Gemini Prompts For Viral Content, Reels, Shorts & Threads
Okay, let me try to write this like I'm talking to a friend. My name is Alex, and I spend... maybe too much time watching short videos online. I also try to make them.
It's harder than it looks, right? You film something, add a song, post it... and nothing happens. I felt that too.
But then I started to notice a pattern. The videos that blew up weren't always the fanciest. They just made you feel something fast – surprise, a laugh, the need to share. I got curious and started testing different ideas, writing down what worked.
That's what this is. It's my simple list of 10 proven video ideas that can help you start. I'm not a famous guru. I'm just someone who paid attention, made many boring videos, and finally found some recipes that actually get people to watch and share.
I still use these prompts myself when my ideas feel empty. They are like friendly helpers. Try one and see how it feels.
✅ Prompt 1: The "Unexpected Twist" Hook
Create a 15-second Reel/Short that starts with a common frustration or a predictable scenario (e.g., "Trying to open a package neatly," or "The classic way to do X"). At the 3-second mark, use a sharp sound effect (like a record scratch or boom) to halt the action. Visually transition to a radically different, clever, or satisfying solution. On-screen text should pose a question like "But what if you tried THIS?" The final frame must include a strong, direct Call-to-Action (CTA) like "Follow for more life hacks you didn't know you needed." Focus on high-contrast visuals and quick, precise editing.
✅ Prompt 2: The "Myth vs. Reality" Comparison
Film a split-screen or rapid-cut Thread/Reel comparing a popular belief (MYTH) with the verified truth (REALITY). For example, "MYTH: You should drink 8 glasses of water a day. REALITY: Your need is based on weight & activity." Use bold, clear text for each label. The footage should visually demonstrate the difference. The hook must be, "Stop believing this common myth." End by asking a provocative question in the caption to spark debate and comments, such as "Which myth surprised you the most? Comment below!"
✅ Prompt 3: The "Satisfying Transformation" Loop
Produce a seamless, looping 9-second Short/Reel showcasing a satisfying transformation or process from start to finish. Examples: a chaotic desk organized perfectly, a dull room brightened with one accent, ingredients becoming a finished dish in fast motion. Use smooth, continuous motion shots or hyper-lapse. There is no spoken audio; instead, use a trending, upbeat audio track that peaks as the transformation completes. The first frame should show the "before" state with text that says, "Wait for it..." This leverages watch-time by encouraging a full, repeat view.
✅ Prompt 4: The "Niche Expert Quick Tip"
Script a 12-second vertical video where you, speaking directly to the camera, deliver one ultra-specific, valuable tip for a niche audience (e.g., guitarists, plant parents, Python programmers). Structure it as: 1) Hook: "If you're [niche], you NEED to know this." (2 seconds). 2) Tip: Demonstrate the tip clearly with close-up shots or screen shares (8 seconds). 3) Payoff: State the clear benefit, e.g., "This will save you 2 hours a week." (2 seconds). Use on-screen text to highlight keywords. The caption should invite viewers to "Save this for later."
✅ Prompt 5: The "Emotional Story in 3 Acts"
Craft a 30-second narrative Reel using the 3-act structure in miniature. Act 1 (Setup): "I was struggling with [universal problem]..." (show relatable struggle). Act 2 (Journey): "Then I discovered [key insight/action]..." (show montage of attempt/learning). Act 3 (Resolution): "Now, [positive outcome/transformation]..." (show confident result). Use a viral, emotional soundtrack. Rely heavily on dynamic subtitles that match the pacing of the voiceover or song lyrics. The goal is to make the viewer feel inspired and tag a friend who "needs to see this."
✅ Prompt 6: The "Trend Audio with a Unique Angle"
Take a currently trending audio clip (from TikTok or Instagram's audio page) and apply it in a novel, unexpected context relevant to your field. For example, if the trend is a "This or That" dialogue, use it for "Code: Python or Javascript?" "Design: Minimalist or Maximalist?" Film quick, charismatic cuts of you reacting to each option. The key is to ride the trend's discoverability while adding unique value. Use the exact trending hashtags in your caption, plus your niche hashtags.
✅ Prompt 7: The "Behind-the-Scenes / How It's Made"
Film a fast-paced, close-up BTS video revealing the creation process of something intriguing in your work. Start with the finished, polished product, then rewind with a whoosh effect to show the raw, messy, or complex steps behind it. Examples: a digital artist's sketch layers, a chef prepping mise en place, a writer's chaotic first draft. Use text overlays to label key steps. The audio can be ambient ASMR sounds of the process or a popular instrumental track. Caption: "The magic is in the messy middle."
✅ Prompt 8: The "Controversial Opinion / Hot Take"
For Threads or a talking-head Reel, start with a bold, industry-specific hot take stated plainly as text-on-screen and in your hook: "Unpopular opinion: [Your Hot Take]." Immediately follow with 3 concise, factual points defending your position, shown as bullet-point text. Deliver it with confident, calm energy. The purpose is not to troll, but to spark meaningful engagement. In the caption, explicitly ask, "Agree or disagree? Why?" This directly prompts comments, boosting the algorithm.
✅ Prompt 9: The "Before You Buy" / Quick Review
Create a rapid-fire review in under 20 seconds for a product, tool, or service in your niche. Structure: 1) Hold the product up. "Thinking of buying [Product]?" 2) Cut to you using it. Show ONE great pro (full screen text: PRO). 3) Show ONE significant con (full screen text: CON). 4) Final verdict: "Who it's for:" and "Who should skip it:". Be brutally concise. Use quick zooms and bold graphics. This format is highly saved and shared by decision-making audiences.
✅ Prompt 10: The "Interactive Choice / Poll"
Design a Reel/Short that presents two appealing options and forces a choice. Visually showcase Option A and Option B with equal appeal (e.g., two outfit styles, two logo designs, two vacation spots). Use the poll sticker (for Reels) or simply instruct "Comment A or B!" The hook is, "Help me decide!" or "Which would you choose?" This not only increases comments but also creates a sense of community participation. Follow up in a subsequent video announcing the "winner" to create a content series.
If you want a more advanced prompt, you should check my new book " The Ultimate ChatGPT Prompt Playbook," where I give you 13 prompts for free.
See you in the next post.
