How to Create Better YouTube Titles and Thumbnails

The most successful videos on YouTube operate on a few foundational principles. Not only do these principles apply to YouTube videos, but they can also be seen in books, movies, billboards, and email campaigns. Everywhere you look, there's a play for your attention.

The principle we'll discuss today is, in my opinion, the most important yet most overlooked: The Power of Titles and Thumbnails.

As Mr. Beast aptly puts it,

"if people don't click, they don't watch."

Here’s a common scenario: You brainstorm a video idea, write a script, film and edit the video, and then, just before uploading, quickly slap a title and thumbnail together. Friend, that's playing the game backwards. But before we explore the ‘why’, let's play a quick game.

What's the first thing you notice when you walk into a Barnes & Noble?

It's the book titles and cover images—essentially, the titles and thumbnails. It's what makes you reach out and pick a book up, flipping it to read the back cover.

Now, let’s pivot back to YouTube. Think about the user journey. They land, typically, on one of three tabs:

• The Home Tab: It's YouTube’s way of saying, 'Based on your tastes, here’s what we think you’ll love.'
• The Shorts Tab: YouTube’s response to TikTok. Quick, bite-sized vertical videos that you breeze through with a swipe.
• The Subscription Tab: It's like your personalized video buffet from all the channels you’re subscribed to. New video? Live stream? Story? It’s all here.

And here’s the kicker. You’re not alone. You’re up against a swarm of creators, all competing for the same eyeballs. It’s like authors battling for attention in a bookstore. If your title and thumbnail don't have that magnetic pull, users simply won't bite.

But there’s more. A well optimized title and thumbnail duo not only gets you clicks but also boosts your CTR, a key signal to the YouTube algorithm. Think of CTR as foot traffic at an open house. How many folks saw the sign versus those who actually walked in to check the place out?

So, what's the secret sauce for creating great titles and thumbnails?

You know how they say buying a house is an emotional decision? That’s because our brains are hardwired to feel before they think. And that's your golden ticket. Emotional triggers.

Let’s break it down.

• Negativity: Don’t get it twisted. It's not about being a downer. It’s shining a light on challenges or pitfalls and then showing the way out. Swap "5 Tips for Buying a House" for "5 Mistakes Homebuyers Make and How to Avoid Them." This title plays on viewers' fears of making mistakes.
• Curiosity: Ever felt that itch to know more? That’s curiosity. Instead of "How to Sell Your House Fast", how about "The Surprising Secret to Selling Your House in Less Than a Week" is more enticing than "Tips for Selling Your House Fast."

Here’s how you can leverage negativity in your titles:

FEAR: "The Housing Crash 2021: What They Aren't Telling YOU!"

• Tapping into Fears: Titles that prey on viewers' anxieties aim at the natural instinct to avert danger, prompting clicks for immediate answers.
• The Mystery Factor: Suggesting there's something viewers are unaware of, with phrases like "What They Aren't Telling YOU!", acts as bait, making them want to be in the know.
• Empowerment through Knowledge: Positioning the title as a revelation equips viewers with knowledge to counter potential threats, giving them a sense of control.

DRAMA: "HOME BUYERS are FREAKING OUT because of THIS..."

• Cliffhanger: Think of those gripping movie moments that leave you on tenterhooks. If your title has that cliffhanger essence, viewers will want to click to reach the climax.
• Relatability: Recognizing a sentiment they can connect with compels viewers to engage.
• The “THIS” Mystery: Vague terms like "THIS" ignite curiosity. Viewers click to discern the crux of the matter.

FOMO: "It’s TOO LATE To SELL at the PEAK of the Market!"

• Tick Tock: Implying it's "too late" instills urgency, prompting viewers to click to determine if they've genuinely missed out or if hope remains.
• Market Trends: Mentioning the "peak of the market" signals crucial industry insights, luring viewers keen on staying abreast of market dynamics and timings.
• Loss Aversion: People inherently seek to evade losses. This title leverages that psychology, enticing viewers keen on sidestepping missed profit opportunities or advantageous market situations.

And here's how you can sprinkle in some curiosity:

SECRET: "Lead Conversion Secrets from Million Dollar Real Estate Agents"

• Insider Access: Hinting at "secrets" from prosperous agents implies privileged, behind-the-scenes insights, making viewers eager for the inside scoop.
• Elite Association: Referring to "Million Dollar Real Estate Agents" amplifies the perceived value of the information.

QUESTION: "How to Find an Apartment in New York City?"

• Direct Query: A direct question appeals to viewers' innate quest for answers, enticing them to click for the solution.
• Relatable Challenge: Securing an apartment in NYC, a universally recognized yet formidable task, resonates with many seeking guidance.

EXTREME: "Inside the MOST EXPENSIVE and HIGHEST Penthouse In the WORLD!"

• WOW Factor: Using superlative terms sets high expectations, tempting viewers to see luxury living's zenith.
• Visual Temptation: Offering an insider's view makes viewers feel they're accessing exclusive content.
• Challenge to Belief: A bold assertion might make viewers question its veracity, compelling them to click for validation.

But what about thumbnails?

For thumbnails, think of it as your video’s storefront window display. It’s got to pop. Thumbnails with faces, especially those dripping with emotion, are pure gold. Humans are wired to connect with faces. It’s in our DNA.

Your thumbnail should tease the video's content, like a movie poster does, without giving the whole game away. The goal? Make 'em so curious they just have to click.

Here are some hacks to supercharge your thumbnails:

• Expressive Faces: Emotion is currency. The more the better. Think surprise, joy, or curiosity.
• Smart Text Use: If you’re using text, make sure it’s legible on any device and doesn’t just parrot the title.
• Consistency is Key: A cohesive thumbnail design helps viewers instantly recognize your content. Think branding.
• Property Images & Pricing: For listing vids, a stellar property shot with the price in bold works wonders.

So, what have we learned?

Investing time in your titles and thumbnails isn’t just good practice, it's essential. It directly impacts your YouTube performance. You increase your click-through rate, pull in more viewers, and level up your channel.

One More Thing: The importance of titles and thumbnails is just one aspect of the insights I share. For a more detailed look at video marketing, check out my book, "Mastering YouTube: The Real Estate Agent's Guide to Video Marketing" on Amazon.