Are you tired of your videos getting lost in the YouTube abyss? With the endless stream of online videos, capturing viewers’ attention is even more challenging. 

Every minute, 1,800 videos are being uploaded to YouTube, but only a tiny fraction of those videos will be watched. This demonstrates the power of a compelling title and thumbnail in drawing people in, sparking curiosity, and encouraging them to click.

What makes a YouTube title irresistible? 

Here are 10 of our best tips on how to write an engaging YouTube title and get the views you deserve. 

1. Be The Answer to Your Audience’s Questions

Do you really know your target audience’s pain points and what kind of answers they’re searching for? Are they looking to be entertained, educated, or inspired? 

Getting clear on these questions is crucial to crafting a YouTube title that captures attention in search and resonates with the right viewers. Start by paying attention to what’s trending and speak in the language your audience already uses.

For example, let’s say you’re creating video content about the online gaming industry. You upload a high-quality video that streams your game session, explaining the best strategies and techniques to help you win. It features high-definition graphics, smooth transitions, and relatable commentary with the appropriate lingo to appeal to dedicated gamers. 

You naturally use terms like “POV,” “Broken,” “Crash Out,” and “Go Hard,” language that speaks your audience’s lingo. A strong title like “This Gaming Strategy is Broken and No One’s Talking About It” taps directly into that vibe and grabs attention. It’s especially compelling for gamers chasing that #1 victory.

2. Keep It Short

YouTube allows you to use up to 100 characters for video titles, but that doesn’t mean you should fill it out to the maximum. If your title becomes too long, it’ll be cut off and appear awkward in search results. 

The sweet spot is around 60-70 characters, with the first 40-50 characters showing up on mobile screens. Search engines love concise keywords, so put primary keywords at the beginning of your YouTube title. 

Take this example: “How to Write an Engaging YouTube Video Title That Has High Click-Through Rates and Works Like Magic.” It’s technically 100 characters, but too long to stay punchy. A stronger option would be: “10 Tips to Write YouTube Titles That Pop and Boost Clicks!” At just 58 characters, it’s clear, compelling, and optimized to perform.

3. Leverage Numbers, Emojis, and Power Words

Everyone loves a list, right? Integrating numbers into your titles not only provides clarity but also attracts viewers looking for organized content. It’s concise, easy to follow, and provides a clear set of tips, so viewers know exactly what to expect. 

Research shows that it can even boost clicks, with numbered lists pulling in up to 15% more clicks than those without.

Don’t be afraid to drop an emoji or two if it fits your brand’s vibe. Emojis can add personality to your YouTube video title and help it stand out in search results. Even better, using a strong, attention-grabbing power word can make your title shine. It doesn’t need to be over-the-top, just something that catches the eye. 

Common emojis to pair with your video titles:

  • Tutorials: 📚
  • Live Gameplay: 🎮
  • Tips & Tricks: 💡
  • Reactions: 😱
  • Updates/Patch Notes: ⚙️
  • “🔥 INSANE”
  • “💯 PERFECT”
  • “⚠️ WARNING”
  • “🎯 PRO TIPS”
  • “🏆 RANKED”

Common power words to pair with your video titles:

  • Shocking
  • Ultimate
  • Mind-Blowing
  • Secret
  • Insane
  • Game-Changer
  • Urgent

Examples of YouTube titles using power words and emojis:

  • 💀🎮 INSANE Last-Second Victory That Changed Everything!
  • 🚀 Master Python in 30 Days: The ULTIMATE Beginner’s Guide
  •  💻 GAME-CHANGER: This $50 Gadget BEATS the $500 Alternative

4. Add Curiosity or Urgency

When you’re thinking about the perfect YouTube title, think about what would make you pause and click if you saw it in your feed. Phrases like the following could work well:

  • “You Won’t Believe”
  • “Before You Skip This”
  • “Must Know” 
  • “Why is No One Talking About This?”
  • “Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know”
  • “This is The Real Way to…”

These all stir up a desire to know more. Combining these words conveys a hint of urgency that will prompt viewers to press the play button more quickly.

5. Incorporate Relevant Keywords Naturally

Keywords help YouTube understand what your video is about, making it easier for the right people to find it. A title with strong, relevant keywords boosts your visibility and performance. If you haven’t tapped into YouTube SEO (Search Engine Optimization), you should. You’re missing one of the most powerful strategies used by top-performing channels.

The main goal of using relevant keywords in your title is to align with what your audience is actively searching for. One of the easiest ways to find high-performing keywords is by typing a related term into YouTube’s search bar. The autocomplete suggestions that appear are real-time, popular searches. Use them to guide your title strategy and boost discoverability.

A good rule of thumb is to write for your audience first, then optimize for search engines. Remember, YouTube’s algorithm is clever, and it rewards titles that align with both viewer interest and keyword relevance. 

