18 How-To Video Ideas To Attract and Retain Viewers

Coming up with fresh, engaging content ideas can sometimes feel like trying to squeeze water from a stone. If you're staring at a blank page, wondering what to create next to grab your audience’s attention, you're not alone.

How-to videos are a great format to educate viewers and position you as a trusted source for helpful information in a niche. If you’re struggling to brainstorm video direction, I have 18 how-to video ideas that can work for a variety of different topics.

How-To Video Ideas To Spark Inspiration

Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting out, the following creative video ideas can be adapted to nearly any niche or industry.

1. Create a Tutorial

Tutorials are the backbone of how-to content. They provide clear guidance on completing a specific task or achieving a particular outcome. The key is to identify a skill or process that your audience wants to learn and break it down into digestible sections.

Long-form tutorials perform well on YouTube, but you can also make mini tutorials for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Experiment with condensing the steps into short-form content that’s only a minute or two long to reach even more people.

Why this content works: Tutorials directly address viewer needs and position you as an authority. They also have excellent long-term value, attracting views long after publication.

2. Showcase Common Mistakes

Highlighting common errors is a great YouTube video idea for those just getting started with content creation. It’s a simple format that allows you to address pain points proactively and offer solutions. Focus on mistakes you've made yourself or you frequently see others make.

These videos can also double as listicles. For example, a video could be “5 Mistakes I Made When…” or “10 of the Most Common Mistakes People Make…” Listicle content performs well because people know how much value they’re getting before they click the video.

Why this content works: This approach builds trust by demonstrating your experience and helping viewers avoid frustration. It also creates an immediate sense of value as viewers realize they can learn from others' mistakes.

3. Interview an Expert

Bringing in a specialist adds credibility and new perspectives to your content. The conversation format makes topics more accessible and engaging. Choose experts and entertaining guests who complement your knowledge and can offer unique insights your audience would value.

Getting expert interviews is easier than you might think, too. People often feel honored that someone would like to speak to them about something they’re well-versed in. Prepare by researching your guest and creating a structured question framework, but remain flexible enough to explore interesting side topics.

Why this content works: Expert interviews expand your content's depth while potentially introducing you to the expert's audience. Plus, the conversational style often makes technical information more digestible. Expand the reach of this content by asking the expert to share the finalized video with their audience.

4. Make a Step-by-Step Guide

Similar to tutorials but typically more comprehensive, step-by-step guides walk viewers through an entire process from beginning to end. These videos shine when addressing multifaceted tasks that require several stages to complete.

Enhance your step-by-step guides with visual progress indicators that show viewers exactly where they are in the process. Use overlaid graphics, progress bars, or numbered steps to provide clear orientation. Consider filming the entire process first, then recording your voiceover afterward for smoother delivery.

Why this content works: Comprehensive guides establish you as a trusted resource and keep viewers engaged longer. They can also become reference materials that viewers return to repeatedly.

5. Expand on Existing Tutorial Content

Take a popular tutorial you've already created and go deeper. Address advanced techniques, answer questions that arose from the original content, or update information as technology or methods evolve. You can even repurpose your previous tutorials by identifying specific points of confusion or areas where viewers requested more information via comments, reviews, or emails.

For example, a digital art channel with a popular “How To Use AI To Make YouTube Thumbnails” tutorial might create an expanded series addressing more in-depth topics like “How To Create Better AI Prompts for Your Thumbnails” based on responses saying images weren’t coming out how some viewers had hoped.

Why this content works: This approach leverages existing interest while providing additional value. It also helps you build a connected content ecosystem that keeps viewers loyal to your channel.

6. Show Use Cases for a Product

Demonstrate various ways viewers can use your product or a product relevant to your audience. Focus on both intended uses and creative applications that might not be immediately obvious. This type of content, combined with titles that pique viewers’ curiosity, can lead to high click-through and conversion rates.

It’s helpful to structure videos from basic to advanced applications, allowing viewers of different skill levels to benefit. You could also make separate videos for beginners and more advanced viewers. For technology products, consider scenarios across different professions or lifestyles for additional content. A video for a versatile tool like Adobe Photoshop, for example, might demonstrate use cases ranging from basic photo retouching to creating digital art.

