I compiled 635 viral YouTube videos in a database.

Here are some fun stats for you:

Quick background here:

1. 85% are educational/edutainment videos.

2. I’m using a loose definition of viral here. The videos in this database got at least 3x more views than the other recent videos on their channel. The average was 9x more views.

Ok let’s get to it…

• The titles are 54.89 characters on average

• 48% of the titles have a number

• 3.7% of the titles use an emoji

• 3.1% of the titles were written in all caps.

(This is why I’m not a fan of writing titles in all caps)

Here are some of the most common click triggers ranked by frequency:

1. Curiosity
2. Desire
3. Negativity
4. List
5. Trendjacking
6. Authority
7. Time fame
8. Calling out a specific audience (like beginners or by age)
9. Refuting an objection
10. Sharing daily tips

Here are the top 3 ways to build curiosity:

1/ Open a loop

ex: “The Entire NBA FEARS The WARRIORS Because of this PLAY!”

2/ Reveal a secret

ex: “What They Dont Tell You About Barefoot Style Shoes...”

3/ Be counterintuitive

ex: “Sit Ups Are A Waste Of Time | Do This Instead”

Some of the most common phrases:

*Habits*

ex: “4 ONE-MINUTE Habits That Save Me 20+ Hours a Week”

*Using the current year*

ex: “15 Graphic Design Trends for 2023”

*Stop*

ex: “WHY I STOPPED RIDING CARBON FRAMES - What I Learned”

*Every Day*

ex: “We Ran Every Day for 30 Days, Here's What Happened”

*Beginner*

ex: “How to Start a YouTube Channel for Beginners in 2023”

Something I've been noticing a lot recently: proving credibility in titles.

Ex 1:

"I Ate 100 TBSP Of BUTTER In 10 Days: Here Is What Happened To My BLOOD"

It's not just his opinion, you're seeing real blood test results.

Ex 2:

"1,000 Miles In The NEW Lotus Emira! [Worth The Wait?]"

This isn't just 1st impressions (although those do well). He actually spent 1,000 miles in this car, so you feel like he can give a more thorough review.

Thanks for reading!

I’ve compiled these videos through my newsletter, Creator Hooks, where I send out 5 video ideas every week.

If you wanna join in on the fun, here’s where you can subscribe:

creatorhooks.com

Oh yeah, and if you enjoyed this…

1. Follow me:
@jthomas__

2. Retweet the first tweet so more people can grow their YouTube channels: