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BytesAgain β€Ί Skills β€Ί Viral Reels Creator
πŸ¦€ ClawHub

Viral Reels Creator

by @yash-kavaiya

Full-featured viral Reels creator and editor powered by ffmpeg. Use this skill whenever the user wants to create, edit, find, or produce viral Instagram Reel...

Versionv1.0.0
Downloads311
#video#social-media#legal
TERMINAL
clawhub install viral-reels-creator

πŸ“– About This Skill

name: viral-reels-creator description: > Full-featured viral Reels creator and editor powered by ffmpeg. Use this skill whenever the user wants to create, edit, find, or produce viral Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, YouTube Shorts, or any vertical short-form video content. Triggers include: "create a reel", "make a viral video", "make a short video", "Instagram reel", "TikTok video", "YouTube Shorts", "vertical video", "reels editor", "video editor", "add subtitles to video", "auto captions", "merge clips", "slideshow video", "add music to video", "beat sync video", "sync cuts to music", "video transitions", "caption video", "color grade video", "slow motion", "speed ramp", "text animation on video", "video effects", "video overlay", "ken burns effect", "video filter", "find best moments in video", "find highlights", "scene detection", "export for TikTok", "export for multiple platforms", "batch export video", "viral hook", "viral opening", "make my video go viral", or any request involving ffmpeg-based video editing for social media. Also trigger when the user uploads video/image/audio files and asks to combine, trim, stylize, color grade, beat-sync, or export them as a reel. Supports all formats: mp4, mov, avi, mkv, webm, jpg, png, gif, mp3, wav, aac, and more.

Viral Reels Creator β€” Full Video Production Suite

A comprehensive ffmpeg-based skill for creating viral Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, and YouTube Shorts β€” including finding the best moments in raw footage, beat-synced editing, multi-platform export, and viral content strategy.

Quick Start β€” Read Before Doing Anything

1. Install dependencies if not available: 

   apt-get update && apt-get install -y ffmpeg fonts-noto fonts-noto-color-emoji fontconfig
   # For scene detection + beat sync:
   pip install --break-system-packages opencv-python numpy librosa soundfile
2. Check uploaded files: Look in /mnt/user-data/uploads/ for user assets. 3. Copy assets to /home/claude/ before processing. 4. Output all final videos to /mnt/user-data/outputs/ and present to user.

Platform Specs (Primary: Instagram Reels)

| Property | Instagram / TikTok / YT Shorts | |------------------|--------------------------------------| | Resolution | 1080Γ—1920 (9:16 portrait) | | FPS | 30 fps (60fps for YouTube Shorts) | | Max Duration | 90s (IG/FB) Β· 60s (TikTok/YT/Snap) | | Codec | H.264 (libx264) | | Audio Codec | AAC, 44100 Hz, stereo | | Pixel Format | yuv420p | | Container | .mp4 |

Base output flags (always use): 

-c:v libx264 -preset slow -crf 18 -pix_fmt yuv420p -r 30 -c:a aac -ar 44100 -ac 2 -movflags +faststart

For full platform-specific specs and export commands β†’ references/platform-specs.md

Workflow Decision Tree

User Request
β”œβ”€β”€ "Find best moments / highlights"?
β”‚   └── Run scripts/scene-detect.py β†’ get timestamps β†’ trim clips
β”œβ”€β”€ "Make it viral" / "viral hook"?
β”‚   └── Load references/viral-hooks.md β†’ apply hook formula
β”œβ”€β”€ Single video input?
β”‚   β”œβ”€β”€ Trim/Cut           β†’ Section: TRIMMING
β”‚   β”œβ”€β”€ Add captions       β†’ load references/caption-templates.md
β”‚   β”œβ”€β”€ Add music          β†’ Section: AUDIO MIXING
β”‚   β”œβ”€β”€ Sync cuts to beats β†’ load references/beat-sync.md + scripts/beat-detect.py
β”‚   β”œβ”€β”€ Color grade        β†’ load references/color-grading.md
β”‚   β”œβ”€β”€ Speed change       β†’ Section: SPEED RAMP
β”‚   β”œβ”€β”€ Add effects/anim   β†’ load references/animations.md
β”‚   └── Resize only        β†’ Section: RESIZING
β”œβ”€β”€ Multiple video inputs?
β”‚   └── Merge with transitions β†’ load references/transitions.md
β”œβ”€β”€ Images input (slideshow)?
β”‚   └── Ken Burns / Slideshow β†’ Section: SLIDESHOW
β”œβ”€β”€ Export for multiple platforms?
β”‚   └── Run scripts/batch-export.sh β†’ exports all platforms at once
β”œβ”€β”€ Full reel from scratch?
β”‚   └── Combine all: scene detect β†’ hook β†’ content β†’ beat sync β†’ captions + music
└── "Make it look good" / generic?
    └── Auto-resize + color grade (Golden Hour or Clarendon) + caption template + fade transitions

