Rev Leads x Doodle (Video Format, Thumbnail Design, Framing)
Video Title Strategy
Test different phrasing to create curiosity and urgency.
Examples:
“I trained like the deadliest riders in the world”
“The untold story of military riders”
“Top secret military motorcycle training”
Avoid overly wordy titles; prefer concise but intriguing.
Use keywords that hint at exclusivity or secret knowledge to increase clicks.
Titles referencing real events or military operations (e.g., Desert Storm) can broaden appeal.
Be mindful of tone: “deadliest” vs. “dangerous” vs. “most threatening” can affect monetization and viewer perception.]
2. Thumbnail Design
Prioritize reaction faces that convey strong emotion (surprise, fear, shock) rather than neutral or happy expressions.
Show action/motion shots paired with reaction for maximum engagement.
Thumbnail testing (A/B testing) is valuable but less common for titles—consider focusing more on title tests too.
3. Content Framing & Branding
Combine niche content (military motorcycles) with broader interests (bike reviews) to attract wider audiences.
Integrate storytelling (history, military use) within typical format videos (test drives, gear reviews) for richer content.
Avoid overly broad topics if they don’t resonate with your core audience; keep focus aligned with channel brand.
Audience Engagement & Keywords
Use buzzwords that trigger curiosity: “secret,” “untold,” “top secret,” “impossible.”
Tailor titles and descriptions to the interests of your target audience (e.g., motorcycle enthusiasts, military fans).
Consider the balance between appealing to hardcore fans vs. casual viewers.
Content Production Workflow
Use organizational tools like Airtable and Slack to manage video ideas, scripts, and collaboration.
Be mindful of maintaining creative flow; too much organization can sometimes stifle spontaneity.
Capture multiple videos or ideas during trips or events to maximize content output.
Logistics & Storytelling
Planning around access to unique gear or locations (like “boss house” bikes) can build a mini-series or saga, enhancing viewer investment.
Highlight ongoing personal stories or challenges (e.g., borrowing a bike, negotiating purchases) to add authenticity and humor.
Lessons from Other Creators
Study successful creators’ title and thumbnail formulas (e.g., Caleb Hammer’s bold, unfiltered style).
Look at how creators handle controversial or niche topics for inspiration on balancing appeal and authenticity.
Overview
Optimize titles for curiosity and clarity: Short, intriguing titles with strong buzzwords improve click-through rates.
Use emotional thumbnails: Faces showing strong reactions paired with action shots drive higher engagement.
Blend niche expertise with broader appeal: Combine specialized knowledge with accessible storytelling or format.
Organize efficiently but keep creative flow: Use tools to track ideas but don’t over-structure to avoid creative blocks.
Leverage ongoing narratives: Episodic content or personal story arcs keep viewers coming back.
Test and iterate: Regularly test titles and thumbnails and learn from analytics to refine your approach.
Know your audience: Tailor content and keywords to what your viewers want but don’t lose your unique voice.