Build Your Content Brain with Claude Code

Teach Claude Code your voice and generate on-brand scripts on demand.

Introduction

30 Second Summary

Every time you start a new AI chat, you re-explain who you are, what you do, and how you like things written. It feels like training a new assistant from scratch every single day.

In this project, you will build a personal "Content Brain" inside Claude Code that remembers your voice, your audience, and your script format permanently. Then you will turn your entire script-writing workflow into a single command you can invoke anytime.

What You'll Build

You open Terminal, type one command, give it a topic, and get back a fully formatted short-form video script in your exact voice, ready to record.

By the end of this project, you'll have:

  • A Content Brain file that gives Claude Code permanent memory of your voice, audience, and format so every future session starts with full context about you.
  • A reusable /script skill that generates complete Hook/Body/CTA video scripts with a single command from anywhere on your machine.
  • The ability to create new Claude Code workflows by describing what you want in plain English. No coding required.
  • Secret Mission: A second skill that generates comedy skit scripts with different character pairs on demand.

Are there any prerequisites?

You need a Mac with Terminal access and an active Claude subscription (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise). Claude Code should already be installed on your machine.

Before We Start

Before we dive in, let's lock in what you're about to build and why it matters.

Set Up Your Project Folder

Claude Code needs a dedicated folder to call home. When you start a session inside a specific folder, Claude Code automatically discovers and loads any memory files stored there.

In this step, you will confirm Claude Code is running on your Mac and create the folder where your content brain will live.

In this step, get ready to:
  • Verify Claude Code is installed and up to date.
  • Create your content-brain project folder.
  • Confirm Claude Code is running and aware of your project directory.
Open Terminal and check your Claude Code version

Claude Code's Skills feature requires version 2.1.145 or higher. You need to confirm your installation meets this minimum before building anything.

  • Press Cmd+Space to open Spotlight.
  • Type Terminal and press Enter to open it.
  • Check your Claude Code version by running this command:
claude --version

You should see a version number printed back. Check whether it is 2.1.145 or higher.

✔️ I see version 2.1.145 or higher

Your Claude Code installation is ready. Move on to the next substep.

ⓧ I see a lower version number

Your version is too old for Skills. Update Claude Code by running this command:

claude update

Once the update finishes, run claude --version again to confirm you now see 2.1.145 or higher.

Seeing command not found?

If Terminal does not recognize claude, Claude Code may not be installed yet. Reinstall it by running:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Then close and reopen Terminal before trying claude --version again. Help me troubleshoot my Claude Code installation.

Create your project folder and start Claude Code

Your content brain needs its own folder. When Claude Code starts inside this folder, it will automatically load any memory files you place there.

  • Create the content-brain folder and move into it by running this command:
mkdir -p ~/content-brain && cd ~/content-brain

What does this command do?

mkdir -p ~/content-brain creates a folder called content-brain in your home directory. The -p flag means it won't throw an error if the folder already exists.

cd ~/content-brain moves your Terminal session into that folder so everything you do next happens inside it.

  • Start a Claude Code session inside your new folder by running:
claude

You should see Claude Code's welcome interface appear in your Terminal. This is your one window for the rest of the project. Everything happens here.

Don't see the welcome interface?

Make sure you ran cd ~/content-brain before running claude. If your terminal lost the cd from the combined command, run each command on its own line.

If you see a permissions or authentication error, confirm you are signed into your Claude subscription. Help me get Claude Code running in my Terminal.

Confirm Claude Code knows where it is

Claude Code is now running. Before you build anything, confirm it is aware of your project directory.

Before you ask this question, what do you think Claude Code will say? Will it know which folder you are in?

  • Type the following into your Claude Code session:
What folder am I in right now?

Claude should confirm you are in the content-brain folder. This proves Claude Code is running and aware of your project directory.

Why does this matter?

In the next step, you will create a CLAUDE.md file inside this folder. Claude Code automatically loads any CLAUDE.md it finds in your current directory at the start of every session.

