4 Sneaky YouTube Growth Hacks and how to do them
Monday Snippets
Everyone steals ideas.
That shot you saw in the movie, that idea you heard somewhere, that product that solves a problem, even this newsletter.
Most creators draw inspiration from which they create something new.
There is no shame in that.
So, here are some Viral YouTube titles, thumbnails, and Instagram reels from which you can take inspiration.
Sneaky (1/4)
Title: 8 Sneaky YouTube Editing Techniques and how to do them in CapCut
Title framework: X [Adjective] [Platform] [Skill/Technique] and how to do them in [Specific Tool]
Why this works:
Lists: list posts create a clear, digestible structure that viewers know they can consume quickly.
Curiosity: "Sneaky" implies these are lesser-known, advanced techniques that most creators don't use, creating exclusivity and curiosity.
Specific audience: attracts users of "CapCut" (free and popular) and provides concrete, follow-along value.
How to use:
Combine a numbered list of advanced/insider techniques with specific tool tutorials to create highly actionable content in any skill-based niche.
Examples of titles:
7 Sneaky YouTube Growth Hacks and how to do them in 5 mins
5 Sneaky Trading Strategies and how to execute them on Upstox
4 Sneaky Negotiation Tactics and how to use them in job interviews
Document (2/4)
Title: I built an Ecosystem for Puffer Fish
Title framework: I built an [Entity] for [Subject]
Why this works:
Achievement: "I Built" creates a personal story arc - viewers want to see the journey from concept to completion and the creator's problem-solving process.
Curiosity: Puffer fish are unique, interesting creatures that most people don't know much about, creating immediate curiosity about their specific needs and behaviors.
How to use:
Document yourself creating something specialized for a specific animal, hobby, or niche interest. The more unique or challenging the subject, the more compelling the content.
Examples of titles:
I Built a Workout Plan for Busy Parents
I Built a Practice Routine for Piano Beginners
I Built a Training Course for My Dog
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Now let’s see why this reel went viral.
There are 3 things that improve your video by 99%…
Here is an analysis of an Instagram reel that caught my attention a few days ago. When I wrote this letter, the video had over 1.7 million views on Instagram. Today, we will see why it went viral.
Do me a favor, watch the above video, and come back to read further (please don’t get lost in scrolling. I share some important tips below).
Hook Used:
There are three questions that determine 99% of your happiness.
Hook Framework:
There are X [Simple Entities] that determine 99% of your [Desirable Outcome].
How to use this in your videos?
This hook works by promising a massive impact through simplicity.
The specific percentage (99%) creates urgency and credibility, while "three questions" suggest the solution is both manageable and actionable.
The contrast between "just three questions" and "99% of happiness" creates an intro that hooks viewers.
Examples like this hook:
There are two mistakes that destroy 90% of your relationships.
There are three exercises that build 85% of your muscle mass.
There are two skills that generate 92% of your income.
Why does this work?
Interest peak:
After the hook, the creator directly jumps to talk about what those 3 questions are without wasting any time. This interest peak complements the hook perfectly and satisfies the hook’s promise.
Always start your first one with a banger idea (or in this creator’s case, the question) that would also improve the retention in your videos.
The content is also made with value-packed cuts, making it a save-worthy content.
Best value (3/4)
Title: The BEST VALUE Fashion Brands In 2025
Title framework: The BEST VALUE [Category] In [Current Year]
Why this works:
Curiosity: Creates intrigue about what those brands are and why they are “best value“
Desire: "BEST VALUE" hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability - appeals to budget-conscious viewers who still want style and quality, not just cheap clothes.
How to use:
Position yourself as the authority on finding the optimal balance between quality and price in any category, emphasizing current-year relevance.
Examples of titles:
The BEST VALUE Laptops In 2025
The BEST VALUE Investment Apps In 2025
The BEST VALUE Travel Destinations In 2025
Interstellar (4/4)
Title: Interstellar Travel Breakthrough: Scientists Plan to Reach Alpha Centauri in 40 Years
Title framework: [Subject] Breakthrough: [Authority Figure] Plan to [Achievement/Goal] in [Timeframe]
Why this works:
Curiosity: This creates curiosity in 3 ways
"Breakthrough" suggests this is cutting-edge, just-announced scientific news that viewers need to know about immediately.
They need to know how this discovery will change the world.
Alpha Centauri is the most famous nearby star system, making it instantly recognizable and exciting to space enthusiasts.
Authority: By stating that "Scientists Plan to," the title leverages the credibility and trust people generally place in scientific authorities.
How to use:
Present major scientific or technological developments with specific timelines and authoritative sources to create urgency around breakthrough discoveries.
Examples of titles:
AI Breakthrough: Engineers Plan to Achieve AGI in 10 Years
Fitness Breakthrough: Harvard Research to Build Muscle Without Exercise
Cancer Breakthrough: Scientists Plan to Cure All Cancers by 2035
That is it for this week. If you found this helpful, here is the previous letter.
Or check out all my letters from here.
Sign up for ViralVideoSpy here.
See you next Monday, God willing.
- Sayar