The State of YouTube Video Intros 2024 - What's Working Now

I've reviewed 1000s of small-to-mid size channel KZbin video intros to bring you: how to win KZbin video intros and increase retention right now.
PERSONALIZED HELP 📈:
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IDEATION 💡:
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AI-backed customized-to-channel ideation + titles: vidiq.com/nateblack/
RUNNING A CHANNEL ⚙️:
The free template I made (and recommend) for running a KZbin channel (ideas, production, timeline, goals): clickup.pxf.io/c/5015775/1909...
RECORDING 🎙️:
Microphone I use in videos (I rarely do any audio processing, and the room is only lightly sound-dampened): amzn.to/47PBzvz
Mic arm for the above: amzn.to/3GjdYYi
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Lighting really good for talking head videos: amzn.to/3uBbZw0
I also share more outside KZbin 🧡:
Instagram (behind the scenes): / thatnateblack
X/Threads (thoughts): / thatnateblack
#youtubeintro #growonyoutube
BE RADICAL

[@ThatNateBlack]

BIG thank you to the channels who volunteered in the comments in previous videos! What video topic would you love to see me tackle next?

[@CatchyCartoons]

Could talk about 'How To...' videos?

[@coolabahwoodworking]

Hooks and loops. How to hook and open a loop 😁

[@TroubleAndScamp]

Com-mew-nity tab. Is it even useful?

[@classicaljg]

I think this is probably a bit too specific to me and not helpful for others, but I would love some advice on a balancing letting people know I have expertise on a topic, but not coming across as a know it all or making my feel like a lecture (I am a History lecturer with a PhD and some of my videos are based on actual lectures so this is a very particular problem for me!)

[@CRUSHEQUITY]

Making Long form Episodic series where ppl want to watch it on their tv like a tv show and how that differs from your standard KZbin video model if any.

[@laughandlove77]

Anyone else start chopping onions when Nate got all up in our face saying, "You are going to do really good stuff with your content! And are already doing it, and you deserve to be confident with it!" No? Just me? 😅 Thanks Nate! 💜

[@ThatNateBlack]

Awe glad to hear!

[@To-dikaio-apla]

No way I can manage to do all these things. I blame my niche (law made simple 😂) but I will keep trying no matter what. Thank you!

[@SilverSeeker]

Nate you have VERY quickly become my favorite KZbin teacher :) WELL Done :)

[@ThatNateBlack]

Wow, thanks!

[@becomesavvy]

Agreed! Nate and Film Booth/Creator Booth are pretty much the only KZbin Ed channels I watch nowadays :)

[@fostertalesrescue]

Ditto

[@laughandlove77]

Yes! Agreed! 💯

[@tammycoin]

Same🎉

[@ProducingInTheBox]

For anyone interested, that intro has a 67% retention within the first 30 seconds, which is usual for my audience! Most videos that take off have around 71% and above for me (until they reach a wider audience) THRILLED to see you featured me on your channel! Thanks for that and for the kind words. You’re awesome, Nate!

[@ClaytonsWoodArt]

I took a look at your channel and your views best mine. I think that your content reaches a somewhat larger audience than mine. Either way, I have taken away some great stuff from Nate’s video! G’Day Mate! PS. I’m not Australian 😂

[@TheWellnessChapter]

That's really useful to know - I (total newbie here) have got about 67% at 30sec and then the graph very slowly makes its way down to around 30% - that's on videos that are about 10-12min long, I am thinking of making the videos no longer than 8min to get my average view duration up but then I would be sacrificing on the content - so not sure what to do there

[@ProducingInTheBox]

@@TheWellnessChapter my theory is you earn the right to make a longer video once you can hold attention during a shorter video. BUT sometimes you have to make content for you. There’s always a few videos you need to make for you!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Our intros work really well. It's like an 8 second snappy preview of the video itself showing highlights. I found that it helps retention because people look forward to seeing what they were teased with in the beginning.

[@Rufio1975]

Like that idea. Going to have to try it and see if it helps any for me.

