Writing a description for your YouTube video is never a bad idea. It helps people understand your content and the value it holds, which leads to a better viewing experience. You can even place keywords in your description and possibly get featured on search pages.

The only problem? Writing descriptions from scratch is time-consuming. And besides a basic summary of the video, what else goes in that big, empty box?

To answer that question, here's how to write descriptions for YouTube videos.

1. Get Ideas from a YouTube Description Generator

If you want to come up with descriptions fast and easy, try vidIQ's 

. It allows you to type in keywords that describe your video, see a few description options, and choose the right one for your content. Best of all, you get 

 each month when you sign up for a free vidIQ account.

Here's how to get (and use) the AI Description Generator:

3. Give your video a title. If you have vidIQ installed, use our AI title generator to get a few suggestions.

4. Scroll down to the description box and find the AI Description Generator.

Type in a few keywords that describe your video and click 

5. Review the AI-generated descriptions (there are three). When you find a description you like, click 

2. Use the Right Keywords for YouTube's Search Engine

Do you know which keywords people will use to find your video? If so, add those terms to your video description. That will help YouTube determine what your video is about and display it on the right search pages. You videos might even 

 into your summary, not poured. It's best to write like a human speaking to another human and add keywords sparingly.

We used two keywords in the example above: "small channel on YouTube" and "grow your channel." The summary sounds natural, and 

If you don't know where to start, read this guide for discovering the best YouTube keywords.

YouTube never shows the full video description — at least not automatically. You could spend 30 minutes writing hundreds of words, but no matter what, viewers will only see the first few sentences. After that, a "show more" link allows them to keep reading.

Unfortunately, some viewers don't click on that. That's why it's a good idea to  put vital information in the first 100 characters, such as:

 On a search page, YouTube shows the first 90 characters of our video description.

But below the video itself, viewers see the first 160 characters.

To optimize your description in both areas, write an interesting 100 characters!

Did you know that the YouTube description box holds 5,000 characters? It's unlikely you'll need that much space, and no viewer wants to read paragraphs of text. After all, they came to watch a video.

That begs the question: What's the ideal YouTube video description length? There isn't an answer that fits all scenarios, but you can stop writing as soon as you've covered:

What viewers need to know about the video

Information related to the video (research you used, downloadable resources, etc.)

Have you ever read a YouTube description that didn't explain the video? You probably had no idea what to expect before pressing play, especially if the creator was trying to be funny, random, or aloof.

That approach may work with subscribers who already know you, but what about new viewers? They should be able to understand a video just by reading the title or description.

 You can be funny and authentic, but try to write descriptions that build upon the video title.

6. Use Timestamps to Make Your Video Skimmable

If your video is longer than 20 minutes, some viewers will need extra encouragement to watch it. Luckily, YouTube creates automatic video chapters that let viewers skip around and find different scenes.

But if someone moves away from the video to read the description, you might consider adding timestamps to that area.

When someone clicks a timestamp, the video jumps to the chapter that's available in that time frame. To make this work in your description, type the exact time you want viewers to skip to, and bam — the timestamp becomes clickable.

7. Add Links to Your YouTube Video Description

After you've written the bulk of your description, it's time to add a few links. These should direct people to videos or websites that add more value to the experience while also boosting your channel's authority.

Research links that support your video content, such as studies or surveys

Affiliate links that allow viewers to buy products mentioned in the video

Viewers need a good reason to click on the links in your description box. So when you have a few links in mind, add a CTA nearby explaining why they should click something and what happens when they do.

Check out the example below. Two of our CTAs clearly explain the value behind the links we're pushing. With the first CTA, we want to help viewers 

 by watching another video on our channel. The second CTA expresses that if you want more YouTube guidance, it's wise to hit subscribe!

9. Put Hashtags in Your YouTube Description

Adding two or three hashtags to your video description is a fantastic idea. If you create content people love — and relevant hashtags are attached — you might see your videos at the top of a hashtag page.

