Darryl is a writer with years of experience in online video software, combining technical expertise with a passion for educating audiences. When not writing, he’s tending to his farm surrounded by horses, chickens, dogs, and somehow cramming more plants into his garden than it could ever reasonably hold.
5 Essential Tips for Better YouTube Video Concepts
Hank Green is an experienced YouTuber and prolific content creator, known for crafting engaging and educational videos that resonate with millions of viewers. With years of experience building successful channels, Hank offers invaluable insights into the art of creating compelling content.

Creating compelling and engaging YouTube content goes far beyond just pointing a camera and hitting “record.”
In fact, great videos often start with great writing. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, understanding how to craft strong YouTube video concepts is crucial to growing your channel and connecting with your audience.
This guide draws on Hank Green’s expertise to break down five actionable tips to help you write better YouTube videos.
1. Start with a Clear Topic and Frame It Creatively
The first step in writing any YouTube video is to identify your topic and then decide how you want to approach it. Hank emphasizes the importance of working inside a frame—an angle or perspective that shapes how you present the subject matter.
For example, if your video is about a recent scientific development, you could frame it as:
- A straightforward explanation of the discovery
- A debate about its pros and cons
- An analysis of its implications for the future
Hank shares his own experience covering the news of a direwolf de-extinction attempt. Instead of making a purely positive or purely negative video, he chose to frame it as “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” This approach teases apart the complexity of the topic, piquing viewers’ curiosity by promising a nuanced exploration rather than a one-sided opinion.

“If I made a video that was like, ‘This direwolf thing is crap,’ everybody would know the answer and lose curiosity. But if I say, ‘This is good and also bad and some of it’s really bad,’ then you’re curious which parts fit where.” – Hank Green
2. Strike While the Iron Is Hot: Act Quickly on Trending Topics
Timing can be everything on YouTube. When a topic is trending or newsworthy, producing content quickly can significantly boost your video’s reach and relevance. Hank points out that when you’re starting out, it’s easier to act fast because you have fewer layers of production and approval to navigate.
For example, Hank started making the direwolf de-extinction video the day after the news broke. This immediacy helped capture the audience while the topic was still fresh in their minds. However, creators with longer production timelines may find it challenging to capitalize on breaking news.
“If you can be aware of what people are excited about and act fast, you get more opportunities. But it’s a lot of work because you have to do research really fast.” – Hank Green
To effectively act on trending topics, you’ll need to:
- Stay plugged into current events, trends, and conversations in your niche
- Develop a streamlined research and scripting process
- Be ready to pivot your content plans quickly
One tool that can help with this is vidIQ’s Trend Alerts. It’s designed to keep you informed about emerging topics in your niche, so you can identify opportunities before they peak. By leveraging tools like this, you can ensure your content stays relevant and reaches audiences hungry for timely information.
This agility allows you to ride the wave of interest and attract viewers who are hungry for timely information.
3. Escalate the Stakes to Keep Viewers Engaged
When someone clicks on your video, they’re taking a risk—they might be disappointed, bored, amused, or blown away. It all depends on how you engage with them.
To keep viewers watching, escalate the stakes throughout your video. This means demonstrating why the topic matters and building anticipation for the insights or revelations you’re about to share.
Hank recommends reaffirming that your video will deliver on the promise made in the title, but also hinting that there’s an even bigger story or consequence that viewers might not expect.
He does caution against manipulative clickbait tactics, however. Authenticity is always key. If you exaggerate stakes without follow-through, you risk losing trust and alienating your audience.
Some ways to escalate stakes include:
- Highlighting the real-world impact of the topic
- Introducing surprising facts or perspectives gradually
- Creating narrative tension by posing questions or dilemmas
By building layers of significance, you keep viewers curious and invested in watching until the end.
4. Bring Your Unique Perspective and Personality
One of the most powerful ways to make your YouTube content stand out is to let your personality shine through. Hank emphasizes that having a clear perspective and showing your authentic self helps build a relationship with your audience.
By gradually allowing your voice, opinions, and quirks to come forward, you can create a connection that goes far beyond just the video topic.
Hank cites Stefan Milo, an archaeology YouTuber, as someone who excels at this. Stefan’s videos escalate stakes, then offer moments where his personality and enthusiasm become apparent, making viewers want to come back for more.
“If I watch one video from you, I need a reason to watch a second video from you. People who just make content-farm stuff might as well be AI—they don’t last.” – Hank Green
To develop your unique voice:
- Be honest and transparent about your views
- Share personal anecdotes or reactions when appropriate
- Engage with your audience as a person, not just a content machine
This approach builds loyalty and turns casual viewers into long-term fans.

5. Consume Broadly to Fuel Creativity and Innovation
Hank’s most important writing tip transcends YouTube: Consume broadly. Creativity thrives at the intersection of diverse ideas, so limiting yourself to only watching content similar to yours can lead to stagnation.
He encourages watching a wide variety of videos, even from creators and genres you don’t aspire to emulate. You can learn new techniques, storytelling devices, or presentation styles that you never would have discovered otherwise.
“Inspiration does not strike when you’re staring at a wall. It strikes because you have different things from different areas that are being connected together.” – Hank Green
Expanding your content consumption helps you:
- Discover new video concepts and formats
- Stay ahead of evolving trends and audience preferences
- Build a richer toolkit of creative possibilities
Ultimately, the best ideas often come from combining seemingly unrelated concepts in unexpected ways.
Writing Is the Foundation of Great YouTube Video Concepts
Contrary to popular belief, writing plays a crucial role in producing successful YouTube videos. By approaching your videos like essays or articles, you can craft clearer, more engaging narratives that resonate with viewers.
Remember the five key tips:
- Start with a clear topic and frame it creatively to hook your audience.
- Act quickly on trending topics to capture timely interest.
- Escalate the stakes authentically to keep viewers engaged.
- Bring your unique perspective and personality to build connection.
- Consume a broad range of content to fuel inspiration and innovation.
Implementing these strategies will elevate your video concepts to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
FAQs
Why is writing important for YouTube videos?
Writing helps you structure your content clearly and deliver your message effectively. Even videos that seem spontaneous often benefit from a well-thought-out script or outline to ensure coherence and engagement.
How do I find a good frame for my video topic?
Look at how others cover similar subjects and identify what works. Then, find a unique angle or perspective that adds value or sparks curiosity. Think about what you want your audience to feel or learn and frame your video accordingly.
What does it mean to escalate the stakes?
Escalating the stakes means increasing the perceived importance or urgency of the topic as your video progresses. This keeps viewers interested by showing them why the subject matters and what’s at risk or to gain.
How can I develop my unique voice on YouTube?
Be authentic and consistent in sharing your opinions, reactions, and personality. Over time, your audience will connect with you as a creator, not just the content you produce.