50 How-To Video Ideas That Actually Get Views

Introduction

Coming up with fresh how to video ideas can feel like trying to squeeze water from a stone - especially when you know that every single minute, 500 hours of new content gets uploaded to YouTube alone.

But here's the thing that might surprise you: how to videos consistently outperform almost every other content category on platforms like YouTube, even beating out gaming and music content. That's not just a lucky coincidence – it's because people are constantly seeking solutions, learning new skills, and looking for that "aha!" moment that transforms their understanding.

Whether you're a content creator just starting out, a business owner looking to educate your customers, or someone with expertise burning to share with the world, this guide will arm you with 50+ proven how to video ideas that actually get views. More importantly, I'll show you exactly why these ideas work and how you can adapt them to your unique expertise and audience.

Why How To Videos Are Content Gold

Before we dive into the treasure trove of ideas, let's talk about why how to videos are such powerful content magnets. Research consistently shows that educational content, particularly tutorials and how-to guides – generates more sustained engagement than entertainment-focused content.

Think about your own viewing habits for a moment. When was the last time you searched for "how to" something? Maybe it was "how to fix a leaky faucet" or "how to use a new software feature." These searches come from genuine need, which means viewers arrive with intent and stick around for solutions.

The beauty of how to video ideas lies in their evergreen nature. While trending topics might spike and fade, people will always need to learn new skills, solve problems, and improve their lives. This makes tutorial content a smart long-term investment for any content strategy.

Finding Topics Your Audience Actually Cares About

The secret to successful how to videos isn't just having good ideas – it's having the right ideas for your specific audience. Here's where many creators go wrong: they create content they think is interesting rather than content their audience is actively seeking.

YouTube Research Strategy

Start your research right on YouTube itself. Search for topics in your niche and pay attention to videos with high engagement – not just views, but likes, comments, and positive feedback. Look for patterns in the most successful tutorials. Are they quick one-minute solutions or comprehensive deep-dives? Do viewers appreciate step-by-step breakdowns or prefer seeing the bigger picture first?

The Question Mining Technique

One of my favorite methods is what I call "question mining." Head over to platforms like AnswerThePublic and type in keywords related to your expertise. You'll discover a goldmine of actual questions people are asking, categorized by question type: "how," "what," "when," "where," and "why."

But don't stop there. Online forums and sites like Reddit and Quora are incredibly underutilized for content research. Browse topics related to your niche and scroll down to see what people are asking. These questions reveal real pain points and knowledge gaps you can address with your how to videos.

50+ Proven How To Video Ideas That Drive Results

Quick Task Tutorials (1-3 Minutes)

These bite-sized how to video ideas focus on solving one specific problem quickly. They're perfect for busy viewers and tend to get shared frequently.

1. How to attach files from Google Drive to Gmail – A simple screen recording that solves a common workplace frustration

2. How to create a professional email signature in 60 seconds – Quick, actionable, and widely applicable

3. How to schedule posts on Instagram without third-party apps – Leverages platform updates many users don't know about

4. How to find any song using just a few lyrics – Addresses a universal modern problem

5. How to enable dark mode on any device – Simple but surprisingly searched-for content

Create Life Hack Videos

People love discovering easier ways to do everyday tasks. These how to video ideas often go viral because they provide immediate value.

6. How to fold fitted sheets perfectly every time – A classic hack that never gets old

7. How to make your phone battery last twice as long – Combines multiple lesser-known tips

8. How to remove any stain with household items – Practical and immediately useful

9. How to pack a week's worth of clothes in a carry-on – Perfect for frequent travelers

10. How to remember names using memory palace technique – Teaches a professional skill through an ancient method

Software and Tech Tutorials

With new tools launching constantly, there's endless opportunity for software how to videos.

11. How to use ChatGPT for content creation (without sounding robotic) – Addresses a current hot topic with a practical angle

12. How to create professional videos with Fliki in under 10 minutes – Showcases AI video creation tools that are revolutionizing content production

13. How to automate your social media posting across all platforms – Saves time for busy creators and business owners

14. How to edit photos like a pro using free mobile apps – Democratizes professional-looking content creation

15. How to back up your entire digital life in one afternoon – Addresses a critical but often-postponed task

Creative and DIY Projects

These how to video ideas tap into people's desire to create and personalize their spaces or skills.

16. How to make professional-looking presentations that actually engage – Workplace skill with immediate application

17. How to design a logo that doesn't look amateur – Combines creativity with practical business needs

18. How to upcycle old furniture into modern pieces – Environmentally conscious and budget-friendly

19. How to grow herbs indoors year-round – Perfect for apartment dwellers and beginners

20. How to create custom phone cases using everyday materials – Appeals to personalization trends

Health and Wellness Tutorials

Wellness content consistently performs well across all platforms.

21. How to improve posture while working from home – Addresses a pandemic-era concern that persists

22. How to create a bedtime routine that actually helps you sleep – Combines multiple evidence-based strategies

23. How to meal prep for busy professionals in 2 hours – Time-saving with clear ROI

24. How to exercise effectively in small spaces – Removes common barriers to fitness

25. How to reduce screen time without going crazy – Tackles digital wellness concerns

Professional Development Content

Career-focused how to videos often have highly engaged audiences seeking advancement.

26. How to negotiate salary like a pro – High-value skill with immediate financial impact

27. How to give presentations that don't put people to sleep – Universally applicable professional skill

28. How to network authentically without feeling sleazy – Addresses common professional anxiety

29. How to manage up effectively – Workplace skill that's rarely taught but widely needed

30. How to transition careers without starting over – Addresses major life concern for many viewers

Financial Literacy Tutorials

Money-related content consistently ranks among the most-searched topics.

