What happens when an unsubscribed new visitor lands on your YouTube channel? They don’t know anything about the kind of videos you create.
It would be a problem, but YouTube lets you create a trailer showing a prospective subscriber what’s in store for them. Think of it as a movie trailer to get your first-time viewers to subscribe.
And it can help you get more views and earn subscribers. For instance, the Colin and Samir channel trailer below is captivating.
Learn how to set a video as your channel trailer for new viewers here.
Here are five tips to get channel trailers right.
1. Keep it between 60 to 90 seconds
A channel trailer should pitch the value proposition of your channel in a short duration. Many compelling trailers do not even go beyond a minute. A typical structure of the trailer could look like:
- Introduction of your channel (show, don’t tell), the kind of videos you create, and how you’re are unique,
- Highlights from your channel (feel free to show snippets from tour top videos),
- Call to action (CTA) inviting viewers to subscribe to your channel.
It’s optional to also share your uploading schedule and set expectations for the viewers.
2. Set additional context with your title and channel description
Your title should sync with what you speak in the trailer and the description can top it up with more context.
Instead of using a dull name (like “channel trailer”), consider something meaningful. Your description could consist of your tagline, information on the kind of videos you publish, links to your other social media channels, your website, and a CTA to subscribe.
3. Show off your personality
Numerous other YouTube channels will talk about the same subjects as you. The only way to stand out is by showing your personal story and what motivated you to start a YouTube channel.
Neil Patel does a great job with his trailer’s title “Learn Digital Marketing In Just 5 Minutes a Day” and a succinct description. They are specific and immediately tell a new viewer what to expect.
In his trailer, he quickly jumps onto his personal story of starting digital marketing. He lays down his motivation of “helping small business owners succeed” layering it with social proof from his mentions in major media publications.
4. Write a script
While your usual videos might not include talking points (though I recommend it for everything you’re filming), your trailer should have a definite structure. It will help if you outline the specific talking points and the setting you want in your trailer before you begin shooting.
CaseyNeistat is a passionate filmmaker and his trailer shows how a compelling narrative could result in a super engaging movie.
As Casey shares in the video, “Do What You Can’t” would be the title of his autobiography. It’s personal, inspiring for creators, and definitely doesn’t even feel like a trailer. See why these movies have a script? You should have one too for your trailer!
5. Consider going trailerless
Now it’s time for counterintuitive advice. Instead of pitching your channel in a minute or two, let one of your top converting videos engage a viewer.
For example, Music is Win has kept its popular video showing guitar techniques as its channel trailer. The video retains the look and feel of the channel and represents its content accurately. Indeed there’s a CTA to join the paid membership by the channel as well, which is slick given that YouTube creators also need to make money.
