Title Optimizer

Craft irresistible titles that stop the scroll and drive clicks.

1. Title Fundamentals Checklist

Before optimizing, ensure your title:

  • Delivers the Promise: The main benefit/viewer result is front and center.
  • Closes the Loop (If You Open One): If the hook is a question or tease, your content delivers a clear answer.
  • Is Specific, Not Generic: Quantify (numbers, timeframes), name names (platforms, tools, audiences), and call out milestones.
  • Uses Natural Language: Titles that feel like real speech perform better than ‘ad speak.’
  • Highlights “Who” It’s For: When possible, mention the target group for personalization or relatability.
  • Avoids Hype Words Unless Justified: Words like ‘insane,’ ‘shocking,’ ‘crazy’ must be backed by ultra-relevant content.

2. The Power Title Formula Library

A. "What/Why/How"-Driven Formulas

How to [Win/Result] Even If [Common Obstacle]

Example: How to Grow on YouTube Even If You Have Zero Subscribers

Why [Common Advice] Actually Holds You Back

Example: Why Posting Daily Might KILL Your Channel’s Growth

What Happens When You [Do Challenge/Process] for [Timeframe]?

Example: What Happened When I Posted Shorts Every Day for 30 Days?

How I [Impressive Result]—and What I’d Do Differently

Example: How I Hit 10K Subscribers—And The Mistake I Made Along The Way

B. Result/Metric + Tension Formulas

The [X] Mistakes Killing Your [Result/Goal]

Example: The 3 Mistakes Killing Your Video Engagement

The #1 Reason You’re Not [Achieving Result] (And What To Do About It)

Example: The #1 Reason You’re Not Landing High-Paying Clients (And How To Fix It)

The Surprising Way I [Achieved Result]

Example: The Surprising Trick That Doubled My Watch Time

C. Timely & FOMO Formulas

Don't [Common Action] Until You Watch This

Example: Don’t Make Your Next Video Until You Watch This

[Year/Trend]: [Big Promise or Lesson]

Example: 2025 YouTube Growth Playbook: What’s Changed and What Still Works

Do This Before [Milestone/Deadline]

Example: Do This Before You Launch Your First Video

D. Community/Identity & Challenge Formulas

[Group/Identity]: Are You Making This Mistake?

Example: New Creators: Are You Making This Hook Mistake?

Who Else Wants [Result/Transformation]?

Example: Who Else Wants Client-Booking Intros For Their Videos?

Can You Guess What Happened When I [Did X]?

Example: Can You Guess What Happened When I Stopped Editing My Videos?

E. Before/After, Reveal, and Social Proof Formulas

From [Starting Point] to [Result]: My [Timeframe] Transformation

Example: From Zero to 5K Subs: My 60-Day Journey

I Tried [Tool/Strategy] So You Don’t Have To—Here’s What Happened

Example: I Tried Viral Hook Templates So You Don’t Have To—My Honest Review

[Influencer/Expert]'s Advice Was WRONG About [Topic]—Here’s Proof

Example: MrBeast’s Advice Was WRONG About Video Hooks—Here’s Proof

3. Dos & Don’ts for High-Conversion Titles

DO:

  • ✓Use numbers and specifics (“5 Hooks That 10x’d My Views”)
  • ✓Reference time frames (“What Changed In 30 Days ...”)
  • ✓Signal a transformation or solution (“…and the mistake I made that almost ruined it”)
  • ✓Use keywords/search intent (think like your audience: "How to..." "Best way to..." "Why does X…")
  • ✓Curate for target audience ("For New Coaches" | "If You’re Over 40")
  • ✓Pair title with your thumbnail for a single, clear promise

DON’T:

  • ✗Stack too many buzzwords or all caps (“AMAZING SECRET INSANE VIDEO HOOKS”)
  • ✗Make empty promises (“Instant Viral Hacks!”—unless truly backed up in the video by results)
  • ✗Use long run-on sentences—punchy and readable wins
  • ✗Try to “hide” the value with vagueness (“Watch This!”)
  • ✗Overpromise results you know most people absolutely won’t get

4. Title Refinement Questions

  • Does this instantly tell my target viewer “this video is for you”?
  • If I read only this title, would I know the #1 value/takeaway?
  • Would a competitor, audience member, or stranger know exactly what will be covered?
  • Is this clickable AND credible?
  • Can I defend the claim/result/lesson I promise here?

5. Algorithm Smart: YouTube & Reels Title Bonus Tips

  • Front-load the benefit. The first 3–5 words appear almost everywhere in the feed.
  • For Search: Make the “How to,” “Why,” or “Best” clear, and echo target phrases your audience is using.
  • For Suggested/Browse: Lean on curiosity, drama, emotional or identity hooks.
  • Test relevance with the “fast scroll.” Read your title in the context of similar videos—does it actually stand out but still belong?
  • Pair with Thumbnail: Don’t duplicate the exact message; create a “1+1=3” effect.

6. Instant Title Upgrade Examples

BEFORE:

“Video Hooks That Work”

AFTER:

“5 Proven Hooks That Turn Your Next Video Into a Client Magnet”

BEFORE:

“My Advice For Coaches”

AFTER:

“The #1 Script Mistake Killing Your Coaching Sales (And the Fix)”

BEFORE:

“Watch Me Try [challenge]”

AFTER:

“I Tried Posting Shorts Every Day—Here’s The Truth They Don’t Tell You”

7. Customization & Split Testing

Template: How to [achieve result] in [time period/without pain point] (Proven/Case Study)

Tip: Try 2-3 title variations for the same video when possible, especially on YouTube (“A/B Experiment” feature).

Use comments, retention, and watch time to tell you which title (and hook) actually delivers quality viewers.

Summary Cheat Sheet

  • Clear, Specific Benefit
  • Curiosity or FOMO Loop (if fitting)
  • Identity or Social Proof (if possible)
  • Natural Language
  • No Bait & Switch—EVER

Question before you publish:

“Does my title make the right person STOP, see themselves, and feel “I can’t miss this…and I trust it’s real”?”