Stuck in a rut? 8 ideation strategies to spark your next video

Every creator knows the feeling. You're passionate, you're ready to film, but… the ideas just aren't flowing. The blank page (or empty timeline) can feel daunting. Even the most prolific creators hit creative roadblocks.

But here’s the secret: ideation isn't just about waiting for a lightning bolt of inspiration. It's a skill you can develop, a muscle you can strengthen. So, if you're feeling stuck, don't despair! We've put together 7 proven strategies to help you spark your next brilliant video idea and get that creative momentum back.

1. The "Problem/Solution" Power Hour

Think about your audience. What are their biggest questions, frustrations, or desires related to your niche?

• Action: Grab a timer and spend 15 minutes listing every problem your audience faces. Then, spend another 15 minutes brainstorming solutions or ways your content could address those problems.
• Example: If you're a cooking channel, problems might include "recipes are too complicated," "don't know what to make for dinner," or "food waste." Solutions could be "5-ingredient weeknight meals," "meal prep Sundays," or "recipes for leftover ingredients."

2. Reinvent Your Greatest Hits (and Misses)

Your past content is a goldmine for future ideas.

• Action: Go into your YouTube Analytics. What were your top-performing videos? Can you create a "Part 2," an updated version, or explore a sub-topic from that video more deeply? Also, look at videos that didn't perform well. Was the idea good but the execution flawed? Can you re-tackle it from a different angle or format?
• Example: If your "Beginner's Guide to Digital Art" did well, consider "Advanced Shading Techniques" or "Common Digital Art Mistakes." If a video on "Unpopular Opinions" flopped, maybe a more focused "Reacting to Your Unpopular Opinions" would resonate.

3. Tap into Trends (The Smart Way)

Trends offer a built-in audience, but it's crucial to adapt them to your unique voice.

• Action: Use tools like Trends in YouTube Studio and Google Trends to see what's gaining traction. Instead of just copying, ask: "How can I apply this trend to my niche or my unique perspective?"
• Example: If a dance challenge is popular, a fitness creator could do "Dance Challenge Workout." A tech reviewer might do "Reviewing the Gadgets from That Viral Dance Challenge."

4. Audience Q&A / Polling Power

Your community is your best source of inspiration. They tell you exactly what they want to see!

• Action: Post on your Community Tab or host a short Q&A on a live stream. Ask direct questions: "What video would help you most right now?" "What's one thing you wish you knew about [your niche]?" Create polls with potential video topics and let your audience vote.
• Example: A beauty creator could ask, "What's your biggest makeup struggle: winged liner or contouring?" The answers directly inform future tutorial ideas.

5. The "Opposite Day" Approach

Sometimes, looking at the inverse of a common idea can spark something fresh.

• Action: Take a common piece of advice or a popular video type in your niche and flip it on its head.
• Example: Instead of "5 Tips for Productivity," try "5 Ways I'm Unproductive (and Why That's Okay)." Instead of "Travel Hacks," try "Travel Mishaps (and What I Learned)."

6. Dive Deep into Search Data

What are people actively searching for on YouTube and Google?

• Action: Use the YouTube search bar's auto-suggest feature. Type in a keyword related to your niche and see what long-tail keywords pop up. Also, explore "People Also Ask" sections on Google search results. These are direct indicators of audience curiosity.
• Example: Typing "sustainable fashion" might suggest "sustainable fashion on a budget," "sustainable fashion brands," or "sustainable fashion haul." Each of these is a potential video title.

7. The "Mind Map" Brain Dump

Sometimes, you just need to get everything out of your head.

• Action: Start with your main niche or channel theme in the center. Branch out with sub-topics, then branch out further with specific questions, ideas, or formats related to those sub-topics. Don't filter, just write!
• Example: If your channel is about "Gardening," branches might include "Vegetables," "Flowers," "Pests," "Tools." Under "Vegetables," you might have "Tomato Growing Tips," "Companion Planting for Carrots," "Container Gardening for Small Spaces."

8. Leverage the "Inspiration" Tab

You don’t have to look far for even more inspiration! YouTube is constantly providing insights into what's working and giving creators more tools to help drive their creativity.

• Action: Navigate to your YouTube Studio on Desktop and explore the "Inspiration" tab. This section allows you to brainstorm new video ideas, thumbnails, and more with the help of AI.
• Example: Creators can tailor ideas directly in the prompt by refining it with phrases such as “make it funny,” “set it in space” or “make it more formal.”

Remember, every great video starts with a compelling idea. By proactively using these strategies, you'll not only overcome creative blocks but also build a consistent pipeline of content that resonates with your audience! Happy creating.