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Oct 25 • 💬 General discussion
37 Types of YouTube Video Formats
Need some inspiration for your next YouTube video? Here are 37 formats to start you off. Let me know in the comments if you would like clarification/examples/etc, or just let us know what video format you like the best for your channel!
Foundational / Core Formats
- Talking Head – The creator speaks directly to the camera, often in a home studio or simple setup. Great for tutorials, storytelling, commentary, or thought leadership.
- Vlog – “Video blog” format following the creator’s day, experience, or journey. Can be cinematic or casual. Builds parasocial connection.
- Video Essay – Scripted, narrative-driven commentary often with B-roll, archival clips, and research. Common in film, culture, or tech analysis.
- Tutorial / How-To – Step-by-step instructional videos teaching a specific skill, tool, or process.
- Review / Unboxing – Creator reviews or unboxes a product with commentary, pros/cons, and personal experience.
- Challenge Video – Creator attempts a challenge (e.g., “I made $100 in 24 hours online”) with a storytelling or experiment-style twist.
Educational & Informational Formats
7. Explainer Video – Uses visuals, animations, or concise explanations to break down complex topics.
8. Listicle / Countdown – “Top 10…” or “5 Ways to…” format that’s easy to consume and great for SEO.
9. Case Study / Breakdown – Analyzes a person, business, trend, or event in detail.
10. Deep Dive / Longform Documentary – In-depth research piece on a niche subject; slower pace, high retention.
11. Mythbusting / Fact Check – Debunks common misconceptions or viral claims.
Entertainment & Storytelling Formats
12. Storytime – Personal story told directly to camera, often dramatic or funny.
13. Reaction Video – Creator reacts to media, trends, or viewer submissions.
14. Compilation / Montage – Curated clips or highlights, often from other videos or events.
15. Parody / Skit – Short comedic or satirical videos imitating trends or cultural moments.
16. Documentary Vlog Hybrid – Mix of vlog storytelling and investigative/documentary structure.
Business & Passive Formats
17. Cash Cow / Faceless Channel – Outsourced or AI-assisted channel with voiceover and stock footage, built for ad revenue.
18. Compilation / Highlight Channel – Clips of viral or public domain content monetized for watch time and ads.
19. Podcast Video – Longform conversation or interview, often repurposed for audio platforms.
20. Case Study / Business Breakdown – Detailed look at business models, marketing strategies, or income reports.
Experimental / Creator-Driven Formats
21. Social Experiment – Creator sets up a real-world scenario to observe reactions or outcomes.
22. Transformation / Journey – Before-and-after story showing progress over time.
23. Time-lapse / Process Video – Condenses a long process into a short, satisfying video.
24. Mini-Doc Series – Episodic storytelling around a theme for bingeable viewing.
25. Behind the Scenes – Shows how something is made or the creator’s workflow.
26. Comparison / Versus – Head-to-head comparison between tools, strategies, or ideas.
Community & Interactive Formats
27. AMA / Q&A – Creator answers community questions in an informal or humorous way.
28. Subscriber Experiments – Creator tests ideas submitted by the audience.
29. Collaboration / Duet – Multiple creators work together or react to each other’s content.
30. Challenge Your Audience – Turns a challenge outward for the audience to try themselves.
Lesser-Known / Emerging Formats
31. Silent Tutorial – Tutorial or process video with no talking, relying on visuals and ambient sound.
32. Narrative Commentary – Combines storytelling and opinion, often over gameplay or background footage.
33. “Study With Me” / “Work With Me” – Real-time co-working or focus sessions with light music.
34. Data-Driven Visual Story – Animated storytelling using charts and stats, popular in economics and tech.
35. First Principles Breakdown – Explains how things work from the ground up in an analytical way.
36. AI or Automation Experiments – Creator builds or tests something using AI tools.
37. Narrative Voiceover Channel – Faceless, story-based content narrated with emotion or mystery.
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37 Types of YouTube Video Formats
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