Why this content works: Use case videos highlight versatility and value, helping viewers maximize their investment. They're also excellent for making money on YouTube through affiliate marketing or showcasing your own products.

7. Explain How To Save Time With a Process

Efficiency appeals to everyone. Create content showing viewers how to streamline tasks, automate repetitive work, or use shortcuts. These videos perform well because they solve practical problems many people face daily.

Create before-and-after demonstrations that clearly show time savings. For instance, you could highlight keyboard shortcuts with on-screen indicators for software tutorials or use side-by-side comparisons for physical processes. An example for a productivity channel might be a "How to Clear Your Inbox in Half the Time" video featuring automation rules and template responses.

Why this content works: Time-saving content addresses a universal need and provides immediate, tangible value. These videos often perform well because they make various situations more efficient.

8. Animate a How-To Guide

Use animation to explain complex processes or abstract concepts. This format works well for topics that are difficult to film or benefit from visual simplification. Animation makes difficult concepts more accessible and engaging than text or talking-head videos alone.

You don't need advanced skills to create effective animated guides, either. AI animation tools can create engaging visuals while also saving you time. Focus on clear visual metaphors that simplify complex ideas. For example, a financial channel might animate compound interest as a snowball growing downhill.

Why this content works: Animation simplifies topics. Combining text with engaging visuals helps viewers retain information better than text-based or talking-head videos alone.

Create captivating animated how-to videos with Magic Hour’s free AI Animation Generator.

9. Produce a Troubleshooting Guide

Create content that helps viewers diagnose and solve common problems. This format ranges from technical issues to challenges in cooking or other skills. These guides address viewers in moments of need and demonstrate your problem-solving expertise.

Organize troubleshooting tips using a clear decision-tree structure, starting with symptoms and branching into potential causes and solutions. Include visual indicators of problem severity and solution complexity. For example, a car maintenance channel could create a "Diagnosing Strange Engine Noises" video with repair options.

Why this content works: Troubleshooting guides address viewers in moments of need, creating strong positive associations with your content. They also demonstrate your that you’re well-versed in an area and can help viewers solve problems.

10. Make a Beginner’s Guide

Create content specifically for newcomers to your field. Focus on building foundational knowledge and addressing questions beginners might hesitate to ask. Beginner content attracts new people interested in your topic and positions you as an approachable and nonjudgmental resource.

Avoid industry jargon and define terms clearly as you go. Address concepts that confused you initially, being candid about your experience as a newbie to help a beginner audience relate to you. For example, video editing channels might start with explaining interface elements before covering basic techniques.

Why this content works: Beginner content has a perpetually refreshing audience as new people become interested in your topic. This content also allows you to create a welcoming space for newcomers to learn.

11. Answer FAQs

Compile common questions and address them in dedicated videos to clarify misconceptions and provide concise information. FAQ videos are unique in that half of the work is already done — common questions can be found throughout the internet, from Reddit posts to YouTube’s comment section. You can virtually pull questions from anywhere on the internet, conduct research, and have a wealth of content to create from it. When you directly address viewer needs, your videos perform well in search results for both YouTube and Google.

Make your FAQ videos easy to navigate by displaying questions on-screen with chapter markers, and group related questions together when possible. You can also update these videos as new questions emerge. For a travel channel, a "10 Common Questions About Visiting Japan" video covering transportation, etiquette, and costs could perform well.

Why this content works: Many people have the same questions about certain topics, so these videos reach a broad audience. They're also excellent for SEO, as they often match search queries in both YouTube and Google searches.

12. Record Walk-Throughs

Come up with instructional video ideas by thinking about walk-throughs of video games, software installation, and tricky setups for your tools. Focus on providing clear guidance and strategy tips viewers can follow.

Enhance walk-through videos by including the entire experience, regardless of what you’re showcasing. For example, some software mods have peculiar installation methods and, in some cases, require specific troubleshooting.

In the case of video games, videos along the lines of "Complete Walk-Through of [area/mission]" could feature hidden items, alternative routes, and specific strategies for different character builds. You could also try fun video ideas like how to beat a mission with minimum resources or abilities.

Some content creation tools and platforms like OBS require a walk-through to help your audience configure their settings correctly. This is often he case for software products.

Why this content works: Walk-throughs help viewers overcome challenging and confusing parts of software setup, video games, and other complex setups. They’re also great for search because people specifically look up how to install certain software or how to beat certain games.

