# Title Formula

> Generate 10+ YouTube title options using Jake Thomas's 3 Click Triggers, IMPACT framework, and 7 proven formulas. Scores each title for CTR potential. Use when naming a video or brainstorming packaging.

- Skill: `ravsau/title-formula` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add ravsau/title-formula`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/ravsau/title-formula/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: ravsau (https://skillmd.com/u/ravsau)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/ravsau/title-formula

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# YouTube Title Formula Generator

Generate 10+ title options for: **$ARGUMENTS**

## Process

1. **Understand the video's core value** — what transformation or insight does the viewer get?
2. **Generate titles using ALL frameworks below** — at least 2 per framework
3. **Score each title** on the rubric
4. **Output a ranked table** with scores and reasoning

## Framework 1: Jake Thomas's 3 Click Triggers

From a 408-title database analysis:

- **Curiosity (61%)** — Create an information void. "The [Thing] Nobody Talks About"
- **Desire (46%)** — Promise something wanted. "How I [Got Desirable Outcome]"
- **Fear/Negativity (40%)** — Warn about loss. "Stop [Common Mistake] Before [Bad Outcome]"

Generate at least 2 titles per trigger.

## Framework 2: 7 Proven Formulas

1. **Specific Number:** "7 [Mistakes/Tips] That [Outcome] [$Amount]"
2. **Curiosity Gap:** "The [Niche] [Hack/Secret] That [Result] in [Timeframe]"
3. **Transformation Promise:** "How I [Achieved X] in [Timeframe] (Starting From [Low Point])"
4. **Warning/Mistake:** "Stop Doing This If You Want [Result]"
5. **Year + Action:** "Best [Topic] [Year] (What Actually Works Now)"
6. **Versus Frame:** "[Option A] vs [Option B]: Which Is [Better/Cheaper/Faster]?"
7. **Achievement Story:** "How [Subject] Got to [Impressive Number]"

Generate at least 1 title per formula that fits the topic.

## Framework 3: IMPACT Scoring

Score each generated title on these 6 dimensions (1-5 each, max 30):

| Dimension | What to Check |
|-----------|--------------|
| **I**mmediate Hook | Do the first 3-5 words grab attention? |
| **M**easurable Outcome | Does it include a number, result, or specific claim? |
| **P**ersonal/Proof | Is there credibility or personal element? |
| **A**udience Clarity | Is it clear who this is for? |
| **C**uriosity/Controversy | Does it create an information gap or provoke? |
| **T**imeframe/Urgency | Is there a time element creating urgency? |

## MrBeast Title Rules

Apply these filters to every title:
- Active voice, simple vocabulary, monosyllabic words preferred
- More extreme wording always wins ("I Survive" > "I Spent")
- Title + thumbnail conceived TOGETHER — they must NOT repeat each other
- Front-load the keyword in first 40 characters (mobile truncation)
- Optimal length: 45-55 characters
- Under 8 words is ideal when the idea is simple enough
- Put numbers, dollar amounts, or time pressure early
- Avoid exclamation marks; they often signal weak confidence

## High-Frequency Beast-Style Patterns

Use these only when the video can fully deliver the promise:

| Pattern | Formula | Example Shape |
|---------|---------|---------------|
| Money Anchor | "$[amount] + [object/action]" | "$1 vs $1,000,000 [Thing]" |
| First-Person Challenge | "I [extreme action] for [time/condition]" | "I Survived [Extreme] for [Time]" |
| Time Pressure | "[time limit] + [challenge/stakes]" | "Last To Leave [Place] Wins [Prize]" |
| Extreme Contrast | "[small/cheap] vs [large/expensive]" | "[Cheap Option] vs [Absurd Option]" |
| Emotional Trigger | "I [high-emotion outcome]" | "I Helped [specific group] [specific result]" |

## Title Anti-Patterns

Reject or rewrite titles that do any of this:
- **Generic listicle**: "10 Tips for AI Coding" has no stakes, conflict, or visual promise.
- **Vague noun stack**: "AI Programming Productivity Strategy" does not create a picture.
- **Buried payoff**: the interesting number/result appears after the mobile truncation point.
- **Descriptive but not clickable**: the title names the topic but gives no reason to care.
- **Unfilmable promise**: the title wins the click but the video cannot satisfy it.

## Output Format

```markdown
## Title Options for: [Topic]

| Rank | Title | Chars | IMPACT Score | Trigger | Formula | Notes |
|------|-------|-------|-------------|---------|---------|-------|
| 1 | ... | 48 | 24/30 | Curiosity + Fear | Warning | Front-loaded keyword |
| 2 | ... | 52 | 22/30 | Desire | Transformation | Strong measurable |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |

### Top 3 Deep Analysis

**#1: "[Title]"**
- Why it works: ...
- Thumbnail direction: ... (must complement, NOT repeat the title)
- First 5 words on mobile: "..."
- Click trigger: ...

[Repeat for #2 and #3]

### Rejected Titles (and why)
- "[Bad title]" — too vague, no measurable, buried keyword
```

## Rules

- Generate at least 10 titles, aim for 15
- Be specific: numbers, dollar amounts, timeframes over vague promises
- Every title must pass the "would I click this from a stranger?" test
- Educational channels: title carries more weight than thumbnail. Invest here.
- Power words ("ultimate," "proven," "surprising") get 8.3% higher CTR — use sparingly
- Never use clickbait that the video can't deliver on — satisfaction > CTR in 2026 algorithm