I’ve asked some of the best creators on YouTube, “How do you write such great titles?”
And they’ve all said the same thing: “I just model what works.”
So this email will show you 5 videos worth modeling to help you write great titles and save time.
Btw, if you want to see all of the titles and thumbnails from Creator Hooks in one place, check out Creator Hooks Pro.
The Purposeful Leak
Title: LEAKED! Tax Strategist Reveals How LLC Business Owners AVOID Taxes…
Formula: LEAKED! (Authority Position) Reveals How (Specific Audience) AVOID (Unwanted Action)…
Hook score: +418
Why this works:
Desire – Everybody in this creator’s audience would love to avoid taxes.
Curiosity – Starting the title with “LEAKED!” and making the thumbnail look like a clip from leaked footage is a fun way to build curiosity by making the audience feel like they’re getting in on a secret.
Negativity – This video is about avoiding a pain point — paying taxes.
Authority – This video has credibility because it’s from a Tax Strategist.
How you can use this hook: Make it feel like your secret for how to help your audience avoid doing something they don’t want to do was leaked.
Examples of this hook in action:
- LEAKED! Flight Attendant Reveals How Travelers Can AVOID Paying For Checked Bags…
- LEAKED! Recruiter Reveals How Job Applicants Can ALWAYS Land Interviews…
Lazy Livin
Title: You’re Not Lazy: How to Live a Chaotically Organised Life
Formula: You’re Not (Unwanted Trait): How To (Achieve Goal)
Hook score: +424
Why this works:
Negativity – This title starts out by refuting a self-doubt.
Desire – Everyone in this creator’s audience would love to live an organised life.
Curiosity – “Chaotically Organised” are opposites, which builds curiosity.
How you can use this hook: Tell your audience that they’re not a negative trait, then tell them how to achieve one of their goals.
Examples of this hook in action:
- You’re Not Slow: How To Run A 5K Under 20 Minutes
- You’re Not A Bad Guitar Player: How To Get Better At Guitar Fast
Check Out Creator Wizard
Wanna join 7,821 creators getting paid sponsorship opportunities from @CreatorWizard’s free weekly newsletter?
“I have made over $17,000 from brand deals I found through Justin’s newsletter. His list not only makes me money on a regular basis, but it also provides tips and information that saves me time and energy when pitching and working with brands. I cannot believe he gives all of this away for free!” Molly, 867K followers
(Sponsored)
Cruising Into Controversy
Title: This “Adult Only” Cruise Was The Worst Cruise I’ve Ever Taken | Virgin Voyages
Formula: This “(Controversial)” (Experience) Was The Worst (Experience) I’ve Ever Taken | (Keywords)
Hook score: +662
Why this works:
Negativity – People love hearing about drama.
Extreme – The “Worst Cruise I’ve Ever Taken” makes for a much better story than just a really bad cruise.
How you can use this hook: Dig into the controversy and tell your audience about the worst experience you’ve ever had in regards to your niche.
Examples of this hook in action:
- This “Invite Only” Grand Opening Was The Worst Meal I’ve Ever Had
- This “Early Release” Smart Phone Is The Worst Technology I’ve Ever Used
Cake Boss Calamity
Title: Buddy Valastro Was Never The Same After Cake Boss
Formula: (Entity) Was Never The Same After (Event)
Hook score: +1086
Why this works:
Curiosity – “Was Never The Same” opens up a loop and makes you wonder what happened to Buddy.
How you can use this hook: Tell the story of how someone or something was never the same after an event.
Examples of this hook in action:
- Elon Musk Was Never The Same After Buying Twitter
- Real Estate Investing Will Never Be The Same After 2022
Double Doozy
Title: Stop Standing HERE in Doubles! (why you’re losing)
Formula: Stop [Common Action]! (why you’re [Unwanted Result])
Hook score: +1231
Why this works:
Curiosity – Many tennis players think it’s good to stand at the spot shown in the thumbnail, so it’s counterintuitive for the creator to say stop standing there.
Negativity – Telling your audience to stop doing something common is a great way to get their attention.
How you can use this hook: Tell your audience to stop doing something common or supposedly good.
Examples of this hook in action:
- Stop Counting Calories! (why you’re overweight)
- Stop Paying Off Debt! (why you’re broke)
Flop of the Week
Title: 5 Things Every Ex-Child Needs to Hear
Hook score: -81
Why this flopped: I thought this title was funny and clever, but that’s not what get clicks.
Clarity beats cleverness every time, and this is a good example of that.
So the next time you’re coming up with ideas, ask yourself, is this title crystal clear?
Alright, that wraps up this week’s Creator Hooks!
If you know a fellow creator who needs help with writing better titles, please send them to creatorhooks.com.
– Jake
(@jthomas__ on Twitter)
P.S. Read previous editions here.
P.P.S. If you want to see all of the videos from Creator Hooks in one place, check out Creator Hooks Pro.