How to Write a YouTube Title That Gets Clicks (Best Practices)

Your video's title and thumbnail are its one-two punch. They are the most critical factors in a viewer's decision to click. A great title promises value and creates curiosity, while also being optimized for search. Here are the best practices for writing titles that work.

Best Practices for Crafting Clickable Titles

• Include Your Target Keyword: Place your main keyword or phrase naturally in the title, preferably near the beginning. This helps with search ranking.
• Keep it Concise (Under 60 Characters): Titles get cut off on some devices after about 60 characters. Keep the most important information front and center.
• Create Curiosity (The Curiosity Gap): Pose a question or make a bold statement that makes the viewer want to know the answer. For example, "Why I Stopped Using [Popular Product]".
• Use Numbers and Lists: Titles like "7 Mistakes to Avoid" or "Top 5 Gadgets" are consistently high-performing because they set clear expectations for the viewer.
• Promise a Clear Benefit: What will the viewer get out of watching? "How to Edit Videos Faster" is a title with a clear, desirable outcome.
• Match the Title to the Content: Your title must accurately reflect the video's content. Misleading titles (clickbait) will harm your audience retention and channel reputation.

The Perfect Pair: Title and Thumbnail

Your title works in tandem with your thumbnail. They shouldn't just repeat each other; they should complement one another. A great title paired with a visually striking image is the key. Learn more in our guide on how to design a great thumbnail.