Platform-Specific Viral Optimization
Purpose
Optimize a video for maximum viral potential on a specific platform with tailored, actionable recommendations.
Arguments
$ARGUMENTS: Platform, optionally content type and focus area
- Example:
tiktok
- Example:
youtube-shorts tutorial
- Example:
instagram-reels product-demo hook-optimization
- Example:
youtube-longform educational retention
Platform Optimization Guides
TikTok Optimization
Algorithm Signals (2025-2026)
| Signal | Weight | Action |
|---|
| Watch time | Highest | Optimize first 3 seconds |
| Completion rate | Very High | Keep under 60 seconds |
| Replays | High (10% = boost) | Create loop-worthy content |
| Shares | High | Add share triggers |
| Comments | Medium | Include conversation starters |
| Likes | Lower (2025 update) | Still important, not primary |
TikTok Checklist
TikTok-Specific Tips
- Cold Start: First 200-500 viewers determine distribution
- Sound: 88% say sound is essential - never skip audio
- Niche: Algorithm favors micro-niche over broad appeal (2.5x better distribution)
- Posting: 1-4 times daily; 68% of views in first 24 hours; 2-4x daily = 2.5x follower growth
- Hashtags: 3-5 relevant; trending hashtags = 23% more engagement
YouTube Shorts Optimization
Algorithm Signals
| Signal | Weight | Action |
|---|
| Watch time | Highest | Maximize retention |
| Completion rate | Critical | Target 80-90% |
| Replay rate | Very High | 10% replay = significant boost |
| CTR | High | Thumbnail and title matter |
| Engagement | High | Likes, comments, shares |
YouTube Shorts Checklist
YouTube Shorts-Specific Tips
- March 2025 Update: Any start/replay = view, but only "Engaged Views" count for monetization
- Freshness: Shorts older than 30 days rarely pushed
- Length: 55-second versions get 3x more views than 15-second
- Long-form Combo: Shorts + long-form = 41% faster channel growth
- Retention benchmark: 80-90% for top performers, below 50% = "skippable"
YouTube Long-form Optimization
Algorithm Signals
| Signal | Weight | Action |
|---|
| Watch time | Highest | Most critical metric |
| CTR | Very High | Thumbnail and title essential |
| Audience retention | Very High | Minimize drop-offs |
| Session time | High | Keep viewers on YouTube |
| Engagement | Medium | Comments, likes, shares |
YouTube Long-form Checklist
YouTube Long-form Tips
- Thumbnail: Test up to 3 variants with Test & Compare; faces with emotion = 20-30% higher CTR
- 8+ minutes: Enables more ad placements
- Connected TV: YouTube is most-watched streaming service on TVs; long-form excels
- Retention: 70%+ in first 30 seconds = much higher ranking; 10% improvement = 25%+ impressions
- SEO: Videos can get 2-5x more views from Google ranking
Instagram Reels Optimization
Algorithm Signals (December 2025+)
| Signal | Weight | Action |
|---|
| Sends Per Reach | Very High | DM shares = biggest boost |
| Topic clarity | Very High | Algorithm needs to categorize |
| Engagement | High | Saves, shares, comments |
| Watch time | High | Completion rate matters |
| Follows from Reel | High | Content discovery |
Instagram Reels Checklist
Instagram Reels Tips
- Trial Reels: Test content without risking engagement metrics
- "Your Algorithm" Feature: Users can see/customize topics - niche focus critical
- Sends Per Reach: Most powerful signal for reaching new audiences
- Sound: 50% watch without sound - captions essential
- Best Times: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 AM - 6 PM
Facebook Reels Optimization
Algorithm Signals
| Signal | Weight | Action |
|---|
| Shares | Very High | Facebook prioritizes sharing |
| Watch time | High | Completion rate |
| Comments | High | Conversation drivers |
| Reactions | Medium | Emotional responses |
Facebook Reels Checklist
Facebook Reels Tips
- Best Time: Late Friday night/midnight into Saturday
- First Hours: 1-2 hours after posting are critical
- Vertical: 70% brand lift vs square format
- Sharing: Prioritize content that drives shares
Cross-Platform Optimization
Repurposing Workflow
- Create primary version for main platform
- Adjust length for each platform's sweet spot
- Modify captions for platform norms
- Update hashtags per platform strategy
- Adjust aspect ratio if needed
Platform Priority by Content Type
| Content Type | Primary | Secondary | Tertiary |
|---|
| Entertainment | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Shorts |
| Educational | YouTube Long | YouTube Shorts | TikTok |
| Product/Commerce | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook |
| Professional | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram |
| News/Trending | TikTok | Instagram | Twitter |
Output Format
Provide:
- Platform-Specific Checklist with completion status
- Optimization Score current vs optimized
- Technical Specs exact dimensions, length, format
- Content Adjustments hook, pacing, CTA modifications
- Metadata Optimization title, description, hashtags, tags
- Visual Recommendations thumbnail, captions, graphics
- Posting Strategy best times, frequency, cross-posting plan
- A/B Testing Plan what to test for improvement