Did you know that the right video introduction can 

? It’s true. We call these "hooks" in the YouTube world, and they have the power to grab viewers' attention in the first three seconds.

The reason you'd want to grab someone's attention, especially with a Short, is to 

 to the next video. Swiping away has a negative effect on your content and stops you from going explosively viral.

There isn't much research about Shorts and their performance, but one study adds some clarity. Paddy Galloway discovered that the best-performing Shorts have 70% of people viewing them versus swiping away from them.

The Psychology Behind Effective YouTube Shorts Hooks

Many YouTube shorts hooks work because they tap into our natural responses. Our minds naturally react to hints and signals that catch our eye. Creators who use these ideas see more viewers stick around.

The best hooks use simple triggers that connect with people:

 - We want to know the missing details when something is left unsaid

 - A feeling that you might miss out on something cool

 - When a video surprises you by breaking the usual flow

 - People tend to follow what others find interesting

Many top creators use strategies like these to set up their YouTube shorts hooks. For instance, saying "Have you heard about..." makes viewers want to learn more. Similarly, phrases like "They don't want you to know this secret" mix curiosity and a sense of rarity, increasing viewer interest.

When you create your YouTube shorts intro ideas, think about which trigger fits your content best. A step-by-step guide might use a clear, useful hook, while fun videos might lean on curiosity or surprise.

As an opening line, “have you heard about” creates a healthy dose of FOMO on YouTube, which stands for "fear of missing out." No one likes to be excluded, so this hook summons a viewer’s natural curiosity.

 (see what we did there? 😉) In the Short below, he immediately asks, “Have you heard about the world’s loneliest toilet?” Most people would say no, and that alone propels them to watch the video. It has over 

2. “They Don’t Want You to Know This Secret…”

This hook has enticing qualities, all of which can make a Short go viral in no time. It's got conspiracy, intrigue, and an “us versus them” dynamic happening all at once. As long as you don't use bad clickbait, this hook should get you more YouTube views.

 after claiming that “Apple doesn’t want people to know” about this password hack for iPhones:

3. “You’ve Never Seen Anything Like This…”

This hook is a straight-up challenge for your audience. You’re asking them to prove whether they know a random fact or not, which sort of feels like a game! It's as if they've been called out, and now they have to answer the call by watching your video.

 with this hook. He claims that viewers have “never seen a pair of headphones like the HHOGene GPods,” and he may be right. Millions of people stuck around to see what all the hype was about.

4. “I Never Do THIS, and Here’s Why…”

 do something, they’re about to share an unpopular opinion. This can be intriguing on YouTube, as many creators repeat the same ideas and beliefs they've heard elsewhere!

 has a popular Short using this magic phrase. In it, 

 says, “I never buy silk, and this is the strange reason why.” The intro must have worked because the video has over 

“Do’s and don’ts when it comes to [topic]..."

5. “This Is the Best Product I’ve Ever Used…”

In just a few words, this hook tells us a valuable recommendation is on the way — maybe even for a life-changing product. But viewers have to keep watching until the product is revealed, making this excellent hook for 

Here’s another example from Mrwhosetheboss. He opens the video by saying, “This is the most powerful charger I’ve ever laid hands on.” Instinctively, you want to keep watching to see which charger he’s talking about. The video has 

6. “I Was ‘Today Years Old’ When I Found This Out…”

"I was today years old" is a humorous way to reveal something you just learned. Maybe you didn’t know a drink tote from Chik-fil-a 

. Perhaps you just realized Ritz crackers have 

Starting a video with this phrase helps you establish common ground and shows that you’re learning alongside the viewer. It’s no wonder a creator like 

 explaining that “news” is an acronym (Notable Events, Weather and Sport).

Do viewers ask you the same questions repeatedly? The next time you make a Short, kick off the video by saying, “Questions I get asked a lot." This implies that you have something relevant to say, and viewers should stick around to hear it.

 answering questions about his experience as a male nurse.

