---
name: sandcastles-shortform-playbook
description: Use when researching viral short-form content with Sandcastles AI, turning outlier videos into TikTok/Reels/YouTube Shorts scripts, building content calendars, creating recording/editor Google Docs, generating three-image visual plans, or applying the AI Business Boomer/Kallaway/cowboy short-form playbook from content discovery through final production handoff.
---

# Sandcastles Shortform Playbook

Use this skill to turn market-proven short-form videos into original, editor-ready content systems.

Primary reference: `references/playbook.md`. Read it before creating scripts, calendars, Sandcastles research packs, Google recording docs, editor briefs, or user-facing playbooks.

## Operating rules

- Use Sandcastles as the evidence layer, not as a copying machine.
- Model repeatable structures: hook, proof, pacing, tension, CTA, and comment loop.
- Do not copy a creator's wording, claims, likeness, or proprietary assets.
- Translate each outlier into the user's niche, customer pain, and business offer.
- Prefer proof-first hooks over generic tips.
- Every final output should be executable by a creator or low-skill editor.
- If a native Sandcastles export is unavailable, say so and use visible page data or manual notes instead.

## Default workflow

1. **Define the niche and outcome**
   - target audience
   - product/service being promoted
   - desired comment, lead, sale, or follow action

2. **Find outliers in Sandcastles**
   - build or update a watchlist of relevant creators
   - filter recent videos by niche and high outlier score
   - collect creator, title/hook, platform, views, engagement, age, outlier score, and URL when available

3. **Extract viral formats**
   - identify the opening belief correction
   - identify the proof or curiosity gap
   - classify the format using the reference
   - capture the CTA/comment mechanic

4. **Translate into original angles**
   - map the viral format to the user's market
   - make the hook specific to the user's buyer pain
   - add a real business implication: revenue, leads, speed, admin, trust, retention, or cost

5. **Build the production asset**
   - script under 60 seconds unless asked otherwise
   - 3-image visual plan or actual image references
   - exact image-vs-face timeline
   - caption and pinned comment
   - editor brief with captions, zooms, pacing, and export settings

6. **Create the Google Doc handoff when requested**
   - title the doc clearly
   - include Sandcastles evidence, format, script, visuals, timeline, CTA, and editor checklist
   - share with the requested collaborators
   - return the doc link and any row/calendar reference updated

## Required output structure for recording docs

```text
Title:
Viral format:
Sandcastles evidence:
Business translation:
Why the hook works:
First 5 seconds:
Script:
3 visuals / image prompts:
Editor timeline:
Caption:
Pinned comment:
Low-skill editor checklist:
```

## Quality bar

- The first two seconds create curiosity, tension, proof, or a correction.
- A human face appears by roughly second 2–3 unless the user asks for slideshow-only.
- The video explains only what is on screen while the image is visible.
- Opinions, stakes, and CTA usually happen face-to-camera.
- The viewer leaves with a useful mental model, not just hype.
- The CTA creates useful comments or leads.