AI versus Marshy - Using AI to Reverse Engineer Content Trends

Welcome to this article about using AI to reverse engineer content trends. If you’re new here, I’m Marshy, and this newsletter tracks what’s happening in AI with a practical filter. I’ve been sharing my experiences and insights with you, and today I want to dive deeper into a technique that’s been working well for me. I did a presentation for Global Sisters earlier in the year teaching women seeking new employment pathways how to use AI to learn more about content. A copy of the presentation can viewed here . The main thrust of the presentation was to identify pieces of content you think are good, keep a file of them, and use AI to extract feedback about how to create this sort of content yourself: ​ Simple! A fancy term for this approach is called reverse engineering . Uncovering how something works by working backwards. It’s no surprise that this works very well with AI too. I’m a member of Starter Story (link above) a community of makers, solopreneurs, and aspiring startup founders who share a lot of creative energy and knowledge sharing. It’s founded by Pat Walls who shared a video in the community that he was happy for me to share. Here’s the Loom . Breaking things down with Pat Basically Pat went and looked at a random most popular video on TikTok, grabbed the transcript, comments, and some stills - and then asked ChatGPT to unpack why this video went viral . The answers add value. The answers might seem obvious - but when added together create something more valuable. For this video it suggested: a strong hook simplicity and accessible to a broad audience Step-by-step instructions engagement by involving the audience in the process an element of surprise a call-to-action inviting you to follow more The comments were helpful too: Mixed reactions - being polarising is helpful It’s practical - something anyone can learn Look at the last piece of content you posted online - does it have ALL of these? Originally appeared in newsletter : AI versus Marshy #53 - content trends, Figma, and FB ads lessons