15 best YouTube Intros that will inspire you

So you’ve got a YouTube channel, you’ve mastered the art of banner dimensions, and your SEO game is on point. But hold on a second, are your YouTube intros missing that it factor that screams “professionalism” and makes viewers hit that subscribe button?

If your answer is “yes”, then let me introduce you to the unsung hero of YouTube Intro Videos:

Don’t worry! In this piece, we’ll not only spill the beans on what makes a killer intro, but we’ll also dish out 15 sizzling examples to steal inspiration from. Consider this your cheat sheet to YouTube stardom, so let’s get this show on the road!

It’s like the opening credits of your favourite show, but snappier and with (hopefully) less cringey acting. It’s those precious few seconds at the beginning of your explainer video that set the tone, build anticipation, and leave a lasting impression.

Think of it as your channel’s signature move, a visual handshake that says, “Welcome to my world!”

Intros aren’t just fancy decorations; they’re a marketing powerhouse. They reinforce your brand identity, making you instantly recognizable in a sea of content.

They set expectations for your viewers, telling them what your channel is all about. Most importantly, they hook your audience from the get-go, making them eager to see what you have in store.

It’s like adding a sprinkle of magic dust to your videos, transforming them from “meh” to “must-watch.”

Wondering how to make a YouTube intro that spurs your viewers’ curiosity? Here are five tips worth considering:

Nobody wants to sit through an intro that feels longer than the actual video. Keep it snappy – 20 seconds max – and get to the point. Think of it as a teaser trailer, not the entire movie. You want to spark curiosity, not induce boredom.

YouTube intros are your brand’s red-carpet moment. Make it count! Showcase your logo, unleash your catchy jingle, and use visuals that scream “you.” This is your chance to establish a visual identity that’s as unique and memorable as your content.

The first few seconds are crucial. Grab viewers’ attention with a hook that’s visually arresting, sonically enticing, or downright intriguing.

Remember, you’re not just introducing your video, you’re reeling in your audience.

Don’t waste precious seconds explaining what your channel is about. Instead, use dynamic visuals and captivating motion graphics to give viewers a taste of your content. If you’re a travel vlogger, showcase stunning landscapes.

If you’re a tech reviewer, feature quick cuts of the latest gadgets. Let your do the talking.

Think of your intro as a cliffhanger, a tantalizing preview that leaves viewers craving more. End on a high note, a moment of suspense, or a question that begs to be answered.

Make them eager to hit that play button and dive into your content.

Leave it to TED to prove that less is more. Their YouTube intro is a masterclass in minimalist motion design, featuring their iconic red logo bursting into a flurry of thought bubbles.

It’s a visual metaphor for the spread of ideas, perfectly encapsulating TED’s mission in a matter of seconds. The intro is short, sweet, and wordless, relying on simple yet powerful imagery to communicate their brand identity.

Education doesn’t have to be boring, and CrashCourse proves it with their animated intros. Each video series gets its own unique intro, a whirlwind of colorful graphics and playful animations that summarize the topic in a fun and engaging way.

It’s like a mini-lesson before the main course, whetting viewers’ appetites for knowledge and setting the stage for an informative (and entertaining) learning experience.

In a world of flashy visuals and over-the-top effects, WIRED keeps it refreshingly simple. Their autocomplete interview intros consist of a quick introduction of the concept, followed by a minimalist title card.

It’s a no-nonsense approach that aligns perfectly with their brand’s straightforward, journalistic style. Sometimes, the best way to grab attention is by not trying too hard.

Talk about a tasty intro! We at Creamy Animation serve up a visual feast with our channel intro. It’s a whirlwind of vibrant colours, playful characters, and dynamic animations set to an upbeat soundtrack.

In just a few seconds, we tell a mini-story that showcases our creativity and expertise, all while leaving you hungry for more. The cherry on top? A clear call to action that invites you to explore our animation services. It’s a masterclass in that hooks viewers with a delicious blend of style and substance.

This YouTube intro is a visual time capsule, a whirlwind tour of the magazine’s history through a montage of covers morphing seamlessly into their logo.

It’s a clever way to establish their authority and longevity in the entrepreneurial world. Who knew a bunch of magazine covers could be so captivating?

Talk about a cliffhanger! This YouTube intro is a tease, offering tantalizing glimpses of the interview to come. It’s like a movie trailer, but for the business world.

The snippets are carefully curated to pique your curiosity and leave you itching to hit play. It’s a masterclass in how to make a YouTube intro that builds anticipation and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple animated logo. DollarSprout’s YouTube intro proves that even a small touch of animation can elevate your channel and give it a professional edge.

Their logo animation is clean, modern, and memorable, reinforcing their brand identity without distracting from the main content.

This channel proves you don’t need a Hollywood budget to create a compelling YouTube intro. By cleverly using stock footage and video templates, they’ve crafted an intro that’s both visually appealing and budget-friendly.

It’s a reminder that creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way in the YouTube world.

This YouTube intro is a visual time capsule, a whirlwind tour of the magazine’s history through a montage of covers morphing seamlessly into their logo.

It’s a clever way to establish their authority and longevity in the entrepreneurial world.Who knew a bunch of magazine covers could be so captivating?

Sometimes, a little spoiler can be a good thing. Mindy McKnight, the hair guru behind Cute Girls Hairstyles, often reveals the final hairstyle in her intros.

This bold move piques viewer curiosity and encourages them to watch the entire tutorial to learn the step-by-step process. It’s a clever way to demonstrate value upfront and hook viewers from the very beginning.

This venerable institution proves that even the most serious brands can have a bit of fun with their intros. Their simple animated logo, accompanied by a playful sound effect, adds a touch of whimsy to their otherwise scholarly content.

It’s a reminder that a well-placed sound effect can be just as impactful as a flashy animation.

Time is precious, so why waste it with a lengthy YouTube intro? Android Authority gets straight to the point, highlighting the value proposition of their video in the first few seconds.

It’s a no-nonsense approach that respects the viewer’s time and sets clear expectations for the content to follow.

And there you have it – a whirlwind tour of YouTube intros that’ll leave you inspired and ready to level up your own channel.

We’ve seen how a simple logo animation, a catchy jingle, or even a few well-placed words can make all the difference in capturing your audience’s attention and setting the stage for your content.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for a killer YouTube intro. The best intros are the ones that reflect your unique brand personality and content style.

So, whether you’re a minimalist like TED, a whimsical storyteller like Kurzgesagt, or a straight-shooter like Android Authority, embrace your individuality and let it shine through in your YouTube intro.