How To Never Run Out of New Video Ideas

Here's how I put systems in place to ensure I never run out of new video ideas for my YouTube channel. This helps me be more consistent with publishing new videos regularly because I don't have to spend a lot of time coming up with new ideas to keep my videos fresh. What systems have you put in place to keep ideas flowing for your new YouTube videos?

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[quinintheclouds]

My problem is I have TOO many ideas, and my imagination runs wild until I realize I don't have the equipment/ skill to actually make it (hence the confusing nature of a couple of my videos) :P But now I have a word doc where I write all my ideas and brainstorm, and it's super helpful!

[GATutorials]

My problem is not finding ideas - my problem is making them into the video stage.
I have a whiteboard where I write down every idea.

[HappyBeeCakes]

Hi Tim I took the plunge and started my YouTube channel a month or so ago and your videos have been invaluable to me, I've been binge watching them for a couple of months now...really helpful stuff!

[Tinyindie]

I make short (usually comedic) videos and I get a lot of Ideas by simply listening to youtube's royalty free music. Not only does it inspire me but it makes the editing easier since I already have the songs selected. I also have a physical notepad next to my bed. I always get ideas when I'm in bed just before going to sleep. For the rest I use google docs. Thanks for the video!

[haleymiller]

I love how when you talked about making videos you said "videos that impact others." That's exactly what I'm trying to do with my channel!

[cmcocktails]

I draft all my thoughts via Google Docs. Then I use this as a reference during filming by putting them on my iPad and then sending the screen to my apple TV (which is under my camera) so I can use it as a guideline when doing things that require more thinking and less "off the cough" creation.

I use observation for a lot of my new ideas, watch how people shop, watch what people get at bars (that may work well on the show) take comments people leave and turn into subjects, do reviews by reviewing stuff I have around the house (in alcohol), create listicals around stuff I do (holiday shopping guides now, top N whatever, etc.) I have never run out of an idea and I'm on year 8 :)

[StephanieBogart]

I have a series called It's Complicated where I talk about real life struggles/hurts I have been through. I had been wanting to talk about the loss of my daughter for a while but was afraid. When Shay publicly talked about his alcoholism, that gave me the idea to talk about real life issues and also my church is constantly telling us we need to share share share and be in community. So I finally started that series. I have not run out of ideas yet because it all real things. And I have not made the video talking about my daughter yet. Maybe tomorrow or maybe next week but, I'm going to.

[AwwesomeVal]

I have a notebook I call my YouTube Journal. I write down all of my ideas and plan out my videos in there. My systems that generate videos, since I don't get very many comments (although it has generated videos), are videos that repeat but change over time. At the end of every month I do a favorite outfits of the month video. Every single holiday I make videos. If I can't think of anything I do a weekly day in the life vlog. I joined groups on Facebook full of other creators and we generate topics about spirituality together. Every time I make art, poetry, or music I make a video regarding that. I do get some random bursts of things that don't normally go on my channel that take a long time to make, but with all this other stuff I never run out of content. Also, if I am out of ideas and want to make something but I have already done everything else, I watch other YouTube videos. Usually I get inspired by them. Video responses usually are great, even if you can't link it to them.

[Leontinevanvliet]

when i'm out of ideas(i'm an artist with an art channel) i basically look up artists that inspire me and keep looking through their work until i get the inspiration for a new artwork. also suggestions from the comments really help. thank you for doing these videos! i reached 10k today thanks to your and Roberto Blake's tips and tricks😀👍

[fitzygolfpro]

As a golf coach I get many ideas for videos during a golf lesson with a client or just by speaking to golfers. Once I have an idea I put it into Trello.

I have 5 steps (Trello Boards) that I use.
1. Idea Board
2. Idea - Work In Progress Board
3. Ready To Be Filmed Board
4. In Production Board
5. Uploaded To YouTube Board

I find this works really well and I love the fact I can use it on a PC, iPad or phone. Whenever an idea hits I can jot it down.

Thanks for the videos.

[darlene.michaud]

For a channel like mine, ideas are so easy. It's finding the time that is hard to do. Tonight I asked my viewers if they want to see me boil the red franks I bought during my tag along vide and the response was a big yes, so tomorrow I'll boil a hot dog on camera. What a funtastic gig this is. I just love my viewers!

[Julestoldme]

Comments under other people's videos are really helpful to spark ideas – with travel, I'm always looking to see where people have been and why. And I make notes on my phone when I'm actually making a travel video – because often another idea just springs up and I don't want to lose it!

[CreateImperfect]

So I'm only a few videos in so I haven't even burned through 5% of the ideas I have, but what I've recently learned, in terms of creating new content, is using previous topics or ideas and saying them in a different & unique way. The reason for doing this is saying a previous topic in a different way may resonate with some people whereas the old way resonated with others.

[freelancewriter]

Comments always help you set the direction of your channel. When I started off my vlog channel (it's separate), my subscribers helped me a lot. Literally, there are always people around you who take some time out to comment and give you valuable advice.

[joyfullysimple]

I do DIY videos (I just started out), and I constantly check sites like Pinterest, etsy and my favorite stores to see what they are selling to maybe see if you could create something similar yourself, but on a budget. Other youtubers/bloggers inspire me, too. I also read sites like designsponge to see what's new and trending in the Design world. Thrift stores also inspire me because I have already a few things at home that I thrifted and that I'll be giving a makeover in the future. I have so many ideas that way that I actually won't be able to make everything I want (which is a good thing! - better than running out of ideas). I use Evernote, Pinterest and an actual paper notebook to keep track of all of my inspirations. I have to write them down asap though, otherwise I will forget!

[LifeMasterz]

This dude seriously has 2 videos ranking both 1st and 2nd in search for not running out of ideas lol. Gotta love video creators. Glad I found your videos. they have helped me a lot!

[edventures]

This was a great video! When I started my channel that was one of my fears, running out of video ideas but after I started it so many ideas started to flow in naturally (: so far I've reached 50 subscribers which isn't huge but I'll keep trying and who's knows one day I'll be over 1, 000 (: great tips man keep it up!

[inloveandstuff]

Right now we are traveling for a year through Europe so we are getting plenty of content from just exploring new cities. But to expand our content we started doing tip videos based on our own experiences. On my phone notes I constantly add new ideas as they pop up in my head, and usually they are a quick thought to which I can expand on later. For someone struggling with ideas my tip would to watch other videos on YouTube. This can help spark new ideas (of course not ripping off the video).

[SimplySoccer]

Evernote has worked so well for me! If I have an idea at my desk I'll usually put it on a post it note and then put it into evernote later, or I'll just put it on evernote immediately if I'm not at my desk.

[PaulDuVall]

"I'll never run out of new video ideas with Tim Schmoyer on my side!" - Tim's Biggest Fan