13. Show Interesting Hacks

Share clever shortcuts, workarounds, or creative solutions to common problems. These videos reveal unexpected uses for familiar items or strategies for common tasks. Your hacks can be based on personal experience, or you can take advantage of platforms like Pinterest to get additional ideas.

Test your hacks thoroughly before sharing them, and address any limitations. For example, "10 Unexpected IKEA Hacks for Small Spaces" might demonstrate how standard products become bathroom organizers or mobile workspaces while emphasizing cost savings.

Why this content works: Hack videos create "aha" moments that viewers love to share. They tend to perform well on social media and can attract viewers who might not typically engage with your content.

14. Help Other Creators With Tips

Create content specifically designed to help fellow content creators improve their work. Share editing techniques, equipment recommendations, or strategies for growing an audience. These videos foster a supportive community environment where people are encouraged to help one another.

Share specific metrics and results from your own creator journey to add credibility to your advice. Include a mix of free techniques and paid tool recommendations to accommodate different budget levels. For example, a "How I Increased My Click-Through Rate by 47%" video could share thumbnail design principles and A/B testing methods that produced measurable improvements.

Why this content works: Creator-focused content builds community and positions you as a leader in your space. It also tends to attract highly engaged viewers who are active in creating and sharing content themselves. Creators with bigger audiences may even share the content with their audiences, further increasing your reach.

15. Teach How To Use a Product On the Go

Show viewers how to maximize the value of products or tools in mobile or travel situations. These tutorials work particularly well for health, technology, or gear that people frequently use while away from home or office settings.

Focus on scenarios that create unique challenges for people who travel, such as limited connectivity or physical space constraints. Include practical accessories and setup recommendations. For example, "Travel Photography With Minimal Gear" could demonstrate efficient packing techniques, protection methods, and how to capture great images in challenging environments.

Why this content works: Videos showing how to use products while on the go address specific scenarios that many other tutorials overlook. They demonstrate your thorough understanding of real-world applications, making you a valuable resource.

16. Share Resource Efficiency Tips

Make content that shows how to accomplish goals with limited resources. Focus on creative time-saving solutions, cost-effective alternatives, and prioritizing spending for maximum impact. These videos make quality results accessible to viewers with financial or time constraints.

Some people may be surprised to learn that budget options aren’t much different in terms of quality than higher-priced items. An example of a budget-friendly video for a home renovation channel might be "This Trick Saved Us $2,000 on Our Kitchen Remodel."

Why this content works: Budget-conscious content addresses money concerns while demonstrating your practical problem-solving skills. This type of content also tends to perform well during economic downturns.

17. Make an AI Prompt Guide

Show viewers how to craft effective prompts for AI platforms. Focus on techniques that produce better results and avoid common mistakes. AI is a new technology that many people are still learning, and these tutorials help viewers get more value from these increasingly popular tools.

Structure your guides around specific use cases as much as possible, and give viewers examples of good prompts versus bad prompts to help them understand the differences. If you have a channel for small businesses, you could make a video about how to create a social media marketing strategy using AI prompts.

Why this content works: AI prompt engineering is a rapidly growing skill that many people are eager to learn. These guides position you at the forefront of emerging technology trends.

18. Teach How To Build a Personal Brand

Guide viewers through developing their brand identity, from defining unique value propositions to creating consistent messaging across platforms. This content helps viewers establish themselves as recognized experts in their respective fields and how to stand out.

Provide actionable frameworks for self-assessment and brand definition, including examples of how specific brands evolved over time. A "Building Your Personal Brand: From LinkedIn to Life" video could walk viewers through identifying core values, crafting an elevator pitch, and developing a consistent visual identity.

Why this content works: Personal branding content appeals to a wide range of professionals and creators, offering high-value guidance that can have tangible career benefits.

Make your videos more accessible to more viewers by using Magic Hour’s free AI-powered AI Subtitle Generator.

What To Consider Before Creating How-To Content

Before diving into production, take time to evaluate some key factors that can impact the success of your content.

What You Know

Focus on topics where you have genuine expertise or experience. Authentic knowledge translates to more valuable content and builds trust with your audience. Your unique perspective on familiar topics can set your content apart.