Being in the right folder is what makes the magic work. If you start Claude Code somewhere else, it will not find your memory files.

Claude said a different folder?

Exit Claude Code by typing /exit. Then run cd ~/content-brain and start Claude Code again with claude. Help me get Claude Code running in the right folder.

Your workspace is ready. Next up, you will ask Claude Code to write you a script and discover why it needs a memory file to produce anything worth recording.

Ask Claude for a Script (Feel the Limitation)

Your Claude Code session is running and your project folder is ready. Time to put Claude to work on something you actually need: a short-form video script.

Before you teach Claude anything about your brand, you need to see what it produces without any context about you. This baseline makes the upgrade obvious when your Content Brain kicks in next step.

In this step, get ready to:
  • Ask Claude Code to write a 30-second video script.
  • Try to refine the output with your voice and CTA.
Ask Claude Code to write a short-form video script

You create content for a specific audience, in a specific voice, with a specific call-to-action. A good script generator should know all of that. Right now, Claude knows none of it.

Before you type this prompt, think about what you expect Claude to produce. Will it nail your voice? Will it include your NextWork CTA? Will it follow your Hook/Body/CTA format?

  • In your Claude Code session, type this prompt and press Enter:
Write me a 30-second video script about why everyone should learn AI skills in 2025

Read through Claude's response. It will be a perfectly serviceable script. It might even be well-structured.

What should I notice?

The script Claude produced is generic. It does not know your hook style. It does not know your audience (people looking to level up their tech careers). It does not include your CTA ("follow @nextwork.ai"). It does not follow your three-part format (Hook, Body, CTA).

This is what "starting from zero" looks like. Claude has no memory of who you are.

Try to refine it by asking for your voice

Maybe you just need to ask more specifically. If you tell Claude what you want, it should be able to adjust on the fly.

  • Type this follow-up prompt:
Make it more energetic and add a call to action about nextwork.ai

The output improves slightly. Claude adds some energy and shoehorns in a mention of nextwork.ai. But you had to explain yourself to get even this far.

Why is this a problem?

This session works because you just told Claude what you want. But the moment you close this session and start a new one, Claude forgets everything. You would have to re-explain your voice, your audience, your CTA, and your format from scratch every single time.

That is the limitation: Claude Code starts fresh every session. It has no memory of who you are or what you create.

You have now felt the gap firsthand. Claude can write, but it cannot write like you without being told who you are every time. Next up, you will give Claude a permanent memory so it never forgets.

Build Your Content Brain

In Step 2, you saw what happens when Claude has no memory. It gave you a perfectly fine script that sounded like it could have been written for anyone. That is the core problem: every time you start a new session, Claude forgets who you are.

A CLAUDE.md file fixes this. It gives Claude permanent memory of your voice, your audience, and your script format that loads automatically at the start of every session. You teach Claude once, and it remembers forever.

In this step, get ready to:
  • Create your Content Brain file (CLAUDE.md) with your voice, audience, and format.
  • Add a style reference by pasting one of your approved scripts.
  • Test the Content Brain with the same topic from Step 2 and see the difference.
Tell Claude Code to create your Content Brain file

Your CLAUDE.md file is a markdown file that lives in your project folder. Claude Code automatically reads it at the start of every session, so anything you put in there becomes part of Claude's context every time you chat.

  • In your Claude Code session, type the following prompt to create your Content Brain file (adjust any details to match your own voice):
Create a CLAUDE.md file in this folder with the following information about me and my content:

I create short-form video content (Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts) for NextWork. My audience is people looking to level up their tech and AI skills for career growth. My content has three parts: a Hook (attention-grabbing opener), a Body (valuable information), and a CTA (call to action). My CTA is always a variation of "Follow @nextwork.ai" or "Check out the projects on nextwork.ai." My voice is dynamic: sometimes comedic, sometimes informative, sometimes motivating, sometimes just a friend being real. Keep scripts under 60 seconds of speaking time.

