
• Don't keyword-stuff — YouTube's algorithm rewards natural language and engagement

Length:

• Aim for 150-300 words for the main description body (before timestamps/links)
• Total description can be longer with timestamps and resource links
• Respect YouTube's 5,000 character limit

4. Ask the User

If the transcript doesn't make certain things clear, ask about:

• Channel name (for the closing section)
• Any specific links or resources to include
• Whether they want timestamps included (and if they can provide timing)
• Any standard description template they already use

Example

Input context: A 15-minute transcript of someone explaining 5 tips for better landscape photography

Output:

Most landscape photos fail for the same reason — and it has nothing to do with your camera. Here are 5 techniques that transformed my shots (especially #3).

In this video, I break down the composition tricks, timing strategies, and one simple gear hack that took my landscape photography from "nice snapshots" to images I'm actually proud of. Whether you're shooting on a phone or a full-frame DSLR, these principles apply.

⏱ Timestamps
0:00 - Why most landscape photos look flat
2:15 - Tip 1: The foreground anchor technique
4:30 - Tip 2: Shooting in the "bad" light
7:00 - Tip 3: The exposure bracketing shortcut
9:45 - Tip 4: Finding compositions others miss
12:10 - Tip 5: Post-processing for natural drama

📌 Key Takeaways
- Leading lines + foreground interest = instant depth
- Golden hour is overrated — learn to use overcast and blue hour
- Bracket your exposures even if you don't think you need HDR

🔗 Resources Mentioned
- Photopills app (for sun/moon positioning)
- My editing presets: [link]

If this helped, subscribe for weekly photography tips — I break down both the creative and technical sides of making better images.

#landscapephotography #photographytips #composition #photography #photoediting

Notes

• If the user provides a partial or rough transcript (auto-generated captions, etc.), do your best — note any sections where the transcript was unclear
• For long videos (30+ min), consider suggesting the user break the description into clear sections
• If the video is part of a series, suggest mentioning the series and linking related episodes