7 habits to turn YouTube on easy mode

90% of YouTube channels fail within the first year.

Why?

Because YouTube is hard.

And if anyone tries to tell you differently, they're lying to you.

It demands constant learning, relentless testing, and a willingness to face uncertainty.

That uncertainty is exactly why most people quit.

But I'm here to share the 7 habits that can make navigating the YouTube landscape significantly easier.

And prevent you from becoming part of that 90%.

These are the habits that helped me generate 30M+ views and tens of thousands in revenue for multiple YouTube channels.

Let's dive in.

1) Analyse viral thumbnails

I want to share a secret with you.

You don't have to be a professional graphic designer to become a good thumbnail artist.

You don't even have to have particularly good design skills.

You just have to study what's already worked.

YouTube is a massive spreadsheet of data on what works on the platform.

All you have to do to become a better YouTuber is study that data and apply what you learn.

When you become a YouTuber, you become a student of your craft every single day.

If you're not sure how to get started, here's what I want you to do:

• Create a private playlist on YouTube titled "Thumbnails"

• As you scroll on YouTube, add any thumbnails that intrigue you

• At the end of each day, go into your folder, pick a thumbnail, and spend 15 minutes analysing it

• Repeat this every day

At first, you'll find this difficult.

But the more you do this, the better you'll become at recognising why a thumbnail works.

You can then take those learnings and apply them to your own thumbnail designs.

If you want a head start, I've created a free breakdown of 50 viral thumbnails which you can download here.

2) Keep a database of video ideas

Most YouTubers don't take their video ideas seriously enough.

But the truth is the idea is the foundation of your video.

If it's not a good idea, the whole video will fail.

That's why it's essential to make brainstorming video ideas a daily habit.

Here's what you need to do:

Create a new notes page on your phone and commit to adding at least 3 new video ideas to it every day.

Even if an idea seems terrible, just write it down.

Over time, you'll find it easier to generate ideas, and you'll begin to recognise which ideas have potential.

Ryan Trahan has a team dedicated to generating 60 video ideas per month, yet only two make the cut for execution.

That's because he understands the power of a great idea.

3) Create 10 titles/video

I always tell the YouTubers I work with to create at least 10 different titles per video.

The reason isn't to test them all.

It's to brainstorm different angles of how the video can be portrayed.

The reality is that your first title is rarely your best.

But the more variations you write, the sharper your idea will become.

Remember, your title is the first interaction with the viewer.

So, don't overlook it.

Here are some popular title frameworks you can try for your next video:

4) Consume mindfully

We've all been sucked into the trap of mindless scrolling, especially with the rise of YouTube Shorts.

But if you're serious about becoming a successful YouTuber, you need to train your brain to become a content powerhouse.

Instead of passively consuming content, start to analyse it and ask yourself questions:

• Why did this thumbnail and title intrigue me?

• Do they hook me in the intro?

• How are they keeping me engaged?

These are all learnings you can apply to your videos to improve them.

Remember:

Everything you need to know to grow a YouTube channel is already out there.

5) Batch processing

I'm a huge advocate for batch processing your work, regardless of your field.

Since I started batch processing my own work, it's been a total game-changer.

Here's why:

• It eliminates task switching so you work more efficiently

• Recording multiple videos in one session saves setup time

• Working in focused blocks on one particular task helps to generate better ideas

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, multitasking can slash productivity by as much as 40%.

Here's a weekly workflow chart you can try for yourself:

6) Create packaging before filming

There's a common habit I've noticed with a lot of top YouTubers.

It's that they create their thumbnail and title before filming the video.

This confused me at first because I'd always believed that you should create the thumbnail and title after you'd finished the video.

But then I realised why:

• If the title and thumbnail aren't engaging, the video won't get clicked. Start with what matters most.

• It stops you from wasting hours filming only to realise you can't create an engaging thumbnail and title.

• When the intro delivers on the promise of the thumbnail and title, viewers are more likely to watch longer.

• Creating the title and thumbnail after filming can lead to a rushed and ineffective concept.

Try it out for yourself and see how different it feels.

7) Think in years

I'm about to share the ultimate cheat code.

And it will completely transform your channel.

Here it is:

Realise that progress takes years, not months.

The YouTube game is a marathon, not a sprint.

That's why not many are able to succeed.

You need to find a routine that enables you to be consistent over a long period of time.

But remember this:

If you were willing to spend 4 years on a degree you don't even use, you should be willing to spend at least 2 years working towards your dream life.

Quick note:

I'm looking for 2 more creators who want to take their YouTube channel seriously in 2025.

If you're interested in working 1-on-1 with me, fill in this questionnaire and I will contact you directly.

1/3 spots filled.

Thank you for reading.

See you next Sunday,

Rory