What is CLAUDE.md?

CLAUDE.md is Claude Code's memory file. It gets loaded into the context window at the start of every session, consuming tokens alongside your conversation. Think of it as a permanent brief that Claude reads before responding to anything you ask.

Because it lives in your project folder, it is always available whenever you start Claude Code from that directory. You never have to re-explain who you are again.

Claude Code will create the file and confirm it was made. You should see a message indicating it wrote CLAUDE.md to your content-brain folder.

Claude didn't create the file?

Make sure you are still inside your Claude Code session (you should see Claude's chat interface, not a regular terminal prompt). If you accidentally exited, run cd ~/content-brain && claude to restart.

If Claude asks for permission to create the file, allow it. Claude Code needs write access to your project folder.

Help me troubleshoot why Claude Code didn't create my CLAUDE.md file

Add your style reference script

Claude now knows your format and audience, but it has never seen your actual writing. Adding a real script you are happy with gives Claude a concrete example of your pacing, tone, and word choices to reference.

  • Type the following prompt, then paste one of your existing scripts that you are happy with after the colon:
Add an example script section to the CLAUDE.md. Here is one of my approved scripts:
  • After the colon, paste the full text of one of your real video scripts. Press Enter to send it.

Why does the example matter?

Describing your voice in words ("energetic", "conversational") only gets Claude partway there. A real example shows Claude the exact sentence length, word choices, and rhythm you use. It is the difference between describing a song and playing it.

Claude Code will confirm it updated CLAUDE.md with your example script.

Pick your best script

Choose a script that performed well and feels like "you" on a good day. Claude will use it as the gold standard. If you do not have an existing script, write a quick 30-second example in your natural voice about any topic you know well.

✔️ Awesome, I've got everything!

Great. Double check you see Claude's confirmation that CLAUDE.md was updated with your example script.

ⓧ I'd like to double check the full code

Your CLAUDE.md should look similar to this structure. Your specific wording may differ based on how you described yourself, and the Example Script section will have your own script pasted in.

# Content Brain - NextWork Short-Form Video Scripts

## Who I Am
I create short-form video content (Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts) for NextWork (@nextwork.ai). I work in tech education, helping people learn AI and tech skills to meet the skill demand of the world.

## My Audience
People looking to level up their tech and AI skills for career growth. They want to make their next industry move or go deeper in their current role. They are excited about acquiring skills but need guidance and motivation.

## My Script Format
Every script has three parts:
1. HOOK - An attention-grabbing opener (1-2 sentences max). Fight for attention. Make them stop scrolling.
2. BODY - Valuable information delivered conversationally. Add value. Explain, teach, motivate, or entertain. Keep it under 45 seconds of speaking time.
3. CTA - Call to action. Always a variation of "Follow @nextwork.ai" or "Check out the projects on nextwork.ai" or "Links in bio to start your first project."

## My Voice Styles
I am dynamic. Pick the best style for the topic:
- Comedic: Humor-driven, making tech concepts funny and relatable
- Informative: Adding pure value, explaining concepts clearly
- Motivating: Getting people hyped to learn and build
- Vulnerable/Friend: Being real, conversational, like explaining to a friend

## Rules
- Keep total speaking time under 60 seconds
- Never be generic or corporate-sounding
- Always end with a NextWork CTA
- Match the energy to the topic

## Example Script
[PASTE YOUR APPROVED SCRIPT HERE - Replace this section with one of your real scripts that you are happy with]

The exact headings and sections matter more than the exact wording. As long as you have Who I Am, My Audience, My Script Format, My Voice Styles, Rules, and Example Script sections, you are on track.

Test the Content Brain by asking for the same script topic

Now for the real test. You are going to ask Claude the exact same question from Step 2 and see whether your Content Brain makes a difference.