[@DragonActual]

Reminds me of some vlogs or gaming videos where 1 moment later in the video is shown at the start

[@SkillzNGameplay]

Works a treat especially if you have a jump scare clip or something lively 👌🏼

[@ClaytonsWoodArt]

@@SkillzNGameplay “Works a Treat”, sounds like a delightful phrase to appropriate! Works Great would be the appropriate vernacular in this neck of the woods, if I’m picking up what you’re putting down! 😂😂

[@SkillzNGameplay]

@@ClaytonsWoodArt 😂😂😂

[@adobemadesimple]

Nates method for teaching is so effective because I honestly believe (even behind the scenes) that he is genuinely passionate about what he's saying on camera - He clearly and confidently annunciates every word - he injects humor into his talking head style videos and even makes fun of himself sometimes which makes him relatable He also gives you real value by doing EXTREMELY in depth research on the topics he discusses (which I imagine takes forever when prepping for a video) I have nothing but good things to say about you Nate and my only wish is that someday my own channel will make it on your "things you should do" style videos :D - You and a small handful of others are responsible for the quality I have developed in the past 2 years on KZbin so Thank you!!

[@stephantual]

Thanks Nate. You're the only "KZbinr about KZbin" that comes accross as genuinely kind. Re: intro, it's tempting to emulate our favorite TV shows as kids, but I found that skipping it entirely is better for the user. They've seen the thumbnail ("the topic") and title ("the concept"), so I just answer the question they want answered immediately, then go into details. I try to remember real people watch my videos and their time is precious. Thank you for your advice!

[@LilyGazou]

Thank you!! This makes me want to check your channel.

[@LunLunBall]

Hey Nate, just wanna say I appreciate you. I watched literally every one of your videos when I was starting out, and even now, even tho my channel is pretty stable, I still constantly check out your videos to learn/improve. Also always loved your energy 😊 Best wishes to you and your family.

[@ThatNateBlack]

Wow thank you, and I’M SO EXCITED for your continued success!

[@ChrisHarden]

Me: Takes a break from editing to watch a new Nate Black Video. Also Me: Pauses the Nate Black video so I can then self consciously check my current video (that I'm supposed to be taking a break from editing from) to watch my own intro for a brief self-critique and overthinking session. Also Me: Goes back to finish watching the Nate Black video before going back to finishing up the editing on my own video. - Always good to be open to new ideas. Appreciate the content!

[@LilCraftyNook]

😂👌🏻

[@KopLamp]

Nate is one of the primary reasons why I procrastinate on my videos so much... ;-)

[@RadaxianaOracleTarot]

Hahahah same!!!!😂

[@ScoobzNPetz]

Hey Nate, you helped me grow to 2k!!! I’m forever grateful 🙏🏾 and if you ever want to roast or critique any of my videos you have full permission. Anyone who’s reading this, keep going you got this! 💪🏾

[@SinisterSouthernbelleReactions]

👏👏👏

[@HispleMedia]

I have been working on a video script for days now but after watching this video to about 7 minute mark, I realized that my intro already set up the video to fail. I stood up from the bed where I was relaxing and take a look at the intro again and discovered I went against all qualities of a good intro. I have now rewritten a short one that i believe is compelling and straight to the message. Thank you for this video. I have been struggling with intros for my channel since.

[@bycreativepaula]

Same! Re editing now

[@HispleMedia]

@@bycreativepaula that even help me to remove more than 500 words of unnecessary information from the script. I'm happy I saw this video today.

[@bycreativepaula]

@@HispleMedia that’s great! Let’s see all I edit out now lol

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

The last point about energy and confidence is 100% why my channel is doing as well as it is right now. Listen to Nate, everyone!!

[@andrewsiemon]

I see you got a 134,000-view video. Congratulations on your success.

[@samanthacboyer]

Thanks for including my clip! It was a good jump scare to start my day. 😂🖤 - Been watching for a while now and am starting to see growth from everything I've learned from your videos. Thanks for posting 🙏

[@ThatNateBlack]

EXCELLENT work Samantha!

[@mrtrek2117]

A great piece of advice I got was to have the audience feel they were joining the video half way through, no intro, just straight into it. I'm still playing with ideas but it seems to work, my latest video got 10,000 views in 24 hours and it just began with music and action. If folk stay to the end there is a very brief outro and see you soon.

[@LilyGazou]

I think you have the right idea.

[@troyoboyo17]

I feel like so many other "intro/script advice" videos are specifically for educational or "how to" types of videos, so I appreciate you using examples from other niches. Intros are the hardest thing for me as a pseudo-video essayist

[@katiukulele]

I appreciate that you talk about channels that aren't just about tech or youtube. I struggle with my music channel to find guidance sometimes... thank you!

