25 Awesome YouTube Video Ideas to Grow Your Channel

Suffering from a creative block? You’ve come to the right place, then. 

Let’s face it — it is hard to come up with new and exciting things for your channel. That’s why I’ve prepared a list of YouTube video ideas that are sure to inspire you. 

And that’s not all!

You’ll also find a helpful mini-guide on hardware and software recs if you’re still finding your footing as a creator.

Ready?

YouTube Video Ideas

You’ll find plenty of general, funny, educational, and creative ideas to elevate your channel in this list. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a run-of-the-mill let’s player or a professional fast-food critic.   

Let’s get started!

Introduce Yourself

Now, this is YouTuber 101. You should present yourself and state what kind of content you’re hoping to create. Basically, give your viewers a warm welcome and a reason to stick around.

Start Your Vlog

Vlogs are a popular format that lets you explore any topic — from skincare routines to exotic travels. You can take advantage of their versatility and tell your stories!

But, being one of the most popular YouTube video ideas means a lot of competition in the vlogging scene. Finding your niche and sticking to a posting schedule is essential.

Do a Challenge Video

There’s a reason why challenge clips are so beloved. They’re easy to follow, attract a lot of attention, and are just plain fun. Depending on your spirit of adventure (and willingness to embarrass yourself), here are some starting ideas: 

• Ghost Pepper Challenge — try the (in)famous ultra spicy pepper 
• Try Not To Laugh — survive funny clips without cracking a smile or laughing 
• Bean Boozled Challenge — play Russian roulette, but with jellybeans.  

Share a Day in Your Life

This is one of the most interesting YouTube topics for viewers because it lets them in on your everyday life. It also enables you to show yourself as you truly are. 

Nothing can beat authenticity!

Review Movies, TV Shows, Games, and Books

One thing’s certain:

Whenever people read, play, or watch something, they’ll want to talk about it. Video reviews are perfect for voicing your opinion and sparking a conversation on the latest thing. Always try to ask your viewers to share their thoughts in the comments. 

Talk About Your Path to Success

If you’re a powerful motivational speaker, you can use that talent for YouTube video topics. Sometimes people just need one extra push to achieve what they want. And that can be your clip!

By encouraging and inspiring countless viewers, CT Fletcher Motivation and Eric Thomas have earned millions of subscribers.

Do a Product Review

A whopping 66% of people prefer videos to learn more about a product or service. That’s where you come into play as a content creator!

Go for trending products in your niche, and demonstrate them in clips. You can also compare and discuss every product's pros and cons.

How-To Videos

Tutorials are one of those content ideas for YouTube that never goes out of fashion. In fact, 70% of viewers use YouTube to help solve a problem!

Of course, you can’t just create random how-to clips and see what sticks. You should take your skills, audience, and channel type into account beforehand.

So, if you’re a beauty channel, you can post step-by-step tutorials for specific make-up looks. Or, if you’re tech-oriented, you can record practical tasks like changing your laptop fan. The possibilities are endless!

Attempt Popular How-To Videos

There’s one more option:

Trying out the most-watched how-to clips — and figuring out whether they work. This is one of the most thoughtful YouTube content ideas, as it lets you show the viewers which tutorials are worth watching. Simply follow the video’s instructions and point out if there’s anything fishy going on. 

Travel Hacks

Traveling sounds so great in theory until you realize how much preparation it takes. Luckily, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you avoid the usual pitfalls. Quick 5-minute crafts are people’s favorite!

Your channel could lend them a hand when it comes to:

• Timing and organizing trips
• Smart packing
• Hygiene and comfort
• Accommodations
• Sightseeing.

Make a Reaction Video

If you’re all out of fun YouTube video ideas, why not try reaction clips? Fine Bros have popularized the genre. It can be in response to a trending clip, news, event — whatever you can think of. 

Video Essays

This format is perfect for content creators who aren’t afraid to do some real research. You can explore and combine topics that interest you and offer your unique perspective.

The most fruitful themes include: 

• pop culture
• online spaces 
• cinema 
• social justice 
• literature

 And don’t be afraid to get experimental with your editing!

Walkthroughs

Video walkthroughs can be a life-saver when you’re stuck in a game. It’s one of the most searched YouTube topics for a reason.

Best of all, you don’t need to put much effort into your personality when recording. They just need to be informative.

So, keep them to the point and record every necessary step. Time-stamps are also a great idea. 

Raw Game Footage

This is another way to share gaming content. You might be surprised that people are willing to watch gameplay without commentary, but it’s true! 

Art Tutorials

Among of the best YouTube video ideas for creative channels are art tutorials. You can record your creative process, whether you’re a digital or traditional artist. You’re free to do a step-by-step thing or a timelapse clip. 

Animated Explainer Videos

If you’re trying to educate the masses, don’t miss out on animations. They’re a splendid way to introduce people to complex topics without frying their brains in the process.

The most effective ones are whiteboard/blackboard animations, where a hand draws everything on the screen. Of course, you’ll need software (like Doodly) for that. 

