1. Role: can your product do the same job?
In your shot list from lesson 3, find the product shots and cutaways. Ask what the original product was doing in each one.
- Was it being used? Then your product needs a clear "in use" moment.
- Was it being revealed? Then your product needs a satisfying look: a lid off, a box open, a finished result.
- Was it being compared? Then you need something honest to compare against, such as the old way of doing it.
- Was it just present while someone talked? Then almost any product can fill the role.
If your product can't do the job, the remake will feel forced.
Service businesses can fill the "result" role with real photos of real work.
2. Audience: would your customers stop for it?
Look at who the original reel was talking to. A great format aimed at students may still miss parents or business owners.
- Would my customers use the words in this hook?
- Does the setting (a car, a kitchen, an office, a gym) feel normal for them?
- Is the tone (funny, calm, urgent, warm) one my brand can carry?
You can change the words and the AI actor's setting. You can't change what kind of reel it is. If the type feels wrong for your customers, pick another reel.
3. Proof: can you back up what the format implies?
Some formats make a promise just by their shape:
- A before and after implies a real result. Only use it with real results you can show.
- A testimonial implies a real customer. An AI actor can share a reason a product is useful, but must never be presented as a real customer or a verified buyer.
- A "don't buy this, buy that" reel implies a fair comparison. Make sure it is one.
- A ranking ("the top three") implies you've compared things. Use personal framing ("my three picks") unless you can show the comparison.
Clone Viral Videos writes scripts from the facts in your brand profile and blocks health, weight-loss, income and "expert says" claims until you change them. You are still responsible for every claim, so pick formats whose promise you can keep.
4. Size: one product, several, or one each?
- One product. Most talking, demo and problem-solution reels.
- Two or three products. Lists, routines and bundles. Clone Viral Videos can show up to 3 products in one reel, and each part shows the product assigned to it. See listicle reels with multiple products.
- One reel for each product. If a format fits your whole range, you can remake it once per product. See bulk product videos from one viral reel.
Use the right category
The template library is sorted by business type. Start with your own category, for example food and restaurants, home services or products and shopping. Then try one neighbouring category.
The free viral format finder suggests formats for your type of business if you're starting from scratch.
Exercise
Take your strongest reel so far and score it from 1 to 3 on role, audience, proof and size. Anything with a 1 needs a fix or a different reel. Write down the product (or products) you'll use and the one fact about each that your script can lean on.
Check your plan against the viral reel analyzer breakdown, and run any new hook line through the hook checker.
Next: Lesson 5: from template to your reel. Back to the course overview.