Out of 63,000 videos and 11,000 channels, we managed to get two videos at the top of YouTube's #growyourchannel page. So don't skip this vital step!

Most people strive to make original content on YouTube, but that rule applies to more than just videos. If you're copying descriptions from one video to the next, that becomes repetitious — and entirely unhelpful.

 with repetitive content will be hard. YouTube checks everything when you apply to the 

11. Avoid Profanity, Hate Speech, and Spammy Links

Now that you know YouTube checks your video descriptions, try to write words that make people feel safe. You can start by following the 

, which denounce profanity, hate speech, spam, and more.

If the idea of writing descriptions from scratch sounds daunting, we have good news: You don't have to.

Here's the video description template we use for the vidIQ channel:

 Describe your video (don't forget to add keywords).

 Tell viewers what to watch next on your channel (add video link).

 Add other important links (website, social media, affiliate, etc.).

And now, here's a written example of a video description. We paired it with the video, "

FINALLY, you're joining the YouTube adventure! We've been on that ride for 10+ years, so here's what we would do if we started a new YouTube channel in 2022!

🔥 Now you've started your channel, get your first subscriber! ➡️ [link goes here]

🔔 Subscribe for more tips just like this: [link goes here]

🚀 - DOWNLOAD vidIQ FREE: [link goes here]

🛠️ - vidIQ CUSTOMER SUPPORT: support@vidIQ.com

What goes in the description box for a YouTube video? At the very least, you need the right links, trending hashtags, and an awesome summary of your video content.

YouTube Video Descriptions: How to Write Them Better In 2024

You know the importance of having a video script if you're a YouTuber. It helps you organize your thoughts and tell an engaging story. It also allows you to speak clearly, avoiding common mistakes we all make when speaking. Messing up a word. Saying "um" too many times. Forgetting what you wanted to say altogether.

. This guide will show you how to make it engaging, natural, and 

But First, What's a YouTube Video Script?

A script is a document that describes what will happen in your video. It includes details about the characters, plot, action, and setting.

From a text perspective, your script is also an outline of what you want to say. It's specific enough to read while filming but loose enough to allow for ad-libbing and vocal experimentation.

When writing a script, it's essential to 

. You're using the document to craft a video they'll enjoy, so the script should speak directly to your viewers.

You need three details to complete this task: who your audience is, the main idea of your video, and the "voice" you want to use.

The first step is simple but worth mentioning: You need a video title or idea before sitting down to write. This helps you stay on topic, grab viewers' attention, and provide the information they crave.

3 Secrets for Writing Click-Worthy YouTube Titles

Imagine writing a video script about credit cards. Using a title like "How to Squeeze More Value Out of Your Credit Card" is a lot more engaging than "How to Use Your Credit Card Wisely." And as you focus on that winning concept — "squeezing" value instead of "using" a credit card — it's easier to write in that engaging perspective.

You should also add the right keywords to your title. It will help you write an even better script that 

It also helps to know who your viewers are before writing a script. This detail is usually related to your YouTube niche. Are you making videos for teen gamers? College students who study abroad? Single dads who seek parenting advice?

With those details in mind, ask yourself what information viewers want or need from the video you're planning. Then try to deliver that value.

. And the best way to do that is by researching their daily challenges, joys, and desires. Then you can craft a video that solves a problem or intensifies their joys.

Most of this research happens on YouTube, 

so click here to learn the basics of keyword research

. You'll learn how often people search for your video's topic, the words they use when searching, and related topics you can use to build out the video.

Every YouTube creator has a "voice." Maybe you're the "jester" who cracks jokes and makes people laugh. Or perhaps you're the "adventurer" who takes people on a journey with action-packed scenes.

Whatever your voice is, use it when writing scripts for YouTube videos. It'll help you stand out and attract the right kind of viewers — people who like your personality and hit subscribe.

