What the heck happened to the YouTube algorithm?

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 save more time and use a title generator that uses all the titles ever featured in Creator Hooks, check out Creator Hooks Pro.

Soccer Avalanche

soccer ball thumbnail

Title: 200 Soccer Balls Vs Goalie at Olympic Ski Jump

Framework: (Big Number of Things) Vs (Opposing Person) at (Challenge-Enhancing Place)

Hook score: +306

Why this works:

Curiosity – The title builds curiosity because you want to know what’s going to happen, and the thumbnail does a great job at adding to that because it shows the moment right before the action starts and there’s such a strong feeling of impending doom (if you’re the goalie).

Epic – This packaging is epic because this challenge feels impossible for the goalie.

How you can use this framework: Set up a seemingly impossible challenge for somebody.

Examples of this framework in action:

  • 50 High Schoolers Vs Navy SEAL in Paint Ball
  • 2,000 Ants Vs PB&J at Picnic

It’s All About You

exotic primary thumbnail

Title: What Your Favorite Exotic PRIMARY Says About YOU (Destiny 2)

Framework: What Your Favorite (Tool) Says About YOU

Hook score: +356

Why this works:

Desire – Everybody likes to learn about themselves and this video is a fun way to do that.

Negativity – The thumbnail grabs attention with a bold, negative statement.

How you can use this framework: Tell your audience what their favorite tool says about them.

Examples of this framework in action:

  • What Your Favorite Super Car Says About YOU
  • What Your Favorite YouTube Channel Says About YOU

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The Master Plan

jacksonville community thumbnail

Title: Jacksonville’s FASTEST Selling Master Planned Community [eTown Jacksonville Fl]

Framework: (Entity’s) (Extreme Action) (Possession)

Hook score: +475

Why this works:

Desire – This creator’s audience is looking for good, fast-selling communities to live in in Jacksonville.

Extreme – Taking things to the extreme (ex: “FASTEST Selling”) is a cool, interesting way to say these houses are selling fast and this is a good neighborhood.

How you can use this framework: Tell your audience about the fastest-selling (or other cool description) thing that they’re considering buying.

Examples of this framework in action:

  • Toyota’s FASTEST Selling New SUV
  • America’s FASTEST Growing Religion

RV Rundown

rv industry thumbnail

Title: What the heck happened to the RV industry?

Framework: What the heck happened to the (Niche) industry?

Hook score: +542

Why this works:

Curiosity – This builds curiosity by asking a question.

Negativity – People love drama and conflict, and this simple question brings a lot of that.

Confirms Suspicions – This works so well because people are already suspicious of the RV industry.

How you can use this framework: Ask what the heck happened to your industry. This is best for industries that aren’t doing so great, like the RV industry, but probably wouldn’t work so good for hot industries, like AI right now.

Examples of this framework in action:

  • What the heck happened to Dating Apps?
  • What the heck happened to the NFL?

it isn’t just a phase

minimalism thumbnail

Title: The 5 Phases of Minimalism

Framework: The 5 Phases of (Journey)

Hook score: +719

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 loves learning and talking about minimalism.

How you can use this framework: Tell your audience about the 5 phases of the journey they’re on.

Examples of this framework in action:

  • The 5 Phases of Being a BBQ Dad
  • The 5 Phases of Gardening

Flop of the Week

rv dealer thumbnail

Title: RV dealers: How to find one you can trust

Hook score: -89

Why this flopped: This title could use some sprucing up. Let’s get it a shot.

“How To Find Trustworthy RV Dealers In 2024”

It’s the beginning of the year, so dropping 2024 is a great way to grab attention.

This style of title is great to rank in search, but if we’re mostly going for browse or suggested traffic (which has more potential traffic, but typically less buyer intent), we could add curiosity or negativity, like:

“The One Question to ask an RV Dealer BEFORE you buy from them”

“5 Warning Signs of a Bad RV Dealer”

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 see all of the videos from Creator Hooks in one place, check out Creator Hooks Pro.

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