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In this blog, we look at 15 excellent examples of YouTube intros from successful YouTube channels, and see what we can learn from them and how you can incorporate this knowledge into your own videos.
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Before we check some of the best YouTube intros and how they grabbed attention right from the start...
Check out our compilation of the Best Animated B2B Infographics Videos here:
Now let's get back to the subject at hand:
Did you know that according to statistics from Renderforest, 20% of viewers leave a YouTube video within the first 10 seconds?
So what does this YouTube Statistic tell us?
The first 10 seconds of your YouTube video can either make or break your viewer’s interest.
The numbers don’t lie - YouTube analytics says it all.
In an era where attention spans are shorter than ever, capturing your audience’s attention on YouTube can quickly turn into a challenge.
That’s why an impactful intro plays a crucial role in how you make a YouTube video, regardless if you're a seasoned content creator, a budding YouTuber, or someone looking to establish and grow your business using YouTube.
Understanding the power of a YouTube intro is the key to elevating your video content and getting people interested in those initial few seconds of your video.
In this blog, we'll showcase the 15 best YouTube Intros that have mastered the art of first impressions and also dive into the essence of what makes these YouTube intros tick.
From defining YouTube intros and exploring their necessity, to unraveling the secrets behind their effectiveness and discussing their ideal duration and size, we cover it all.
As the popularity of video content increases, various techniques to amp up the appeal of your YouTube intros now exist.
Animation is one such technique that redefines the concept of first impressions completely.
Prepare to be inspired as we explore robust practices for creativity and engagement in the world of YouTube intros!
YouTube intros are the opening segments of a video, typically lasting between 5 to 10 seconds.
The primary purpose of these intros is to grab the attention of your prospective viewers and introduce them to your content and YouTube channel.
They often include elements such as the channel's logo, unique motion graphics animation, catchy music, and sometimes a brief, welcoming message.
The secondary purpose is to create brand consistency across your YouTube videos to help viewers remember your channel and encourage them to subscribe.
For instance, a Brand Consistency Report by Marq found that consistent branding in videos can increase revenue by 33%.
But most importantly, a good YouTube intro tells the viewer what to expect in terms of content and thus sets the tone for the videos.
To understand the allure of YouTube intros further, let’s have a look at 15 of the best YouTube intros in our next section and explore what makes these intros unique from one another
Peter McKinnon is a world renowned photographer and filmmaker.
He posts videos about photography and video editing on his YouTube channel, which has nearly 6M subscribers.
This is the opening to one of his “2-Minute Tuesday” series on YouTube, which are short tutorial videos on topics ranging from cinematic lighting to professional color grading.
This is an amazing YouTube intro that boasts the perfect balance of mixed-media animation with fast paced motion graphics animation.
Coupled with rock-inspired music, the intro generates excitement and curiosity and just makes you want to watch the video till the end.
TED has been at the forefront of educational discourses on topics like science, philosophy, psychology and so much more for nearly 50 years now.
More importantly, TED is also one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Makes you wonder how they are doing this.
Luckily, the answer lies in the way they start their videos.
They take full advantage of those first few seconds to make an impression on their viewers almost instantly.
For instance, have a look at this intro to a TED talk by American journalist and writer, Shankar Vedantam.
This is a good example of the extra step TED is willing to take to provide an engaging viewing experience.
This short, 3-second particle animation sequence is so immersive that you can’t help but continue to watch more.
By the way, if you’re inspired by TED and similar videos, we have an entire guide on how to get started making educational YouTube videos! Do check it out.
Ever since its inception in 1931, GQ has been at the forefront of popular culture for decades now.
And they continue to do the same on YouTube with one of their most popular series, “The Breakdown.”
In this instance, we look at the intro to one of their episodes of “The Breakdown” where they ask retired Navy SEAL, Jocko Willink, to review military movies and point out their accuracy.
The abstract text animation starts with the title of their “Breakdown” series. Note how it introduces the host of the episode with the same kind of graphics, holding a consistent visual style.
This intro is a great example of how to do it right.
This attention to detail has made “The Breakdown” one of the most popular YouTube series that GQ is known for.
No wonder this episode has more than 37M views on YouTube, all stemming from this short yet elegant YouTube intro.
Kurzgesagt is a German animation and design studio that is known for their beautifully animated educational videos.
Their YouTube channel has almost 22M subscribers, all tuning in to watch their animated videos on science, technology, politics and so much more.
Notice how they balance animation with pacing in their YouTube intro.
It makes you feel like you're not just about to watch a video, but live an experience like no other.
This is how you set the mood for your video with an excellent opening.
While every video from Kurzgesagt is a masterclass in animated storytelling, they all start with that iconic intro that works its magic in the first few seconds.
Whenever you think about the tech community on YouTube, the name Marques Brownlee comes up quite frequently.
Popularly known as MKBHD on YouTube, he makes content surrounding technology in a minimalistic, straightforward manner.
In other words, his videos break down technology in simple terms without relying too much on fancy editing.
And the intro perfectly matches his narrative and visual style– minimalistic, but lively. They make use of geometric shapes that look clean and elegant, and subtly transition into his iconic logo.
