10 YouTube Video Ideas for Beginners

Not sure what to make? Here are beginner-friendly video ideas that are easy to make and actually get views.

Personal Story / Introduction Video

Easy

Introduce yourself, share your background, and explain what your channel will be about. Viewers connect with authentic stories.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

Builds trust and connection from day one

📝 EXAMPLE

"Why I Started This Channel" or "5 Things About Me"

How-To / Tutorial

Easy

Teach something you already know. Could be a skill, software, recipe, or life hack. Tutorials are evergreen and searchable.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

High search traffic, solves real problems

📝 EXAMPLE

"How to Edit Photos on iPhone" or "Beginner's Guide to Excel"

Top 10 / Listicle

Easy

Lists are easy to structure and keep viewers watching for the next item. Great for recommendations, tips, or rankings.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

Clear structure, high retention

📝 EXAMPLE

"10 Apps Every Student Needs" or "Top 5 Budget Cameras"

Product Review

Easy

Review something you already own. Be honest about pros and cons. Include affiliate links for potential income.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

People search before buying

📝 EXAMPLE

"iPhone 15 Review After 1 Month" or "Is This $20 Gadget Worth It?"

Day in My Life

Easy

Document a typical day. Works for students, professionals, freelancers, parents — anyone with a relatable routine.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

Viewers love seeing real life

📝 EXAMPLE

"Day in My Life as a Software Developer" or "College Student Morning Routine"

Reaction / Commentary Video

Easy

React to trending videos, news, or viral content in your niche. Add your unique perspective.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

Rides existing trends, low effort

📝 EXAMPLE

"Reacting to X" or "My Thoughts on [Trending Topic]"

Challenge Video

Medium

Try a popular challenge or create your own. Challenges are shareable and can tap into trending topics.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

Entertaining, shareable format

📝 EXAMPLE

"I Tried [X] for 30 Days" or "The $100 Budget Challenge"

Q&A / AMA Video

Easy

Answer questions from your audience (or imagine what they'd ask). Great for building community engagement.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

Increases engagement, easy content

📝 EXAMPLE

"Answering Your Questions" or "Ask Me Anything"

Comparison Video

Medium

Compare two products, methods, or options. Help viewers make decisions with side-by-side analysis.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

High intent views from buyers

📝 EXAMPLE

"iPhone vs Samsung" or "Canva vs Photoshop for Beginners"

Behind the Scenes / Setup Tour

Easy

Show your workspace, equipment, or creative process. Viewers love seeing how things are made.

💡 WHY IT WORKS

Satisfies curiosity, shows authenticity

📝 EXAMPLE

"My YouTube Setup Tour" or "How I Edit My Videos"

🎯 Quick Tips for New Creators

• Start with what you know — You don't need to be an expert, just one step ahead.
• Don't wait for perfect — Your first video won't be your best. Ship and improve.
• Optimize your thumbnail — A great thumbnail can 2x your click-through rate.
• Be consistent — Upload regularly, even if it's just once a week.
• Study your analytics — Learn what works and double down on it.

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