IMPORTANT: For captions, animations, color grading, transitions, viral strategy, beat sync, and platform specs β€” always read the corresponding reference file before generating ffmpeg commands.

FINDING THE BEST MOMENTS (Scene Detection)

When the user has raw footage and wants the best clips extracted:

# Find top 10 most visually interesting moments
python scripts/scene-detect.py raw_footage.mp4 --top 10 --thumbnail
Extract a specific number of clips for a 30s reel (5s each = 6 clips)

python scripts/scene-detect.py raw_footage.mp4 --top 6 --clip-duration 5 --thumbnail
For fast-paced content with many scene changes

python scripts/scene-detect.py video.mp4 --threshold 0.2 --top 15
Output as JSON for further processing

python scripts/scene-detect.py video.mp4 --json > moments.json

Then trim each moment using the generated ffmpeg commands from the script output.

VIRAL STRATEGY β€” Quick Reference

Load references/viral-hooks.md for the full strategy. Core principles:

1. Hook in 3 seconds β€” pattern interrupt, bold claim, or curiosity gap in text overlay 2. Retention triggers at 7s, 12s, 20s, 25s to fight viewer drop-off 3. Beat-sync all cuts β€” biggest single factor in watch time and shares 4. End with a loop β€” last frame should nearly match first frame so viewers rewatch 5. On-screen text always β€” 85% of viewers watch without sound

The viral reel formula: 

[0–3s]  HOOK     β†’ Bold text claim or pattern interrupt
[3–7s]  SETUP    β†’ Context, "here's what you'll see"
[7–20s] CONTENT  β†’ Core value, fast cuts, visual variety
[20–25s] PAYOFF  β†’ Reveal, transformation, punchline
[25–30s] CTA     β†’ "Save this", "Comment X for part 2"

BEAT-SYNCED EDITING β€” Quick Reference

Load references/beat-sync.md for the full workflow.

# Step 1: Detect beats
python scripts/beat-detect.py music.mp3

β†’ outputs timestamps like: 0.469, 0.938, 1.407, 1.876...
Step 2: Use beat timestamps as cut points


(see beat-sync.md for full ffmpeg multi-clip assembly)
Step 3: Add zoom pulse on every beat (120 BPM = 2Hz)

ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -filter_complex "
  zoompan=z='1+0.05*abs(sin(PI*t*2))':
    x='iw/2-(iw/zoom/2)':y='ih/2-(ih/zoom/2)':d=1:s=1080x1920:fps=30
" OUTPUT_FLAGS zoom_pulse.mp4

Core Operations

RESIZING β€” Fit Any Video to 9:16

# Scale + crop (fill frame β€” preferred for Reels)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "scale=1080:1920:force_original_aspect_ratio=increase,crop=1080:1920" OUTPUT_FLAGS output.mp4
Blurred background fill (cinematic β€” best for landscape source)

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex "
[0:v]scale=1080:1920:force_original_aspect_ratio=increase,crop=1080:1920,boxblur=20:5[bg];
[0:v]scale=1080:1920:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease[fg];
[bg][fg]overlay=(W-w)/2:(H-h)/2
" OUTPUT_FLAGS output.mp4

