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In a world where online attention spans are measured in mere seconds—an average of only 8 seconds, to be exact—video content has become essential.
Just think about the last time you were stuck trying to figure out a quick recipe or fix something around the house—you likely jumped on YouTube or TikTok and found a step-by-step video to guide you through it.
I remember one of my first "how-to" series—a basic guide to setting up a home office on a budget. What started as a small project exploded into something much bigger.
People were not just watching but sharing it, asking questions, and coming back for more ideas.
It was then I realized that people crave content that solves everyday problems in a straightforward, relatable way.
The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or high-tech editing to create these AI videos for YouTube and other platforms.
With smartphones accounting for over 90% of global internet traffic, anyone with a phone can easily share useful, real-world knowledge in a way that feels approachable to viewers.
Therefore, in this guide, I’ll take you through some unique "how-to"/ tutorial video ideas for all levels, inspired by real video consumption trends and practical experience. So let's get started.
Why Are “How-To” Videos Effective?
“How-to” videos have proven incredibly effective because they tap into our natural tendency to seek visual, hands-on solutions.
After 10 years in video content, I've seen this medium evolve, but the core appeal of “how-to” videos remains constant: they provide instant, actionable answers.
People want solutions they can see in action—solutions that feel attainable without needing to read through a wall of text. Well-made “how-to” educational videos offer that visual clarity and make it far easier to follow than written instructions.
From my experience, another factor behind their success is the brain’s strong preference for visual learning.
People remember 80% of what they see and do, compared to just 10% of what they hear or read. A how-to video, then, doesn’t just teach—it ingrains knowledge.
When viewers watch someone physically assembling furniture or demonstrating a technique, it’s like learning through osmosis. They don’t just understand the process; they internalize it.
And from a technical perspective, platforms like YouTube prioritize content that keeps people interested, and 'how-to' videos do well here because people are more likely to watch them all the way through as they follow along.
How to Find the Right “How-To” Video Topics
Choosing the right "how-to" video ideas for beginners is all about pinpointing specific needs that people genuinely care about. Here’s what I’ve learned works best:
1. Audience Research
Most creators think they know what their audience wants, but assumptions often fall flat. When I started using data to spot specific audience pain points, everything changed.
Let me illustrate with an example.
For a cooking channel, rather than general “how to cook pasta” videos, I dove into Google's People Also Ask section, AnswerThePublic, Reddit food forums, and even looked up Twitter conversations about cooking struggles.
What came up repeatedly wasn’t just how to cook pasta—It was people struggling to make pasta for meal prep without it getting mushy by the next day, which makes it a great subject for explainer videos.
With this insight, we created a highly specific video: “How to Make Meal Prep Pasta That Stays Fresh All Week.” This video hit home because it addressed an actual pain point.
Data doesn’t lie.
Tools including Google Trends can reveal rising searches, AnswerThePublic shows common questions, and Reddit provides raw insights straight from your audience’s conversations.
Using this data-driven approach helps you address the problems people are already looking for solutions to, making your faceless YouTube videos immediately relevant and accessible.
2. Competitor Content Assessment
Studying competitors is often an overlooked goldmine. When I started out, I’d simply watch competitors’ videos to see what they were doing right.
But after years in video content creation, I learned that the real value is in what they’re NOT doing.
Here’s how I approach it now:
I pick a few top competitors and spend serious time reading through their comment sections.
Why?
Because comments reveal the friction points and complaints that viewers have, which are exactly the gaps we can fill.
For example, when researching topics for a health channel, I noticed that the top videos on “healthy eating” left viewers feeling confused about portion sizes.
Comments kept saying things like, “This looks great, but how much should I be eating?” So, we created a video that answered that exact question, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Moreover, look at the keywords competitors are ranking for and analyze where they may be overused.
Oversaturated topics signal areas to avoid—or better yet, to approach from a new angle.
When you focus on topics that are overlooked or less covered, you make your video stand out in a sea of content.
3. Define the Problem You’re Solving
Every “how-to” video should solve a crystal-clear problem. Too often, I see creators choose topics that are way too broad and ultimately leave the audience confused or unsatisfied.
When I’m developing a topic, I drill down into one specific problem that someone really needs help with. If the problem isn’t clear, neither will your content.