[@Montana_Ranch_Rescue]

Agreed 👍🏻

[@boypiercemusic]

Glad to have Nate the GOAT back, and on his own channel!

[@TheThinkersBible]

This is a great analysis and sage advice. The 4 different styles of intros - I've seen them all discussed in isolation but never together like this, it's a great way to explain them.

[@ChlorophilG]

I love how you are subtly getting more people to comment on your videos by offering the potential of getting their channel reviewed. There are so many micro lessons in Nate's videos.

[@AloneRacecar]

It sorta feels like traditional intros have been taken a backseat as of late. But I’ve also seen intros where they hype up for what they’re about to do and then flash their channel logo (or opening movie) and then get on to the main content. Oh and even just the “Hello I’m [username]! today we are doing [subject]” and then get right into it seems decent enough in my opinion. 👍

[@oldunclemick]

I _always_ skip the canned intro movies with ONE exception: Bad Gear because Florian remakes the music and visuals each time with the product that's the subject of the video. Apart from that standout, intro clips are a waste of everyone's time (along with "this video is sponsored by..." 🥱).

[@SeansModelBuilds]

The latter type of Intro is what I do on my channel.

[@MillennialMeg]

I’m emotionally attached to my intro but I’m only 2 months in to my KZbin journey so I guess now would be the time to play around with it. Thanks Nate!

[@BStride]

When I first started I spent a lot of time working on a standard intro for each video but stopped

[@sahm_and_bean]

I definitely had a longer intro when I started and I've slowly been shortening it by a few seconds here and there. It helps with retention for sure, but because it's focused on value to the viewer now and not just how long or short it is. Best of luck!

[@WhitepepperFarmshomestead]

I love this haha! You are onto me.. but it worked.. kind of! Video was a 1 of 10 but ended up flat lining! I still consider that video a success though, it performed really well! Thank you for using my video! As always, great video! You've become the only "KZbin help" channel that I HAVE to watch every upload!

[@ginagreen5124]

So good! So, I checked my videos and all about 1+ minutes in before I start to dig into the purpose for the video...wow! Change is coming...thank you!

[@bigironbois]

Nate, discovering your channel is what gave me the push I needed to start my own! Great lessons to learn every time!

[@CreatedByGwen]

🎶🎶🎶 Another BOP! at the end... let's keep the flow 🎶 Thanks Nick, err Nate for another fab video.

[@SinisterSouthernbelleReactions]

👏👏👏

[@GuineaPigsAdventures]

I love your videos, Nate! I appreciate that you have data to back of everything that you’re saying. Keep up the good work

[@JohnMoyerHypnosis]

So great, Nate! Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@ThePhotoshopGarage]

Mr. Nate Black, you are a LEGEND, bro! I feel more equipped to create everything you drop a lesson. 💯🔥

[@phaedragardeness]

Love how you give actual real life examples. I’ve stopped watching other KZbin “experts”, they just seem to be talking crap to be honest. AND you have literally built your channel from scratch using the advice you are teaching. So we can see it works!

[@phaedragardeness]

Also, permission to comment on my videos or roast or pop them in yours as an example. I’m sitting watching all your vids taking notes 🗒️

[@vizdotlife]

Your genuineness to help and passion to teach really stands out Nate...it's contagious. Thanks a bunch and great job! Really appreciate all you do sharing with the community here.

[@UnicornOfficial.]

Ow Nate This is the best video ever, so much value, thank you so much. And the outro OMG 😅I just can't leave it 🔥

[@ThinkerLady]

Thank you Nate! I will work on this! It is super helpful that you detailed the parts of the intro!

[@kateismostlygoodwmoney]

Ahh this is so helpful, love the real case studies! I am a brand new KZbinr, just started a month ago and have absolutely NO background in filmmaking, editing, etc but learning YT has been so much fun! Brb off to binge watch the rest of your content - thank you for providing so much value!!

[@jasminep509]

You're killing it Nate!

[@Black66]

Your videos are always interesting and helpful! Thanks!

[@PlantCornerNYC]

Just started last month and found your channel SUPER helpful! Thank you so much! 😊

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Thank you for the great video! I am going to take some time to look at my intros now!