Now that you know your video's topic, voice, and target audience, you can start outlining a script.

Luckily you don't have to build this from scratch. You can use a well-known YouTube video script format, then personalize it for your content.

Alina Iatiuc, creative producer at vidIQ, writes scripts for the vidIQ channel. 

 she uses, plus a few tips to make it your own:

The "hook" is the first sentence or two that catches the viewers' attention in a video. It should be one of three things: entertaining, emotional, or informative. If you can do all three, that's even better.

Another thing you want to do is present the main problem you're solving.

For example, we have a YouTube script titled "Trick Anyone into Watching Your Videos." The video hook introduces the problem (no one is watching your videos), promises a solution, entertains viewers, and taps into their emotions:

"Warning! This video will help you learn to hack peoples' minds and trick anyone into watching your videos using science and proven facts."

The hook is brief, engaging, and makes the viewer curious enough to keep watching. Press play below to see what we mean!

But there's more than one way to do this. 

In fact, here are eight ideas to hook viewers in the first eight seconds.

This is where you'll write the bulk of your content. For example, you might have 5-10 main points for your video. One by one, you'll give each point a subheader and write the words you want to say for that section.

Don't forget to add information that might be useful, including research and statistics, to support your claims.

"One of the most common mistakes people make when writing a script is not doing enough research and fact-checking," Alina says. "Sharing misleading information will not help build trust with your audience. Moreover, it can destroy a good reputation you've already built."

There should be a clear call to action at the end of every video. Some creators ask for feedback in the form of likes, subscriptions, comments, and shares. Some even encourage people to sign up for their email newsletter. You should write your call to action in a way that drives viewers to your chosen destination.

A YouTube end screen is an interactive outro that appears in the last 5-20 seconds of a video. You can place clickable elements on an end screen, such as links to a website, a subscribe button, or extra videos for viewers to watch.

End screens and CTAs go hand-in-hand. You'll use the CTA to bring viewers' attention to the end screen, and you'll use the end screen itself to send viewers where you want them to go.

For example, here's a CTA and end screen paired together:

"If you want to get people to watch more of your content — essentially free videos — then watch this video over here (points to end-screen element showing clickable video)." And by doing that, you're giving me free views!"

Writing Tips: 8 Ways to Make Your Script More Engaging

There's planning a video script, and then there's doing the actual writing. Here's how to make sure what you write becomes an entertaining video.

Long sentences are difficult to read, hear, and understand. That's why you should write shorter sentences for your video script and keep things casual. You'll reduce the information viewers hear so they can follow your train of thought.

 sentence to be brief. Vary the length of your sentences, so they flow like a natural conversation between friends.

Writing in the present tense creates a sense of urgency. You'll communicate in the here and now, grabbing viewers' attention to keep them engaged.

YouTube is pretty laid-back, so use simple words and phrases anyone can understand. You don't want to sound like you're delivering an academic speech or giving a research presentation.

At the same time, don't make your script so informal that it sounds off-putting.

4. Use More Active Voice Than Passive Voice

, the subject of a sentence performs an action on something else – a person, idea, or thing. A sentence written in the passive voice doesn't reveal the subject upfront, which gets confusing.

Joseph adopted three puppies last winter, and they're growing fast.

: Three puppies were adopted by Joseph last winter, and they're growing fast.

The passive sentence requires more effort to understand.

Remove unnecessary words, sentences, and scenes from your script if they don't add to the story.

Humor adds a cheery, light-hearted tone to your video. Just don't go overboard by cracking offensive jokes that make people feel uncomfortable.

Good writing doesn't happen overnight, so read your script and revise it until you're satisfied.

It's helpful to get feedback before publishing a YouTube video. You can ask friends and family what they think or get serious feedback from a scriptwriter.

. Anyone can sit down and create a vision for their YouTube video, from the storyline to the spoken words to the special effects sprinkled on top.