31. How to budget using the 50/30/20 rule – Simple, actionable financial framework

32. How to start investing with just $100 – Removes barriers to financial growth

33. How to improve credit score in 6 months – Clear timeline with measurable results

34. How to save money on groceries without eating ramen – Practical savings with quality of life maintained

35. How to track expenses without obsessing – Addresses common financial management challenge

Home and Organization Content

Home improvement and organization content has massive, evergreen appeal.

36. How to organize any closet in one weekend – Clear timeframe with dramatic before/after potential

37. How to deep clean your house in 4 hours – Efficiency-focused cleaning routine

38. How to create storage in the tiniest spaces – Perfect for urban dwellers

39. How to choose paint colors that actually work – Removes guesswork from home improvement

40. How to maintain houseplants without killing them – Addresses common beginner frustration

Cooking and Food Preparation

Food content remains one of the most popular categories across all platforms.

41. How to cook x meals in y time – Elevates home cooking and focussed on efficency

42. How to meal plan for a family of four on $50/week – Budget-conscious with clear constraints

43. How to preserve fresh herbs for months – Reduces food waste while saving money

44. How to master knife skills in 15 minutes – Fundamental cooking skill with quick payoff

45. How to make bread without a bread machine – Back-to-basics approach with satisfying results

Relationship and Communication Skills

Soft skills content addresses universal human experiences.

46. How to master small talk as introvert – Critical life skill applicable everywhere

47. How to set boundaries that people actually respect – Psychology-backed communication strategies

48. How to apologize sincerely and effectively – Relationship skill that impacts all areas of life

49. How to make small talk that doesn't feel awkward – Social skill that builds confidence

50. How to support friends through tough times – Empathy-building content with practical application

Advanced How To Video Formats That Stand Out

Expert Interview Style

One of the most underutilized how to video ideas involves interviewing experts in your field. This format works beautifully because it removes the pressure of being the sole expert while providing tremendous value to viewers.

The key is asking specific, actionable questions rather than broad theoretical ones. Instead of "What's important in marketing?" try "What's the exact email subject line formula you use that gets 40% open rates?"

Step-by-Step Documentation

Sometimes the most powerful how to videos are simply honest documentation of a process. Set up your camera and walk through exactly how you complete a task, narrating your thought process along the way.

This approach works particularly well for complex processes that beginners find intimidating. Your authentic struggles and solutions make the content more relatable and trustworthy.

Mistake Correction Videos

We learn as much from failures as successes, which makes "how not to" content incredibly valuable. Create videos showing common mistakes in your area of expertise and demonstrate the correct approach.

These how to video ideas often perform exceptionally well because they address pain points people are actively experiencing.

Making Your How To Videos Actually Discoverable

Creating great content is only half the battle – you need people to actually find your videos. Here's where understanding search intent becomes crucial.

When someone searches for how to video ideas, they're looking for inspiration and practical examples they can implement. Your content needs to deliver both the "what" and the "why" behind each idea.

Structure your videos with clear, descriptive titles that include the specific outcome viewers will achieve. Instead of "Gmail Tips," use "How to Organize Gmail to Reach Inbox Zero in 10 Minutes."

Pro Tool for Tutorial Creation

Speaking of making videos discoverable and professional, tools like Fliki are revolutionizing how creators approach tutorial content. Unlike traditional video editing that can take hours, Fliki's AI-powered platform lets you transform scripts into polished how to videos in minutes. Checkout this tutorial:

This matters because consistency beats perfection in content creation. You're better off publishing weekly tutorials that look professional than spending months perfecting one video. Fliki's text-to-video capabilities mean you can focus on creating valuable content rather than wrestling with complex editing software.

Measuring Success Beyond View Counts

While views matter, the real success of how to videos lies in engagement depth. Are viewers watching until the end? Are they commenting with questions or success stories? Are they sharing your content or saving it for later?

Pay attention to the types of comments you receive. Questions indicate engagement but might also reveal gaps in your explanation. Success stories and thanks are gold – they show you're actually helping people achieve results.

Track which how to video ideas generate the most "how-to" follow-up questions in comments. These indicate opportunities for sequel content that your audience is already requesting.

Building a Sustainable Content Strategy

The best how to video ideas come from your unique intersection of expertise, audience needs, and passion. Don't try to cover every topic – instead, become known for delivering exceptional value in your specific niche.

Create content clusters around themes. If you make a video about email organization, follow up with related topics like calendar management, file organization, and productivity systems. This approach helps establish topical authority while giving viewers a reason to subscribe for related content.

Remember that the goal isn't just to create viral content – it's to build a sustainable practice of helping people solve real problems. The views, engagement, and eventual monetization follow naturally when you consistently deliver genuine value.

Your Next Steps

Starting with how to video ideas can feel overwhelming, but remember that every expert was once a beginner. Choose one idea from this list that aligns with your knowledge and your audience's needs. Create that first video – it doesn't have to be perfect.

The beauty of how to content is that it serves others while establishing your expertise. Each video you create builds on the last, developing both your skills and your audience's trust.

Most importantly, don't get trapped in endless planning. The best how to video ideas are worthless without execution. Pick your topic, hit record, and start helping people solve their problems. Your audience – and your future self – will thank you for taking that first step.

Your expertise matters, and there are people out there right now searching for exactly what you know how to do. The question isn't whether you have valuable knowledge to share – it's whether you'll share it. The world needs more teachers, more problem-solvers, and more people willing to light the way for others.

What will your first how to video teach?