[@LauraWellsFitness]

So glad I watched this video. I really need to pump up the energy in my intros. Love your channel, Nate!

[@TrailTime.]

This is so valuable and exactly what I’m working to improve right now. I needed to hear this again Nate!! Thanks again!

[@TtheSilverStacker]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@BuildNewTowns]

Thank you for the tips! I'll be trying to put them to use soon.

[@ScaleAutoGarage]

I've been using the same style of intro for the last 3 years I think for all my videos. This is pretty great insight actually and I may have to consider some revisions. I am at a point where I am wanting to do some refinement to my entire presentations so this comes at a really great time for me. Appreciate the vid sir. Thanks.

[@Lovenesters]

This is the video I needed - Thank you. I've been focused on getting the Thumb nail right but now I need help keeping them once they click! Lots of things to work on. The specific examples are very helpful.

[@whatslucasup2]

Great insight! I appreciate you and your content! side note, are you using a new camera? you appear to be much sharper in this video.

[@TheRowingDoc]

I love that while I'm watching your vids the like count goes up. It's so fun knowing others are watching and enjoying at the same time. I don't know why. lol. Thanks for this vid, "upgrading my intro" when I edit my next vid. Thanks!

[@ivanbrezakbrkan]

Great video! Saved and shared with my team!

[@Sim0nTrains]

This has been a real eye opener as it makes me think that I'm not confident with intros and would love to improve on intros for videos. Great video Nate

[@ronvalley1973]

Thanks Nate, great video. Watched you for years. My shorts have tons of views. Amost a 1k subs. I got addicted to doing shorts. We'll keep watching and take it from here, thanks Nate!😊

[@pwhitewick]

Epic. Thanks, never really considered the intro when we started out. Just presumed people would find the content. Now, if I'm not talking in a few seconds. There is a problem!

[@lpbarreto_]

Thanks for your great content Nate!! :D

[@NovaGamingFPS]

Great video Nate I actually learned a ton from it! Please keep it up!

[@RosyHardyGardening]

Thank you Nate, this was as helpful as ever Will look to build future intros around this advice

[@JustinFurniel]

Always with the great content! Keep it up Nick!

[@Dungeon_Inspiration]

This video Poped up on me feed as I was writing my next script. Thank You for the advice!

[@NeedtoWatch_]

adding this to my playlist. thanks nate!

[@jasonstefanuk3579]

Thanks Nate, I always learn a lot.

[@IAMSWEATY_]

Hey thanks for the advice. I've watched your content and I feel like my intros are getting much better. And I know this because my retention is getting better from the beginning of my vids. Thank youuu

[@hana.s.ali93]

This was super valuable, thank you! :)

[@Piecespatpaints]

Another great video with real usable information. Thanks Nate!

[@janette99]

Thank you! I suck at these - glad to see this video!

[@sweetstreams5322]

I was just going over my last two video intros trying to figure out how to improve the next one when I saw this in my feed, TY Again Nate

[@Sambalamba-bwst]

Thank you Nate

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Man your videos are so great. Your videos feel so simple, as in there isn’t a ton of b-roll and heavy editing etc but you still hold attention and provide value so well. Really need to try this kind of style more on my channel rather than getting wrapped up with overthinking retention editing and taking weeks and weeks to produce one video

[@tube-master]

Great intro tips Nate!

[@bluechairreviews]

Been trying to integrate more of your tips into my videos, and I feel like I’ve been improving a little more with each one. You have really solid advice!

[@artemorbid]

As always I learned so much from your videos, thank you so much

[@snowstormcrafts8558]

This is great ! Thanks 😊

[@angrymikko]

You are single-handedly destroying results of your previous boss and that's amazing. You deserve all the success on this channel. Congratulations were all rooting for you 🐻

[@CliffhangerDK]

Great video, thanks!🎉

[@gunnerhillfarm]

This was really helpful. Thank you!!

[@MaxMiniTV]

Thanks, as aways, for offering a fresh perspective!

[@JauneMacReady]

Another class tutorial Nate! 👍😃

[@folasewaidowu907]

Loved the video as usual! Thanks Nate!

[@MitchBuilds]

Thanks for the feature Nate! Intros have been supper challenging so it's cool to hear you talking about mine :) I still struggle on ones where instead of building something based on an existing character it's one from my own imagination so there's less source material to share at the start. But after watching this there's some great learnings I can take from some of the other styles and incorporate into my own. STV has really been my main consideration so far so I'll be thinking more about the other two factors for future intros! You're a great teacher, thank you!