Think about it this way: imagine you’re making a tutorial video on “how to reduce screen time.” That’s a broad idea.
Instead, narrow it down to something actionable like “how to reduce screen time for better sleep.” Now you have a focused issue with immediate, tangible benefits.
I once made a video on “How to Budget for Freelancers,” and it went okay. But when I narrowed it down to “How to Save for Taxes as a Freelancer”—a single, very real pain point—I saw a significant increase in engagement because I was solving a defined, practical problem.
A well-defined problem also makes your video more discoverable. People don’t usually search for broad advice; they type in specific issues they’re struggling with. Solving a clear problem is extremely crucial to creating content that truly serves its purpose.
Where to Find Hot Topics Your Audience Loves
Finding trending topics your audience actually cares about is a mix of strategy, insight, and some good old-fashioned digging.
Let’s jump into my go-to resources for uncovering what people want to know right now.
Youtube
With 2.6 billion active monthly users, YouTube remains the second-largest search engine after Google. In fact, over 500 hours of video are uploaded every minute to YouTube, so knowing what’s trending is crucial.
Here’s my process for finding hot topics that you can use too:
- Type a broad keyword into YouTube’s search bar and see the suggested searches (this is YouTube telling you what’s trending). For example, if your niche is Budget travel, search this keyword and you’ll see suggested searches like “budget travel tips”, budget travel to Turkey,” etc.
- Pick one topic from the suggested results and hit enter. For this example, I picked “budget travel tips.”
- Now filter for videos uploaded within the past month that have strong views—this signals relevance.
Check the comments on these top videos to identify specific questions or topics viewers wish had been covered.
When I reviewed the comments on a popular video titled “Maldives Budget Travel Guide,” I noticed a specific question: “What should I bring for taking photos? Should I use an action cam, DSLR, or something else?”
Based on that, you can make a video specifically addressing the best gear for capturing stunning travel shots in the Maldives.
You could cover practical advice on choosing between an action cam, DSLR, or smartphone, discuss accessories like waterproof cases, and share tips for getting amazing photos and videos without breaking the bank.
TikTok
TikTok trends can change at lightning speed, but that’s what makes it such a valuable source for hot topics. Keep an eye on the “For You” page and track what videos in your niche are trending.
Did you know that short-form video content is 2.5 times more likely to hold audience attention than long-form videos?
I recently worked in the wellness space and noticed “morning routines” were trending on TikTok, but not just any morning routine. Videos around “slow mornings” (where creators focused on a calm, intentional start to the day) were blowing up.
That insight alone helped us make a similar video that was in line with the current vibe people craved.
Further, TikTok’s trend-hashtag game is another great strategy. By keeping an eye on trending hashtags in your industry, you’ll find out what’s hot and get an angle that’s instantly relatable to TikTok’s audience.
Just make sure the topics you pick have some staying power—TikTok trends are short-lived, so adapt while they’re relevant but aim for topics that can still hold value after the initial hype fades.
AnswerThePublic
When I’m looking for detailed questions that people are actively asking, AnswerThePublic is unbeatable for generating types of video ideas.
Type in a general topic, and you’ll get a web of questions people frequently search for.
It’s one of my go-to for creating highly specific “how-to” content like “easy how to video ideas for school” because it dives into people’s actual concerns.
For instance, I once searched “home organization” and got dozens of unique angles I hadn’t considered, like “how to organize a small closet without shelves” and “how to store seasonal clothes in a small space.”
More than 60% of people turn to search engines to answer “how-to” questions (think “how to fix…,” “how to learn…,” etc.). Using AnswerThePublic means you’re addressing specific needs, not guessing.
That’s why by creating video content that responds to these unique, popular questions, you tap into a steady stream of viewers seeking solutions.
Ask ChatGPT
ChatGPT can be a powerful brainstorming partner when used correctly. While not as data-driven, it’s excellent for generating fresh angles quickly.
Here’s how I play with it to generate tons of unique ideas for video content:
- Select a broad theme like “easy how-to video ideas for school” or “budget travel.” Keep it broad but not vague. For example, if you’re thinking of “travel,” think about “budget travel” or “luxury escapes.”
