Nail Your How-To Videos: The Secret Formula to Getting More Views and Looking Like a Pro

Here's the thing: have you ever abandoned a how-to video halfway through, realizing that it would get you nowhere? Chances are you have; almost everybody has. Some of these tutorials are pure, mindless 20-minute blabberings, without a grain of instruction in their content, just a guy mumbling, "Uhh, so yeah... just do it like this" while the camera shivers like a squirrel attached to a nervous human.

But a good how-to video? That’s a game-changer. The kind that inspires amateur wannabes feel brilliant even if one was clueless just a moment before. If you want to make one of those videos-the clear, retaining attention, and actually helpful ones-you must do it right.

Hook ‘Em Before They Bail

Let’s be real. People’s attention spans are shorter than ever. If your video starts with, “Hey guys, welcome to my channel, today I’m going to show you…” Nope. They’re gone. Scrolled right past you.

The first few seconds make or break your video. So instead of easing into it, grab ‘em fast.

• Ask something relatable: “Ever wonder why your YouTube videos get zero views? Let’s fix that.”
• Point out a mistake they’re making: “Most people edit their videos wrong. Are you one of them?”
• Offer a quick win: “Here’s how to clean up background noise instantly—no fancy software needed.”

The goal? Make them feel like they need to watch the rest. No fluff, no filler, just value upfront.

Keep It Simple, Einstein

The biggest sin of tutorial videos? Overcomplicating things. People don’t need a TED Talk—they need steps. And fast.

Stick to one topic. If you try to cram in too much, you’ll lose ‘em.

Use normal words. No one cares if you technically know the correct terminology. Just say what needs to be said in plain English.

Keep it structured. Step 1, Step 2, Step 3. No detours. No “quick little side notes.”

And for the love of everything, don’t talk in circles. If a step needs more detail, explain it quickly and move on. Your viewers will thank you.

Show, Don’t Just Blab

This one’s obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people get it wrong. A tutorial is visual. You can’t just sit there talking about how to do something—you gotta show it.

• Screen recording for software tutorials? Non-negotiable.
• Doing a physical task? Get close-up shots. Let people see what’s happening.
• Listing steps? Put some text on screen so it sticks.

Also, a lot of people watch videos on mute (because, y’know, the internet is full of distractions). Captions help. Plus, they make your video way more accessible.

Make Sure People Find Your Video

Even the best tutorial is useless if nobody sees it. That’s where a little SEO magic comes in.

• Write a title that makes people want to click. “How to Edit Videos” is meh. “How to Edit Videos Like a Pro (5 Easy Steps)” is way better.
• Use keywords naturally in the title, description, and tags. Find out what people are searching for and make sure you show up.
• Thumbnails matter. If it looks boring, no one’s clicking. Use clear text and a strong image.

And don’t forget to ask people to engage. It feels weird at first, but trust me—comments, likes, and subscriptions tell the algorithm, “Hey, this video is good, show it to more people.”

End Strong, Not Awkward

Ever finish watching a tutorial, and the creator just kind of... ends it? No next steps, no clear takeaway—just an awkward, “Uh, yeah, so... that’s it.”

No. Do better.

Give your viewers something to do next.

• “Try this out and tell me in the comments if it worked for you.”
• “Hit subscribe if you want more easy tutorials every week.”
• “Watch this next video to level up your skills.”

Also, pin a comment with links, timestamps, or anything else that keeps people around. The longer they stick with your content, the better your video does.

Final Thoughts (AKA, Why You Should Actually Do This Right)

Look, you don’t need a fancy camera or Hollywood-level editing skills to make a great tutorial. What you do need is a plan. Keep it clear, keep it engaging, and most importantly—make sure it actually helps people.

Because in the end, the best how-to videos aren’t just about views—they’re about value. If you can make something that genuinely helps someone solve a problem, they’ll keep coming back. And that? That’s how you win the internet.

Now go make something awesome.

Want to get rewarded for helping people? Platforms like PlayTV let you earn by sharing positive, impact-driven content—like educational how-to videos that inspire and teach. Or short form Burst videos. Create, share, and actually get something back for making the internet a better place. Your knowledge deserves more than just views.

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