Before you invest in creating that next video, consider getting a scorecard across a range of factors that make a successful video.
The YouTube score breakdown
Title Score
- Rating (1-5):
- Is the title engaging and attention-grabbing?
- Does it clearly reflect the video’s content?
- Does it include relevant keywords for SEO?
Hook (First 3 seconds)
- Rating (1-5):
- Does the hook grab attention immediately?
- Is it intriguing or surprising?
- Does it clearly state a problem or promise a benefit?
Introduction (First 10-15 seconds)
- Rating (1-5):
- Is the presenter introduced clearly and engagingly?
- Is the topic of the video made clear?
- Does it set up the viewer’s expectation effectively?
Conflict Presentation (First 30 seconds)
- Rating (1-5):
- Is the problem or challenge stated clearly?
- Does it resonate with the audience’s pain points or interests?
- Is it compelling enough to keep the viewer interested?
Stakes (20-30 seconds)
- Rating (1-5):
- Are the consequences of not solving the problem clear?
- Do they feel urgent and significant?
- Is the viewer motivated to keep watching to find the solution?
Solution Promise (15-20 seconds)
- Rating (1-5):
- Is there a clear promise of a solution or insight?
- Does it build anticipation for the main content?
- Is it believable and attainable?
Content Delivery (3-5 minutes)
- Rating (1-5):
- Are the steps or tips clear and actionable?
- Does each point flow logically to the next?
- Are real-world examples, stats, tools, or case studies used effectively?
- Are visuals and graphics enhancing the understanding of the content?
“Aha Moment” and Educational Component
- Rating (1-5):
- Is there a genuine “aha moment” that provides new insights or understanding?
- Is educational content presented clearly and effectively?
- Are real data, stats, or case studies shared to back up points?
- Does the information provided feel valuable and actionable?
Conflict Resolution (1-2 minutes)
- Rating (1-5):
- Is the solution or resolution presented clearly and convincingly?
- Are the steps shown to resolve the initial conflict or problem?
- Does it leave the viewer feeling empowered to take action or more informed?
Call to Action (30 seconds)
- Rating (1-5):
- Is the call to action clear and compelling?
- Are viewers encouraged to engage (like, comment, subscribe, donate, share)?
- Does it guide viewers to additional resources or next steps?
Overall Flow and Engagement
- Rating (1-5):
- Does each sentence or segment draw you in and flow to the next?
- Is the pacing appropriate and engaging throughout?
- Does the script maintain the viewer’s interest from start to finish?
Checklist for Positioning the Payoff:
- Rating (1-5):
- Ensure the payoff (solution or key message) is clear and positioned towards the end but teased early on.
- Reiterate the stakes before presenting the solution to heighten the impact.
- Make the payoff actionable and straightforward to implement or understand.