YouTube Video Ideas: A Step-by-Step Guide to Endless Brainstorming

Those making their first YouTube video and established Creators alike agree that coming up with fresh video ideas can be one of the most challenging aspects of running a channel. Even those behind the most subscribed YouTube channels need to overcome creative roadblocks. However, the secret to consistently developing good YouTube video ideas comes from a combination of reliable tools, consistency, and a systemic approach to brainstorming.

Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to generate YouTube video ideas through the lens of a real-life success story. Austin Houston is the Creator behind SystemZee, one of the top YouTube channels for fans of the video game Minecraft. He utilized Spotter Studio to take his channel to new heights—boosting his views, revenue, and saving time while delivering the high-quality content his audience expects.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough to Generating Your Next Video Idea

1. Identify Your Channel’s Niche and Audience

Before you can begin brainstorming video content, you need to know your niche and understand your target audience. For example, Austin originally focused on Minecraft modding but expanded into content that involved big-player experiences, experiments, and simulation. Understanding what kinds of videos your viewers expect and enjoy from your content is the foundation of idea generation.

Action Step:

• Review your past videos to identify which topics performed the best.
• Ask yourself: Who is your audience? What type of videos would entertain or educate them? Are specific topics coming up repeatedly in your comment section?

2. Leverage Outliers and Trending Topics 

YouTube thrives on trends, but true growth comes from uncovering unique opportunities. Instead of chasing the same viral topics, use Outliers within Spotter Studio to identify the videos your audience is already engaging with. These outlier videos reveal hidden patterns and content gaps you can tap into for personalized, data-driven ideas that stand out.

Action Step:

• Use Outliers to pinpoint unexpected but relevant content trends. Combine these insights with trending topics from Google Trends, social media, or YouTube’s trending page.
• Experiment with high-performing formats that work well on YouTube, like reaction videos, tutorials, how-to videos, interactive live streams, or story-based content that are picked up by its algorithm.

3. Brainstorming Sessions: Alone or with a Team

Creativity often thrives in a brainstorming session, but you don't have to do it alone. Sometimes, bouncing ideas off others can help you refine concepts or spark new ones. For instance, Austin worked with his content manager to plan his entire video schedule for the remainder of 2023, which greatly enhanced their productivity.

Action Step:

• Dedicate a time each week for a brainstorming session—this could be just you or you and your team.
• Use prompts to get your mind moving. Think of questions like:
  
  • “What if I combined these two trending topics?”
  • “How can I put a unique spin on this format?”
  • “What challenges could I overcome in my content?”

4. Leverage Idea Generators and Tools

Sometimes, the most efficient way to approach content ideation is to use specialized tools. This is where the power of an idea generator can come in handy. Austin used one of the YouTube content creation tools found in Spotter Studio, Brainstorm, which helped him come up with video concepts, titles, and thumbnails from start to finish. This approach helped him improve his videos and significantly increase his views and revenue.

Action Step:

• Consider using an idea generation, such as Spotter Studio, to get suggestions for video titles, themes, and video formats.
• These tools can help you refine your creative process and speed up idea generation.

5. Plan and Organize Your Content

Now you have a solid list of ideas. Let’s plan how to execute them. A content calendar will help you organize your video topics, manage your upload schedule, and ensure you prioritize fresh ideas. Planning ahead allows you to stay consistent and efficient, which is crucial for maintaining audience engagement.

Action Step:

• Create a content calendar to map out your video topics for the upcoming weeks.
• Determine what you need to complete the video production process, from scripting to filming to editing.

6. Experiment and Evolve Your Content

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Even if an idea seems risky, it could turn into something revolutionary for your channel. Austin’s AI vs. Humanity theme became a flagship series for his channel, something he might not have predicted initially. Trying new formats, exploring new themes, and experimenting with your storytelling style can help you grow and differentiate your channel.

Action Step:

• Push yourself to experiment with new video concepts or a different style of content.
• Track the performance of each new type of video to see what works best and adapt accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Coming up with video ideas for YouTube can be daunting, but with the right approach, it’s possible to consistently produce fresh and engaging content. By identifying your niche, tapping into trends, using in-depth brainstorming apps, and planning ahead, you can stay creative and efficient.

If you’re struggling with generating ideas, consider trying tools like Spotter Studio. An intro to structured ideation can not only improve your content but also boost your performance—giving you the freedom to take time off and focus on other aspects of your life.

Still not sure where to get started? The Help Center on Spotter Studio provides numerous resources if you have questions on how to discover channel ideas. You’ll find a plethora of FAQs, webinars, and explainer videos to help you make your first YouTube video with these powerful tools.