But to create outstanding scripts, you do need to be an expert in one thing: 

prioritizing your viewers and no one else

"A YouTube video script is engaging when a content creator understands their audience and writes for the people and not for the ego," Alina says. "Before starting to write a script, I ask myself: "What is the problem I want to help my audience solve? How can I solve it so that people find the solution helpful?"

Want to write video scripts for YouTube? Here's how to format the document and create better stories for your audience.

How to Write an Entertaining YouTube Video Script

Thanks to TikTok's increasing popularity, it’s now possible to 

. You can do this in many ways, such as receiving video tips, making money from live streams, and using brand deals to increase your revenue.

But those are just a few options. In this guide, we’ll explain:

Step 1: Join the TikTok Creator Next Program

Creator Next is an exclusive program for TikTok influencers who want to monetize their audience. It’s the gateway to 

 monetization tool on the platform, so apply for Creator Next first.

Be based in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy, or Spain.

Have a TikTok account that’s in good standing (follows 

Have a personal TikTok account (not a business account).

If you meet the requirements, you’ll gain access to tools that help you develop your channel and make money from TikTok: the Creator Marketplace, the Creator Fund, Video Gifts, Live Gifts, and Tips.

But more on that later. The first step is applying for TikTok Creator Next!

Creator Next: How to Apply for Monetization on TikTok

1. Open the TikTok app and tap the profile icon.

TikTok Monetization: All the Ways to Earn Through Creator Next

In this section, we’ll dive deeper and explain the monetization tools in the Creator Next program.

1. Earn Money Through the TikTok Creator Fund

TikTok pays creators from a large collection of money called the Creator Fund. In 2020, the fund was expected to pay creators at least $200 billion in its first year. Now it’s estimated to reach $1 billion or more.

How much you’ll get paid depends on many factors, such as the region you live in, if your content is original or not, the engagement rate on your videos, and more.

But, be warned: One critique of the Creator Fund is that it takes 

 of views to cover your entire livelihood.

So if you're wondering how much money you can make from TikTok — and you're a small creator — the figure is closer to side-hustle pay.

 explains that she made $937 in one month from the Creator Fund, which is nothing to sneeze at. And she accomplished that with 25,000 followers.

“I feel like people overgeneralize that the TikTok Creator Fund doesn’t pay you anything, but it kind of does,” Jessica says. “It fluctuates a lot. So you can’t rely on the Creator Fund as a primary source of income, but it’s a nice little bonus here and there."

To make money from the Creator Fund, you should meet five requirements:

Be accepted into the Creator Next Program.

Have at least 10,000 followers on your TikTok channel.

Have at least 100,000 video videos in the last 30 days.

Have an account based in the U.S., and make sure it’s in good standing.

: Videos you made prior to getting monetized through the Creator Fund aren’t eligible for compensation; neither are live streams, duets, and stitches.

Make sure you’re in the Creator Next program, then follow these steps to apply for the Creator Fund:

Live streaming is another way to make money with your channel, particularly through LIVE Gifts.

TikTok viewers send you virtual gifts during a live stream (shown above). These gifts are typically fun animations and stickers.

TikTok awards you a number of “Diamonds” based on how many gifts you received and the popularity of your live.

Redeem Diamonds for real money. You’ll get 50% of the revenue while TikTok receives the other half.

Here are the requirements to receive LIVE Gifts:

Live in a location where LIVE Gifts are available.

Have an account that’s at least 30 days old and in good standing.

Video Gifts allow you to make money on individual TikTok videos. It’s similar to receiving LIVE gifts, in that:

Viewers tap the gift icon in the comment section to send animations and stickers.

TikTok awards you a number of Diamonds based on the amount of gifts you received and your video’s performance.

Only videos with a gift icon have this option. Also, viewers 

 send gifts for duets, stitches, advertisements, sponsored content, promoted posts or videos violating TikTok’s community guidelines.

Plus, you'll need to meet these requirements to receive Video Gifts:

Have published a video in the last 30 days.

