How-To Promise
Best for: Tutorials, editing, cooking, fitness
The hook
- Say
- Here's how to make phone footage look cinematic.
The first 3 seconds
- 0.0s“Here's how to make phone footage look cinematic.”
- 1.0sThe finished result is already on screen.
- 2.0s“Step one.”
- 3.0sThe viewer has seen the payoff and is learning.
Why it works
It promises a clear skill and a clear payoff.
What you need
- One skill or result you can teach in 3 steps
- The finished result, ready to show first
- A clip of each step
Step by step
Plan
- Promise one specific result, not “some tips”.
- Cut the method down to 3 steps or fewer.
Film
- Film the result first, looking its best.
- Film each step clearly, close enough to see exactly what you do.
Edit
- Show the result in the first 2 seconds, behind the line or straight after it.
- Number the steps on screen, and end on the result again.
Use it in your niche
- EditingHere's how to make your captions pop in 10 seconds.
- FitnessHere's how to get your first pull-up.
- CookingHere's how to make crispy fries without a deep fryer.
Pro tips
- Specific beats general. “Cinematic phone footage” beats “better videos”.
- If a step needs more than 10 seconds, it's two steps or a different video.
Avoid
- Teaching 7 steps in a Short. People can't follow, and they leave.
- Showing the result only at the end.