  • Before you type anything, predict: do you think the output will be different this time? What specifically should change?
  • Type the same prompt you used in Step 2:
Write me a 30-second video script about why everyone should learn AI skills in 2025

Read the output carefully. This time, the script should follow your Hook/Body/CTA format. It should use your voice. It should include your NextWork CTA without you asking for it.

What changed?

The difference is your CLAUDE.md loaded automatically when you started the session. Claude read your voice description, your format, your CTA, and your example script before generating anything. You did not have to re-explain a single thing.

Output still looks generic?

If the script does not follow your Hook/Body/CTA format or is missing your NextWork CTA, your CLAUDE.md may not have loaded. Try exiting with /exit and restarting with cd ~/content-brain && claude to force a fresh load.

You can also type What folder am I in right now? to confirm Claude sees the content-brain folder where your CLAUDE.md lives.

Help me figure out why my CLAUDE.md is not loading

Your Content Brain is working. Claude now knows your voice, your audience, and your format without you lifting a finger. Next up, you will turn this into a one-command skill so you can generate scripts even faster.

Create Your /script Skill

Your Content Brain is working. Claude now remembers your voice, audience, and format every time you start a session inside the content-brain folder.

But you still have to type a full request each time you want a script. A Skill turns your entire script workflow into a single reusable command (/script) that you can invoke from any project on your machine forever.

In this step, get ready to:
  • Create a personal /script skill with its own SKILL.md file.
  • Exit and restart Claude Code to load the new skill.
  • Test /script with real topics and confirm it generates on-brand scripts.
Tell Claude Code to create your script skill

Personal skills live in ~/.claude/skills/ and are available across every project on your machine. The folder name becomes the command you type.

  • In your Claude Code session, type the following prompt to create the skill:
Create a personal skill called "script" for me. The skill directory should be at ~/.claude/skills/script/ and it needs a SKILL.md file. Here is what the skill should do:

When invoked, ask me for a topic (or use one I provide). Then generate a short-form video script with three clearly labeled sections: HOOK, BODY, and CTA. The hook should be attention-grabbing and under 2 sentences. The body should deliver value in a conversational tone, under 45 seconds of speaking time. The CTA should reference NextWork (either "follow @nextwork.ai" or "check out the projects on nextwork.ai"). Include a note about which voice style it used (comedic, informative, motivating, or vulnerable/friend). The skill description should say "Generate short-form video scripts for social media content."

What is a Skill in Claude Code?

Every skill needs a SKILL.md file with two parts: YAML frontmatter between --- markers that tells Claude when to use the skill, and markdown content with the instructions Claude follows when the skill runs.

Unlike CLAUDE.md content that loads into every session, a skill's body loads only when it is used. This means long reference material costs almost nothing until you need it.

  • Claude Code will confirm it created the folder and file. You should see a message indicating ~/.claude/skills/script/SKILL.md was written successfully.

Claude says it cannot create the file?

If Claude asks for permission to create files, type yes or y to allow it. Claude Code needs your approval before writing to disk.

If you see an error about the directory not existing, ask Claude: Please create the ~/.claude/skills/script/ directory first, then create the SKILL.md file inside it.

Exit and restart Claude Code to load the new skill

Your new skill was created, but the current session started before the skill existed. You need to restart Claude Code so it picks up the new /script command.

  • Close your current session by typing:
/exit
  • Start a fresh Claude Code session inside your project folder by running:
cd ~/content-brain && claude
  • You should see Claude Code's welcome interface again. Your CLAUDE.md and your new skill both load automatically.

Don't see Claude Code start up?

Make sure you pressed Enter after typing /exit in the previous session. If you are still inside Claude Code, the cd command will not work because it is a shell command, not a Claude Code command.

If your terminal shows a normal shell prompt (like $ or %), you have exited successfully and can run the cd command.

Test your skill with real topics

This is the moment of truth. Before you type your first /script command, think about what you expect to see. Will it ask for a topic? Will it pick a voice style on its own? Will your NextWork CTA appear at the end?

