majiayu000 YouTube Video Ideation (Search-First + Ed Lawrence Method)
Generate video concepts that rank for real search terms AND perform well algorithmically.
Core Philosophy: Search + Browse
Every video needs BOTH:
- Search ranking - Title matches keywords people actually search
- Browse performance - Thumbnail/hook stops scrolling
Reference file: youtube/system/aeo-keyword-data.md (source of truth for all keyword decisions)
Step 1: Keyword Selection (FIRST)
Before generating ANY ideas, select the target keyword.
Keyword Tiers (from aeo-keyword-data.md)
| Tier | Volume | Growth | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Core AEO | 1K-10K | +900% | answer engine optimization, ai search optimization |
| 2: High Volume | 10K-100K | +900% | ai seo, google ai overviews |
| 3: Emerging | 10-1K | +∞ | rank in chatgpt, optimize for chatgpt |
| 4: Comparison | 1K-10K | +900% | seo vs geo |
Selection Criteria
For flagship content: Tier 1 keywords (own the category) For quick wins: Tier 3 keywords (first-mover, low competition) For volume: Tier 2 keywords (broader audience) For conversions: Tier 4 keywords (comparison = buyer intent)
Document the target keyword before proceeding.
Step 2: Title Formula (Search-Optimized)
The Formula
[Target Keyword]: [Specific Promise/Outcome]
Examples by Keyword
| Target Keyword | Search-Optimized Title |
|---|---|
| answer engine optimization | "Answer Engine Optimization: Complete Guide 2026" |
| rank in chatgpt | "How to Rank in ChatGPT (Step-by-Step)" |
| ai search optimization | "AI Search Optimization: Get Found by ChatGPT & Gemini" |
| seo vs geo | "SEO vs GEO: What Actually Matters in 2026" |
| google ai overviews | "Google AI Overviews: How to Get Featured" |
Title Requirements
- Target keyword appears in first 5 words (SEO)
- Specific outcome or promise (click-worthy)
- No clickbait (delivers on promise)
- Under 60 characters (doesn't truncate)
Step 3: The 1+1=3 Rule (Thumbnail)
Title and thumbnail must COMPLEMENT, not repeat.
| Title Does | Thumbnail Does |
|---|---|
| Contains the keyword | Creates emotional reaction |
| Explains WHAT | Shows WHY it matters |
| Targets search | Stops scrolling |
Thumbnail Text Rules
- 3-5 words maximum
- Does NOT repeat title words
- Emotional/stakes-based
- Readable at 160x90px (mobile)
Examples
| Title | Thumbnail Text (BAD) | Thumbnail Text (GOOD) |
|---|---|---|
| "Answer Engine Optimization Guide" | "AEO GUIDE" | "NEW SEO" |
| "How to Rank in ChatGPT" | "RANK IN CHATGPT" | "GET FOUND" |
| "SEO vs GEO" | "SEO VS GEO" | "WHICH ONE?" |
Step 4: Concept Generation (5 Variations)
Generate 5 title/thumbnail combinations for the target keyword.
Variation Types
Variation 1: Direct How-To
- Title: "[Keyword]: [Step-by-Step/Complete Guide/How-To]"
- Thumbnail: Action-oriented text
Variation 2: Transformation
- Title: "[Keyword] Took This Business From X to Y"
- Thumbnail: Before/after implication
Variation 3: Data/Research
- Title: "I Studied [X] for [Keyword] - Here's What Works"
- Thumbnail: Surprising stat or finding
Variation 4: Problem-Aware
- Title: "Why [Keyword] Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)"
- Thumbnail: Problem acknowledgment
Variation 5: Comparison/Contrarian
- Title: "[Keyword] vs [Alternative]: [Verdict]"
- Thumbnail: Choice/tension
Step 5: Selection (5 → 3 → 1)
Round 1: Kill List Filter (5 → 3)
Reject any title that:
- Doesn't include keyword in first 5 words
- Over 60 characters
- Thumbnail repeats title words
- No specific promise/outcome
- Sounds like clickbait
Advance 3 titles.
Round 2: Read Aloud Test (3 → 1)
Read each title aloud. Ask:
- Would I click this?
- Does it sound natural?
- Does the thumbnail add information?
Select winner.
