YouTube Retention

Input: retention curve points or a description of the video and its average view duration. Data source: if ~/.youtube-skills/metrics/<VIDEO_ID>.json exists (see youtube-connect), read retention and curve from it. Else ask the user to paste the curve points from Studio. Output: the curve shape, the problem timestamps, one cutting pattern, and a fix list in priority order.

Steps

1. Name the curve shape. Cliff: most of the loss is in the first 30 seconds. Gradual: steady loss. Bump: a spike where viewers rewatch. Flat: holds all the way.
2. Compare the average retention with the benchmark table below and label it good, great, or a problem.
3. Audit the first 30 seconds: promise delivered by 0:05, no preamble, action started by 0:15, an interrupt at 0:25.
4. Mark each timestamp where the curve drops faster than the segments around it. Write what happens on screen there.
5. Pick one cutting pattern from the table below for the re-edit.
6. If the video runs past 8 minutes, place a payoff just after 8:00.

Benchmarks (average retention)