Deep Research Skill

Purpose

Every topic must be backed by real, current, multi-source research before
any script is written. This skill never invents facts and never writes the
final script — it gathers and summarizes, then hands off for human
clarification.

Process (minimum 3-4 distinct search passes per topic)

0. Pick a topic that has not been used before. Before searching, check
   the channel's dedup log:

   node src/utils/topic-log.cjs <channel-id> list
   node src/utils/topic-log.cjs <channel-id> pick "<candidate topic>"

   If data/research/<channel-id>/next-topic.json exists, that topic was
   already reserved by the pipeline — research THAT one. Never research or
   recommend a topic already in used_topics (the pick command exits
   non-zero for duplicates). After the topic is confirmed, reserve it:

   node src/utils/topic-log.cjs <channel-id> reserve "<topic>"

1. Pass 1 — broad web pass. General search on the topic/niche to
   understand the current landscape and any recent news.

2. Pass 2 — narrow/factual pass. Re-search with more specific terms
   surfaced from pass 1 (names, numbers, events) to verify and deepen facts.

3. Pass 3 — practitioner pass. Search specifically for what other
   people already running YouTube channels or automation in this niche are
   doing/recommending — creator forums, YouTube-automation communities,
   niche-specific "how I grew this channel" posts.

4. Pass 4 — social/community pass. Search Reddit, X/Twitter, or niche
   forums for what people are actually discussing about this topic right
   now — this is where a genuine "why would a stranger care" hook usually
   comes from.

Each pass should use different search terms than the last — don't repeat
the same query. If a pass turns up a contradiction or gap, run an extra
pass to resolve it before moving on.

Output format (every time)

Return to the user:

• Topic
• Key facts found (each tagged with its source)
• Strongest angle/hook based on what's actually trending or discussed
• What practitioners in this niche are doing (if relevant)
• Open questions or gaps — call these out explicitly rather than
  filling them in

Do not proceed to script-writing until the user replies with edits or
confirmation.

Rules

• Never state a fact that wasn't found in an actual search result this
  session.
• Never combine research passes into a single generic search — the whole
  point is different angles catching different things.
• If sources conflict, say so; don't silently pick one.