Your YouTube video title is one of the most powerful tools for getting clicks. It tells viewers what to expect and helps YouTube decide when to recommend your video. In this guide, you’ll learn how to write high-converting YouTube titles that not only attract views but also support your SEO and click-through rate (CTR).
1. Why Titles Are So Important
A strong video title does three main things:
Catches attention
Tells what the video is about
Includes keywords for search visibility
It’s your first hook—along with the thumbnail—that determines whether someone clicks or scrolls past.
2. Use Targeted Keywords Naturally
Find keywords that people are actually searching for using tools like:
TubeBuddy
vidIQ
Google Trends
YouTube’s search bar suggestions
Then, include the main keyword in your title, ideally at the beginning.
Example:
✅ “YouTube SEO Tips for Beginners”
🚫 “These Are Some SEO Tips”
3. Make It Clear and Specific
Don’t try to be too clever or vague. Be direct and let the viewer know exactly what they’ll get from the video.
Instead of:
“Watch This Before Uploading!”
Try:
“5 Things You Must Do Before Uploading a YouTube Video”
4. Create Curiosity—But Avoid Clickbait
You want viewers to feel a need to click to find out more. This is curiosity marketing. But avoid lying or exaggerating.
Example:
“Why Nobody is Talking About This YouTube Trick”
→ Triggers curiosity without lying
Avoid titles like “You Won’t Believe This” unless your video truly justifies the hype.
5. Use Numbers and Lists
People love content that feels structured and easy to consume. Adding numbers makes titles more clickable.
“7 YouTube Hacks to Grow Faster in 2025”
“Top 5 Mistakes New YouTubers Make”
“3 Editing Tools Every Creator Should Use”
6. Add Powerful Words
Certain words grab attention. Try using:
“Secret”
“Proven”
“Beginner-friendly”
“Step-by-step”
“Easy”
“Insane”
Example:
“Proven YouTube Strategies for Small Channels”
7. Use Brackets or Parentheses
Brackets can help break up your title and add extra detail. YouTube studies show they can improve CTR.
Examples:
“YouTube SEO Guide [2025 Update]”
“Grow Your Channel Fast (No Ads Needed)”
8. Stay Within the Ideal Length
Keep your titles between 50–70 characters. Longer titles may get cut off, especially on mobile.
Use tools like Preview YouTube Title to see how it’ll look before publishing.
9. Test Different Versions (A/B Testing)
Some tools like TubeBuddy allow you to test different titles. This helps you see which version gets better results.
Even a small change like replacing “Tips” with “Secrets” can boost clicks.
10. Make Your Title and Thumbnail Work Together
A great title paired with a relevant thumbnail is key. Don’t repeat the exact same text. Instead, let them complete each other.
Example:
Title: “How I Gained 10,000 Subscribers in 1 Month”
Thumbnail: “100 to 10,000 – Full Growth Breakdown”
Bonus: Title Templates You Can Use
Here are a few ready-to-use structures:
How to [Achieve Result] in [Timeframe]
Top [Number] [Topic] for [Audience Type]
[Mistake] You’re Probably Making Right Now
[Topic] – What No One Tells You
[Action] That Changed My [Result] on YouTube
Conclusion
A powerful video title can make or break your video’s performance. By blending SEO with creativity, you can craft titles that boost both your discoverability and engagement. Test, analyze, and keep improving—you’ll soon find what works best for your audience.