How To Make A Killer YouTube Channel Trailer

YouTube, as you should know by now, is the second-largest search engine in the world after Google with approximately 1.9 billion active logged-in users per month. Clearly then, there’s no better place to put out your video content for the kind of reaction and response you’re looking for.

YouTube is an ocean of content, so it’s vital that you figure out the most effective way to stand out in this mass if you want recognition.

You need subscribers, and the best way to do that is by showing them what your channel is about.

How do you do that? In this article, we’re going to dive into just how to make an awesome YouTube channel trailer.

What is a YouTube Channel Trailer?

What makes you want to watch a movie before its release? A trailer right? Exactly.

Just like any movie trailer, the point of a YouTube channel trailer is to give an insight into what your channel has to offer to the subscribers. It’s a sneak-peak into your online world.

Now if you’re wondering why you need one, here’s why.

You’re trying to build a stable subscriber base for your channel, right? By having a channel trailer, you’re drawing new viewers to your channel by letting them peep into your content.

It helps you find people who’ll support your work easily. Isn’t that great?

Like any other video you post, a channel trailer needs to be top-notch to attract your viewers. That being said, let’s get into how to make a killer trailer for your YouTube channel.

Tips for creating a Killer YouTube Channel Trailer

Creating the most effective channel trailer requires certain guidelines. Here are some tips on how to hook viewers with a killer trailer.

1. Keep It Short

Make your trailer ideally under one minute. Remember, it’s only a preview of what your channel offers, so you need to focus on sending the idea instantly.

With the disappointingly short attention span of people today, you want to try to hook your viewers preferably under 30 - 45 seconds. It might sound daunting, but a well-planned video script will do the trick.

2. Assume They Don’t Know You

Who are you? What are you providing? Why should I subscribe to your channel?

These are questions you should try answering. You’re not trying to reach your existing customers. You’re trying to extend that base.

New viewers must be able to determine if your content is right for them or not. Get straight to the point of explaining what you are offering them and why they should subscribe to your channel.

They need to feel like your channel was made for them. They need a good reason to stay, so give them that reason.

3. Show Off Your Persona

Connect with your subscribers. Get in front of the camera. Adding that personal touch is a great way to draw more people.

Get your personality to shine through your video and you’d be surprised at the response.

Camera shy? Just incorporate a video montage of older clips that captures the essence of you and your channel.

4. Let Them Know What’s Coming

Routine. People love that.

Let them know what kind of videos you make and how often you publish it.

You want to set the tone and nature of your videos in such a way, they have something to look forward to.

When they know what’s coming, viewers are more in sync with you and that’s important if you want some love from their side too.

5. Show, Don’t Tell

Describing everything that you’re offering could become a little boring. Instead, show them what you got.

Show them the parts of your channel that will give them the impact, that drive to tap that Subscribe button.

Compile various clips from videos on your channel to give them a clear idea of what it’s about.

That makes your video more interesting and visual, thereby increasing the number of potential subscribers too.

6. Ask Them To Subscribe

Don’t forget the call-to-action.

ASK!

The point is to get as many people as possible to subscribe to your channel. So, what do you do?

You ask them to subscribe! Make it loud and clear.

Apart from doing it verbally, you could use YouTube cards or annotations throughout the video to encourage viewers to click that subscribe button you so deserve.

7. Update Your Trailer Regularly

Your content is bound to go through some changes or the other. Maybe it’s the content itself, or the look of the channel or an entirely different product/service too.

Either way, make sure your trailer is updated regularly. This isn’t a one-time thing.

How often you update the trailer depends on the type of content and the frequency of your videos being published. For instance, if you publish one video every week, an annual or even quarterly update should do.

All clear on those useful tips? Great! Now, how about we learn how to add the trailer to your channel?

Yes? Alright then.

How To Add A Channel Trailer On YouTube

Now that you know the tips to make an amazing channel trailer, let’s look into the step-by-step process of adding the trailer to your YouTube channel.

Step 1: Go to your channel page

Once there, click your user icon and open My Channel.

Step 2: Customize channel

At the top right corner, click Customize Channel.

Step 3: Enable channel customization

Click on the gear/settings icon. Enable Customize the layer of your channel.

Click Save.

Step 4: Choose ‘For New Visitors’

You’ll notice the option to add a trailer when you choose this.

Step 5: Add the trailer

Click on the plus icon which says Channel Trailer and waits for a playlist window to open. Choose your trailer from the playlist.

Click Save. You’ll notice that your trailer was added to your channel.

You can also remove or change the trailer after.

Don’t want to go through the trouble of doing all the hard work yourself? Here are a few of the best software to help you make a YouTube channel trailer.

Best YouTube channel trailer makers

YouTube channel trailer examples

Now that you know everything about creating a YouTube channel trailer, check out these great examples for inspiration.

1. HubSpot

Clocked in at 1:22, this video may have exceeded the ideal time limit, but what matters is the fact that they got your attention.

From beginning to end, the video plays on curiosity and makes sure you sit through the whole trailer. Any video that can do that is great.

2. SoulPancake!

This 50-second video perfectly introduces you to their channel with the interesting and intriguing montages and makes you want to watch more. By the end of the trailer, viewers are given a clear idea of what this channel is about.

3. Will Smith

It’s Will Smith’s channel! You’ve got to love it.

The trailer is fast-paced and engaging and truly captures the essence of what he wants to show the world.

And again, it’s Will Smith.

4. Masterclass

What better gift than to learn from the best of the best.

This is what they aim to tell the world, and that’s exactly what the trailer conveyed in one minute.

The most talented artists, in one video, ready to teach you everything they know - that sure does have a ring to it!

5. Hishe

This trailer gives the best of their channel under one minute, giving the viewer a reason to watch more.

Just watch it. Why? Because that’s how it should have ended.

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Wrapping Up

Got the idea? Now get out there and make your very own killer YouTube channel trailer and make yourself proud.

Still feeling a pang of uncertainty? Worry not. Feel free to contact us and we’ll be glad to help.