90+ IdeasVideo IdeasUpdated Jan 2026
100 Horror YouTube Video Ideas That Keep Viewers Watching
Spine-chilling video ideas for horror creators in 2026—from creepypasta narration to horror gaming. Each idea includes target audience insights and monetization strategies.
100+
Horror Video Ideas
6
Content Categories
$4-10
Horror CPM Range
85%+
Avg. Retention Rate
Horror content dominates YouTube, consistently ranking among the most engaging genres with exceptional watch time and viewer retention. The appeal is universal—audiences crave the adrenaline rush of controlled fear, making horror one of the few genres that naturally keeps viewers glued to their screens. Whether you're narrating creepypastas, exploring abandoned locations, reviewing horror films, or screaming through horror games, there's a horror niche that matches your style. We've compiled 100+ horror video ideas across six distinct categories, each designed to maximize viewer engagement while staying monetization-friendly. These ideas range from beginner-friendly storytelling to advanced interactive horror experiences, covering everything from true crime adjacent content to paranormal investigations. The horror community is incredibly loyal—once viewers find a horror creator they trust to deliver scares, they become dedicated subscribers who return for every upload.
Table of Contents
🎮
Horror Gaming & Let's Plays
Terrifying gameplay content featuring horror games, reaction-focused playthroughs, and jump scare compilations. Gaming horror is consistently high-performing with excellent monetization potential.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Playing the SCARIEST New Horror Games | First playthrough reactions to newly released indie horror games with genuine scares and commentary | Horror game enthusiasts aged 16-30 seeking new game recommendations | Game key sponsors, developer partnerships, reaction compilation licensing |
Survival Horror Games WITHOUT Weapons | Pacifist runs of horror games, highlighting stealth and avoidance mechanics | Skilled gamers who enjoy self-imposed challenges | Gaming peripheral affiliates, challenge series sponsorships |
Horror Games That BANNED From Streaming | Exploring controversial horror titles and discussing why they were restricted | Mature audiences interested in gaming controversy and censorship | Documentary-style sponsorships, premium content memberships |
Beating Horror Games With Chat Controls | Interactive streams where viewers control game choices via chat commands | Engaged live stream audiences who enjoy participation | Twitch integration sponsors, interactive tool partnerships |
Horror Game Speedruns Gone WRONG | Speedrun attempts with hilarious failures and unexpected scares | Speedrunning community and comedy-focused horror fans | Speedrun timer sponsors, compilation content deals |
Psychological Horror vs Jump Scare Games | Comparing different horror game styles with analysis and rankings | Horror game analysts and thoughtful horror fans | Game publisher partnerships, analysis tool sponsors |
Playing Horror Games in VR | Amplified scares through virtual reality horror game experiences | VR enthusiasts and viewers seeking extreme reactions | VR headset affiliates (Oculus, Valve Index), VR game sponsors |
Horror Games With NO SOUND Challenge | Playing audio-dependent horror games completely muted | Challenge video fans and creative content seekers | Gaming headset sponsors (ironic marketing), challenge series deals |
Recreating Classic Horror in Minecraft | Building famous horror locations and scenarios in Minecraft | Minecraft builders and horror crossover audiences | Minecraft marketplace, server hosting affiliates |
Horror Games That PREDICTED Real Events | Examining eerie coincidences between horror games and reality | Conspiracy-curious viewers and horror theorists | Mystery box sponsors, paranormal product affiliates |
Scariest Moments in Non-Horror Games | Unexpected horror moments in games not designed to be scary | General gaming audiences and horror fans | Variety game sponsors, compilation licensing |
Horror Games With My NON-GAMER Friend | Recording genuine horror reactions from inexperienced gamers | Viewers who enjoy authentic fear reactions | Collaboration-based sponsors, reaction content deals |
Ranking EVERY Popular Horror Game | Comprehensive tier list of horror game franchises with detailed criteria | Horror gaming completionists and tier list enthusiasts | Gaming chair sponsors, comprehensive guide sales |
Horror Game Easter Eggs Nobody Knows | Deep dives into hidden secrets and developer messages in horror games | Detail-oriented horror gamers who love secrets | Mystery and puzzle game sponsors, guide book affiliates |
Can AI Make a Scarier Horror Game? | Using AI tools to generate and play procedural horror experiences | Tech-savvy audiences interested in AI and gaming intersection | AI tool sponsors, tech product affiliates |
Implementation Tips
- 1Invest in quality audio equipment—horror content lives and dies by sound design. A good USB microphone ($80-150) captures genuine screams and whispers effectively.