This phrase should catch anyone's attention because most people use Google in 2025. Plus, the phrase “I asked Google” brings so many questions to mind. What did the person search for? What did the results say? Did they learn something funny, shocking, or interesting?

 on a long-jumping video. He asked Google “what the longest jump in history is,” and then attempted to break the long-jump record.

Sometimes, you just can’t beat practicality. If you have a how-to channel, “three things I do before” is the hook you need to provide value and solve problems for your audience.

 “Quick Travel Tips.” She starts out by saying, “Here are three things I do before every flight, coming from a lawyer who travels six months out of the year.” She speaks 

 to travelers and builds credibility by saying how often she travels.

10. “Try This to [Accomplish Goal]...”

“Try this” is a typical call to action on YouTube. It catches a viewer’s attention because the phrase empowers them to learn something new.

 by simply saying, “Try this to get more views on your next YouTube Short.” It’s quick, simple, and works wonders for grabbing attention.

This hook has an element of surprise, which works well for captivating viewers in the first three seconds. But more than that, it promises a rare piece of knowledge you can’t get if you swipe away!

This intro worked well for Nas Daily, who asked a simple question: “Did you know this book is poisonous?” The Short was so intriguing that it got over 

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about math here. “X versus Y” refers to a “this or that” scenario, where you compare two things to see which one is better. Viewers love this intro because it sparks competition.

Again, Mrwhosetheboss sets a great example here. He asks, “The thickest phone case or the thinnest phone case: Which is actually better?” 

 couldn’t resist this two-second experiment!

The value of this hook just can’t be overstated! With three little words, you convince viewers you’re about to solve a problem, teach a skill, and empower them to accomplish their goals.

If you think “how to” content is severely overdone on YouTube, think again. Creators like 

 with openers like “how to create festive outfits.” 

Another variation of this hook is “how to do [virtually anything]...”

14. “I’m Trying This So You Don’t Have To…”

Who doesn’t love a little risk and adventure on YouTube? When you try something bold (so others don't have to), that pretty much makes you a hero! It’s also entertaining to watch a creator set up a challenge, react to it, and share the results.

Once again, Sean Andrew got people’s attention with this creative hook. He tried to survive Chinese water torture and ended up getting 

“Today we’re gonna see if it’s possible to…”

You guessed it: This hook is a variation of the almighty listicle video. Use it to recommend the best vacation spot, indoor vacuum, dog breed, or whatever’s close to your heart! People love this hook because they know they’re about to get 

And here’s a vidIQ example for you: “top three YouTube mistakes.”

Typically, this hook is reserved for serious pursuits, like becoming a fisherman or a doctor. But if you want, you can be a complete goofball and turn this hook into comedic gold.

 did in the Short below. She opens it up with “how to become a mermaid in three steps,” and then 

 watched her take the most ridiculous journey to the sea.

17. “How to Have the Best [Activity/Idea] of Your Life…”

Most people want to do something better, faster, or easier in their daily lives. So opening your Short with “here’s how to have the best [insert common goal]” makes people pay attention to what you’re saying.

 telling people how to have the best sleep ever. The Short has over 

This hook is similar to the previous one, except it’s even better. While you can show someone how to do something thoroughly, providing a shortcut really gets their attention.

We used a variation of this hook recently, stating, “This could get your YouTube Shorts a lot more views.”

 Just don’t give away the juicy part too soon!

How to Test Different Hooks for Your Shorts

Finding the best hooks for YouTube shorts can take some trial and error. What works for one video may not work for another. The secret is in testing and looking at results.

18 YouTube Shorts hooks that help creators get more views and engagement

YouTube mobile app menu showing Home, Explore, and Shorts tabs on a smartphone screen

A strong intro is your secret weapon for getting more views with YouTube Shorts. Try these 18 viral video hooks for instant success!

18 Powerful YouTube Shorts Hooks That Go Viral [2025 Guide]

 is a pleasant boost from working alone. It feels good to have a partner share fresh ideas. A friend in your videos might say, "What about trying 

." Such suggestions can bring new life to your content.

Overall, it’s nice to work with someone who loves filming, editing, and posting on YouTube too.

