There are a lot of questions that new viewers ask upon seeing your channel for the first time. Who are you? What is your content about? Why should I subscribe? That’s where a YouTube channel trailer can help you out a ton. A channel trailer gives new viewers a quick impression of what to expect if they subscribe.
But, making a captivating channel trailer is easier said than done. A trailer that doesn’t engage its viewers will only make them click off sooner. Below are best practices to create a compelling YouTube channel trailer to help you reach the right audience and gain new subscribers.
1. Attract Your Target Audience in the First Few Seconds
Robin Sharma YouTube
Assume your viewers know nothing about you or your channel. You want to quickly attract your audience by telling them what your channel is about and why you are qualified to speak about it. A great way to start your trailer is with a qualifying question, then a brief introduction about who you are and your experience. Here’s an example of how a fictional budget travel channel might start:
“Are you looking for tips and hacks on how you can explore the world on a tight budget? My name is Angie. Over the past decade, I traveled to over 100 countries and every continent on the cheap. Through my channel, I share my adventures and tips and tricks to help you explore the world while saving you money.”
2. Use Engaging Captions, On-Screen Text, and Music to Keep Audience Until the End
FitnessBlender YouTube
Captions and text can help your video stand out a lot more. You can use these to make an immediate impact and capture viewers’ attention. This keeps them engaged throughout the duration of your YouTube channel trailer. You can also show social proofs or statistics you may have.
Great visuals will keep viewers watching, and great music will do well to compliment them. You might already know that music helps to set the tone and energy of your regular videos. Make sure to choose the music that best reflects your brand. Montages and short clips from previous videos also do well to express your persona to new viewers.
3. Show Viewers What to Expect
Klossy YouTube
The best advice to follow is to “show, don’t tell.” While you can talk to viewers and give direct insight into what your channel is about, it might get a little boring. Sometimes, the best way to keep viewers’ attention is to jump right into clips from your channel.
By incorporating various shorts of your content, new viewers are better engaged. This makes them less likely to click off your channel. It works especially well for YouTubers that feel they have too much content. Instead, splice together clips from several videos to paint a picture of what you do on your channel.
4. Take Viewers on a Journey
ThePointsGuyUK YouTube
One of the best ways to create a compelling YouTube channel trailer for viewers is to take viewers on a journey. Storytelling is a powerful tool in conveying the importance of a particular brand. Moreso, it helps to establish a connection with your viewers. You could choose to explain what inspired you to make your channel, or why you’re passionate about what you do.
Another great thing about storytelling is it allows you to speak directly to your viewers. You can engage them, and invoke emotion while conveying your personality in a natural way. This makes for a more memorable, longer-lasting impact.
5. Give Them a Reason to Subscribe
Animoto YouTube
Take a moment to provide the value proposition of your channel and describe the benefits of subscribing to your channel. This gives newer viewers a definite reason to subscribe. You can do this by letting your audience know what you offer and why they should join the community. Take our travel example featuring Angie:
“So, why should you subscribe to my channel? Whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable getaway or want to plan a cheap vacation the entire family can enjoy, my channel is the best resource to have.”
6. End With a Call to Action
LivingBigInATinyHouse YouTube
You’ll likely have encouraged viewers to subscribe to the channel many times by now. Still, it’s always great to end with a strong call to action. Asking new viewers to take the initiative by subscribing is a great way to end your YouTube channel trailer. You can do this right after you give new viewers reasons to subscribe, or with YouTube cards and on-screen text.
Having a compelling YouTube channel trailer is a make-or-break deal for new viewers. Worst case scenario, you’ll have a boring trailer that only compels new viewers to look away. With these tips, you’ll be sure to see newer viewers that turn into future subscribers.
We hope you enjoyed this blog.
If you are interested in having your YouTube channel and videos discovered by A LOT more fans, then start your campaign on www.promolta.com now. We will distribute your video on blogs, games, apps, and websites. Over 100,000 paying customers have used www.promolta.com since 2012 and we would love to help you get noticed.
Frankie Dauphin loves nature, enjoys a good film, and spends his afternoons unwinding with video games.
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