How often do you spend time researching popular video ideas, recreating them, and yet still get no views?

It happens to the best of us, and it's super frustrating. The idea is the most important part of your video.

However, even that doesn't always work because of this extra detail you might be missing.

Worth Watching

Part of what I do daily is consume a lot of content, and here are some of my favorites:

We created a full YouTube Idea Bank with all the previous outliers.

Format: Outlier score (multiple of average last 5 videos) \ Channel Name - Video name + link - My notes

Get Access Now

• 407.7 | find404 - I Worked Out Like David Goggins for 100 Days
  ​The multi-day challenge-type videos are very important, but the reason that this video does so well is that the creator went far and beyond to achieve results, going the extra mile. Really setting the bar high.
• 13.9 | Forrest Galante - Private Tour of an Indian Billionaire’s Secret Wildlife Rescue Center​
  Besides the amazing storytelling combined with the genuine passion for the topic, having special access or an advantage helps you raise the bar of the video.
• 9 | Dean Schneider - Walk with the Gigant Lion Snow​
  Talk about having a special skillset or opportunity. Very good storytelling and beautiful production combined with insights that not many people can provide. raising the bar once again.

Video Ideas & Video Formats: The Complete Guide

As mentioned over and over, the idea is the number one factor for the success of your YouTube video. So when you put in all the effort to do your research for the gaps in the market, video outliers, and most popular videos, you go and make your version of that, but it just bombs.

The idea is the number one indicator of success, but it's not the only factor.

Sidenote: The content/goal I will discuss is mainly for businesses, not entertainment content.

How do you deliver the idea?

The same idea can be delivered in many different ways - podcast, tier list, step-by-step, vlog, case study, and many more options. Which one is the right one?

Different formats have different results and reach, each with its own pros and cons. What you need to understand is your video's goal/CTA and your audience.

Here are the key factors that influence your choice of video format (I'll share our most-used formats later):

The Goal

Different videos and formats produce different outcomes. Some are best for:

• Brand awareness
• Trust building
• Audience building
• Direct conversions

For example, a podcast isn't optimal for organic discoverability but is great at brand building.

The most common content we create is the standard talking-head video, a step-by-step guide, a listicle, or a concept walkthrough. These are effective for discoverability and authority building IF you have the right credibility. If you lack credibility and "fame," these videos typically underperform.

Your Expertise

There's a lot of content online, but what works is content that goes the extra mile or has "weight", meaning you already have some fame or a higher subscriber count that grants credibility (though I wouldn't always rely on this).

The depth of your expertise determines which formats will be effective for you.

Example: If you have limited expertise but want to become known in your niche, you'll have fewer case studies to showcase, making credibility harder to establish. An alternative approach is starting a podcast, interviewing experts, and building brand awareness around your work.

Your Audience

Understanding your audience is important when selecting a video format.

Following the Core, Casual, New principle: When you have a larger core audience, you need less credibility than when you target a new audience.

Certain formats, such as tier lists, challenges, and comparison videos, work better to attract new viewers because they're more popular or entertaining.

Top Performing Video Formats:

1. The Case Study Format

This format showcases real results and transforms your expertise into tangible proof.

Structure:

1. Hook with a specific result (numbers work best for a new audience)
2. Brief context of the problem
3. A step-by-step breakdown of the solution
4. Results and lessons learned
5. Application for viewers

Example Breakdown: Alex Hormozi's "My Best Sales Tactic (to Make a TON of Money)"

This format works exceptionally well for business coaches, consultants, and service providers who have client success stories to share.

2. The Expert Breakdown Format

Perfect for establishing authority by analyzing trends, strategies, or case studies from others.

Structure:

1. Pattern interrupt hook (controversial statement or surprising insight)
2. Establish expertise and analysis framework
3. Deep dive into example/breakdown with unique insights
4. Key takeaways and principles
5. Application for viewer's situation

Example Breakdown: Matt Diggity's "SEO in 2025: My NEW Google Strategy!"

This format works well for (SEO) specialists, marketers, analysts, and anyone with specialized knowledge that can illuminate hidden aspects of their field.

3. The Framework Reveal Format

Perfect for turning complex processes into simple, repeatable systems.

Structure:

1. Problem-focused hook highlighting the complexity
2. Promise of simplification
3. Framework overview (visual recommended)
4. Step-by-step breakdown with examples
5. Implementation guidance

Example Breakdown: Playstack's "Content Repurposing Strategy - Get The Best Out Of Your Ideas"

What makes it work:

• Opens by addressing a common pain point (content creation overwhelm)
• Uses a simple visual framework anyone can understand
• Break down each component with specific examples
• Shows before/after results with the framework

This format works exceptionally well for consultants, coaches, and anyone selling a methodology or system.

4. The Behind-The-Scenes Format

Excellent for building trust through transparency and a look at real processes.

Structure:

1. Curiosity-driven hook ("Here's what actually happens...")
2. Context setting
3. A raw, authentic look at processes
4. Key insights and lessons learned
5. Takeaways and next steps

Example Breakdown: David Heacock's "Secrets to Earning 20M Monthly from Air Filters" This is a very random topic, but the format and execution are perfect

What makes it work:

• Satisfies curiosity about successful business operations
• Shows real systems and team members (not just theory)
• Reveals both strengths and challenges honestly
• Demonstrates expertise through implementation, not just knowledge
• Creates strong connection through authenticity

This format works well for agency owners, business coaches, and service providers looking to build deeper trust.

Choosing the Right Format for Your Goal

For Lead Generation

Best formats:

• Case Study Format (with clear offer)
• Framework Reveal (with downloadable resource)
• Problem-Solution Walkthrough (with service pitch)

For Brand Building

Best formats:

• Expert Interview/Podcast
• Behind-The-Scenes
• Analysis/Reaction Videos
• Longer-form content

For Organic Growth (New Audiences)

Best formats:

• Tier Lists
• Comparison Videos
• Controversial Takes
• Trending Topic Analysis

The key is aligning your format choice with your strengths and business goals.

Most of us are doing the standard talking head videos because they require less creativity and can be better systemized.

What works best is anything where people raise the bar. Here is a perfect example: I Worked Out Like David Goggins for 100 Days; he went above and beyond to do this challenge (yes, a popular format for his new audience) with very engaging storytelling and editing.

Start by mastering 2 to 3 formats that work for your specific situation rather than constantly switching approaches.

What formats are you currently using in your content? Would you like me to discuss any specific formats in more detail in the next newsletter?

Grow and Monetize Your Online Community More Effectively | Jay Clouse, Founder of Creator Science

​