Two YouTube creators collaborating on a video project

Have we inspired you to find collab partners, collect email addresses, and pitch a themed YouTube video?

Before you send a flurry of emails, learn 

Audience size is the first thing to consider when planning great collabs. Don't worry: You don’t need thousands of subscribers for a video project. You just need a collaborator whose channel size is close to your own.

YouTube creators with similar audience sizes collaborating effectively

 for a video collab. His largest channel has more than 80 million subscribers, and even if you have 1 million, that’s not an equivalent partnership. You would gain millions of views and subscribers, but MrBeast wouldn’t get much from the deal. He’s already 

So if you have 1,000 subscribers, for example, look for creators who have between 500 and 5,000. That levels the playing field so you both benefit from a collab.

How to Find Small YouTubers to Collab With

If you're just starting out on YouTube, teaming up with others can help you grow. Early collabs might give you a boost. First, know your 

 well and build a steady collection of videos that show your style.

 is another option. Creators gather there to network and learn YouTube tips, so you’re bound to find YouTubers looking to collab.

2. Collaborate with Creators in Your YouTube Niche

Before you start sending collaboration requests, take time to define your 

. Your niche isn’t just a topic; it’s the specific audience you serve and the style, tone, and value you bring to them. When you know this, it’s easier to identify creators with similar ideas and audiences.

YouTube creators from the same niche collaborating on content

Working with someone outside your niche may confuse viewers and cause unsubscribes. For example, a personal finance channel partnering with a salsa dancer could leave both audiences scratching their heads.

Once you understand your niche and subscriber range, search for creators who share similar topics and audiences. Staying within your niche ensures that both audiences care about the content and are more likely to subscribe after watching. Use tools like vidIQ’s 

 to find small YouTubers looking to collaborate!

3. Brainstorm Video Ideas Before You Send Collab Emails

Many YouTubers are looking for partners, but they don’t have unlimited time to search for one. People are busy filming, editing, and spending extra time on their YouTube thumbnails. The worst thing anyone could do is ask for a collab without sharing YouTube collab ideas.

7 Tips to Craft Irresistible Video Ideas on YouTube

Before you email creators, come up with three to five video ideas. Explain how the partnership would benefit their channel, and overall, just make it easy for the person to say 

. To help you craft those ideas with the help of AI, you can use the

 agree to collaborate with you, the next step is nailing a video style.

There are four ways to do a YouTube collab:

 and film two different videos. The first video will go on creator A’s channel, and the second video will go on creator B’s channel. However, both creators appear in each video.

Both creators film their scenes separately

 and send clips back and forth to create a single video.

 on each other’s channels. So, for example, creator A makes a video that 

 include creator B, but the video gets published on creator B’s channel. Then they do the same thing for creator A. This is best for popular YouTube channels of 500,00 or more subscribers.

. For this idea, creator A appears in the first half of the video, and creator B appears in the second half. For example, in a video titled “6 Ways to Get Free Airline Tickets,” the creators each present three tips within the same video.

5. Set a Realistic Date to Publish Video Collabs

YouTube collaborations are fun, but they take time to plan and execute. That’s why you need realistic deadlines for everything: when to film collabs, when to edit them, and when to push them live.

YouTube creators planning collaboration publishing schedule

While filming and editing times are flexible, planning your release schedule is important. Syncing your posting time can boost shared promotion and make for a smoother viewer experience on both channels.

If you’re doing a collab where separate videos go on each partner’s channel, 

 That way, you can ask viewers to watch part one or part two at the end of whichever video they’re watching. It only works if both videos are available from the start.

A YouTube collaboration isn't done when the content is published. The next step is promoting the video on social media to a wider audience.

 infographic summarizing the 6 tips for YouTube calls

View counts are just one part of a successful YouTube collab. Check how long viewers watch your joint video compared to your solo work. When viewers stick around, it is a good sign.

Watch for a rise in subscribers after your video goes live. A strong collab brings in more fans from both sides. Look at comments to see if people want more videos together.

 to track how many viewers click on end screens, cards, or description links. Ask your partner to share their data, too. This shared look at the numbers helps both channels learn what works best.