Ask ChatGPT: “Suggest popular 'how-to' topics in [your chosen theme, e.g., eco-friendly travel tips].”
- Now, narrow down your theme to something more specific within that topic. Say you chose “home organization.” You could focus on “organizing a small space efficiently” or “decluttering your home.” Being precise here helps make the topic feel more actionable.
Give this prompt to ChatGPT: “List some 'how-to' /tutorial video ideas in [subcategory, e.g., organizing a small space efficiently].”
- Make it relatable by identifying a real problem or goal your audience faces. For example, let’s say your audience wants to maximize vertical storage in small spaces. This is where you get specific about solving a real issue, like “how to find hidden airline deals.”
Ask ChatGPT: “Suggest specific 'how-to' video ideas for beginners trying to [achieve a specific goal, e.g., maximize vertical storage in small spaces].”
- Experiment by changing just one aspect of your topic—like the audience, skill level, or resource. Trying different combinations is like A/B testing for topic ideas; it can lead you to a unique angle others haven’t thought of.
ChatGPT Prompt: “Generate variations of 'how-to' videos on [theme, e.g., How to Use Over-the-Door Organizers to Save Floor Space] for different skill levels.”
With this approach, you can quickly generate thousands of unique ideas in just minutes.
Ahrefs
Ahrefs is all about data. It’s ideal for confirming your topic’s popularity and competition level before diving into content creation.
Although its Keyword Explorer is a paid tool, you can still try out its free version to get a feel for basic keyword stats.
Here’s my process for validating topics with Ahrefs, step by step:
- Enter a general keyword in Keyword Explorer. For example “houseplant care” or “DIY organization.”
- Ahrefs will show monthly search volume (how popular a keyword is) and difficulty score (how competitive it is). These metrics give a quick overview of potential reach and effort.
- Ideally, you’re after keywords with high volume and low competition—they’re easier to rank for and reach more viewers. Keep in mind, though, that sometimes these high-value keywords come with low search volumes.
Don’t write these off. They’re often highly specific, which means they could still capture a targeted and engaged audience.
- Scroll down to view related keywords. Also, check out “Questions” to see how-to topic ideas.
This is where you’ll find unique angles.
For example, under “travel budget,” I found subtopics like “how to travel on a budget in your 20s,” with over 100 searches per month (though volume is low, it’s niche-specific with dedicated interest.)
- Use these insights to lock down a topic that balances search potential and relevance.
For instance, I recently researched “budget travel” and found a related keyword, “How to travel on a budget in your 20s.”
The data-backed focus helped the video outperform our average by 35%, proving the power of picking a topic that’s backed by actual demand.
10 How-To Video Ideas for 2025
Creating helpful “how-to” videos for beginners doesn’t mean guessing at random topics. You need to prioritize what viewers actually need and want.
Here are ten tutorial video ideas to keep your content fresh and useful in 2025, grounded in real trends and preferences.
Conduct a Product Review or Comparison
People like knowing what they’re getting before they buy. Reviews and comparisons work well when they answer specific questions.
Don’t just show features—talk about what it’s like to use the product every day.
For example, instead of a general tech review, break down how a camera works for travel bloggers vs. families. Personal context makes it easier for viewers to see if it’s right for them.
Host a Q&A session on a Popular Topic
Q&A videos feel real because they’re based on what people are genuinely curious about. It’s like a conversation, which builds trust.
For example, if your channel covers fitness, do a Q&A on “How to Start Working Out at Home” or “Eating Healthy on a Budget.” These sessions can be live or recorded, but the goal is the same: answer real questions from real people.
Explore Myths vs. Facts in Your Niche
People are tired of misinformation. A “Myths vs. Facts” video helps clear things up.
For example, if you’re in finance, dive into topics like “Is Real Estate Really the Best Investment?” or “Do You Have to Save 20% for a House?”
Breaking down myths builds credibility and gives people the facts they can use.
Share Daily Routines or Day-In-The-Life Videos
People enjoy seeing how others organize their day. Instead of just filming what you do, think about what others can take away from it.
For example, show “A Day in the Life of a Freelance Writer” or “Morning Routines for Remote Workers.”
People watch these videos for ideas they can try in their own lives, not just for the visuals.
