If I told you that fixing just one thing could get you hundreds, if not thousands, of additional views on your YouTube videos, would you try it? One of my clients did—and the result was a big spike in views. This same approach is why my videos started gaining traction. What’s the secret? It’s something that 90% of creators overlook.
In this post, I’ll reveal the simple mistake most creators make, share a formula to fix it, and give you practical examples so you can boost the views on your very next video.
The Common Mistake Most Creators Make
Let’s break down how most YouTubers approach their content creation. They begin with an idea, might brainstorm a title and thumbnail, and then jump straight into recording. What’s missing is a critical planning step that almost every top creator incorporates. This step is crucial in getting more views.
Enter the FYI Formula
The missing step I’m referring to is what I call the “FYI Formula.” It’s a simple but powerful technique that involves taking a moment after you’ve come up with your video idea to think through three key elements:
- F – Feeling: What emotion do you want your viewers to experience while watching your video?
- Y – Yearning: What will make them eager to learn more and stick around for the whole video?
- I – Interest: How will you visually and verbally capture their attention in both the thumbnail and the title?
This formula doesn’t just apply to your title and thumbnail. It’s about how you structure and package the entire video. If you get it right, your video will not only stand out in YouTube search but also on homepages and recommendation lists.
The Four Video Packaging Options
To make this even easier, I’ve broken down four different ways you can package your content:
- How-to Videos: Straightforward tutorials.
- Challenge Videos: Documenting a difficult or unfamiliar task.
- Mistakes Videos: Highlighting common errors or pitfalls.
- Storytelling Videos: Sharing a personal or relatable story.
Most creators, especially those in the educational niche, tend to default to how-to videos. But that can be a mistake. Why? Because how-to videos typically only perform well in search results, limiting your video’s reach. To maximize views, your video needs to appear on homepages, in the “Up Next” section, and beyond. This is where the other packaging styles come into play.
Example 1: The Power of Challenge Videos
Challenge videos are particularly effective because they build suspense. Viewers become invested in the outcome since they know you’re attempting something difficult or new. Take, for example, a video about “canning apples in syrup.” If someone searched for that topic, a standard tutorial might pop up. But how do we make this video stand out in other places, like YouTube’s homepage?
In this case, the creator had never canned apples before, which made it a perfect challenge. Imagine a thumbnail with a visual of an overflowing jar of apples and a worried expression on her face. The title could be something like, “Will I Fit All These Apples in This Jar?!” By presenting it as a challenge, you build curiosity and keep viewers hooked.
Example 2: Mistakes Videos Grab Attention
Our brains are wired to avoid making mistakes, so content that points out errors tends to grab attention. Let’s say you’re creating a video about refinancing a home. Instead of a title like, “How Long Should Your Mortgage Rate Be?” you could reframe it into something more attention-grabbing like, “The Biggest Home Refinancing Mistake You’re Making!” This not only sparks curiosity but also creates a sense of urgency.
For a good example, there’s a video titled “Biggest Mortgage Mistake Ever,” where the thumbnail shows a distressed face, a house, and bold red text that reads, “Lost $180,000.” This instantly conveys the emotional stakes and gets people interested.
Example 3: Storytelling Videos Connect on a Personal Level
Storytelling is another effective way to package your content. Sharing a personal story can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level while positioning yourself as an expert. One example is a video titled, “Why I Fired My Doctors After Menopause.” In this case, the creator shares a personal struggle and uses the title and thumbnail to hook viewers emotionally. The key word, “menopause,” is highlighted in large text to immediately grab the attention of her target audience.
By front-loading your titles with words that your audience cares about and using emotionally charged visuals, you can pull viewers in who might not have otherwise clicked.
Takeaway: Use the FYI Formula for Every Video
The FYI formula—feeling, yearning, and interest—should guide every video you create. Once you’ve figured out your video’s purpose and content, think through how you can package it to spark curiosity, engage emotions, and catch the eye of your ideal audience.
Incorporate different packaging styles to make your content more dynamic and appealing to a wider audience. You might be an educational content creator, but that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to how-to videos. Explore challenge videos, mistake videos, and storytelling formats to keep your content fresh and exciting.
Remember, it’s not just about the content you create, but how you present it. With the FYI formula, your videos are sure to reach more people and get more views.
