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.
Warning: this edition features several long titles that I wouldn’t recommend following exactly. But there are still things we can learn from them.
P.S. if you want to save time and see all of the titles and thumbnails from Creator Hooks in one place, check out Creator Hooks Pro.
Modern Malarkey
Title: This Guy HATES Modern Bikes – Can We Change His Mind?
Formula: This Guy HATES (Object) – Can We Change His Mind?
Hook score: +339
Why this works:
Negativity – The title and thumbnail are full of drama, which grabs the audience’s attention and gets them interested in the outcome.
Curiosity – This title builds curiosity and starts a story by asking a question.
How you can use this hook: Tell your audience how somebody hates something, then see if you can change their mind.
Examples of this hook in action:
- This Guy HATES Modern Games – Can We Change His Mind?
- This Girl HATES Cold Calling – Can We Change Her Mind?
Word.
Title: 3 WORDS to USE in your next JOB INTERVIEW for GUARANTEED SUCCESS! (JOB INTERVIEW TIPS!)
Formula: 3 [Tools] to USE in your next [Challenge] for GUARANTEED SUCCESS! ([Keywords]!)
Hook score: +361
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 creator’s audience wants tangible tips (3 words to use) and guaranteed success for their interview.
How you can use this hook: Tell your audience about the 3 things they can use in their next challenge for guaranteed success.
Examples of this hook in action:
- 3 CSS One Liners to UPGRADE Your Next Website
- 3 PHRASES to use in your next SPANISH Conversation for GUARANTEED CONNECTION!
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Denim Designs
Title: 4 Old Jeans Ideas | DIY Denim Bags and Purse | Compilation | Bag Tutorial | Upcycle Craft
Formula: 4 Old (Item) Ideas | (Keywords)
Hook score: +436
Why this works:
This channel is interesting because she does several videos about individual DIY denim projects, then does a longer compilation video with 4-9 of the projects and that video always does really well.
How you can use this hook: Make a compilation of related videos on your channel for one longer video.
Examples of this hook in action:
- 4 Delicious Leftovers Ideas | Quick & Easy Meal Prep
- 4 Best Cameras For 2023 | Street & Nature Photography Compilation
Flip It & Reverse It
Title: I Tried A REVERSE Coloring Book?? *It SOLD OUT??*
Formula: I Tried A REVERSE (Object)?? *It (Dramatic Action)??*
Hook score: +541
Why this works:
Curiosity – This is about a proven topic (coloring books), but there’s a twist because it’s a *reverse* coloring book. The fact that it sold out adds curiosity and drama.
How you can use this hook: Try a proven topic, but with a twist, like the reverse of that topic.
Examples of this hook in action:
- I Tried Reverse Psychology In An Interview?? *It WORKED!*
- I Tried A REVERSE SEARED Steak?? *It SOLD OUT??*
Wire Wire Pants on Fire
Title: 7 FATAL Wiring Mistakes Most DIYers Don’t Know They Are Making | Most Are Guilty of 3
Formula: 7 FATAL (Activity) Mistakes Most (Group) Don’t Know They Are Making | Most Are Guilty of 3
Hook score: +918
Why this works:
List – Lists make videos feel more tangible (you know exactly what the video will be about) and they add some curiosity.
Negativity – Not only is this about mistakes, but “FATAL” increase the stakes and adds more fear to this.
Curiosity – “Most DIYers Don’t Know They Are Making” makes you feel like you’re getting in on a secret.
How you can use this hook: Tell your audience about the fatal (or other scary description) mistakes most of them don’t know they are making.
Examples of this hook in action:
- 7 WORST Piano Mistakes Most Beginners Don’t Know They Are Making
- 7 FATAL Dating Mistakes Most Guys Don’t Know They Are Making
Flop of the Week
Title: TRAVEL AGENT Interview Questions & ANSWERS! (How to PASS a Travel Agent or CONSULTANT Interview!)
Hook score: -89
Why this flopped: This title flopped in the short term because it caters to such a narrow audience.
Anybody can get value from the title mentioned earlier in this email (“3 WORDS to USE in your next JOB INTERVIEW for GUARANTEED SUCCESS!”), but this video is only for travel agents.
It’ll probably rank well in search and get views over these next few years, but there is this question:
Is it worth it to make such niche videos that will get a few views each month when you could instead focus on broader-appeal videos that may get more views overall?
Many creators have to ask themselves that question and it’ll be different based on each keyword and your monetization strategy.
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 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.