Here are 6 ways + Prompts to reverse engineer any successful YouTube channel
(step by step guide) 👇
First, Connect NotebookLM to Gemini
Here is how 👇
- Open @GeminiApp
- From the drop down menu, select NotebookLM
- Choose the Notebook (Up to 50 YT links)
- Paste the prompts below 👇
1. Extract High-Performing Hooks
Take the same video sources already inside NotebookLM. Focus only on the first 15–30 seconds of each video.
Prompt:
“I have uploaded multiple high-performing videos. Analyze only the opening sections. Extract the hook patterns used across these videos. Group them into clear categories and explain why each type works. Then generate 10 original hooks I can use in the same niche, following the same patterns.”
2. Setup and Analyze the Target Channel
Go to a monetized, high-view channel in your niche, copy 10-15 of their top-performing video links at once, and paste them into a new NotebookLM as "Sources." Then, extract their formula:
Prompt:
"I have uploaded links from top-performing videos in this niche. Read these sources and break down their exact script structure, video topics, hook styles, pacing, and overall tone. Give me a detailed summary of the blueprint that makes this channel successful."
3. Reverse Engineer Topics That Consistently Get Views
Use the same set of videos. Look at the titles, main ideas, and what each video is about. Pay attention to repeated topics and formats that show up more than once. These often point to what works best in that niche.
Prompt:
“I have uploaded videos from a high-performing channel. Analyze the titles and main ideas of these videos. Identify the patterns in topics that get the most views. Break them into simple, repeatable formats. Then give me 20 new video ideas using the same patterns, adapted for my channel.”
4. Build a Clear and Repeatable Script Structure
Now study the full videos from start to end. Look at how they move from one part to another. Pay attention to how they begin, explain the topic, and end the video.
Prompt:
“I have uploaded full videos from this niche. Study their full structure from start to finish. Break down each part of the video, including the opening, main content, and ending. Explain what each part does and why it matters. Then create a simple script template I can reuse for my own videos.”
5. Identify What Keeps People Watching Until the End
Focus on how these videos keep attention. Look for changes in pace, new ideas, or moments that make the viewer want to continue watching. Notice when they introduce something new or reset attention.
Prompt:
“I have uploaded high-performing videos. Study how they keep viewers watching from start to end. Identify the key moments where they hold attention, such as pacing changes, new ideas, or strong transitions. List the main techniques they use and explain how I can apply them in my own videos.”
6. Turn the Insights into a Strong Content Plan
Use everything you have learned from the videos so far. Now shift from analysis to planning your own content.
Prompt:
“Using all insights from the uploaded videos, create a 30-day YouTube content plan. Include video titles, a short idea for each video, and the angle I should take. Make sure each idea follows the patterns that work in this niche.”
7. Create a Full Script Using Proven Patterns
Now use all the patterns you have learned to create your own video. Stay close to what works, but make it your own.
Prompt:
“Using the patterns from the uploaded videos, write a full YouTube script for this topic: [insert topic]. Follow the same structure, pacing, and tone. Keep the script clear, engaging, and easy to follow.”