- 2Create custom thumbnails with high contrast and scared face reactions—horror thumbnails with genuine fear expressions achieve 35-50% higher CTR than generic gaming thumbnails.
- 3Time your uploads for evening hours (6-11 PM in your target timezone) when viewers are most receptive to horror content, increasing watch time by 20-30%.
- 4Build suspense in your editing—leave pauses before jump scares intact rather than cutting them out. Viewers watch horror for tension, not just action.
📖
Creepypasta & Storytelling
Narrative-driven horror content including creepypasta readings, original stories, and animated horror tales. This category excels at long watch times and loyal audiences.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Reading TRUE Scary Stories From Reddit | Narrating curated horror stories from r/nosleep and r/LetsNotMeet with atmospheric production | Creepypasta fans aged 18-35 who enjoy ambient horror | Audiobook platform sponsors, ambient music licensing deals |
Animated Creepypasta With Voice Acting | Producing fully animated horror stories with character voices and sound effects | Visual learners and animation fans who enjoy horror | Animation tool sponsors, Patreon for early access |
Local Urban Legends From [Your Location] | Researching and retelling regional ghost stories and folklore with historical context | Local audiences and folklore enthusiasts | Local business sponsors, regional tourism partnerships |
Creepypasta Tier List Ranking | Categorizing famous creepypastas by scare factor, writing quality, and originality | Creepypasta veterans who enjoy analytical content | Horror merch affiliates, storytelling course sponsors |
Writing My Own Creepypasta Series | Creating original multi-part horror series with recurring characters and mythology | Dedicated subscribers who follow serialized content | Book deal opportunities, premium episode memberships |
TRUE Horror Stories From Hospital Workers | Compiling and narrating verified scary experiences from medical professionals | True story enthusiasts and medical drama fans | Medical product affiliates, podcast network deals |
Analyzing Why Classic Creepypastas Work | Breaking down the psychology and writing techniques behind famous internet horror | Aspiring horror writers and analytical viewers | Writing course affiliates, literary analysis tool sponsors |
Creepypasta Read in Different Voices | Performing single stories with character-specific voice acting and effects | Voice acting fans and immersive audio enthusiasts | Voice acting course sponsors, microphone affiliates |
Viewer-Submitted Scary Stories | Reading and rating horror stories sent by your community | Engaged community members who want participation | Community membership tiers, story publication services |
3-Hour Creepypasta Compilation for Sleep | Long-form ambient horror narration designed for background listening | Insomniacs and ambient horror fans aged 20-45 | Premium ad-free versions, sleep app partnerships |
Rewriting BAD Creepypastas to Be SCARY | Taking poorly-written internet horror and improving the storytelling | Writing enthusiasts and comedy-horror crossover fans | Editing service sponsors, creative writing tool deals |
Historical TRUE Horror Events Explained | Researching and narrating genuinely terrifying moments from history | History buffs and documentary-style content fans | Historical site tours, documentary streaming sponsors |
Creepypasta Multiverse: Connecting Stories | Creating theory videos linking different creepypastas into shared universes | Theory-crafting horror fans and lore enthusiasts | Conspiracy theory merch, theory crafting tool sponsors |
Translating International Horror Folklore | Sharing scary stories from non-English cultures with cultural context | Culturally curious horror fans and international audiences | Translation tool sponsors, cultural education partnerships |
Interactive Choose-Your-Own Horror Story | Branching narrative videos where viewers vote on story direction | Interactive content fans and engaged communities | Interactive video platform sponsors, premium story branches |
Implementation Tips
- 1Develop a consistent audio signature—use the same intro music, background ambience, and outro across all videos to build brand recognition. Consistency increases subscriber conversion by 40%.