Have an account that’s in good standing.

Make sure you’re in the Creator Next program, then follow these steps to turn on Video Gifts:

Tap the menu icon in the top-right corner.

4. Get a Brand Deal Through the TikTok Creator Marketplace

The Creator Marketplace is where companies go to find influencers for paid campaigns.

Are you a TikTok creator? Want to make money from your videos? If the answer is yes, use this guide to monetize your short-form content.

How to Make Money on TikTok as a Creator [Step by Step]

Getting views on a YouTube video is challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. Once you master a two-part process, it’s easy to hook viewers:

Create a bold thumbnail that makes people stop scrolling

Write an intriguing title so viewers want to click your video

 content. For example, what do you think most viewers do at the end of a video? Do they watch more content from the same channel, or do they leave to see what else YouTube has to offer?

As a growing creator, you want people to watch as many videos as possible. You want to satisfy them, make them binge your content, and show the YouTube algorithm your channel is worth promoting.

There’s a way to make it happen, but only if you know a simple YouTube trick.

First, Understand Your ‘Average Views Per Viewer’

Before we share our little trick, there’s something you should know: YouTube tells you whether your content is binge-worthy or not.

You can find this data in the YouTube Studio. It tells you if people watch multiple videos in a row or leave without watching more.

That leads us to an important metric called 

, or AVPV for short. AVPV represents the number of videos each unique viewer watches on your channel (on average).

For example, let’s say your channel’s AVPV is three. That means the average viewer watches three videos on your channel before leaving.

But why is AVPV so critical on YouTube? Well, the higher this number goes, the better you are at convincing people to watch multiple videos. In fact, if your AVPV is somewhere around the number 1, 

that means people leave your channel after watching one video

The survey below shows that many creators have an AVPV of 1 to 1.4. So it’s in everyone's interest to boost that figure.

How to Find Your ‘Average Views Per Viewer’ on YouTube

Now that you understand AVPV, here’s how to find yours on YouTube:

2. Adjust the time period for the last full month you have data on. This switches your data points to the last 12 months of channel performance.

4. Click the blue plus button to add another metric. Choose 

 column to sort your performance over the last 12 months.

This is what you’ll see in the end — your AVPV from 12 months ago up until today (all 12 months 

How to Increase ‘Average Views Per Viewer’ — and Make People Watch More Videos

Now it’s time to reveal our little trick. If you want viewers to watch multiple videos, don’t wait for YouTube’s algorithm to show them content. Skip the waiting period and tell viewers what to watch.

How do you do this, exactly? We recommend using 

An end screen is an interactive outro that appears in the last 5-20 seconds of a video. You can put clickable elements on an end screen, such as links to a website, a YouTube subscribe button, and best of all, 

But the trick isn’t to make any old end screen. 

You want to make an end screen that suggests one more video to watch, not three or four. That way, viewers won’t feel overwhelmed by a bunch of options on the screen, and they can simply tap the next video.

Also, try to suggest a video that’s related to the current one. It should be an extension of the main story because that’s what people came to see.

If you do this over time — use an end screen to suggest one relevant video — your AVPV 

It's hard to grow a YouTube channel when viewers leave after watching one video. Use this simple trick to suggest more content and make them binge watch!

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

YouTube Video Descriptions: How to Write Them Better In 2024

How to Write an Entertaining YouTube Video Script

How to Make Money on TikTok as a Creator [Step by Step]

A Simple Trick to Make Viewers Watch Multiple YouTube Videos

YouTube Intros: 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds

4 YouTube Updates That Will Help You Get Monetized Faster

Meet Tim Schmoyer, Your New YouTube Coach at vidIQ

YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

3 Secrets for Writing Click-Worthy YouTube Titles

Brooklyn and Bailey Get 11M Views During Challenge to End Period Poverty

How to Find Your Biggest Competitors on YouTube

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