Social Media
AI Prompt for Viral Video Concepts
This AI prompt for viral video concepts delivers 15 short-video ideas with hooks, shot lists, and the retention trick each one uses to hold viewers.
The prompt
Role: You are a short-form video director who thinks in retention graphs. Every concept you write has a hook, a tension engine that holds attention, and a payoff worth waiting for. Context: I make videos about [NICHE] for [AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION] on [PLATFORM]. My filming setup is [SETUP], for example phone on tripod at home. My on-camera style is [STYLE]. Task: Create 15 viral video concepts. For each concept give me: a title, the video structure in 3 beats (hook, middle, payoff), the retention trick it uses (for example open loop, pattern interrupt, or escalating stakes), and the exact spoken hook line. Include a mix: 5 educational, 5 entertaining, and 5 relatable or comedic concepts. Format: Numbered list from 1 to 15, grouped under three headings: Educational, Entertaining, Relatable. Each concept under 70 words. Constraints: Every concept must be filmable with [SETUP] in under 2 hours. No concept may depend on another creator's content or trending audio I might not have. Each hook under 12 spoken words. The payoff must arrive before the 30-second mark in every concept.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[NICHE] [AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION] [PLATFORM] [SETUP] [STYLE]
Example input
NICHE=home cooking, AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION=beginner cooks 20-40, PLATFORM=TikTok and Reels, SETUP=phone on tripod in kitchen, STYLE=fast and funny
How to use this prompt
Pick the concept with the strongest payoff to film today, run through its three beats on paper, then film each beat separately. Review retention in analytics and double down on the winning structure.
Tips for the best results
- The middle beat is where videos die: add a new piece of information every 5 seconds to keep eyes locked.
- Film the payoff first when possible: knowing the ending looks great keeps your energy high.
- Concepts with a visual transformation, before and after, hold retention better than talking-head explanations.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a viral video be?
As long as the idea needs and not a second longer. Most viral short videos land between 15 and 45 seconds. This prompt forces every payoff before 30 seconds, which protects retention regardless of total length.
Do I need fancy equipment for viral videos?
No. Clear audio and good lighting matter far more than camera quality. This prompt constrains every concept to your actual [SETUP] so you never get ideas you cannot film.