Marketingv1.02026-01-29

YouTube Scriptwriting

Research-driven process for writing YouTube scripts using Apify to analyze top videos

Purpose

Create data-driven YouTube scripts by researching top-performing videos, extracting transcripts and comments, and using insights to write compelling content.

Scope

This SOP applies when Jay wants to create a YouTube video script on any topic. Bob handles research, analysis, script writing, and publishing to the Bob App.

Prerequisites

Apify account with access to YouTube scrapers
Topic or subject for the video
Bob Command Center deployed for publishing
Vercel token configured for deployments

Process Flow

┌─────────────────────────┐
│  Jay Requests Script    │
│  on [TOPIC]             │
└───────────┬─────────────┘
            │
            ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  APIFY: Search YouTube  │
│  Top 10-20 videos       │
│  (Last 30 days)         │
└───────────┬─────────────┘
            │
            ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  APIFY: Extract         │
│  Transcripts            │
└───────────┬─────────────┘
            │
            ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  APIFY: Extract         │
│  Top Comments           │
└───────────┬─────────────┘
            │
            ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  Analyze:               │
│  - Hooks & Structure    │
│  - Audience Questions   │
│  - Gaps & Opportunities │
└───────────┬─────────────┘
            │
            ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  Write Full Script      │
│  with Timestamps        │
└───────────┬─────────────┘
            │
            ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  Create HTML Preview    │
└───────────┬─────────────┘
            │
            ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  Deploy to Bob App      │
│  (Vercel)               │
└───────────┬─────────────┘
            │
            ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  Send Live Link to Jay  │
└─────────────────────────┘

Procedure

Research Top Videos (Apify)

Use Apify YouTube Scraper to find top-performing videos on the topic from the past 30 days.

Search YouTube via Apify for [TOPIC]Filter: Upload date = Last 30 daysSort by: View count (descending)Collect top 10-20 videosExtract: URL, title, views, likes, comments, channel, duration

Extract Transcripts

Get full transcripts from the top-performing videos for analysis.

Use Apify YouTube Transcript ScraperInput video URLs from step 1Extract full text with timestampsSave transcripts for analysis

Analyze Transcripts

Study winning patterns from successful videos.

Analyze hook structure (first 30 seconds)Map content flow and segmentsNote CTA placement and phrasingIdentify key phrases and terminologyCalculate average video length for topic

Extract & Analyze Comments

Understand audience sentiment, questions, and desires.

Use Apify YouTube Comment ScraperGet top 100 comments per video (by likes)Identify common questions (FAQ opportunities)Note pain points mentionedFind what viewers lovedFind what viewers wanted more ofDocument objections/skepticism

Compile Research Summary

Synthesize all research into actionable insights.

List winning patterns (hooks, structure, CTAs)Document audience questions to addressNote gaps competitors missedIdentify unique angle opportunity

Write Script

Create the full script using research insights.

Write 3 title optionsWrite word-for-word HOOK (0:00-0:45)Write INTRO with credibility (0:45-2:00)Write MAIN CONTENT with 3-5 sections (2:00-12:00)Address audience questions from commentsWrite OBJECTION HANDLING section (12:00-13:00)Write CTA + OUTRO (13:00-15:00)Add B-roll/visual notesAdd production notesCreate thumbnail concepts

Create HTML Preview

Convert script to styled HTML for the Bob App.

Format script with sections and timestampsApply dark theme stylingInclude all production notesSave to bob-command-center/public/scripts/

Deploy to Bob App

Publish the script live.

Run vercel deploy with tokenVerify deployment successfulTest live URLUpdate CHANGELOG.md

Deliver to Jay

Send the live link and summary.

Send live URL via iMessageInclude brief summary of research insightsNote any standout findings

Expected Outcomes

Research on 10+ top videos from past 30 days
Transcripts analyzed for winning patterns
Comments analyzed for audience insights
Data-driven script with timestamps
Published to bob.nextwave.io
Live shareable link delivered

Troubleshooting

Apify rate limited or blocked

Wait 15 minutes and retry. Consider using proxy settings in Apify.

No transcripts available for videos

Some videos disable transcripts. Use available transcripts and note which videos had none.

Topic too niche with few videos

Expand time range to 60-90 days, or broaden the topic slightly.

Vercel deployment fails

Check build logs, verify token is valid, ensure no syntax errors in HTML.