TEST YOUR VIDEO'S FIRST 3 SECONDS BEFORE YOU PUBLISH.

What is ShadowViral AI?

ShadowViral AI is a video retention intelligence tool for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. It calculates an objective 0-100 scroll-stop score by evaluating opening motion, cut pacing, and spoken hook tension. Creators receive original 4-layer production scripts with voiceover, B-roll directions, and safe-zone text to beat platform swipe-away penalties.

• 0 to 100 Hook Scoring: Evaluates scroll-stop mechanics in the critical first 3 seconds.
• 3-Mode Script Studio: Ideate viral concepts, generate from a topic, or refactor existing client briefs.
• 4-Layer Production Blueprints: Synchronizes spoken voiceover, B-roll cues, desynchronized text anchors, and SFX markers.

How does ShadowViral analyze a viral video?

Paste a public TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube URL to request a video analysis. ShadowViral breaks down its opening hook, pacing beats, and call to action, then suggests how to adapt the structure to your niche. Public metrics may be cached, unavailable, or estimated; estimates are labeled rather than presented as measured retention.

Which platforms does ShadowViral support?

ShadowViral supports TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube, including Shorts and long-form videos. YouTube engagement metrics come from the YouTube Data API when available. TikTok and Instagram URL analyses use available public post information, with labeled estimates or limitations when data cannot be retrieved. Some platform trend browsing may be temporarily paused.

• Paste a direct video link, including YouTube watch or Shorts links, TikTok mobile share links, and Instagram reel or post links. Missing protocols and sharing parameters are cleaned automatically.
• An exact 11-character YouTube video ID also works. Channel and profile links do not identify a specific video.

What is a faceless video?

A faceless video is short-form or long-form content produced without a presenter appearing on camera. It can combine spoken voiceover or AI narration with licensed stock footage, screen recordings, animation, or on-screen text. Creators still need original editorial value and appropriate asset permissions; keeping a face off camera does not guarantee monetization.

Why do 70% of viewers swipe away before second 3?

Most openings lose viewers because they start with a greeting, a logo, or a static talking head held for 4.5 seconds. ShadowViral's analysis shows that 1.4 second visual cuts paired with instant safe-zone text anchors give the brain a reason to stay, holding attention past the second 3 swipe cliff.

ShadowViral vs. vidIQ and generic AI scriptwriters.

vidIQ focuses on YouTube keyword and metadata research, while generic AI writers produce text without platform context. ShadowViral reverse-engineers the 0:00-0:03 scroll-stop mechanics of videos already winning on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts, then builds original 4-layer production scripts from those patterns.

Can I connect ShadowViral to my own AI assistant?

Yes. ShadowViral provides an MCP endpoint at https://shadowviral.com/mcp for compatible assistants such as Claude and ChatGPT. Connection setup is free; production tools require Pro, Ultra, Agency, or an active trial. Available tools and permissions depend on your plan. Agency teammates inherit the owner’s subscription and share the team’s run pool.

• Connection guides: Claude and ChatGPT setup instructions are available in the integrations directory at /connect.
• Team Pool Sharing: Agency seats inherit the owner license and draw from the shared workspace run pool.

Can I copy a viral video with ShadowViral?

No. ShadowViral helps adapt narrative structure rather than copy copyrighted wording or assets. It studies hook angles, pacing patterns, and retention beats to suggest fresh scripts, then flags potential music, footage, and disclosure risks. You must still verify licenses, avoid unauthorized reuse, and add original editorial value before publishing your finished video.

• Studio's Transpose Narrative mode maps a pasted transcript's Hook, Tension, Mechanism and Resolution onto a separate topic with original wording. Video URLs alone do not supply verified narration or timing.

How to avoid YouTube "reused content" demonetization on faceless channels.

YouTube flags channels that republish content without original value. ShadowViral supports original production by generating 4-layer scripts with transformative voiceover direction and running pre-flight copyright and reuse checks before you publish. Read the full policy breakdown in our reused content monetization guide.

Is ShadowViral free to use?

Yes. Guests get 1 public preview analysis per rolling 24 hours; signed-in free accounts get 3, and failed attempts never count. The hook teardown uses this preview allowance, while the earnings calculator is free. Full script generation, deep analysis, exports, and saved history require Pro, Ultra, Agency, or an active trial.