  • Invoke your new skill with a topic by typing:
/script Claude Code is a game changer for content creators
  • Read the output. You should see a complete script with all of these elements:
  • A Voice Style label at the top (comedic, informative, motivating, or vulnerable/friend).
  • A HOOK section with 1-2 attention-grabbing sentences.
  • A BODY section delivering value in your voice.
  • A CTA section ending with a NextWork reference.
  • An Estimated speaking time under 60 seconds.

Why is this different from Step 2?

In Step 2, you had to describe your format, your CTA, and your voice every single time. Now you typed one short command and got a fully formatted, on-brand script. That is the power of combining CLAUDE.md (memory) with a Skill (reusable workflow).

  • Try a second topic to confirm the skill works consistently:
/script The difference between Claude.ai and Claude Code
  • Confirm this second script also follows your Hook/Body/CTA format with a NextWork CTA and a voice style label. Two successful outputs means your skill is solid.

Script output looks generic or ignores your format?

Make sure you restarted Claude Code from inside the ~/content-brain folder. Your CLAUDE.md only loads when Claude Code starts in a directory that contains it (or a parent directory).

If you started Claude Code from a different folder, exit and run cd ~/content-brain && claude again.

Still not working? Ask Claude: My /script skill is not using my CLAUDE.md voice. How do I fix this?

You now have a one-command content machine. Next up, you will push this even further with a Secret Mission that adds a second skill for a completely different content format.

Secret mission

Build a Comedy Skit Skill

You have scripts on lock. But what about your comedy-driven content? Build a second skill that generates two-character comedy skits on demand, proving the pattern is infinitely repeatable.

Clean Up Your Resources

Clean Up Your Resources

This project runs entirely locally on your Mac, so there are no ongoing costs or cloud resources to worry about. Decide whether to keep your Content Brain files, pause them, or delete them entirely.

Resources you used:

  • Project folder: ~/content-brain/ (contains your CLAUDE.md Content Brain file).
  • Personal skill: ~/.claude/skills/script/ (your /script skill).
  • Personal skill: ~/.claude/skills/skit/ (your /skit comedy skill from the Secret Mission).

Keep everything running

No action needed. Choose this if you plan to keep generating scripts and want your Content Brain and skills ready to go.

  • Your CLAUDE.md stays in ~/content-brain/ and loads automatically whenever you run claude from that folder.
  • Your /script and /skit skills stay in ~/.claude/skills/ and are available from any project folder on your machine.
  • These files take up negligible disk space and have no ongoing cost.

Pause - I'll come back to this later

Since everything is local files, there is nothing to shut down or pause. Your files sit quietly on disk until you use them again.

  • If you have a Claude Code session still running, type /exit to close it.
  • Your Content Brain and skills will be exactly where you left them next time you run claude in the content-brain folder.

Delete - I don't want to use this again

Remove all project files and skills from your machine. This cannot be undone.

  • If you have a Claude Code session running, type /exit to close it first.
  • Delete your project folder by running:
rm -rf ~/content-brain
  • Delete your /script skill by running:
rm -rf ~/.claude/skills/script
  • Delete your /skit skill by running:
rm -rf ~/.claude/skills/skit
  • Confirm everything is removed by running:
ls ~/content-brain && ls ~/.claude/skills/script && ls ~/.claude/skills/skit
  • You should see "No such file or directory" for each path. Your machine is clean.

Nice Work!

Nice Work!

You just built a personal AI content assistant that lives in your Terminal, knows your brand voice, and generates on-brand short-form scripts on demand.

You've learned how to:

  • Build a Content Brain (CLAUDE.md) that gives Claude Code permanent memory of your voice, audience, and CTA across every future session.
  • Create a reusable /script Skill that generates complete Hook/Body/CTA video scripts with a single command from anywhere on your machine.
  • Talk to Claude Code in plain English to create files, skills, and workflows without writing a single line of code.
  • Prove the pattern is repeatable by building a comedy /skit skill that generates two-character dialogues on demand (Secret Mission).

Ready to quiz yourself?