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.
P.S. If you want to save more time and use a title generator that uses all the titles from this newsletter, check out Creator Hooks Pro.
Triple Threat
Title: What’s the Difference between Socialism, Fascism, and Communism? | Fireside Chat | PragerU
Framework: What’s the Difference between (Similar, polarizing options)?
Hook score: +320
Why this works:
Curiosity – This title builds curiosity by asking a question.
Negativity – People love controversial topics like these.
How you can use this framework: Ask what the difference is between two options. Bonus points if the options are currently trending and/or polarizing options.
Examples of this framework in action:
- What’s the Difference between Inflation, Stagflation, and Hyperinflation?
- What’s the Difference between AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning?
The Vocal Void
Framework: Is (Common, popular, or ever-present thing) dead?
Hook score: +460
Why this works:
Curiosity – This builds curiosity by asking a simple, yet powerful question. It’s also counterintuitive that singing would be dead because it’s such a staple in human history.
Negativity – People love to watch videos about controversial takes like this.
How you can use this framework: Ask if something simple, yet very common is dead. This is especially helpful in spaces where technology, especially AI, is disrupting.
Examples of this framework in action:
- Is graphic design dead?
- Is writing dead?
- Write better YouTube titles
- Grow your channel
- Save time
Check out Creator Hooks Pro here.
P.S. Here’s a big win from a Creator Hooks Pro customer:
“Creator Hooks Pro has helped me understand how to turn a boring video concept into a brilliant concept that appeals to the masses.”
– Brady Winder, Strategist at Essential Craftsman, 1.48M Subscribers
Mission Impossible
Title: The Shortest NBA Player Is Doing The Impossible
Framework: The (Underdog) Is Doing The Impossible
Hook score: +1344
Why this works:
Curiosity – This title builds curiosity 2 ways:
- It’s counterintuitive — you wouldn’t expect the shortest NBA player to be doing anything remarkable.
- It opens a loop. What is “the impossible”? What’s he actually doing?
Epic – “Doing The Impossible” makes this video feel epic and exciting.
Extreme – This isn’t about “A Short NBA Player,” it’s about “The Shortest NBA Player.” This title, being extreme, makes the video clearer and more interesting.
How you can use this framework: Tell your audience that an underdog is doing something amazing.
Examples of this framework in action:
- The Poorest School District Is Doing The Impossible
- This Deaf Musician Is Doing The Impossible
Doorbell Dollars
Title: The 4 Methods People Use to Get Rich with Real Estate
Framework: The 4 Methods People Use to (Achieve goal) with (Specific opportunity)
Hook score: +2130
Why this works:
List – Lists make videos feel more tangible (you know exactly what the video will be about) and they add some curiosity.
Desire – This channel’s audience would love to get rich with real estate.
“Method” – My guess is that “ways”, “tips”, etc. are a little played out, but “methods” is a new way of saying the same thing we know works.
How you can use this framework: Tell your audience about the 4 methods to achieve a goal through a specific avenue.
Examples of this framework in action:
- The 5 Methods People Use to Go Viral on TikTok
- The 4 Methods People Use to Reduce Anxiety with Breathwork
Behold
Title: The Most Insane Camera Ever Made.
Framework: The Most Insane (Entity) Ever (Action).
Hook score: +9752
Why this works:
Epic & Extreme – “The Most Insane” and “Ever Made” both make this video feel epic, extreme, and awesome. And I normally don’t like using periods at the end of titles, but in this case, it adds to the epicness by giving this statement an “End of discussion” feeling.
Desire – This creator’s audience wants to learn about amazing cameras.
How you can use this framework: Tell your audience about the most insane thing ever made or done.
Examples of this framework in action:
- The Most Insane Game Ever Made.
- The Most Insane Country I Ever Visited.
Flop of the Week
Title: Some videos LOOK live, but they’re not meant as such. So for requests, double check!
Hook score: -93
Why this flopped: Can you tell me in one second exactly what this video is about?
No.
Let’s look at the title from this channel we mentioned earlier in this email:
“Is singing dead?”
Can you tell me in one second exactly what this video is about?
Yes!
And to make things even worse, I watched the first minute of this video and still couldn’t tell you what it was about.
So to avoid a flop like this, make sure your title is simple and clear, and in your intro reassure the audience that they’re watching the right video.
Alright, that wraps up this week’s Creator Hooks!
Hope you enjoyed this week’s edition and if you know a fellow creator who needs help 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 write better titles and grow your channel, check out Creator Hooks Pro.