Explain Complex Ideas Using Simple Analogies
If you’re covering complex topics, break them down. Use examples that people understand.
For instance, in finance, explain “compounding interest” by comparing it to a snowball rolling downhill—it gets bigger as it rolls.
Simple comparisons make complicated ideas feel doable.
Create a Series on Learning a New Skill Each Week
Weekly series are great for keeping viewers engaged over time.
For example, try “Learning to Code in 10 Weeks” or “Getting Fit with Simple At-Home Workouts.”
These series bring people back for each new episode and let viewers follow along with your progress. The key is consistency so viewers know what to expect.
Demonstrate a Hack to Simplify Everyday Tasks
Videos with “hacks” do well because they help people save time or make life easier.
Think “Kitchen Hacks for Quick Meal Prep” or “Organizing Your Office Desk Without Buying Anything New.”
People love tricks they can use immediately. Keep these short and to the point.
Produce a Step-By-Step Guide
Step-by-step videos work because they take the viewer through each stage, making it easy to follow along.
Focus on something practical, like “Setting Up a Budget for Beginners” or “Basic Camera Settings for Clear Photos.”
Viewers can pause and replay each step, which makes it feel like they’re getting guided help.
Create a How-to Animation
Informational video ideas often benefit from animations, which can make technical topics interesting. If you’re explaining something abstract, like “How Solar Panels Work,” animations keep things clear and visual.
They’re also highly shareable, so your content could reach a wider audience.
Create Concise Mini Tutorials
Short tutorials are popular because people often just need quick help. A mini-tutorial could cover “How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee” or “Tips for Getting Better Sleep.”
These bite-sized videos are perfect for TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts, where viewers look for fast, useful tips.
Each of these ideas meets a real need and connects with viewers on a simple, helpful level. Skip the fluff, focus on the facts, and give people content they can use.
Tips for Creating Engaging “How-To” Videos
Creating “how-to” videos that truly engage an audience is much more than just clear instructions. To keep people hooked, they should feel like they're not just watching but actually experiencing the steps with you.
So below I have shared the techniques that have helped me create videos people actually want to watch from start to finish and come back to time and time again.
Clear and Concise Steps
One of the most overlooked aspects of video creation is the setup before you hit record.
Here’s a pro move: test-run your video flow without recording. This dry run ensures you avoid fumbling mid-tutorial and also highlights which parts need extra clarity.
For example, when I started making tutorials on complex design tools, I’d rehearse the steps.
In those dry runs, I realized parts that seemed intuitive to me were actually tripping up beginners.
This rehearsal step improved viewer retention by 15% because people stayed to the end instead of dropping off at confusing points.
Key Insight 💡
- For “how-to” videos, think like a viewer who’s never seen this material before.
- It’s easy to assume certain steps are obvious, but even small details—like highlighting where to click in software—can make a difference.
- Add text overlays or pause for a few seconds so viewers can catch up.
Visual Aids and Examples
Relying on generic visuals or static images doesn’t cut it. Instead, bring in real-world scenarios that viewers can immediately relate to.
If you’re demonstrating a recipe, Don’t just show ingredients—show common mistakes, like the way an egg should look if it’s whipped just right versus over-beaten, especially in AI videos for YouTube.
These comparisons create “aha” moments that stick with viewers.
Personality and Storytelling
Storytelling goes beyond just being personable—it’s about sharing a struggle, a mistake, or a quirky habit.
In one of my early home improvement tutorials, I shared a “DIY disaster” story where a simple shelf installation turned into a hole-in-the-wall fiasco.
Surprisingly, that anecdote received more comments and likes than the tutorial itself. People connect with flaws and humor. It breaks down the “expert wall” and creates relatability in all types of “How to video ideas.”
Pro Storytelling Tip 😀
- Rather than just saying, “I’ve had my fair share of mistakes,” tell a story that’s vivid and specific.
- What went wrong?
- How did it feel?
- How did you resolve it?
Authenticity in storytelling makes your expertise feel attainable to others.
Encourage Interaction
It’s tempting to get to the end and simply ask viewers to subscribe, but genuine engagement requires more.
Break the fourth wall often. In my own analytics, mid-video prompts like, “Have you ever tried this?” or “Comment your biggest challenge,” outperform end-of-video CTAs by 60%.