Step 6: Thumbnail Specification
Required Elements
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Your face | Right 40% of frame |
| Expression | Matches video mood |
| Text | 3-5 words, upper-left |
| Hero color | Yellow/Red/Gold/Teal (see style guide) |
| Visual metaphor | ONE subtle element |
| Clear zone | Bottom-right for timestamp |
Color Selection
| Video Mood | Hero Color | Hex |
|---|---|---|
| Success/Achievement | Gold | #C9A86C |
| Warning/Problem | Red | #FF4444 |
| New/Tech/Modern | Teal | #00D4FF |
| Default/Positive | Yellow | #FFE135 |
Expression Guide
| Video Type | Expression |
|---|---|
| Tutorial/Guide | Serious, authoritative |
| Transformation | Impressed, satisfied |
| Problem/Warning | Concerned, furrowed brow |
| Success/Proof | Slight smirk, confident |
Step 7: Final Validation
Search Check
- Target keyword in title (first 5 words)
- Matches real search intent
- Would rank for this term
Browse Check
- Thumbnail doesn't repeat title
- Readable at mobile size
- Face + emotion + text + metaphor
Positioning Check
- Fits AEO channel positioning
- Leverages credibility/proof
- Clear CTA to next video possible
Output Format
## VIDEO CONCEPT
**Target Keyword:** [from keyword data]
**Search Volume:** [X/month]
**YoY Growth:** [X%]
---
### TITLE
[The exact title - under 60 chars]
### THUMBNAIL
- **Text:** [3-5 words]
- **Hero Color:** [Color + hex]
- **Expression:** [What to find in freeze frame]
- **Visual Metaphor:** [ONE element]
### ANGLE
[What makes this video different/unique]
### SEARCH INTENT
[What is the searcher trying to learn/do?]
### VIDEO-TO-VIDEO CTA
[What video does this lead to next?]
---
### REJECTED VARIATIONS
1. [Title 1] - Rejected because: [reason]
2. [Title 2] - Rejected because: [reason]
3. [Title 3] - Rejected because: [reason]
AEO Content Calendar (Reference)
Flagship Content (Search-Optimized)
| # | Target Keyword | Title | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | answer engine optimization | "Answer Engine Optimization: Complete Guide 2026" | 1K-10K |
| 2 | rank in chatgpt | "How to Rank in ChatGPT (Step-by-Step)" | 10-100 +∞ |
| 3 | ai search optimization | "AI Search Optimization: Get Found by ChatGPT & Gemini" | 1K-10K |
| 4 | seo vs geo | "SEO vs GEO: What Actually Matters in 2026" | 1K-10K |
| 5 | google ai overviews | "Google AI Overviews: How to Get Featured" | 10K-100K |
Story/Case Study Content (Retention-Focused)
| # | Title | Hook Type | Thumbnail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | "ChatGPT Convinced Me to Buy a Porsche" | Origin story | "$50K DECISION" |
| 7 | "This Clinic Was Invisible to AI. 30 Days Later, #1." | Transformation | "NOW #1" |
| 8 | "I Audited 100 Businesses. Half Are Losing Customers." | Data reveal | "HALF LOSING" |
| 9 | "Why ChatGPT Doesn't Mention Your Business" | Problem aware | "INVISIBLE?" |
| 10 | "The First 50 Words Rule" | Tactical insight | "50 WORDS" |
Quick Reference: Keyword → Title
| Keyword | Title Template |
|---|---|
| answer engine optimization | "Answer Engine Optimization: [Promise]" |
| ai search optimization | "AI Search Optimization: [Outcome]" |
| rank in chatgpt | "How to Rank in ChatGPT [Method]" |
| optimize for chatgpt | "Optimize for ChatGPT: [Guide Type]" |
| seo vs geo | "SEO vs GEO: [Verdict/Question]" |
| google ai overviews | "Google AI Overviews: [How-to]" |
| is seo dead | "Is SEO Dead? [Answer/Test]" |
| ai seo | "AI SEO: [What You Need to Know]" |
Remember
- Keyword first - Select from aeo-keyword-data.md before ideating
- Title = search - Must contain keyword in first 5 words
- Thumbnail = browse - Must NOT repeat title, must stop scrolling
- 1+1=3 rule - Title and thumbnail complement each other
- 5 → 3 → 1 - Generate variations, filter, select winner
- Mobile test - Thumbnail readable at 160x90px
The goal: Rank for the search term AND get clicked in browse.