Live Streaming

When you think of streaming, your first thought is usually Twitch. But you can also create content for YouTube this way. You can use it to premiere something totally new for your channel and build excitement around it.

Or, if you want to develop a closer relationship with your viewers, nothing beats interacting with them in real-time. Here’s a little guide on streaming on YouTube to get you started.

Unboxing

I don’t know what it is with humans and unboxing things, but we can’t get enough of it. Maybe it’s the little kid in us that loves unpacking presents. 

Either way, these videos are a huge hit. So, the next time you get something new and interesting, make sure you record it.

Do a Speedrun

Is your gaming channel in need of fresh YouTube content ideas? Speedruns are always in vogue!

If done right, they’re impressive and attract a lot of attention. But, be aware that competition is pretty tough.

Shoot a Comedy Skit

This one’s a no-brainer if you run a comedy channel. Skits require a lot of prep work, but they’re very rewarding. And don’t shy away from weird humor — the internet loves that stuff.

What’s in My Bag

Such videos are a staple point of beauty/lifestyle channels. You can always give them your unique twist.

Amoeba Music has a great example of refreshing the format. They record cool musicians and artists shopping and talking about their purchases.

Kill Your PC

This is one of the most attention-grabbing content ideas for YouTube, don’t you think?

If you have a throwaway computer, you can pump it full of malware and viruses for fun. Vinesauce Joel did a whole series on computer destructions with different OS. It was hilarious!

Invite a Guest

Why not share the fun with a guest? 

You can invite someone for a special episode. It can be a friend or fellow creator from your niche with a similar following. Asking someone with many more subscribers won’t work, as you probably guessed.

Try Challenging Mods

Mod communities are incredibly inventive, especially when it comes to making games ten times harder. And it just so happens that your suffering can be excellent content for YouTube! 

So, don’t restrain your emotions — unleash your inner rage quitter! 

Haul Videos

Haul vids are the bread and butter of influencers. They allow your viewers a glimpse into your life via the contents of your shopping cart. You can talk about the products and share your recommendations.

Things to Consider for Your YouTube Video

Starting out as a creator on this platform can be intimidating. On top of your brand and type of content, you have to think of the technical aspect, too.

But you’re in luck this time.

Besides YouTube ideas for beginners, I’ve also prepared some pointers for your gear.

Check this out:

Camera

Thinking of engaging YouTube video topics is only half the job. They have to be properly recorded as well!

Your choice will depend on the content you produce. You can get away with a webcam if you’re mainly streaming games or recording your reactions as you’re playing. The main things to look for are:

• Capture resolution — up to 1080p
• Resolution FPS — 1080p at 30-60fps
• Low-light performance.

But, if your focus is on live-action stuff, things get more complicated. Generally speaking, these are your options: 

• Camcorders — affordable, portable, and novice-friendly
• Action cameras — versatile, durable, and a good choice for adventurous vloggers
• Mirrorless cameras — excellent video quality, light-weight, and pricey
• DSLRs — best pick for experienced creators with a big budget. 

So, if you’re wondering how to start a YouTube channel and record, your safest bet are camcorders.

Spec-wise, everything I’ve said for webcams goes here as well. Additionally, you should prioritize image-stabilization features or look into tripods and gimbal stabilizers. 

Microphone

Now, let’s focus on audio.

If you plan on spending a lot of time recording at your desk, the most practical model is a USB mic. In that case, you can choose between: 

• Condenser types — require soundproofed recording spaces as they’re more sensitive.
• Dynamic types — not as detailed as condenser mics but will perform well in all environments.

And if you’re not bound to your desk, lapel models are the way to go.

Lights

Even the best YouTube video ideas will fall flat if your lighting is shoddy. Luckily, you don’t have to blow your whole budget on it. You can achieve a lot with the most basic lights sets.

Overall, the most useful kits for beginners include softboxes. They add subtle, natural lighting that’s easy to set up. When shopping, keep an eye on:

• Maximum output (in watts and lumens)
• Brightness
• Color temperature
• Rotation.

Video Editing Software

Good ideas for YouTube videos aren’t enough on their own. Editing and polishing footage is essential. 

But don’t worry: 

There are many novice-friendly software options out there. Vimeo, Lumen5, FlexClip, and iMovie are among the simplest ones. They have auto-tools and templates that will do your work for you.

However, if you want pro results, Filmora and Premiere Pro are the undisputed champions. 

Audio Editing Software

Your sound also needs to be on point. That means even audio levels and no unwanted background noise, for starters.

WavePad and Audacity are the best audio editing software for beginners. Their drag-and-drop interfaces and auto-tools are incredibly straightforward. They’re both free, too!

Wrap Up

There are countless topics to talk about on YouTube. The ideas on this list are but a drop in the ocean. Hopefully, they will rekindle your creativity. And who knows, maybe your clip will join the ranks of the most-watched ones.

Good luck!