6. Avoid Clickbait Titles

Clickbait titles are never worth it. They might bring a quick spike in views, but those who feel tricked won’t return to your channel. Plus, YouTube doesn’t look kindly on misleading tactics and could suspend your account. 

If that happens, rebuilding trust and your channel’s reputation becomes nearly impossible. The goal is to make your videos appealing, so viewers have a desire and need to find out what’s inside without being misled. 

7. Test, Analyze, and Iterate

Want to get more views on your videos? Try A/B testing your video titles. It’s an experiment where you create two different titles for the same video and see which one performs better. You might test something straightforward, like “How to Make Great Videos,” against something catchier, like “The Video Secret Nobody Tells You!” 

By showing these different titles to similar groups of viewers, you can determine which wording generates the most clicks from your audience. It’s a super-easy way to boost your video performance. There’s no need to change the actual content, just play around with how you name it. 

The best part? Once you know what style of titles your audience prefers, you can use that knowledge for all your future videos! Here are 3 tips for A/B testing:

  1. Test one variable at a time (e.g., change only the adjective or number).
  2. Run tests for at least 7 days for accurate data.
  3. Monitor CTR, watch time, and engagement metrics.

Then assess whether it’s time to keep your title or move on to the next. 

8. Draw Inspiration from Successful Creators

Who’s in your industry that is doing well on their YouTube channel? Are they a direct competitor? Can you gain inspiration from what they are doing and add your signature spin to it? 

We recommend creating a list of 5 successful creators and conducting thorough research on their video content and titles. Determine what’s working for them and learn from their wins. Ask yourself:

  1. Do they use specific phrases or ask questions? 
  2. What’s a common thread between them all? 
  3. Can you fill in a niche that they aren’t covering? 

Jot down your notes next to each creator’s name and decide on what you will do differently or maybe even mimic. 

For example, if you are sticking to the gaming industry and most of the top videos from successful creators are about gaming laptops or new gadgets, featuring titles like “Best Budget Gaming Laptop” or “Top 5 Gadgets in 2025,” it signals that those phrases resonate with audiences. This could be due to keyword optimization or the appeal of direct, value-driven promises. 

By spotting these trends, you can craft a title that aligns with these patterns while bringing a unique spin to your content.

While you might not want to copy their style verbatim, leveraging these insights can fuel your creative process when figuring out how to write an engaging YouTube title that reflects your unique voice.

9. Match The Title to an Eye-Catching Thumbnail

Here’s the truth… a great YouTube video title can’t save a bad thumbnail. But a great thumbnail with an even better title? That’s what makes a viral video. 

Here are four tips to write a great YouTube title with a matching thumbnail:  

  1. Use bold colors and visuals that grab attention. Make sure your thumbnail pops.  
  2. Pick interesting images, either from the video or featuring people. Show emotions like surprise, excitement, or curiosity to connect with viewers.  
  3. Add your logo or brand name to make it recognizable.  
  4. When adding text to your thumbnail, avoid repeating the title of your YouTube video. 

Then wait and watch your YouTube channel grow. 

10. Experiment with Trends + Listen to Feedback

Don’t get too comfortable with any one formula. What worked last year might not resonate today. YouTube trends shift constantly, and clinging to outdated strategies can quickly make your content feel stale. 

Currently, formats like “I tried X so you don’t have to,” “day in the life,” and bold transformation titles are generating significant traction. Pay attention to what’s gaining views on your feed, observe how peers are titling similar content, and most importantly, listen to your community. Their reactions and comments on your titles are a goldmine of feedback and real-time insights.

Make it a habit to brainstorm regularly, both independently and in collaboration with other creators or your audience. A quick Q&A or Instagram poll about which titles they’d click can spark new angles you hadn’t considered. 

*Bonus: 10 Gaming Title Templates You Can Steal

  1. How to [Achieve Result] in [Timeframe]
  2. How to DOMINATE Any FPS Game in 30 Days
  3. [Number] of Ways to [Do Something]
  4. 7 GENIUS Ways to Speed Up Your Old PC
  5. The [Adjective] Truth About [Topic]
  6. The SHOCKING Truth About The New ROG Xbox Ally X
  7. What Happens When You [Do Something]
  8. REVEALED: What Happens When You Prestige in COD
  9. [Adjective] [Noun] That Will [Verb]
  10. FORBIDDEN PC Tweaks That Will DOUBLE Your FPS

Conclusion

When someone clicks on your video, they’re trusting that you’ll deliver what the title promised, so feeling confident in knowing how to write an engaging YouTube title can make uploading content super simple and offer real results for you as a brand or influencer. 

The most viral YouTube creators use the 10 tips shared. The key is taking the time to be creative, understanding your audience, and researching trending keywords as tactics to advance further in the YouTube algorithm.

At Bottle Rocket Media (BRM), we know how to create engaging YouTube video titles that grab attention and connect with viewers. Connect with us to get your video marketing project started, and let’s help boost your brand’s presence.