Therefore ask specific questions related to the step you’re on, not just general “What do you think?” prompts.
For example, in a cooking tutorial, “What’s the one spice you’d add here?” This turns passive viewers into an active participant.
Optimize for SEO
Most content creators don’t realize that each search algorithm has its own quirks. YouTube, for instance, prioritizes watch time and keyword relevance.
By testing variations of titles, descriptions, and even thumbnail styles, I found that videos labeled as “easy” or “beginner-friendly” performed 30% better in views for entry-level audiences.
SEO Secret 👀
- Try a split-test on two versions of a video title, one for viewers looking to learn a skill quickly (e.g., “Quick Tips for Beginners”) and another for those who want deep dives (e.g., “Mastering [Skill]: A Complete Guide.”)
- Different phrasing targets distinct types of learners, increasing reach.
How to Promote Your How-To Videos
Making a compelling “how-to” video is only half the battle. To truly make an impact, you need to get those videos in front of your target audience.
After years in video content, I’ve learned that effective promotion means strategically placing it where your viewers are most likely to find, share, and engage with it.
Here’s a no-nonsense, data-driven approach to get your videos the attention they deserve.
Social Media Channels
Simply posting your video to social media doesn’t cut it anymore. Each platform has its own algorithms, audience behaviors, and ideal formats, so treat each one uniquely.
On Instagram and TikTok, consider that shorter content is a retention hack.
For one how-to series, I created short “highlight” reels on TikTok with engaging text overlays and CTA which then linked to the full tutorial on YouTube.
The result? 40% more YouTube views compared to sharing only long-form content directly.
Short-form snippets here work as teasers to drive traffic to longer videos; that's why Instagram Reels and TikTok are powerful front-end tools.
Email Marketing
Email might seem old-school, but it remains one of the best ways to get direct engagement.
Early in my career, I ignored email, thinking social media would do all the work. Big mistake. When I finally launched a simple newsletter sharing new tutorials I saw an immediate 30% boost in video traffic.
Research found that adding video GIFs to email could improve click-through rates by up to 26%. So if you want eyes on your content, email marketing is an unbeatable strategy.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Collaborations can amplify your reach, but here’s what most miss: You don’t have to partner with the biggest creator always, but the right one.
Early in my career, I partnered with a well-known DIY creator. Instead of simply sharing my video on their channel, we co-created a series where we both tackled different parts of a project. My subscriber count nearly doubled in one month.
How to Do Collaborations Right?
- Collaborating with people in different but related fields creates a richer experience for viewers. If you make cooking tutorials, partner with a nutritionist who can add tips on meal prep or ingredient benefits.
- Try doing a live Q&A with a collaborator. In a live cooking demo, for instance, my collaborator and I answered questions in real-time, which spiked live engagement by 50%.
Blog Embedding
The advantage of blog embedding is longevity. Blogs have staying power in a way social media doesn’t.
For instance, embedding my video on a high-traffic blog post brought in consistent, organic views for years.
YouTube’s algorithm might favor the newest content, but SEO-optimized blog posts can bring in steady, niche traffic long after your social posts have faded.
Counter-Intuitive Insight
Many creators avoid writing long-form posts with videos, but it’s one of the best ways to ensure your content gets consistent, organic traffic.
Google loves detailed content, and combining it with a video boosts both.
How to Track the Success of Your How-To Videos?
To know if your content is genuinely hitting the mark, you need to monitor performance and listen to your audience’s feedback.
Let’s break down exactly what you should be looking at and how to interpret it.
Metrics to Monitor
We get intimidated by a lot of data they provide and don’t understand what metrics actually matter. Here are the top metrics you should monitor:
1. Watch Time and Average View Duration: They are core indicators of how valuable viewers find your video content. These metrics reveal whether people are watching your video through to the end or dropping off halfway.
2. Click-Through Rate (CTR): It measures how often viewers click on your video after seeing the thumbnail and title. A strong CTR ranges between 2% and 10%, with top-performing videos often hitting 8% or higher.
3. Engagement Metrics- Likes, Comments, and Shares: Engagement metrics show how interactive viewers are with your content. Comments, in particular, offer a goldmine of viewer insights that can guide future content.
