Last updated on 10th January 2024
Video is one of the most popular ways to consume content.
And YouTube is one of the most popular ways to watch videos, with 85% of US internet users accessing online video through YouTube at least once a week.
This popularity is great for people who post videos on YouTube, but it also creates a lot of competition on the platform.
There are approximately 2.2 billion monthly active YouTube users – and that number keeps growing every single day.
To make sure your videos get the attention they deserve, your channel needs to be perfect in every way.
And you need an amazing YouTube channel trailer to introduce new viewers to your videos so that they will subscribe and start watching more of your content.
In this article we’re going to take a look at 20 of the best YouTube channel trailers, so you can get some inspiration and make an awesome trailer of your own.
What is a YouTube channel trailer?
A YouTube channel trailer is a video that introduces new viewers to your channel. It’s typically a short video that tells people who you are, what you do, and why they should subscribe to your YouTube channel.
YouTube channel trailers automatically play when someone lands on the homepage of your channel, right here:
How to create a YouTube channel trailer
If you’re struggling to think of how to create a trailer for your YouTube channel, think of a movie trailer.
A good movie trailer creates intrigue. It gives potential viewers just enough information so that they have a rough idea of what the movie will be about, what the genre is, and it also leaves them wanting to find out more.
You want to create the same experience – but for your YouTube channel.
It’s a good idea to start by assuming the viewer has never heard of you. Then give them your elevator pitch – a short summary of what people can expect from your channel.
It’s always better to show rather than tell in your trailer, so make sure you hook people in with clips from your best videos.
From a practical point of view, a great trailer will also include clear information about your posting schedule (if you have one) and encourage users to subscribe if they like what they see.
You should also optimise the video title and description. Your title should be compelling. Instead of “Channel Trailer”, try “Welcome to my channel” or “New? Start here!”
The YouTube Creators channel has tons of tips and tricks to help you maximise the potential of your trailer.
20 YouTube channel trailer examples
1. Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell is a channel that takes complex subjects and breaks them down into simple, easy-to-understand terms through beautiful animated explainer videos.
This short trailer showcases their animation style while also explaining what they do on the channel, and why they do it.
Biggest learning point: Keep it snappy.
2. Yoga with Adriene
Yoga with Adriene is a very popular YouTube channel, with almost 11 million subscribers (at the time of writing). The channel posts regular yoga classes hosted by yoga teacher, Adriene Mishler.
In this trailer, Adriene introduces the channel in her own words while also showcasing clips from previous videos to let viewers know what’s in store for them if they stick around and subscribe.
Biggest learning point: Be yourself.
3. Klossy
Klossy is the YouTube channel of supermodel, Karlie Kloss. The channel features lifestyle and fashion videos, and is aimed mostly at young people in their early twenties.
As the audience for this channel is quite young, the trailer features high energy music and fast-paced editing to grab and hold attention.
It also features clips from various videos so that viewers get a taste of what’s in store on the channel.
Biggest learning point: Create a montage.
4. Babish Culinary Universe
Babish Culinary Universe (previously Binging with Babish) is a cooking channel that recreates meals from popular movies and TV shows.
The channel focuses on super high-quality content, shooting everything in 4K – and this is definitely reflected in the trailer, which is essentially a montage of videos from the channel.
The trailer also features a relaxing soundtrack and is sprinkled with a little humour – so new viewers know what to expect from future videos.
Biggest learning point: Make sure your trailer looks amazing.
5. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
You know YouTube is popular when even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a channel!
The royal duo set up their channel earlier this year and kicked things off with a short 30 second trailer to let viewers know what they can expect from the channel.
The trailer hooks people straight away with a candid moment between the duke and duchess, and this is followed by a montage of moments from upcoming videos to get viewers excited and drum up subscribers.
Biggest learning point: Show candid moments.
6. FitnessBlender
Sometimes a good trailer is one that is straight-forward and informative, like this one from FitnessBlender.
The hosts of the channel – Kelli and Daniel – use statistics to back up their video content, telling viewers they’ve been on YouTube for 6 years and have created over 600 free workout videos.
They also utilise animation to cleverly emphasize each point and to keep the trailer engaging.
Biggest learning point: If you have figures, use them.
7. Grav3yardGirl
Grav3yardGirl has been creating YouTube videos since 2010. The channel covers a little bit of everything and the trailer helps to break this content down into different categories.
The trailer is cute, fun, and shows viewers that this is a channel that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The trailer also ends with a heartfelt message from the host, asking viewers to subscribe if they like what they see.
Biggest learning point: Have fun.
8. History Channel
The History Channel is a huge network TV channel and now also a popular YouTube channel.
This trailer captures the breadth of content they create and allows them to showcase the beautiful footage that is featured in their documentaries, while also letting people know that they create drama series – something new viewers may not know.
This voiceover-less trailer uses text-on-screen to let viewers know which TV shows they are featuring, making it easier for people to search for them later. It also ends with the text “SUBSCRIBE NOW” – a perfect call to action.
Biggest learning point: Utilise text-on-screen.
9. Jack Septic Eye
This is a very interesting YouTube channel trailer that breaks pretty much every rule that we’ve discussed so far.
It’s long. It doesn’t include information about the channel. It’s not that engaging.
But it works!
It allows the host of the channel to show off the dry humour that new viewers can expect from his videos.
And, because it’s such a different approach to a lot of other trailers, it actually makes the video more intriguing and watchable.
Biggest learning point: Think outside the box.
