There's been some incredible YouTube videos this year.

Like, really incredible videos.

But which one was the best?

Here's my top 14 YouTube videos of 2022: Note:

This is 'MY' top videos of 2022, not 'THE' top videos of 2022.

Videos that are truly remarkable, to me.

They are affected by my interests, connection with creators, blah, blah, blah.

Enjoy the list...

Would you subscribe to a weekly newsletter (by me) that helps creators (you) make better content?

...with a sprinkling of average humour.

I will abide by the results of this poll. Be honest.

If you hate newsletters and don't subscribe to them, vote no.

I won't cry that much...

Storytelling is a superpower.

But it's damn difficult.

Here's 8 principles that will make sure you never tell a bad story again: SETUP:

Every good story starts with a good setup.

It introduces the ‘world’ and creates a promise with the audience that shows them it’s worth their time.

Giving the context to make them care.

Crucial to establish two key things:
• The goal
• The stakes

Let me explain...

Introducing, Thumbnail Breakdowns.

Detailed explanations of the best thumbnails on YouTube.

→ All 100% free
→ You decide what comes next
→ New thumbnails added weekly

Here's all the thumbnails included:

(with summary, links and updates) Firstly, if you want to get straight to it...

Here's a link to all of the breakdowns:

→ thumbnail.world/breakdowns

AI is going to change YouTube forever.

Keep up or get left behind.

Here’s how: As always, these are my thoughts as someone involved in the space.

And while I’ve been spending time looking into AI and testing several different tools...

I’m far from an expert (very far).

I’m just some guy on the internet sharing his opinion.

Enjoy 🦾

If you’re a YouTuber whose thumbnails are holding you back...

Here’s 4-steps that’ll make you a thumbnail-genius: But before we get into the juicy stuff...

These steps are focused on helping you think of better thumbnail concepts.

That’s what is really going to make the difference. Trust me.

If you’re looking for design tips, this isn’t for you.

Right, let’s go…

Struggling to get better video retention?

You're not alone.

But today is the day that changes...

Here’s 11 retention 'hacks' that all of the biggest YouTubers are using (with proof): Preface:

Retention 'hacks' have a bad rep.

And rightly so.

The issue is people think that retention 'hacks' are all that you need.

Wrong.

Retention hacks don't make up for bad ideas and bad videos.

They just enhance them.

Use with caution.

Enjoy ✌️

Wouldn't it be great if the YouTube algorithm could just tell us what to do?

Well, it can't.

But the person that built it can.

That person is Todd (and he shares incredibly useful stuff on Twitter).

Here's 10 things he's shared that every YouTuber needs to know: 1/ Don't lose hope

There's nothing worse than a 10/10.

It hurts. It cuts deep. It ruins your week.

But...

While it might be down to your content.

It can also be because the video hasn't found its audience yet.

The important thing to remember is the algorithm won't give up.

YouTube thumbnails...

Arguably more important than the video.

But people always make the same mistakes.

Here’s 7 common thumbnail mistakes...

And how to fix them: Mistake → Focusing on design (not theory)

People don’t click on art.

They click on a video they want to watch.

Prioritise capturing why your video is worth your viewers' time.

Not how your thumbnail looks.

The perfect YouTube video doesn’t exist.

But this one is pretty close.

On the surface, it looks like a random Minecraft video...

You mine a bit deeper and find a masterclass in how to go viral.

Here’s how: Let’s start with the idea.

To go viral you need an amazing idea that appeals to a lot of people (duh).

But to think of an amazing idea that appeals to a lot of people is hard.

The bigger the audience, the fewer 'common interests' they have.

But this one finds a way…

Everyone is talking about storytelling.

But most don't know how or where to start.

Here’s 7 resources that will make you an excellent storyteller: Note:

Instead of being a threadboi and just listing resources...

I’ve broken each resource down and structured them from easy to difficult.

Wherever you are in your storytelling journey, these should help.

Enjoy ✌️

The 10 best YouTube thumbnails I've ever clicked on (and why they worked): This Is Not Yellow (Vsauce)

• By creating something completely unexpected, it does everything a thumbnail needs to do

• It gets your attention and forces you to read the title, leaving you wanting an explanation (click)

Sometimes being different is the best way to be better.

Want to make better thumbnails?

Well, I just explained how at VidSummit.

(really crazy moment, thank you all)

Here's exactly what I said: The one thing most people overlook when trying to make clickable thumbnails...

Psychology.

That's what gets the click.

Design is important.

But if you understand the reasons why a viewer clicks. You're ahead of the game.

I asked 15 of the biggest YouTubers one question…

“What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring YouTubers?”

Here’s what they said: Mike Shake (2.2M):

Create your own identity and leverage it.

Don't try to be someone else or do stuff you don't like just because it's working.

Do whatever you can to consistently improve YOUR content. You'll be happy, and you'll get results too.

YouTube is about to dramatically change.

Here’s how: Preface:

While I believe a lot is going to change…

Some points might not be 100% relevant to every creator or niche.

Angry replies give me sleepless nights and don’t sue me if this doesn’t happen.

I’m just some guy on the internet.

Enjoy ✌️

Growing on YouTube is hard.

But it’s not impossible.

Here's 13 channels every YouTuber must binge-watch (if they want to succeed): Hayden Hillier-Smith

Someone who understands editing and storytelling like no one else on the platform.

→ youtube.com/c/HillierSmith

Why do people click on a thumbnail?

Psychology has the answers.

Here’s 10 powerful theories that explain why people click: Confirmation Bias

→ People look for and favour information that confirms what they think.

Titles and thumbnails that confirm what target viewers 'feel' about a topic are more likely to get the click.

Growing on YouTube is extremely difficult.

But it’s not impossible.

Here's 12 videos every YouTuber must watch (if they want to succeed): My Video Went Viral. Here's Why

“The title and thumbnail are everything”

Deep-dive into the truth behind the algorithm.

→

Every YouTube thumbnail is different...

Wrong.

What if I told you 99% of thumbnails are made up of only 6 different styles?

Here's a breakdown of each one... (thread) The Mid Action:

Thumbnail focused on showing something (often intense) being done.

Usually captures a moment of tension that the viewer needs to satisfy (by clicking).

Great if your video is about something extreme, unique or action-packed.

Netflix make the best thumbnails on the internet.

But only since they realised one thing...

Thumbnails had the biggest influence on a member's decision to watch content.

Here’s 4 things Netflix can teach us about thumbnails… (thread) Importance of thumbnails:

Netflix has a dedicated team for optimising thumbnails.

They realised if they don't capture a member’s attention within 90 seconds...

They’d likely lose interest and move on to another activity.

MrBeast in 2013:

• Less than 100 YouTube subscribers
• Suffering from Crohn’s disease
• Shy and introverted

Today, MrBeast just hit 100,000,000 subscribers.

Here’s his crazy journey… (thread) 19th February 2012, Jimmy (aka MrBeast) uploaded his first YouTube video...

An incredibly low-quality 2-minute Minecraft video.

He was 13 years old.