Want Free YouTube views? Perfect Your Title & Thumbnail

Most people make videos like this:

They write a script, shoot, edit…

And only then ask:

"what should I call this?"

"what thumbnail should I use?"

That’s backwards. On YouTube, packaging is everything.

If the title and thumbnail don’t grab attention, no one clicks.

It doesn’t matter how good the video is. People won’t even open it. So do it the other way:

Start with the title and thumbnail. Then build the video around that.

Here are some real videos that did this well.

Jay Clouse from Creator Science

Title: Meet the YouTuber Who Solved Shorts (Jenny Hoyos Interview) | Views: 4M

Why this title works:

• “Solved Shorts” sounds like a secret got cracked.

• “Meet the YouTuber…” = invites discovery and makes it personal 🤝

• Includes a familiar name, but doesn’t rely on it.

  

Why the thumbnail works:

• "I Can Make Anything Viral" is playful yet full of confidence.

• Big smile = positive emotional hook.

• Bright blue pops off the feed, feels fresh.

Why this combo works:

The title builds credibility and direction. 

The thumbnail adds personality plus a bold claim that makes you want to see proof.

PS: Need advice on pulling great shorts out of your long videos? We’ve got a guide on just that!

Starter Story

Title: The Underdog: From His Parent’s Basement to $25M | Views: 1.7M

Why the title works:

• “The Underdog” = story arc, underdog energy always pulls.

• “Parent’s Basement to $25M” is rags-to-riches in one line.

• Feels personal and cinematic.

Why the thumbnail works:

• Plain setting. He’s clearly just in it, working late, looks focused.

• “$0 to $25M + UNDERDOG” = power + contrast in one visual line.

• Serious face, low light. It feels like the beginning of something big.

Why this combo hits:

The title is the story. The thumbnail is the scene.

It makes you wonder, "how the hell did he do that?"

Need help turning your vlog or podcast recordings into a growing, successful YouTube channel? Book a call with us — we’ll handle all the editing, viral clip making, thumbnail design & more!

My First Million

Title: Turning $1M Into $1B+: A Masterclass From The Indian Warren Buffett | Views: 2.6M

Why the title works:

• “$1M Into $1B+” is a clear transformation, huge outcome, big promise.

• “The Indian Warren Buffett” = authority, curiosity, niche.

• “Masterclass” = perceived value.

Why the thumbnail works:

• The quote "OK… I’LL TELL YOU EVERYTHING" shows intrigue & drama.

• Strong emotion on his face + clean background = easy to read and engaging.

• High contrast with big, bold text.

Why this combo hits:

The title sets up the value and curiosity.

The thumbnail feels like he’s about to share something massive. You have to watch to find out.

Where Most Creators Go Wrong ❌

Here’s what not to do 👇

Bad Podcast Example:

• Title: “Interview with Mohnish Pabrai”

• Thumbnail: Zoom screenshot with two talking heads

Zero stakes. No curiosity. No story. You’ll scroll right past it

🛠️ 6 Tips for Scroll-Stopping Titles and Thumbnails

Start with what would make someone stop scrolling. Then build the content around that.

🎯 Title Tips:

• Write titles like tweets: short and punchy

• Use simple, searchable language (6th grade level)

• Don’t write to sound smart. Write to get found

🖼️ Thumbnail Tips:

• Use big & bold text, not full sentences

• Show faces and emotions whenever possible

• Make it clear in 1 second what the video is about

And don’t be afraid to go a little dramatic. The click is emotional.

The content can be calm.