10. Sean Tucker
From a very silly channel trailer, to a very serious one. This trailer for the Sean Tucker YouTube channel – a channel that focuses on philosophy and photography – is straight-forward and ticks all of the boxes.
Within the first 30 seconds, viewers know what this channel is about and why it’s different from other photography channels they may have seen.
This monologue paired with breath-taking imagery and footage from the channel tells viewers everything they need to know in just over 2 minutes.
Biggest learning point: Get your pitch out within the first 30 seconds.
11. Living Big in a Tiny House
Living Big in a Tiny House is a channel that does exactly what it says on the tin. The videos feature different tiny houses and their owners, each with their own unique story.
This feel-good trailer highlights all of the best bits of the channel and includes a voiceover from the host of the show, Bryce.
Bryce talks directly to viewers from the very first second, listing all of the interesting topics the channel covers. This makes it easy for viewers to recognise straight away whether this channel is for them or not.
Biggest learning point: Talk directly to your viewers.
12. The Dog Vlog
And here is another feel-good trailer!
With an upbeat piano soundtrack and a montage of tricks and cute moments from the channel, this trailer tells viewers everything they need to know about The Dog Vlog.
The Dog Vlog is one of the smaller channels on this list and, as such, they have a more low budget trailer. But that doesn’t make it any less engaging!
You don’t need to go above and beyond with your YouTube channel trailer. Just be true to your channel and showcase what you have on offer.
Biggest learning point: Keep it simple.
13. Hey Nadine
Hey Nadine is a travel vlogging channel. This trailer has a nice, casual and personal start – with the host sitting directly in front of the camera and welcoming viewers to the channel, it almost feels like a friendly conversation.
Throughout the trailer, Nadine tells new viewers what they can expect from the channel and also shows off some of the incredible footage from her travels so far.
But the real showstopper of this trailer is the title:
That’s an optimised title! It will capture the attention of people searching for specific keywords like “travel vlogger” and “travel advice” – exactly the type of people this channel is aimed at.
Biggest learning point: Optimise your title.
14. The Points Guy UK
And here’s another travel channel. The Points Guy UK is a channel that reviews travel options and hotels to help UK viewers travel smarter.
The video has so many cuts in it – there must be hundreds of different clips, showing footage from all over the world.
Yet, despite this fast-paced editing, the soundtrack is quite slow and calm, helping to foster a sense of trust.
The voiceover comes across as very genuine, and speaks directly to the viewer. The word “you” is used several times as the trailer explains all of the benefits of this YouTube channel and encourages viewers to subscribe.
Biggest learning point: Carefully consider the language you’re using.
15. Get Fit with Rick
Get Fit with Rick is a channel hosted by Rick Bhullar that focuses on walking workouts. This short and sweet trailer gets right to the point.
Rick states who he is, tells you what he’s achieved, and then explains why you should start watching his videos.
In addition to that, Rick also mentions a free 7 day challenge. This is a great way to pull people in from the trailer and get them watching immediately.
Biggest learning point: Hook viewers by offering them something.
16. Ali Abdaal
This is a fantastic channel trailer for so many reasons.
It goes at a healthy, quicker-than-usual pace, and lasts just 54 seconds.
But in that time, you’re left in no doubt as to who Ali is, what sort of content he creates, and the value you can expect if you subscribe to the channel.
Biggest learning point: Tell viewers exactly what they’re going to get from you.
17. Monika
This trailer creates intrigue from the first second – you can’t see the video host’s face and all you can hear is the sound of TV static.
Then, as a video from Monika’s childhood plays, we are shown that this is a person who isn’t afraid to make fun of themself.
The rest of the trailer follows a pretty similar track. Monika shows clips of her sharing special moments with her family and friends as she explains what the channel is about.
These shared moments have a vulnerability to them that feels very genuine and helps to build connection between Monika and the viewers.
Biggest learning point: Focus on creating a connection.
18. Tokyo Creative
Tokyo Creative is a channel that brings popular Japan-based vloggers all together in one place.
The upbeat soundtrack and fun editing gives viewers an instant idea of the types of videos they can expect from the channel. And it also shows several clips of the creators having fun and laughing.
This kind of footage showcases the personality of the channel and makes interested viewers want to be a part of the action and join in with the fun.
Biggest learning point: Show off your personality.
19. The Official Graham Norton Show
The Graham Norton Show is a popular talk show that uploads select clips to YouTube. In this super-quick trailer – just over 30 seconds long – Graham Norton reveals a little bit of the signature comedy from his show.
The trailer also pokes a little bit of fun at YouTube with the fast-moving “subscribe” button. However, by the end of the trailer the viewers know all of the important stuff, such as what to expect from the channel and why they should subscribe.
Biggest learning point: Don’t take your trailer too seriously.
20. Robin Sharma
This trailer for the YouTube channel of leadership expert Robin Sharma draws viewers in from the first second with dramatic music, footage of a packed auditorium, and a bold statement: An icon of leadership.
The trailer also shows a lot more social proof, including mention of Fortune 500 companies that Robin Sharma has helped and photographs of him with icons of the business world, like Richard Branson.
The trailer is a little on the long side but it’s motivational, inspirational, and definitely keeps people watching.
Biggest learning point: Show social proof.
Final thoughts
Your YouTube channel trailer is your chance to persuade people to subscribe to your channel. It’s your elevator pitch so it’s super important that you get it just right.
For more tips on how to up your YouTube game this year, read these articles:
How to Get More Views on YouTube
YouTube Channel Banner Size Guide 2024
