Choosing an effective title is one of the most important parts of creating a successful video. The title is often the first thing a viewer sees and it can make or break whether they click on your video. An ideal title should be clear, concise, engaging, and optimized for search. There are a few key strategies to keep in mind when brainstorming titles for your next video.
Make the title descriptive
The title should clearly convey what the video is about. Using keywords and phrases that describe the topic and content will help viewers know what to expect and help the video surface in search results. Avoid being too vague or general. Get right to the point about the purpose and focus of the video.
Keep it short and snappy
YouTube and other platforms give you a character limit for titles, usually around 60-70 characters. Get your main point across in a tight, concise title within the limit. Using slogans or brief descriptive phrases can pack in meaning. Extended titles will get cut off in search results.
Try asking a question
Titles that ask an intriguing question related to the topic often get more clicks because they spark curiosity. “How to Bake the Best Chocolate Cake” or “What is the #1 Way to Learn Guitar Fast?” are examples. Make sure you actually answer the question in the video content.
Use keywords strategically
Incorporate relevant keywords so your video can be found by people searching those terms. But don’t just stuff the title with keywords. Use them naturally and pair them with power words that create interest. “Best Camera for Vlogging in 2023” is a good example.
Highlight numbers and lists
Viewers often respond well to titles that reference numbers, lists, or comparisons like “10 Tips for Training Your Dog” or “5 Best Cities to Visit in Europe.” These signal that the viewer will get a lot of information quickly.
Try different formats
You can use phrases, questions, lists, or other title formats. Experiment to see what performs best for each of your videos. Consider using emojis, brackets, punctuation, or uppercase strategically for impact.
Focus on the benefits to the viewer
The title should highlight the value the viewer will get from watching your video. “How to Cook Amazing Pasta Sauce in 5 Minutes” indicates the benefit better than just “Cooking Pasta Sauce.”
Use power words that attract attention
Using power words and phrases that evoke emotion, promise value, and compel the viewer to click can make your title stand out. Here are some examples of power words to work into video titles:
- Secret
- Top [number]
- Best
- Easy
- Powerful
- Remarkable
- Essential
- Master
- Proven
- Results
- Because
Words and phrases like “Secret Formula,” “Essential Guide,” or “Proven Method” suggest the viewer will learn inside information.
Research popular formats for your niche
Study titles of top videos in your niche or industry to get ideas on structures and power words that tend to work well. Look at both competitor titles and trending videos. For example, instructional videos often use “How to” successfully. Fashion videos frequently utilize “Try On Haul.” There are proven video title formulas for most niches that you can model.
A/B test different title options
Once you’ve created multiple title possibilities, you can set up A/B split tests to see which ones get the most views and engagement. Try testing small variations like the presence of emojis, punctuation differences, or a question vs. declarative title structure. The data will reveal what resonates most with your audience so you can refine and optimize.
Adapt titles for different platforms
Optimize titles for each platform where you publish them. YouTube allows longer titles than Facebook or Instagram. Research shows using emojis on Instagram boosts views while YouTube emphasizes keywords. Tweak for the requirements of each site.
Include your brand name
If you have an established brand identity, consider including your brand name in titles occasionally. This can build awareness and authority. For example, “Apple – Introducing the New iPhone” lets viewers know it is official content from that trusted brand.
Follow title guidelines
Make sure your titles meet the policies and community guidelines of the platforms where you are publishing. Avoid using spammy tactics like overusing capitals, exclamation points, or sensational claims. YouTube prohibits titles with excessive keywords, all caps, or deception.
Final Title Tips
- Hook viewers with curiosity, drama, benefits, or value propositions.
- Prioritize clarity. Avoid vague titles or inside jokes.
- Keep it short enough to read fully in search results.
- Check that titles make sense out of context of the video.
- Use consistent branding and formatting across your channel.
- Consider optimizing old videos that underperform by testing new titles.
An appealing title is the first step to improving your video performance and viewer satisfaction. With these tips in mind, you can craft titles that capture attention and accurately set expectations. Test different options and find what resonates most with your particular audience. The right title can lead to a whole new level of video engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good length for a YouTube video title?
YouTube recommends video titles be around 60-70 characters long. Titles over 70 characters get truncated with an ellipsis on the video page and in search results. Very short titles of less than 40 characters may not provide enough information. Shoot for informative titles between 50-65 characters.
Should video titles be capitalized?
Most video experts recommend using title case, with only the first letter of each word capitalized, for video titles rather than all caps. All caps titles are harder to read and may look spammy. However, strategic use of caps on power words can work in some contexts.
Can I use emoji in video titles?
You can use emoji sparingly in video titles, especially on more visual platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. On YouTube, focus more on keywords, but an emoji can help grab attention if used with an otherwise descriptive title. Too many emoji may appear unprofessional.
Should I put keywords in my video title?
Yes, you should include main relevant keywords naturally in your title. This helps viewers find your content when searching those terms and helps YouTube understand your video focus. Avoid awkwardly stuffing or repeating keywords though, as that can violate platform policies.
Do video titles show up in Google search?
If you upload your video to YouTube and optimize with SEO best practices, the video title can show up in Google search results along with the video thumbnail and channel name. Quality titles with keywords can drive traffic from Google.
Type of Video | Example Title Formats |
---|---|
Tutorials | How to [action] in [number] minutes |
Listicles | Top [number] [content type] |
Reviews | [Product name] Review 2023 |
Unboxings | Unboxing the new [product name] |
Conclusion
An optimized title is crucial for improving video clickthrough rates, watch time, and discoverability. Take the time to brainstorm and test title options to find what best attracts your audience. Prioritize clarity, benefits, curiosity, keywords, and platform requirements. The effort put into crafting and refining video titles will pay off in increased exposure and viewership. With these tips in mind, you can grab attention and convey the essence of your video in just a few words.