- 2Script your narration but deliver naturally—avoid sounding like you're reading. Practice each story 2-3 times before recording for authentic delivery.
- 3Use royalty-free ambient music from Epidemic Sound or Artlist—copyright strikes kill horror channels. Budget $10-15/month for music licensing.
- 4Create chapter markers for longer compilations—viewers appreciate being able to skip to new stories, and chapters boost YouTube SEO rankings.
🏚️
Real World Horror
Reality-based scary content including urban exploration, paranormal investigations, and true crime adjacent videos. High engagement potential with older demographics.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Exploring ABANDONED Asylums at Night | Urban exploration of genuinely abandoned psychiatric hospitals with historical research | Urban explorers and paranormal fans aged 20-40 | Exploration gear affiliates, flashlight and camera sponsors |
Spending 24 Hours in a HAUNTED Location | Overnight stays in reputedly haunted places with documented experiences | Paranormal believers and extreme content seekers | Camping gear sponsors, paranormal equipment affiliates |
TRUE Crime Locations Then vs Now | Visiting and photographing locations of famous crimes with respectful historical context | True crime podcast listeners aged 25-45 | True crime box subscriptions, historical tour partnerships |
Ghost Hunting With REAL Equipment | Serious paranormal investigation using EMF detectors, spirit boxes, and thermal cameras | Paranormal investigation enthusiasts and believers | Paranormal equipment affiliates ($50-300 per sale), investigation tool sponsors |
Creepiest Places on Google Earth | Virtual tours of disturbing and mysterious locations found through satellite imagery | Mystery enthusiasts who enjoy armchair exploration | VPN sponsors, geography education tool deals |
Interviewing People Who Survived Horror | Respectful interviews with survivors of terrifying real-life situations | Documentary fans and empathetic true story audiences | Podcast network deals, mental health service sponsors |
Urban Legends DEBUNKED With Science | Investigating local legends with scientific methodology and skepticism | Skeptics and scientifically-minded horror fans | Science education sponsors, debunking tool affiliates |
Exploring the MOST Haunted Road in [State] | Road trip format exploring reputedly cursed or haunted highways | Road trip enthusiasts and regional horror fans | Automotive sponsors, travel gear affiliates |
Found Footage Analysis: Real or Fake? | Analyzing viral scary videos to determine authenticity with frame-by-frame breakdowns | Analytical viewers who enjoy video forensics | Video editing software sponsors, analysis tool deals |
Creepy Museums You Can Actually Visit | Touring and reviewing unusual and macabre museum collections worldwide | Travel enthusiasts and dark tourism fans | Travel booking affiliates, museum tour partnerships |
What Happened to ABANDONED Theme Parks | Exploring defunct amusement parks with historical deep dives into why they closed | Nostalgia-driven adults and abandoned place enthusiasts | Theme park history book affiliates, exploration documentary deals |
Investigating Missing Person Cold Cases | Respectful examination of unsolved disappearances with community awareness goals | True crime community and advocacy-minded viewers | Missing person organization sponsors, advocacy platform partnerships |
Cemeteries With DISTURBING Histories | Respectful tours of graveyards with unusual or tragic historical significance | History enthusiasts and gothic culture fans | Cemetery tourism books, historical preservation sponsors |
Paranormal Activity Caught on MY Camera | Documenting unexplained phenomena during regular urban exploration | Paranormal believers and unexplained phenomena fans | Security camera affiliates, night vision equipment sponsors |
Scariest 911 Calls Explained | Analyzing publicly available emergency calls with context and outcomes | True crime fans and emergency services interest audiences | Safety app sponsors, emergency preparedness affiliates |
Implementation Tips
- 1Always obtain proper permissions and permits for urban exploration—trespassing videos get demonetized and can result in legal issues. Contact property owners in advance.
