# Requirements: Automated How-To Videos

> **Version 1.0.0 · Last updated 2026-10-22 · Estimated setup time: 5–15 minutes**

---

## 1. Required skills / operators

> Skill names can differ slightly between orgs. Confirm the exact names in your skill catalog before saving the skill.

| # | Skill / operator (exact name) | What it's used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | **Clone-Automated-Video** | Produces the narrated video and emails it | Required |
| 2 | **Image_Operator** | Thumbnail images | Optional |
| 3 | **GoogleSheets-Operator** or **Microsoft_Excel** | Weekly topic list (optional scheduled task) | Optional |
| 4 | **How-To Video Producer** (optional custom skill in CLONE-INSTRUCTIONS.md) | Makes the clone always use Clone-Automated-Video and collect every parameter | Optional |

## 2. Connections and minimum permissions

None for a one-off video. For the optional weekly task, a Google or Microsoft 365 connection with **read and write** access to the one topic spreadsheet (write is needed to mark topics used).

## 3. Optional add-ons

| Add-on | Why |
|---|---|
| Image_Operator | Thumbnail |
| Weekly scheduled task | Picks the next topic from your list |

| Google | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|
| GoogleSheets-Operator | Microsoft_Excel |

## 4. Data prerequisites

- [ ] Topic and key steps (accurate and current)
- [ ] Video type, duration and aspect ratio decided
- [ ] Visual style and language decided
- [ ] A notification email address where the finished video should go
- [ ] Brand terms and things to avoid (unreleased features, price claims)
- [ ] (Optional) A topic list sheet with columns: Topic, Key steps, Type, Duration, Status

## 5. Roles and permissions

| Role | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Marketing | Explainers, social clips, demos |
| Customer Success | Onboarding and how-to videos, anonymized case studies |
| Support | Help-center how-tos |

## 6. Estimated setup time

| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Check Clone-Automated-Video | 2 min |
| Write the request | 5 min |
| Render | Takes time; wait for the email |
| Review and publish (your own) | 15–30 min |
| Optional weekly task setup | 10 min |

## 7. Pre-flight checklist

- [ ] Clone-Automated-Video is available to my clone
- [ ] I know my topic and key steps
- [ ] I chose a duration (required)
- [ ] I have a notification email (required)
- [ ] I will review the video before publishing

## 8. You're ready when...

- ✅ Clone-Automated-Video is confirmed
- ✅ The request template is filled in, including duration and email
- ✅ You know where you will publish