Everyone steals ideas.
That shot you saw in the movie, that idea you heard somewhere, that product that solves a problem, even this newsletter.
Most creators draw inspiration from which they create something new.
There is no shame in that.
So, here are some Viral YouTube titles, thumbnails, and Instagram reels from which you can take inspiration.
That is not the solution(1/3)
Title: Dry Skin? Don’t Buy A Moisturizer (Here’s The ACTUAL Science)
Title framework: [problem]? Don’t [Common Solution] (Here’s [Justification])
Why this works:
- curiosity — the video objects to a common solution for a problem, this is counter-intuitive and grabs the attention
- authority — the channel name has Dr. in it and the video is based on “ACTUAL Science”, which increases the credibility of the video
- negativity — “moisturizer dries your skin. don’t fall for it“, this is the text written on the thumbnail which indicates that the beauty industry is hiding something from us.
Examples of titles:
- Broke? Don’t Look For a Job (Here’s What I Did)
- Love handles? Don’t Do Cardio (Here’s The Scientific Evidence )
- Heartbroken? Don’t Text Her Now (Here’s How To Win Her Back)
Transformation (2/3)
Title: I didn’t quit Youtube because of this book. (now I have 100k subscribers)
Title framework: I didn’t quit [Activity] because of [Reason]. (now I have [Achievement])
Why this works:
- curiosity — how can someone not quit YouTube because of a book? This question came to my mind when I first saw this video. The activity of “YouTube” and the reason of “book” seemed counter-intuitive.
- pain — most YouTubers quit, a common pain point among content creators.
- transformation — the title indicates a transformation story and that is always exciting. (pro tip: make the achievements specific with numbers)
Examples of titles:
- I didn’t quit blogging because of this book. (Now I make 200k a month)
- I didn’t quit the gym because of my partner. (now I have 6-pack abs)
- I didn’t quit coding because of this podcast. (now I have 10 apps!)
Negative hooks can make video go viral
Here is an analysis of an Instagram reel that caught my attention a few days ago. When I wrote this letter, the video had over 8.8 lakh views on Instagram. Today, we will see why it went viral.
Do me a favor watch the above video and come back to read further (please don’t get lost in scrolling. I share some important tips below).
Hook Used: Protein powders are poison.
Hook Framework: Start with a Bold, Controversial Statement
How to use it in your videos?
Find some common misconceptions/doubts that people have in your niche. Or find something that most people know as a good thing in your niche but add a negative angle to it to get their attention.
Here are some variations of the hook framework that may work. Find similar ideas in your niche.
- Don’t charge your phone overnight
- WhatsApp can break your relationships
- Getting a job is the best way to achieve financial freedom
- Credit cards are designed to keep you in debt.
Why does this work?
- Controversy
The video’s hook has the negativity of a controversial or bold statement. When you challenge someone’s beliefs and norms they will pay attention.
So, find misconceptions in your niche, break them down, and offer a solution to them.
- Handle objections
Once the creator reveals that protein is actually good, the audience will have questions or objections.
So he answers that with numbers and personal experience. This makes the claim believable and builds the authority of the creator.
- Desire or Love
Everyone wants their parents to be healthy and strong. So the creator makes his videos about something larger than ourselves.
This might sound cliche but it works. If you love something you will do something to preserve and maintain it.
Don’t believe me? Read the comments of the video.
- Series
He makes a series of connected videos based on parents’ health (desire/love), this helps to get more followers who are on the same page.
Once someone engages with any of the videos in that series, Instagram is more likely to show more from your account to that viewer.
Quitting 9-5 (3/3)
Title: I’ll never work a 9-5 job again
Title framework: I’ll [bold statement]
Why this works:
- bold — the title is a bold statement or claim that the author makes, this in itself can make the viewer curious
- curiosity — the video is relatable to people looking to quit or hate their jobs (which is a huge target audience) and they would like to know why he is quitting
Examples of titles:
- I’ll never write code again
- I’ll never buy a car again
- I’ll never post on YouTube again
That is it for this week, if you found this helpful, here is the previous letter.
Or check out all my letters from here. See you next Monday, God willing.
– Sayar