TRIMMING β€” Cut Clips

# Fast trim (copy β€” no re-encode)
ffmpeg -ss 00:00:05 -i input.mp4 -t 00:00:30 -c copy trimmed.mp4
Precise trim (re-encode for frame accuracy)

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:00:05 -to 00:00:35 OUTPUT_FLAGS trimmed.mp4

SPEED RAMP β€” Slow Motion & Fast Forward

# 0.5x slow motion
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex "[0:v]setpts=2.0*PTS[v];[0:a]atempo=0.5[a]" -map "[v]" -map "[a]" OUTPUT_FLAGS slow.mp4
2x speed

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex "[0:v]setpts=0.5*PTS[v];[0:a]atempo=2.0[a]" -map "[v]" -map "[a]" OUTPUT_FLAGS fast.mp4
Speed ramp: normal β†’ slow β†’ normal

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex "
[0:v]trim=0:3,setpts=PTS-STARTPTS[v1];
[0:v]trim=3:6,setpts=2*(PTS-STARTPTS)[v2];
[0:v]trim=6:10,setpts=PTS-STARTPTS[v3];
[v1][v2][v3]concat=n=3:v=1:a=0[v]
" -map "[v]" OUTPUT_FLAGS ramp.mp4

AUDIO MIXING β€” Add Background Music

# Mix original audio + music (music at 30% volume)
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -i music.mp3 -filter_complex "
[0:a]volume=1.0[voice];
[1:a]volume=0.3[music];
[voice][music]amix=inputs=2:duration=shortest
" -map 0:v OUTPUT_FLAGS output.mp4
Fade music in/out

ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -i music.mp3 -filter_complex "
[1:a]afade=t=in:st=0:d=3,afade=t=out:st=27:d=3,volume=0.3[music];
[0:a]volume=1.0[voice];
[voice][music]amix=inputs=2:duration=shortest
" -map 0:v OUTPUT_FLAGS output.mp4

SLIDESHOW β€” Images to Video

# Ken Burns (zoom + pan)
ffmpeg -loop 1 -i image.jpg -vf "
scale=2160:3840,
zoompan=z='min(zoom+0.001,1.5)':x='iw/2-(iw/zoom/2)':y='ih/2-(ih/zoom/2)':d=150:s=1080x1920:fps=30
" -t 5 OUTPUT_FLAGS kenburns.mp4

Advanced Features β€” Reference Files

Always read the reference file before generating ffmpeg commands for these features.

| Feature | Reference File | What's Inside | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Viral strategy & hooks | references/viral-hooks.md | Hook formulas, formats, retention tactics, CTAs | | Beat-synced editing | references/beat-sync.md | Beat assembly, zoom pulse, drop effects | | Multi-platform export | references/platform-specs.md | Specs, safe zones, aspect ratio variants | | Caption Templates | references/caption-templates.md | 10 Instagram-style caption designs | | Animations (50+) | references/animations.md | 50 text/video animations: bounce, typewriter, etc. | | Color Grading | references/color-grading.md | 20 LUT-free color grades and Instagram filters | | Transitions | references/transitions.md | 12+ transitions: fade, wipe, zoom, glitch, etc. |

Scripts

| Script | Purpose | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | scripts/scene-detect.py | Find best/most viral-worthy moments in raw footage | | scripts/beat-detect.py | Detect beat timestamps for sync-cut editing | | scripts/batch-export.sh | Export one reel to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc. |

Combining Multiple Effects

Stack effects in a single -filter_complex. Order matters:

1. Scale/crop to 1080x1920
2. Apply color grading
3. Apply speed changes
4. Apply animations/effects
5. Overlay captions/text
6. Add transitions (for multi-clip)

