Creating an effective YouTube channel trailer that can be used as a YouTube ad involves a strategic approach to ensure it captures attention, conveys the channel's essence, and encourages viewers to subscribe and watch more.
Here's how you can create a good YouTube channel trailer with these objectives in mind:
- Start with a Hook:
Begin with something that immediately grabs attention, whether it's an intriguing question, a bold statement, stunning visuals, or a snippet of the most exciting content you offer.
- Showcase the Best Content:
Use clips from your most popular or impactful videos. Highlight moments that best represent the types of content viewers can expect.
- Keep It Short and Sweet:
A trailer should be concise, typically 30-60 seconds for paid media, and possibly up to 90 seconds for your channel. Every second must add value and drive towards the call to action.
- Define Your Value Proposition:
Clearly articulate what makes your channel unique and why viewers should care. Answer the viewer's question: "What's in it for me?"
- Maintain High Production Quality:
Ensure the video has high-quality visuals and audio, which reflects the quality of content you produce. Good lighting, clear sound, and professional editing are key.
- Brand Consistently:
Incorporate your logo, color scheme, and any recurring motifs or graphics that viewers will associate with your brand.
- Display a Strong Call to Action (CTA):
Tell viewers exactly what to do next – subscribe, like, watch a video, visit a website, etc. Make it easy for them with clickable annotations (for channel trailers) and clear instructions (for paid media). It is important to display the CTA for a period of at least 10 seconds. See the examples of Knauf and WKO below.
- Use Engaging Music or Voiceover:
A compelling voiceover can guide the viewer through the trailer, adding a personal touch. Choose background music that fits your channel's tone and energy.
- Highlight Posting Schedule:
Inform viewers when they can expect new content to keep them coming back for more.
- Testimonials and Social Proof:
Include quick testimonials from viewers or shots of positive comments and like counts to establish credibility.
- Optimize for No Sound:
Some viewers may watch without sound, especially in paid media settings, so use captions or on-screen text to convey your message.
- End with a Bang:
Finish your trailer on a high note to leave a lasting impression.
—> Examples of Channel Trailers that are used both on the channel and pushed via pad media:
Knauf
Industry: Building Materials
Vattenfall
Industry: Energy Providers
Fortum
Industry: Energy Providers
LOOKAUT (WKO Austrian Chamber of Commerce)
Industry: Business Associations | Lobbying
Serhant
Industry: Real Estate
Schrack
Industry: Electrical Wholesale
Cartoon Network
Industry: Kids Entertainment
Real Life Guys / Hornbach
Industry: Media / Home Improvement Retailer
go-e
Industry: Wallboxes | e-Mobility
Kurzgesagt | In a Nutshell
Industry: Media
The Prince and Princess of Wales
Industry: Royal Houses | Celebrities
History Channel
Industry: Media | Documentaries
The B1M
Industry: Trade Magazine
Socialselling.de
Industry: Training