Common YouTube Collaboration Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good planning, mistakes can happen in YouTube collaborations. One error is making videos that do not suit both channels. When a collab feels off, viewers from both sides may lose interest. It is important to talk about who will host the video, who edits, and how each side will help with promotion before filming begins.

Clear calls-to-action also matter. Let your viewers know whether they should subscribe to both channels, watch another video, or comment below. Lastly, choose partners who fit your channel instead of focusing just on subscriber counts. Often, a smaller channel that matches your style leads to more successful YouTube collabs.

That's about it. Follow these steps to find your next successful YouTube collab and solidify your presence!

Struggling to get noticed? Grow your channel with

. Find out what your audience is searching for.

YouTube collaborations can be a fast track to growth. Discover tips for finding collab partners, pitching ideas, and creating content that benefits both creators.

YouTube Collaboration: How to Collab with Other YouTubers

This post was originally written Jun 06, 2023 and has been updated with newer information.

If you're a small creator on YouTube, get ready to 

monetize your channel faster than ever in 2025

. The YouTube Partner Program changes have made it so you won't need as many subscribers or as much watch time to join up.

You can apply for the YouTube Partner Program once you have the following:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months

Alternatively, you can join the program without 3,000 watch hours, but instead, you'll need 3 million public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days.

A list of new requirements for the YPP, which are significantly lowered

These options are much lower than the old requirements, which were 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million public Shorts views.

Best of all, these rules offer early access to some monetization features. YouTube announced the changes in a recent 

"These new partners will unlock access to fan funding features like 

, and the ability to promote their own products with YouTube Shopping."

One drawback to these changes is that they don't give full access to the YPP. You'll get plenty of fan-funding options but must satisfy 

So, while 500 subs, three videos, and 3,000 watch hours get you into the program, that's just the beginning. You will still need 1,000 subs plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views to monetize with ads.

The good news is that once you're in the YPP, you're in. You don't need to re-apply after reaching older milestones, and you'll unlock the revenue tools you didn't have before.

We know these changes are a lot to take in, so if you need extra details, watch this video to learn more about the new and improved YPP.

Lowering the monetization requirements on YouTube is a fantastic idea. New creators have a chance to make money faster, and the opportunity may motivate them to grow a successful channel. YouTube is looking for ways to listen to, empathize with, and solve problems for small creators, which is always good.

On the flip side, small creators will only get some of what they want from this deal. They can access fan funding, but making money is only possible with an engaged community. And they may need more than 500 subscribers to earn satisfying revenue. A larger creator, with, say, 10,000 subscribers, has an easier time getting video donations, member subscriptions, or product sales because 

For example, if only 1% of 10,000 subscribers choose to fund a creator, that's still 100 active "customers." With 500 subscribers, 1% participation amounts to five customers.

So regardless of how fast you join the YPP, you need an authentic community to seize the entire opportunity. 

The first step is learning how to gain real subscribers on YouTube!

Maximizing Revenue with Fan Funding Features

The new 500-subscriber tier lets you plan your monetization journey sooner. 

Channel Memberships offer a great way to earn steady monthly income from loyal fans. With these perks, you can start earning even without meeting the ad revenue benchmark.

Create clear membership levels that give actual benefits. For example, you might add

. Keep your perks simple and useful for your fans.

Set prices that feel fair. Start with tiers around $1.99 to $4.99, then consider higher-priced levels with extra benefits for devoted fans. Remind your audience of these perks during videos and live sessions. Keep in mind that YouTube takes 30% of membership earnings. 

Phone displays YouTube logo while sitting on top of money

Smartphone displaying YouTube logo on screen with stacks of US hundred-dollar bills.

YouTube's expanded Partner Program lets creators monetize with just 500 subscribers. Learn the requirements and how to access fan funding features faster.

YouTube Partner Program: How to Monetize with Only 500 Subscribers

This post was originally written Dec 19, 2022 and has been updated with newer information.