If you find a gap in the market, it may also be beneficial to learn everything you can about a topic to position yourself as an expert. This gives you an additional way to connect with your audience because, like them, you started as someone who didn’t know much about the topic, and now you’re a pro.

Who Your Audience Is

Understand your target viewers' specific needs, skill levels, and goals. Creating content for beginners requires a different approach than content for experts. Knowing your audience helps you speak their language and address their actual pain points.

When you understand your audience, you know what type of tone you should take with your videos. For example, educating viewers about philosophy would have a different tone than a video teaching people how to create fun activities for their children.

What You Have To Offer

Identify your unique angle or approach that differentiates your content from competitors. There’s a common misconception that because content already exists on a topic, a new video won’t perform well. The reality is that people learn in different ways and connect with different types of creators.

There are many ways your content can be different, like your teaching style, specific expertise, or production quality. Your distinct value proposition gives viewers a reason to choose your content over alternatives.

How Evergreen the Content Is

Consider how long your content will remain relevant and useful. Evergreen video topics continue to attract viewers years after publication, while trendy subjects may generate initial interest but quickly become outdated. A mix of both can optimize short-term engagement and long-term growth.

A good strategy is to pinpoint topics or video ideas that benefit from annual updates, like tutorials, product roundups, or yearly trend forecasts, so you can proactively prepare resources or templates ahead of time. This makes it easier to refresh your content regularly, improving its ongoing relevance and keeping it fresh for new audiences.

As a beginner creator, it’s easy to get discouraged when your video doesn’t perform well early on. The great thing about evergreen content is that the video may gain traction months or even years later.

6 Ways To Brainstorm How-To Video Ideas

If you’re unsure what to make a video about, here are some simple strategies to generate a steady stream of relevant ideas.

1. Explore Questions From Your Audience

You can come up with easy how-to video ideas by mining your comments, emails, and direct messages for questions people are already asking. These represent validated content ideas that are guaranteed to address real audience needs. Pay special attention to questions that come up repeatedly.

It’s also helpful to check the comment sections of competitors or popular forums like Reddit. They can help spark your creativity and find ideas for videos that people actually want to watch.

2. Reverse Engineer Popular Content

Analyze successful videos in your niche to understand what resonates with viewers. Look for patterns in topics, formats, and approaches. Consider how you could provide a unique take or conduct a more in-depth exploration of similar topics.

Some questions to ask when reverse engineering popular content include:

Why did a video on this topic work?
What made the video’s title and thumbnail interesting enough to click?
How long is this video?
How did the creator keep the viewer’s attention throughout the video?

3. Look for Gaps in Existing Content

Identify topics where current content is insufficient, outdated, or difficult to understand. You can find gaps by checking for common questions in the comments sections of videos or simply noticing what other videos are missing. These content gaps represent opportunities to create valuable resources that stand out from the competition.

4. Follow Industry News and Updates

Stay current with developments in your niche and create content that explains new features, techniques, or trends. Covering emerging topics early can make you a go-to resource for timely information.

Follow industry news and updates on social media to come up with ideas for videos. Apps like X let you turn on notifications when certain accounts post, so you’ll know as soon as news comes out. You can also use social media to network and get your name out there, leading people to your content.

5. Turn Mistakes Into Lessons

You can come up with plenty of tutorial ideas by looking at mistakes you made when you were learning about something. Reflect on your own journey and the challenges you've overcome. Your personal experiences can provide authentic, relatable content that connects with viewers facing similar struggles.

6. Take Advantage of AI

Use AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to generate how-to tutorial ideas based on popular searches, trending topics, and semantic relationships. These tools can help you discover connections between subjects you might not have considered before.

Sometimes, you may have the seed of an idea, but you need help turning it into a piece of content. AI tools can help you flesh out ideas, create outlines, and even write scripts.

Level Up Your How-To Videos With AI

Creating engaging how-to video ideas is just the beginning. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform good content into great content that captivates viewers and drives results. Remember that the most successful how-to videos don't just provide information — they create meaningful experiences that solve real problems.

If you’re ready to take your content to the next level, explore Magic Hour’s suite of AI-powered video creation tools. Our Text-To-Video Generator creates realistic videos from prompts, and Video-To-Video transforms your videos into completely new styles.