- 2Bring a filming buddy for safety and better content—two-person dynamics create more engaging reactions and provide necessary backup in dangerous locations.
- 3Research historical context thoroughly before exploring—viewers value educational content alongside the scares. Spend 2-3 hours researching for every 10 minutes of content.
- 4Use multiple camera angles including body cams and static cameras—varied perspectives make exploration content more immersive and professional.
🔟
Top 10s & Compilation Content
List-based horror content that performs excellently in search and suggested videos. Easy to produce with strong monetization and consistent viewership.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Top 10 SCARIEST Movies of All Time | Ranked list of horror cinema classics with clips, analysis, and scare ratings | Horror movie fans seeking curated recommendations | Streaming service affiliates, movie merchandise deals |
20 Horror Games You MUST Play in 2026 | Comprehensive guide to current and upcoming horror gaming releases | Horror gamers looking for new experiences | Game key sponsors, gaming platform affiliates |
Scariest Unsolved Mysteries on YouTube | Curated compilation of genuinely disturbing unsolved cases and phenomena | Mystery and true crime crossover audiences | Mystery box subscriptions, investigation tool sponsors |
Top 15 Disturbing Wikipedia Articles | Reading and discussing genuinely unsettling Wikipedia entries with research | Internet culture fans and dark knowledge seekers | Educational tool sponsors, Wikipedia donation drives |
10 Horror Movie Endings That Changed Everything | Analysis of plot twists and shocking finales in horror cinema | Film analysis fans and horror cinema enthusiasts | Streaming platform sponsors, film school affiliates |
Scariest Reddit Posts of All Time | Dramatic readings and discussions of the most terrifying Reddit threads | Reddit users and internet horror fans | Social media tool sponsors, Reddit premium promotions |
Top 10 Real Photos That Cannot Be Explained | Examining genuinely mysterious photographs with attempted explanations | Paranormal enthusiasts and mystery lovers | Stock photo site affiliates, photography equipment sponsors |
25 Creepiest Things Found in Forests | Compilation of disturbing discoveries made during wilderness exploration | Outdoor enthusiasts and true mystery fans | Hiking gear affiliates, outdoor equipment sponsors |
Every Famous Creepypasta RANKED | Comprehensive tier list of internet horror stories with detailed scoring | Creepypasta community and ranking content fans | Horror fiction platform sponsors, writing tool affiliates |
Top 10 Haunted Objects in Museums | Exploring reputedly cursed or haunted artifacts in real collections | Paranormal believers and museum enthusiasts | Museum membership affiliates, travel booking partnerships |
Scariest Moments in Video Game History | Countdown of the most terrifying sequences from gaming across all eras | Gaming history fans and horror game enthusiasts | Retro gaming sponsors, game compilation affiliates |
15 Urban Legends That Turned Out TRUE | Investigating folklore that was later verified by evidence | Urban legend fans and truth-seekers | Investigation tool sponsors, documentary platform deals |
Top 10 Horror Movies BANNED in Countries | Examining controversial horror films and censorship reasons | Film censorship enthusiasts and controversy fans | VPN sponsors, international streaming affiliates |
20 Scary Facts About the Ocean | Educational horror content about deep sea creatures and phenomena | Thalassophobia sufferers and ocean mystery fans | Ocean documentary sponsors, marine biology course affiliates |
Every Horror Movie Monster EXPLAINED | Comprehensive guide to famous horror creatures with origins and lore | Horror lore enthusiasts and monster fans | Horror convention sponsors, collectible figure affiliates |
Implementation Tips
- 1Use numbered thumbnails with bold fonts—clearly showing "10" or "TOP 10" increases CTR by 25-30% for list content. Include a compelling image from #1 on the list.
- 2Front-load your best entry—reveal #1 or #2 in the first 2 minutes to hook viewers, then use the rest as bonus content to maintain retention.
