Master the Art of YouTube Titles: Increase Views and Engagement

Are you looking to master the art of YouTube titles to increase views and engagement so you can stop seeing your hard work go unnoticed? If so, you're in the right place.

In this step-by-step blog post, we'll be spilling the beans on how to title your YouTube videos better so you can grab those eyeballs and attract more viewers to your channel. So buckle up, grab a snack, and prepare to take your video titles from scroll-blocking to scroll-stopping!

Let's dive right in!

Step 1: Get the Algorithm on Your Side

An image showing links in an abstract network effect visual portray the YouTube algorithms in action

YouTube uses different algorithms to push your content to viewers, and knowing how to cater to each of these can do wonders for your view count and discover-ability. The first step to writing your YouTube videos like a pro is to write your titles for the right algorithm. Here's a quick cheat sheet using the example of changing a Honda Civic's oil (though you can substitute this with your business or any topic of choice).

Writing for YouTube's Search Algorithm

Much of your traffic will likely come from YouTube's Search Algorithm, a.k.a. The YouTube search bar - making it crucial to optimize your title for this algorithm and the people using it. You must ensure your title accurately connects a viewer's query to your video content to rank high in search results.

Search Algorithm Optimized Title Example:

A title targeting the Search Algorithm might look like 'How to Change Your Honda Civic's Oil In 30 Minutes'. Titles like this one are designed to provide straightforward solutions to specific problems, maximizing their reach in the search engine due to their to-the-point usefulness.

Writing for the Browse Features Algorithms:

'Browse Features' refers to traffic from various corners of the YouTube platform, including the homepage, subscription notifications, and playlists. The homepage and subscription notifications are the most significant traffic sources here, which means if you're looking to attract people through browse features, you'll have to title slightly differently.

If your strategy includes engaging subscribers with your latest video, tailor your title to pique their interest. Your language can be more niche, including insider lingo your subscribers will recognize and appreciate.

Browse Features Algorithm Title Example:

To target your current subscribers, you'd write a title that resonates with them. For vloggers or larger brands, a title might be: 'Saving My Honda Civic From Destruction.' Remember, titles for your audience should reflect your brand and bring up inside information only they would know about.

Writing for the Suggested Videos Algorithm

Lastly, we have the suggested videos algorithm. This algorithm recommends relevant videos based on a viewer's previous views. Suppose your video is a deep dive into a specific topic. In that case, you can tap into this algorithm by crafting a title that entices viewers to learn more by adding to the information they may already be familiar with.

Suggested Algorithm Title Example:

To attract browsing or suggested video traffic, you'd write a title to catch the viewer's attention, or that builds off of the video they watched before. For example, let's say the viewer just watched a video on oil changes. Your Suggested-Video-Optimized title looks like this: '6 Must-Know Tips Before You Change Your Civic's Oil' could be the thing to get those eyeballs on your content.

Step 2: Speak Your Audience's Language

A line of mouths show that speaking your audience's language is critical to get them to click on your thumbnails.

Another secret of crafting irresistible YouTube titles is to speak their language. Whether they're fans of slang, prefer proper lingo, or love a good dash of corporate jargon, using the words that resonate with them can make all the difference.

Take a stroll in your audience's shoes. Use words they'd use to discuss the topic you're covering, whether they're mulling it over privately or chatting with friends and colleagues.

Dive deep into your audience's communication style to hit the mark. Scour their comments, tweets, and industry buzzwords that they use to communicate. Understanding how they express their ideas gives you the edge to mirror their language style in your titles. And trust us, the results will speak for themselves!

Step 3: Magazine-ify Your Titles

Two magazines are seen over a blue background.

We've all been there: Hours of work poured into a video, only for it to sink without a trace. Sound familiar? Well, it's time to give your YouTube titles a fresh coat of written paint.

In the world of YouTube, titles and thumbnails are your golden tickets to views and visibility. Your title and thumbnail must be attention magnets to boost your video's visibility and reel in those views. So, how do we do that? Think of your title as a magazine headline on a store shelf. The catchier the headline, the more likely a passerby will pick up the magazine.

The same logic applies to YouTube titles. The more enticing your title, the higher the chances a viewer clicks on your video. Partnering your topic with recent world events, pop-culture icons, or celebrities works well, too, as long as it's tasteful. And when you manage to couple an irresistible title with an eye-catching thumbnail, you've got the formula for YouTube success.

Step 4: Keep it Simple, Savvy, and Easy to Process

A ladder and 3 numbered blocks are shown to portray the concept of keeping things simple with your YouTube thumbnails.

When it comes to crafting winning YouTube titles, readability is critical. Aim to get your point across in 50 characters or less. Any more than that, your title might get cut off on some mobile or laptop screens, defeating the purpose of your chosen words.

Remember, the shorter, the sweeter, especially in YouTube titles. Simplified titles are easier to grasp, helping your audience quickly get your big idea. In the world of YouTube, particularly for B2B channels, complexity can bring confusion. So distill your ideas to their essence, keeping your language simple yet respectful towards your audience.

Highlight the big idea in your title and control your use of capitals and emojis. Avoid overusing insider jargon or loading your title with too many business terms. Instead, leverage the power of emotions to drive clicks, but ensure your content delivers value to keep your audience engaged, or there will be negative backlash.

Here's a few real-world examples that nail the approach in his title and thumbnail combo:

A still shot of YouTuber's uploads to show their punchy and emotionally provoking titles.

Step 5: Test, Tweak, and Triumph

A line of typewriters over a blue background highlights the concept of rewriting your YouTube titles to make them perfect.

Before hitting that "Publish" button, arm yourself with 2 to 3 backup titles, ready to swap out if your video's performance isn't hitting the mark or gaining traction fast enough.

Keep a close eye on views, click-through rate, and average view duration to gauge whether your title is doing its job. Views provide a big-picture overview of how well your video idea, title, and thumbnail work together to entice viewers to click.

Benchmark these stats against your average views within a 24-hour upload period for other videos on your channel. Strive for higher numbers unless you're targeting a niche audience; lower views may be better. If you're still not seeing progress despite tweaking your titles and following our guidance, don't worry – we can help

We offer plan-based Creative YouTube Consulting services to help diagnose the changes needed to elevate your YouTube titles and videos to the next level. Click the link below to learn more about how we can help you achieve YouTube success!