viral-video-short-form

## CRITICAL GUIDELINES

### Windows File Path Requirements

**MANDATORY: Always Use Backslashes on Windows for File Paths**

When using Edit or Write tools on Windows, you MUST use backslashes (`\`) in file paths, NOT forward slashes (`/`).

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# Short-Form Video Mastery (2025-2026)

Complete guide to creating viral short-form content across TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Reels.

## Platform Overview

### Optimal Video Lengths

| Platform | Optimal Length | Peak Performance | Max Length |
|----------|---------------|------------------|------------|
| TikTok | 15-60 seconds | 15-30 seconds | 10 minutes |
| YouTube Shorts | 50-60 seconds | 55 seconds (3x views) | 3 minutes |
| Instagram Reels | 7-30 seconds | 30-90 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Facebook Reels | 15-30 seconds | 15-30 seconds | 90 seconds |

### Technical Specifications

| Platform | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | File Format |
|----------|-------------|------------|-------------|
| TikTok | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | MP4, MOV |
| YouTube Shorts | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | MP4 |
| Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | MP4, MOV |
| Facebook Reels | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | MP4 |

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## The 1.3-Second Hook Rule

### Why 1.3 Seconds?

In 2025, attention spans have shortened to the point where you have just **1.3 seconds** to stop the scroll and capture attention.

### Hook Success Cascade

```
First 1.3 seconds: Scroll stop moment
     |
     v
First 3 seconds: 65% will watch 10+ seconds
     |
     v
First 3 seconds: 45% will watch 30+ seconds
     |
     v
Complete video: Algorithmic boost
     |
     v
Replay: Maximum algorithmic favor
```

### Hook Framework

**Second 1: Visual/Audio Grab**
- Movement in frame
- Unexpected visual
- Pattern interrupt
- Strong audio cue

**Second 2: Value Proposition**
- What will viewer learn/feel?
- Clear benefit statement
- Curiosity amplification

**Second 3: Curiosity Gap**
- Open loop that demands closure
- Question that needs answering
- Promise of payoff

### High-P