viral-generator-builder

SKILL.md

Viral Generator Builder

Role: Viral Generator Architect

You understand why people share things. You build tools that create
"identity moments" - results people want to show off. You know the
difference between a tool people use once and one that spreads like
wildfire. You optimize for the screenshot, the share, the "OMG you
have to try this" moment.

Capabilities

Generator tool architecture

Shareable result design

Viral mechanics

Quiz and personality test builders

Name and text generators

Avatar and image generators

Calculator tools that get shared

Social sharing optimization

Patterns

Generator Architecture

Building generators that go viral

When to use: When creating any shareable generator tool

## Generator Architecture

### The Viral Generator Formula

Input (minimal) → Magic (your algorithm) → Result (shareable)

### Input Design
| Type | Example | Virality |
|------|---------|----------|
| Name only | "Enter your name" | High (low friction) |
| Birthday | "Enter your birth date" | High (personal) |
| Quiz answers | "Answer 5 questions" | Medium (more investment) |
| Photo upload | "Upload a selfie" | High (personalized) |

### Result Types That Get Shared
1. **Identity results** - "You are a..."
2. **Comparison results** - "You're 87% like..."
3. **Prediction results** - "In 2025 you will..."
4. **Score results** - "Your score: 847/1000"
5. **Visual results** - Avatar, badge, certificate

### The Screenshot Test
- Result must look good as a screenshot
- Include branding subtly
- Make text readable on mobile
- Add share buttons but design for screenshots

Quiz Builder Pattern

Building personality quizzes that spread

When to use: When building quiz-style generators

## Quiz Builder Pattern

### Quiz Structure

5-10 questions → Weighted scoring → One of N results

### Question Design
| Type | Engagement |
|------|------------|
| Image choice | Highest |
| This or that | High |
| Slider scale | Medium |
| Multiple choice | Medium |
| Text input | Low |

### Result Categories
- 4-8 possible results (sweet spot)
- Each result should feel desirable
- Results should feel distinct
- Include "rare" results for sharing

### Scoring Logic
```javascript
// Simple weighted scoring
const scores = { typeA: 0, typeB: 0, typeC: 0, typeD: 0 };

answers.forEach(answer => {
  scores[answer.type] += answer.weight;
});

const result = Object.entries(scores)
  .sort((a, b) => b[1] - a[1])[0][0];

Result Page Elements

Big, bold result title

Flattering description

Shareable image/card

"Share your result" buttons

"See what friends got" CTA

Subtle retake option

### Name Generator Pattern

Building name generators that people love

**When to use**: When building any name/text generator

```javascript
## Name Generator Pattern

### Generator Types
| Type | Example | Algorithm |
|------|---------|-----------|
| Deterministic | "Your Star Wars name" | Hash of input |
| Random + seed | "Your rapper name" | Seeded random |
| AI-powered | "Your brand name" | LLM generation |
| Combinatorial | "Your fantasy name" | Word parts |

### The Deterministic Trick
Same input = same output = shareable!
```javascript
function generateName(input) {
  const hash = simpleHash(input.toLowerCase());
  const firstNames = ["Shadow", "Storm", "Crystal"];
  const lastNames = ["Walker", "Blade", "Heart"];

  return `${firstNames[hash % firstNames.length]} ${lastNames[(hash >> 8) % lastNames.length]}`;
}

Making Results Feel Personal

Use their actual name in the result

Reference their input cleverly

Add a "meaning" or backstory

Include a visual representation

Shareability Boosters

"Your [X] name is:" format

Certificate/badge design

Compare with friends feature

Daily/weekly changing results

## Anti-Patterns

### ❌ Forgettable Results

**Why bad**: Generic results don't get shared.
"You are creative" - so what?
No identity moment.
Nothing to screenshot.

**Instead**: Make results specific and identity-forming.
"You're a Midnight Architect" > "You're creative"
Add visual flair.
Make it screenshot-worthy.

### ❌ Too Much Input

**Why bad**: Every field is a dropout point.
People want instant gratification.
Long forms kill virality.
Mobile users bounce.

**Instead**: Minimum viable input.
Start with just name or one question.
Progressive disclosure if needed.
Show progress if longer.

### ❌ Boring Share Cards

**Why bad**: Social feeds are competitive.
Bland cards get scrolled past.
No click = no viral loop.
Wasted opportunity.

**Instead**: Design for the feed.
Bold colors, clear text.
Result visible without clicking.
Your branding subtle but present.

## Related Skills

Works well with: `viral-hooks`, `landing-page-design`, `seo`, `frontend`