You can clearly see how Marques Brownlee has mastered his art, starting with his YouTube intros and fusing it into his entire content.
There was a time when home renovations had to be outsourced simply because there wasn’t a lot of information to do it yourself.
But with the advent of tutorial videos on YouTube, a community of DIY content creators has blossomed over the years.
One such DIY YouTube channel is I Like To Make Stuff, hosted by Bob Clagett.
He makes content, ranging from adding insulation in your home to full blown renovation projects, taking you step-by-step in each of his DIY videos.
But what’s interesting is the way he starts his videos using his YouTube intro.
It uses clips involving soldering, woodworking, and the likes to set the intention of the video right from the start.
Their channel has this intro on all of their videos, which shows how if you make one YouTube intro properly and with intention, one is enough.
The YouTube Learning Statistics from Think with Google found that 86% of U.S. adults used YouTube regularly to learn new things.
Jazza is one such YouTube channel that teaches people how to draw and make content surrounding various art challenges.
He makes sure his videos also give a hint to his expertise in digital art from time to time, especially using his YouTube intro.
Observe how this intro has been designed using frame-by-frame 2D character animation inspired by how he looks and taken directly from his digital art workflow.
Canva’s YouTube channel is all about short graphic design tutorials and updates about new features.
We’re immediately greeted with this YouTube intro from one of their update videos talking about the features they release every month.
Such immersive intros have helped Canva make a name for themselves on YouTube and given a unique and distinguishable identity to their content.
Speaking of tutorials on graphic designing, Adobe Creative Cloud’s YouTube channel is all about teaching various concepts related to digital graphic design.
All in all, their videos are mostly mini-tutorials on using their design software like Photoshop and Lightroom to name a few.
For instance, here’s the intro to one of their lessons on typographic design.
Using kinetic typography animation displaying various font designs and texts, this YouTube intro does a great job of setting the stage for this video.
Most importantly, it establishes a coherence between what to expect from the video and the visual design of the YouTube intro.
One look through Duolingo’s YouTube channel and you’ll notice nothing out of the ordinary.
They post new updates about their app and short promotional videos teasing new features on their channel.
But it’s when you see how they use animation in their YouTube intros that you understand how their promotional materials have an impact on their audience.
To understand this further, witness this intro to one of their YouTube videos here.
The intro starts by showing how Duo, Duolingo’s brand mascot, comes up with their clever app notifications.
It then takes you on a journey of a typical working day in Duo’s life and the joy he gets when he sends Duolingo users their streak notification.
Striking a balance with your YouTube intros can sometimes feel like a hit or miss.
Regardless of whether the intro is simple or complex, both cases run the risk of losing viewer engagement if not implemented properly.
Let’s take some hints from this great YouTube intro from one of Airbnb’s promotional videos.
The video takes you on a journey of Paris and features various popular tourist spots that make the visit worthwhile.
But it sparks the interest of viewers right from the start by using this intro that you can see here.
Notice how they use motion design to very subtly add the title of this promotional video right beside the Eiffel Tower.
The Studio is another stellar channel on YouTube, run by Marques Brownlee and his team at MKBD Studio.
Even though this channel shows behind-the-scenes footage and other related content from the video production on the Marques Brownlee channel, they put in the extra effort to get the viewing experience right.
And this can be seen in their beautifully animated YouTube intros, which make their videos look more professional than they already are.
Have a look at this intro to one of their videos going over affordable tech under $500 that people can gift during the Christmas holidays.
Corridor Crew is an extension of Corridor Digital, a design studio with expertise ranging from VFX to motion design, on YouTube.
They’re known for bringing in industry experts to react to the use of CGI, VFX, animation, etc., in movies, TV shows, and video games.
But what steals the show in each of their videos is their YouTube intro here.
It’s fast paced and uses a transition very much inspired by the electronic glitch we might see in vintage TVs.
Using contrasting colors in their intro is an attempt to create a unique brand perception.
And judging by the engagement they get on their videos, we can safely say that it’s working quite well for them.
Here’s the thing about using animation in visual storytelling.
Animation gives the creative flexibility to build a visual narrative in multiple different ways.
Not to mention, it helps build (and maintain) a recognizable brand perception with much more ease, as we have seen in some examples so far.
And Lemmino is a great example of a channel that uses animation to tell stories about unsolved mysteries on YouTube.
Apart from their animated videos, they’re also known for their amazing intro which you can see here.
This intro is short and specific, showing a text animation revealing Lemmino’s brand logo before disappearing below.
Such subtle yet modern animation quickly grabs the attention of the viewer, subsequently letting the animation in the main video do its magic.
While Stripe is a well-known payment processor, their YouTube channel plays a significant role in building its brand and helping them maintain an online presence.
They post videos ranging from talks with industry experts to hosting short testimonial videos from satisfied users of Stripe.
In one of their recent videos promoting the use of Stripe in New York City, they used this stunning YouTube intro.
The use of abstract geometric shapes and contrasting gradient elements in the background gives a very modern look to the intro.
It’s so eye-catching that it’s hard to realize when the intro is over and it has transitioned into the main video.