In 2025, YouTube's algorithm continues to evolve, prioritizing not just how long viewers stay on your videos, but how much they engage with your channel. With more creators entering the scene and AI-generated content flooding timelines, authentic, compelling YouTube storytelling skills have become the ultimate differentiator.


In other words, if you want to increase watch times and grow an engaged audience, you need to master the art of YouTube storytelling so you can capture attention from that very first second.


Here’s why storytelling on YouTube has changed in recent years, and why it's more important now than ever.

Why Storytelling on YouTube Matters Even More in 2025

 have placed even greater weight on how well it performs as well as user habits. The idea is to combine these to make sure it’s matching the best content with the type of users who will most appreciate it. If a video pulls this off, YouTube rewards you with more reach.


With the algorithm functioning as it is, and with generative AI making mass content easier to produce, 

 is an opportunity to make your content fresh and valuable to audiences craving real connection. Short-form storytelling, playlist journeys, and even live session narratives have emerged as key tactics to stand out.

If you can make people care about your story, YouTube will care about promoting your content.

A Storytelling Format that Gets More Watch Time

So, how do you make viewers care more about your content? And how do you make it engaging enough for YouTube’s algorithm to notice?

One solution is to use the hero’s journey, a common plot device in 

, and hundreds of other movies. It focuses on a single protagonist, an adventure they take, and what they learn along the way.


Here’s what the hero's journey looks like:

The Ordinary World: We meet the hero and see their normal, mundane life.

The Call of Adventure: The hero feels "called" to go on a mission or adventure.

Refusal of the Call: Fear or discomfort holds the hero back.

Meeting the Mentor: A role model gives the hero advice and wisdom.

Crossing the First Threshold: The hero embarks on the quest.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero enters a new world, faces challenges, and meets enemies.

Approach to the Inmost Cave: Setbacks occur while the stakes are rising.

The Ordeal: The hero faces their greatest test thus far.

Reward: The hero reaps the rewards of victory (a skill, knowledge, etc.).

The Road Back: The hero heads home, but there are still more enemies to fight.

Resurrection: A final test becomes the story's climax, where the hero draws upon everything they’ve learned.

Return with the Elixir: Evil is defeated, everyone’s safe, and the hero is transformed forever.

A video-game-style graphic showing the hero's journey.

With this plot device, you can explore concepts like fear, loss, growth, and triumph — which is why it works! Each chapter sparks a new emotion in the protagonist 

 the viewer. Thanks to a powerful insight (emotion = attention), we know this plot device can 

Examples of the Hero’s Journey in YouTube Storytelling

You can use the hero’s journey in almost any video, but it works best in challenge or storytime content. 

So as a quick example, we’ll share two videos from those categories. You'll see how both stories follow the hero's journey, even if the creators tweaked them a bit for YouTube.

It's also worth mentioning that these videos got massive views. So there's a good chance they had lots of watch time, which prompted the 

Ryan Trahan: “I Spent 100 Days in Pokémon”

 is known for his legendary challenges, including one where he used 

 to cross North America. In the video below (1 million+ views), he uses the hero’s journey for a gaming challenge.

0:46–1:01: Ryan challenges himself to live inside 

1:02–1:58: Ryan starts his journey by meeting the main characters and choosing his first Pokémon.

Ryan choosing Fuecoco, a fire type, as his first Pokemon.

1:59–3:09: Ryan enters a whole new world by playing the game in “nuzlocke mode." He has to nickname all of his Pokémon, only battle with Pokémon that haven't fainted, and only use the first Pokémon he catches in any given area. If all of them faint, it's game over.

3:10–19:00: Ryan faces battles, missions, and side quests. He loses several Pokémon along the way but defeats every gym leader by day 81!

23:08–23:45: Ryan loses “QuackBoom,” a strong Pokemon that brought him super far in the game. It’s a sad loss! (RIP QuackBoom)

An image of QuackBoom the Pokemon, his achievements in the game, and text that says "RIP QuackBoom"

Want to get more watch time on every YouTube video? Use this storytelling secret to captivate viewers and keep them engaged.

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

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