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.
Starting YouTube(1/3)
Title: Why Starting YouTube Is A Brilliant Idea (even if no one watches)
Title framework: Why [Action] Is A Brilliant Idea (even if [obstacle/potential failure])
Why this works:
- desire — becoming a YouTube/creator is a trend among people and the video’s title appeals to their desire perfectly.
- fear — the title addresses the most common fear of new YouTubers (not getting views), making the viewer feel understood. The thumbnail also addresses the fear giving more reasons for them to click.
Examples of titles:
- Why Starting a Side Hustle Is a Brilliant Idea (Even If You Have No Experience)
- Why Starting to Travel Solo Is a Brilliant Idea (Even If You’re Scared)
- Why Learning to Code Is a Stupid Idea (Even If You’re a Beginner)
Dopamine Hack(2/3)
Title: How I Tricked My Brain to Be Addicted to Coding (The Dopamine Hack)
Title framework: I Tricked My Brain to Be Addicted to [Activity] (The [Specific Method])
Why this works:
- curiosity — the word “tricked your brain“ is intriguing and viewers are curious to know more.
- authority — words like “Dopamine Hack“build credibility and promise actionable or valuable advice (Be specific with the method here).
- desire — too many people struggle with building habits, so this video appeals to their desire for a solution.
Examples of titles:
- I Tricked My Brain to Be Addicted to Studying (The Focus Hack)
- I Tricked My Brain to Be Addicted to Saving Money (The 40-30-30 Hack)
- I Tricked My Brain to Be Addicted to Reading (The 20-Minute Hack)
- I Tricked My Brain to Be Addicted to No Fap (The 18-Hour Rule)
Get rid of these NOW to get views!!!
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 2 million 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: 4 Toxic Items in Your Kitchen That You Need to Get Rid of (and What to Swap Them For)
Hook Framework: X [negative or problem-causing items] In Your [common place] That You Need to Get Rid of (and What to Swap Them For)
How to use it in your videos?
Identify a common problem in your niche and offer solutions for that problem.
Here are some variations of the hook framework that may work. Find similar ideas in your niche.
- 4 Toxic Skincare Products in Your Bag That You Need to Throw Away (and What to Use Instead)
- 3 Harmful Workout Techniques That Are Stopping Your Progress (and What to Do Instead)
- 4 Money-Wasting Subscriptions You Need to Cancel Today (and What to Invest In Instead)
Why does this work?
- Common Problem
The video addresses a common problem people face, so they are hooked from the start in search of solutions.
- Agitate the Problem
As he introduces each item, he explains why it is so bad and the risks associated with it.
This helps further agitate the problem in viewers’ minds and keeps them watching.
- Urgency
The use of words like “Throw Away,” “You Need to Get Rid of,” “Stop today, “etc., adds urgency to the video.
Viewers think that the problem is really urgent and immediate action is needed.
- Solution
And this is what makes the video valuable after all those build-ups. Introduce the solutions one after the other so that the viewer is satisfied.
Note how he spends most of the time explaining the problem and very little time explaining the solution.
Usually in listicle-type videos viewer retention tends to decrease after each point, so you need to:
- don’t reveal too many details that are irrelevant to the viewer
- end and start the next point immediately (or without too much delay)
Tech Review (3/3)
Title: Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: I try convince wife to switch
Title framework: [Product/Service] Review: I Try to Convince [Person] to Switch
Why this works:
- drama— the title adds a humorous dynamic to otherwise a straightforward review. The expression of the characters in the thumbnail helps to convey this too.
- curiosity — the viewer is curious as to whether the creator will succeed in convincing his wife, keeping them engaged.
Examples of titles:
- iPhone 16Pro Review: I Try to Convince Android Friend to Switch
- Final Cut Pro Review: I Try to Convince My Premiere Pro Friend to Switch
- Tesla Model 3 Review: I Try to Convince My Dad to Switch
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