How to Create a Killer YouTube Video (to Blow Up Your Channel)

Creating a killer YouTube video has the potential to dramatically change your channel forever. Many creators got their big break from just one viral video, but what exactly makes a great video? Is it the camera, the editing software, or better equipment? Successful creators know something we don't, and it's time to figure it out.

The good news is, it’s quite simple and doesn’t require fancy equipment or film school experience. The process follows a few key steps that this guide will walk you through. Practice this regimen daily for three months, and your YouTube channel—and your life—might change dramatically.

1. Plan (a lot)

Before you even touch a camera, you need to plan your video and figure out why people will click on it. Imagine you’ve filmed, edited, and produced a high-quality video that's funny, beautiful, and perfect, but no one clicks on it. This likely means your video idea wasn't interesting enough.

Examples:

• A video about dog park friendly rules in Yosemite vs. a video about moving full-time into an Airstream. The latter appeals to a much larger audience.

• A yoga channel video on ankle mobility exercises vs. yoga for men. Again, the latter has a broader appeal.

Don't skip the part about coming up with great ideas. Spend days or even weeks refining your video ideas. One killer video can outperform ten average ones, as confirmed by creators like MrBeast.

2. Title and Thumbnail FIRST

Your video’s title and thumbnail are crucial. Viewers see the title and thumbnail before anything else, so if they’re not compelling, no one will click. Start with your title and thumbnail first, as the best creators in the world do.

Examples:

• A life update video is only interesting to your current followers. Instead, a title like "Junior Software Engineer and YouTuber: A Day in My Life" can appeal to a much larger audience.

• A broad, unspecific title like "How to Succeed in Life" vs. "What to Do When You Fall Short of Your Goal: Motivational."

  

3. Scripting Your Video

Spend the most time on scripting. A well-written script makes filming and editing easier. Here’s the template to guide your scriptwriting process:

• Educational/Tutorial Videos: What do you want the viewer to do? What do they need to feel emotionally to take that action? What do they need to know?

• Entertainment Videos: What’s the big, interesting idea? What does the viewer need to feel while watching? What does the video need to include to be entertaining?

Every line of your script should point back to these questions. The hook and intro are critical. Ensure the first few seconds of your video create congruency between the title, thumbnail, and content.

4. FILM

Filming should go quickly if you’ve planned properly. Use a shot list and group shots by location for efficiency. Whenever possible, show rather than tell. Use visuals to explain rather than just words.

Examples:

• Instead of narrating your morning routine, show it through visuals.

• Use creative ways to illustrate statistics or facts.

5. EDIT/ Perfect pacing

Editing is vital, and pacing is crucial. Re-watch your edit repeatedly and pay attention to where you get bored or lose focus. Cut unnecessary parts to maintain interest. Every second should add value to the viewer.

Tips:

• Avoid lengthy branded intros.

• Cut out unnecessary dead space.

• Collapse and streamline your story to keep it engaging.

Conclusion

To design and create a killer YouTube video that will blow up your channel, focus on three main elements: a killer idea, a killer title and thumbnail, and perfect pacing. Take your time to get these right, and you’ll get better results with less effort. Enjoy the process, and the success will follow.

Cre: Jon Dorman