According to Hootsuite's September 2024 report, average engagement rates across various industries are as follows:
Get Feedback
Metrics matter, but they can overlook the real feelings and opinions of your audience. Getting direct feedback lets you truly understand if your video is resonating and making an impact where it counts.
Read and Analyze Comments
Comments often tell you what the numbers can’t. Viewers will mention if a step was confusing, if they found a hack helpful, or if they had questions about a specific part.
Pay close attention to repeated comments, which often highlight a part of the video that resonates or needs improvement.
Ask for Feedback Directly
Don’t be shy about asking viewers for feedback. Phrases like “Did this tip help you?” or “Let me know if you want more content like this” encourage viewers to engage.
When they feel directly asked for input, viewers are more likely to share their opinions, helping you understand what’s working and what could be better.
Use External Feedback Platforms
Reddit, forums, or specialized communities are great places to see how people are discussing similar topics.
When researching “how-to” content in tech, I found several Reddit threads critiquing tech tutorials for not covering common mistakes.
That insight led to a video specifically addressing “beginner tech mistakes and how to fix them,” which turned out to be one of my best-performing videos.
Are There Any Tools to Generate Such Videos?
Yes, you can generate how-to videos using Zebracact.ai. Using this tool, you can make videos fast and easily either from your script, prompt, audio, or blog post.
Here’s your ultimate step-by-step guide to creating a “how-to” video with Zebracat:
- Login to Zebracat and click “Create Video.”
- Select your video type from the left menu and then select AI visuals style. After that click “Next Step.”
- On the left sidebar, choose the type of input you’d like to use for creating your video and then proceed with entering or uploading the relevant details.
- Toggle the "Advanced Mode" option ON if you want more control over the configuration.
- Select video ratio and length.
- If you want to change the voice, click on the "Change" button and select your preferred voice. Then toggle the "Captions" switch to turn it on.
- Under "Video Mood," select the tone or mood that matches the purpose of your video.
- Toggle the "Music enabled" switch to add background music.
- After setting the voice, captions, mood, and music, click the "Next Step" button to continue to the final stage of video creation.
- Select one of the scripts generated by Zebracat, and it will seamlessly create your video for you.
FAQs
What Is the Best Format for a ‘How-To’ Video?
For a "How-To" video, MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is hands down the best format, giving you that perfect pair of quality and accessibility. Its wide compatibility across platforms and devices means your video can reach audiences everywhere, effortlessly.
How Long is the Typical Video Duration
The ideal video duration depends on the platform, but there’s a clear trend—audiences crave quick, impactful content. TikTok and Twitter light up with 9-15-second clips. On Instagram and Facebook, videos under a minute work best, while YouTube’s sweet spot is around 2-10 minutes.
Can I Create Effective ‘How-To’ Videos With Just a Smartphone?
Yes, you can create effective "How-To" videos using just a smartphone! Make sure to clean your phone’s camera lens to avoid blurry footage and film in bright, natural light when possible.
How Often Should I Post ‘How-To’ Videos?
On YouTube, posting ‘how-to’ once a week is a good start however daily uploads, if possible, can even faster growth. For TikTok and Instagram, sharing 1-3 times a day keeps your account active and leads to better reach and visibility.
Make Your “How-To” Videos Work Harder for You
Creating how-to videos that people genuinely find helpful requires more than just hitting records and hoping for the best.
To truly connect with your audience, your content needs to feel personal, relevant, and easy to follow.
The good news? You don’t need high-end equipment or advanced editing skills to achieve this.
When I first started making how-to videos, I spent hours on every detail, manually editing each clip to get the pacing just right. 😅
But now Zebracat saves so much time and I focus on the content itself.
It lets you make AI videos helpful and relatable without getting bogged down in the technical side. So if you’re thinking of making your own how-to videos, try starting with Zebracat.
The technology is there to amplify your message—let it do the work so your videos can make the impact you’re aiming for.
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Hey there, I’m Jenny. I’ve been in marketing for almost 10 years, and I love marketing tech, AI, and automation. I’ve built several YouTube and TikTok channels—some hits, some misses. I joined Zebracat after being a user myself, ready to share my learnings with the world!
Create videos 10x faster and easier with Zebracat
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