Example: Full viral reel pipeline 

ffmpeg -i clip1.mp4 -i music.mp3 -filter_complex "
[0:v]scale=1080:1920:force_original_aspect_ratio=increase,crop=1080:1920,
eq=brightness=0.06:saturation=1.4:contrast=1.05,
vignette=PI/5,
drawtext=text='Wait for it...':fontfile=/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoSans-Bold.ttf:
  fontsize=72:fontcolor=white:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:
  x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:enable='between(t,0,3)',
drawtext=text='Your Caption Here':fontfile=/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoSans-Bold.ttf:
  fontsize=56:fontcolor=white:borderw=3:bordercolor=black:
  x=(w-tw)/2:y=h-th-250:enable='between(t,3,28)',
drawtext=text='Save this!':fontfile=/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoSans-Bold.ttf:
  fontsize=40:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=3:bordercolor=black:
  x=(w-tw)/2:y=h-th-120:enable='between(t,25,30)',
fade=t=in:st=0:d=1,fade=t=out:st=28:d=2[v];
[1:a]afade=t=in:st=0:d=2,afade=t=out:st=27:d=3,volume=0.4[a]
" -map "[v]" -map "[a]" -t 30 \
-c:v libx264 -preset slow -crf 18 -pix_fmt yuv420p -r 30 \
-c:a aac -ar 44100 -ac 2 -movflags +faststart \
/mnt/user-data/outputs/reel_final.mp4

Multi-Platform Export

After finishing the reel, export for all platforms at once:

bash scripts/batch-export.sh /mnt/user-data/outputs/reel_final.mp4 my_reel all

Creates: my_reel_instagram.mp4, my_reel_tiktok.mp4, my_reel_youtube_shorts.mp4,


         my_reel_facebook.mp4, my_reel_snapchat.mp4, my_reel_pinterest.mp4

Or export to specific platforms: 

bash scripts/batch-export.sh reel.mp4 cooking_video instagram,tiktok,youtube

Watermark / Logo Overlay

# Animated logo (fade in, semi-transparent)
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -i logo.png -filter_complex "
[1:v]scale=120:-1,format=rgba,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.7[logo];
[0:v][logo]overlay=W-w-30:H-h-30
" OUTPUT_FLAGS output.mp4

Auto-Captions from Audio (Whisper)

pip install --break-system-packages openai-whisper pysrt


import whisper
model = whisper.load_model("base")
result = model.transcribe("audio.mp3", word_timestamps=True)
with open("captions.srt", "w") as f:
    for i, seg in enumerate(result["segments"], 1):
        start = seg["start"]
        end = seg["end"]
        text = seg["text"].strip()
        f.write(f"{i}\n")
        f.write(f"{int(start//3600):02}:{int(start%3600//60):02}:{start%60:06.3f} --> ")
        f.write(f"{int(end//3600):02}:{int(end%3600//60):02}:{end%60:06.3f}\n")
        f.write(f"{text}\n\n")

Then burn captions (see references/caption-templates.md for styled options): 

ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -vf "subtitles=captions.srt:force_style='FontSize=22,PrimaryColour=&Hffffff,OutlineColour=&H000000,Outline=2,Alignment=2'" OUTPUT_FLAGS output.mp4

Error Handling & Tips

  • Check for audio: ffprobe -i input.mp4 -show_streams -select_streams a
  • Silent video? Add -an or generate silent audio: -f lavfi -i anullsrc
  • Fonts missing? apt-get install -y fonts-noto fonts-liberation
  • Preview fast: Add -t 5 -preset ultrafast to render only 5 seconds
  • Emoji in text? Use fontfile=/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoColorEmoji.ttf
  • Always use -movflags +faststart for web/mobile playback
  • Duration limits: 90s Instagram/Facebook Β· 60s TikTok/YouTube Shorts/Snapchat

    • Output Checklist

    Before delivering the final video:

  • [ ] Resolution is 1080Γ—1920
  • [ ] Duration within platform limit (90s Instagram, 60s TikTok/Shorts)
  • [ ] FPS is 30 (or 60 for YouTube Shorts)
  • [ ] Has audio track (even if silent)
  • [ ] Uses H.264 + AAC codecs
  • [ ] Hook text visible in first 3 seconds
  • [ ] CTA text visible in last 5 seconds
  • [ ] File is in /mnt/user-data/outputs/
  • [ ] Platform variants exported via batch-export.sh if needed