YouTube Success: How to Make a Viral Video (Fast!)

Creating viral YouTube videos doesn't require fancy equipment or a film degree. It boils down to a simple process that, when practiced consistently, can dramatically transform your channel and your life. The key is to focus on a few core elements before you even touch a camera.

The Power of a Killer Video Idea

One or two exceptional videos can have a lasting impact on your YouTube channel. Many creators owe their success to a single viral video. Focus on generating great ideas instead of just churning out content. A single killer video can outperform ten average ones, offering better results with less effort. MrBeast has confirmed this approach, highlighting the disproportionate impact of well-conceived videos.

Generating Better Video Ideas

• Sketch out ideas: Use tools like Plannervid (mentioned in the transcript) or a similar method to visualize and evaluate potential video concepts.

• Intuition and Comparison: Compare your channel to successful channels in your niche, identifying areas for improvement and inspiration. Ask yourself "Are these killer video ideas? Does this feel like a 100k subscriber channel?".

• Prioritize Ideas Over Frequency: Don't be overly concerned with publishing frequency. Instead, dedicate time (days or even weeks) to brainstorming and refining video ideas.

The Importance of Title and Thumbnail (TNT)

Don't treat the title and thumbnail as an afterthought. Many creators create the video first and then slap a title and thumbnail as an after thought. Instead, the best creators start with the title and thumbnail. The most successful creators prioritize title and thumbnail design, understanding that these are the first things viewers see. The viewers don't see the great video behind the click. All they see is a title and thumbnail. MrBeast and Mark Rober are examples of creators who begin with a title and thumbnail.

Crafting Killer Titles

• Target a Broad Audience: Avoid titles that only appeal to a small segment of viewers (e.g., a "life update" on a small channel).

• Intrigue and Relevance: Aim for titles that pique interest and connect with a larger audience. Instead of "How to succeed in life", try "What to do when you fall short of your goal".

• Specificity: Avoid general or broad titles that don't create any intrigue.

Designing Compelling Thumbnails

• Holistic Approach: Consider the title and thumbnail as a single unit, working together to attract clicks.

• Complement, Don't Restate: Avoid thumbnails that simply repeat the title. Instead, create a visual that adds intrigue and encourages viewers to learn more. Instead of restating the title in the thumbnail create additional interest or intrigue.

• Visual Intrigue: Design your title and thumbnail that create interest and intrigue for the viewer to want to click.

Visualizing the Viewer Experience

• Empathy Exercise: Close your eyes and imagine yourself as a viewer browsing YouTube. What makes you click on a particular video? What are the title and thumbnail that grab your attention?

• Record and Iterate: Type out the titles and sketch the thumbnails that come to mind. If something doesn't feel right, repeat the process until you find a winning combination.

Scripting for Success

Scripting is crucial for creating engaging videos. It streamlines filming and editing. A well-structured script will guide you through the entire process. A Google Doc template with the scripting format is mentioned in the transcript and can be used as a guideline.

Scripting Template & Guiding Questions

Tailor your script based on the video type:

• Educational/Tutorial Videos:

  1. What do you want the viewer to do to achieve their desired result?
  2. What do they need to feel emotionally to take that action?
  3. What do they need to know to achieve the result?

• Entertainment Videos:

  1. What's the big, interesting idea of the video?
  2. What does the viewer need to feel while watching?
  3. What does the video need to include to be entertaining?

The Hook and Intro

• Congruency: The first few seconds must align with the title and thumbnail, delivering on the viewer's expectations. The viewer clicked on your video hoping for something so if you can give them exactly what they are expecting from your title and thumbnail odds are they will like and watch your entire video.

• Avoid Generic Intros: Skip the lengthy branded intros that viewers often skip.

• Provide Value Immediately: Instead of asking for likes and subscriptions upfront, focus on providing value to the viewer.

Visual Notes & Scripting Process

• Visual Planning: Make notes alongside each section of your script, specifying the visuals you want to include (e.g., talking head, close-up, on-screen text).

• Multiple Drafts: Don't aim for perfection in the first draft. Focus on getting the core ideas down, and then revise and refine.

Filming and Editing Principles

Filming and editing are critical to creating a successful video. If you have done the scripting properly beforehand, filming should be fast.

Efficient Filming

• Shot List: Convert the visuals from your script into a spreadsheet, grouping shots by location to streamline the filming process.

• Show, Don't Tell: Use visuals to illustrate your points rather than simply stating them. Sam Kolder's videos are a great example of "show, don't tell".

• Creative Visuals: Think of creative ways to show your story and engage the audience.

Prioritize Pacing

• Pacing is Key: Maintain a fast pace and eliminate anything that bores the viewer. Re-watch your video and identify areas where your interest wanes.

• Cut Ruthlessly: Every second of your video needs to provide value. Remove unnecessary intros, dead space, and irrelevant content. To write is human but to edit is divine.

• Focus on the Viewer: Always prioritize the viewer's experience over your own ego. Even if you think a part of the video is amazing, cut it if it doesn't contribute to the overall point.

Sustainability and Enjoyment

• Enjoy the Process: Long-term success depends on enjoying the process of creating videos. If it feels like a chore, you're less likely to stick with it.

• Focus on the Journey: Celebrate the journey of creating videos, regardless of subscriber count. If you enjoy the process, you're already a success.