A YouTube intro is a strategic tool that can significantly impact your channel's success while being a creative start to your YouTube videos.
Here's why having a well-crafted YouTube intro is essential:
In the digital age, first impressions are formed almost instantly.
An eye-tracking study by the Missouri University of Science and Technology found that it takes less than two-tenths of a second for an online visitor to form a first impression.
A YouTube intro acts as the first handshake with your audience, setting the tone and expectations for the rest of your content.
A consistent and unique intro helps in building a strong brand identity.
It makes your content instantly recognizable to your audience and also contributes to consistent brand recall.
With the abundance of content available, retaining a viewer's attention is challenging.
A captivating intro can hook the viewer and encourage them to watch the entire video.
YouTube's algorithm favors videos with higher watch times, meaning a good intro can indirectly boost your video's visibility and ranking by directly influencing the video’s watch time.
A well-designed intro adds a layer of professionalism to your videos.
It shows that you are serious about your content and willing to invest in its quality.
A video marketing survey by Wyzowl in 2024 revealed that 94% of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product or service, and 84% have been swayed to make a purchase.
A professional intro can be particularly influential in making your explainer videos more credible and interesting to watch.
An intro provides a brief moment to prepare the viewer for the upcoming content.
It's an opportunity to briefly introduce the topic, create curiosity, or highlight key points that will be covered.
This helps in aligning the viewer's expectations with what the video is about to deliver.
Intros can evoke emotions and start a narrative journey.
They can be used to create a mood, whether it's excitement, curiosity, or humor, which helps in forming an emotional connection with the audience.
This emotional engagement is crucial in videos, as a Customer Emotions study by Harvard Business Review highlighted that emotionally engaged customers are three times more likely to recommend a product and to repurchase.
Creating an engaging YouTube intro is essential for capturing your audience's attention and setting the tone for your video.
Here are the key elements to consider when designing an effective YouTube intro:
The ideal YouTube intro is concise, typically lasting no more than 5 to 10 seconds.
This duration is long enough to make an impact but short enough to keep the viewer's attention.
The intro should quickly and clearly convey the essence of your channel or the video's content, ensuring that viewers immediately understand what they're about to watch.
We talk more about the ideal size and duration of YouTube intros further in the next section.
Incorporating your channel's logo, color scheme, and any unique visual styles into the intro helps in building brand recognition.
Consistent branding is crucial as it helps viewers foster a sense of familiarity and trust with your content.
The choice of music or sound effects in your intro can significantly influence the viewer's emotional response and engagement.
Many royalty-free music websites can help you select audio that reflects the tone and mood of your channel and lets you create a memorable and impactful start to your videos.
A good intro aligns with the theme and style of the video it precedes and also establishes a brand perception of your YouTube channel.
It should serve as a teaser that gives viewers a taste of what they're about to watch, which helps in maintaining their interest while they consume your content.
By focusing on these elements, you can create a YouTube intro that not only grabs attention but also enhances your channel's identity and viewer engagement.
The ideal duration for YouTube intros is generally between 5 to 10 seconds.
This timeframe is enough to maintain the viewer's attention while providing ample opportunity to make a memorable impression.
Intros that extend beyond this can risk losing viewer interest and a report on optimal video length by Wistia backs this up, observing that engagement tends to drop for videos longer than 2 minutes.
In terms of file size, it's crucial to consider YouTube's streaming capabilities.
A smaller file size ensures faster loading and smoother playback, which is particularly beneficial for viewers with slower internet connections.
While 2MB is a good benchmark, your file size ultimately depends on the complexity of the visual design in your YouTube intros.
The resolution of your intro is equally important.
With the standard for YouTube videos being 1080p, and a growing trend towards 4K content, ensuring your intro is high resolution is key to a professional look.
However, this needs to be balanced with file size considerations for optimal performance.
Finally, the aspect ratio is a critical factor, especially given the diversity of devices used to access YouTube.
While 16:9 is the standard for desktops, optimizing your intro for mobile viewing is also crucial, especially with the current rise in short-form video content.
As a significant portion of the audience is now using smartphones to consume video content, testing different aspect ratios to see what works can ensure your intro looks great on all screens.
By the way, we’ve written a whole bunch of blogs for YouTube creators filled with tips and tricks. Give them a read here:
As we wrap up our exploration of the 15 best YouTube intros, it's clear that a well-crafted intro is more than just an opening sequence; it's a powerful tool in the arsenal of any successful YouTuber.
Through our journey, we've seen a diverse range of intros that captivate, intrigue, and engage viewers right from the get-go.
We've uncovered the key elements that make these intros stand out, discussed the importance of having a compelling YouTube intro, and provided practical insights on the ideal duration and size.
Your intro is your first impression, a unique signature that sets the tone for your content and brand.
Whether you're inspired to revamp your existing intro or create a new one from scratch, keep in mind the lessons and examples we've shared.
In the fast-paced world of YouTube, where every second counts, make sure your intro is not just good, but unforgettable.
Broadcast2World is an animated video production company for YouTube marketing. If you want to build brand awareness and thought leadership, don't hesitate to contact us.