[@ThatNateBlack]

You’re rocking it!

[@MitchBuilds]

@@ThatNateBlack Thank you!!

[@Agilizamente]

I enjoy watching your videos very much! For the past few days I've been trying to implement different strategies to my videos and they have helped me ALOT... THANK YOU

[@68jennah]

Perfect length! No waste and lots to learn

[@MyTriviaHunt]

I'm so glad I found this page. It was an encouraging comment that got me to stay the first time and I'm glad I did. I have binge watched at least 5 of your videos and feel like I'm learning more here than I have in weeks with other creators fluff. Doing trivia shorts was a test honestly. I know I can make videos and I'm good with Ai Art, I've just never made a KZbin video and wanted to see if I could do it. Having only ever been on TikTok I chose shorts but now I'm thinking long form is definitely the way to go. Trivia is also not for me. I was excited at first but I'm not passionate about it and I learned that within 6 vids. It took a lot of thinking but I finally decided on graphic art with ai as a niche since that's what I love doing and KZbin taught me most of it. Yes I know I rambled but I just wanted to say thanks because you really are out here helping people with SOLID advice! ✌️ Next time I comment it will be from my new profile! 💪

[@bycreativepaula]

Such a great helpful video again!!!!! It’s so great that you explained with examples. Thanks!!

[@kestonsoldschoolcomicbooks6842]

I like the concept of STV. Another great video. Thanks, Nate!

[@coolabstractart]

Thank you!!

[@BigBinky_Gaming]

Starting out as a brand new content creator this video brought a lot to light for me. Thanks Nate!

[@Betheother]

Thanks Nate 🤝🏽💥

[@TheRoamingGomes]

We seem to have fallen into the routine of doing exactly what every other channel in our niche (RV Life) is doing... Hook, Intro, Content. Open with telling them what we will be talking about this week, roll the standard intro and proceed with the content. I really don't feel like it's working for us. We're growing PAINFULLY slowly especially when compared to our competitors. I think we're going to have to shake things up and pull out of the "same old, same old". Your videos are going to help us do that. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@fostertalesrescue]

Wow i think the insider hangout is for us thank you! Brilliant!😊

[@AtHomeInTurkey]

This video so hits the spot. Thanks! The intro is a hard one. I just go by what I like or dislike myself in other videos . And hope for the best.

[@bymyrap]

Nate !!!! I said I was ready for the hunger games and you didn’t disappoint! Thanks so much for the tips. So glad to hear my videos sound inviting (that’s one of my main goals) but now I just need to WRAP IT UP 😂😂 excited to take these tips into my next videos

[@oldchannel2015]

Thank you babe! Appreciate you very much! ❤️

[@thewastelandarchitect76]

Thank you for the advice :)

[@SecondsGuess]

This stuff is REALLY good to keep in mind! This channel's a godsend 👍

[@DoseofDirt]

Excellent video. I've really been trying to focus on my intros and fine tune them. This is incredibly helpful!

[@MotifMusicStudios]

Great actionable ideas and enjoying seeing examples too!

[@SolarFlare-ART]

Your videos always bring a smile to my face 😊

[@whereisgabri3641]

Great video! The first 20/30 seconds are crucial to retain the viewer so these are really valuable tips. As an intro, I like to include very fast paced/interesting clips to show a kind of “preview/coming up” of the video (what others may call a “hook”), so the viewer feels he/she is inside the content already.

[@SeansModelBuilds]

Like Justice Cury does!

[@johnleesuccess]

love this!!

[@fattonyfitness]

Thank you Nate, you have great valuable content. As a new channel I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the strategies required for success but feel inspired to continue after watching your videos. 👍

[@Raydawg]

Awesome advice Nick/Nate

[@IAmTatianaSmith]

Great video. I really like the insider hangout intro. I'm going to try to use that on my videos form now on. Thank you!

[@SeanGarner]

That ending🔥🔥🔥🔥AVD going to make this one over 100%!!!! Awesome content as always

[@LatinosOver40]

Get to the point quickly while showing plenty of energy in a WOW style ... Great info amigo !!!

[@StylishandGrateful]

Dang…good stuff here as always 😊 thank you!