- 3Include timestamps in video descriptions and pinned comments—viewers appreciate the ability to skip to specific entries, and engagement boosts rankings.
- 4Refresh and update top 10 lists annually—create "2026 Edition" versions of successful list videos to recapture search traffic with minimal new work.
🎬
Horror Reviews & Analysis
Critical and analytical horror content including movie reviews, game analysis, and deep dives. Appeals to thoughtful horror fans and builds authority.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Reviewing Every [Franchise] Horror Movie | Chronological review series of horror franchises like Saw, Conjuring, or Halloween | Franchise fans and completionist movie watchers | Streaming service sponsors, franchise merchandise affiliates |
Why [Horror Movie] Still TERRIFIES Audiences | Deep analysis of what makes classic horror films effective decades later | Film students and analytical horror fans aged 22-40 | Film education sponsors, Criterion Collection affiliates |
Horror Movie Physics: Could This REALLY Happen? | Applying science to horror scenarios with humor and education | Science enthusiasts and comedy-horror crossover fans | STEM education sponsors, science communication tools |
Comparing Horror Game to the Movie | Side-by-side analysis of game adaptations versus film source material | Cross-media horror fans who consume games and films | Both game and movie platform sponsors |
Horror Directors: Ranking Their Entire Filmography | Comprehensive career retrospectives on horror auteurs like Ari Aster or Jordan Peele | Film buff horror fans and director enthusiasts | Film festival sponsors, director masterclass affiliates |
The Evolution of Horror [Sub-genre] | Documentary-style examination of how specific horror types have changed over decades | Horror historians and genre evolution fans | Documentary platform sponsors, film preservation organizations |
Found Footage Films: Complete Retrospective | Chronological analysis of the found footage sub-genre from Blair Witch onward | Found footage fans and film format enthusiasts | Indie film platform sponsors, camera equipment affiliates |
Horror Movie Practical Effects Breakdown | Examining special effects techniques in pre-CGI horror with behind-the-scenes research | Special effects enthusiasts and practical effects fans | SFX course sponsors, makeup and prosthetics affiliates |
Psychological Horror vs Gore: Which Is Scarier? | Debate-style video comparing effectiveness of different fear approaches | Horror philosophy fans and debate enthusiasts | Debate platform sponsors, horror film course deals |
Hidden Meanings in [Horror Film] | Uncovering symbolism, metaphors, and subtext in layered horror movies | Literary analysis fans and deep-dive content seekers | Film analysis tool sponsors, academic course affiliates |
Best Horror Movie Soundtracks Analyzed | Musical analysis of iconic horror scores and their psychological effects | Music theory fans and soundtrack enthusiasts | Music streaming affiliates, composition course sponsors |
Horror Movie Tropes: Good vs Bad | Examining common horror clichés and when they work or fail | Aspiring horror creators and critical viewers | Screenwriting course sponsors, filmmaking tool affiliates |
International Horror Cinema Hidden Gems | Showcasing excellent non-English horror films that deserve recognition | World cinema fans and horror completionists | International streaming platform sponsors, subtitle service deals |
Horror Video Game Design Analysis | Breaking down what makes horror game mechanics effective or ineffective | Game designers and analytical gamers | Game engine sponsors, game design course affiliates |
Why Low-Budget Horror Works Better | Exploring how constraints often create more effective scares than big budgets | Indie film fans and aspiring horror creators | Indie film platform sponsors, low-budget filmmaking tool deals |
Implementation Tips
- 1Use fair use principles correctly when including clips—commentary, criticism, and analysis are protected, but use minimal clips (under 10% of runtime) and add substantial transformative value.
- 2Develop a unique analytical framework—create your own rating system or critical lens that becomes your signature. This builds brand identity and viewer loyalty.
- 3Engage with comments to start discussions—analytical content attracts thoughtful viewers who appreciate responding to their insights in comments.
- 4Collaborate with other horror analysis channels—cross-promotion with channels like Dead Meat, Spookyastronauts works well for audience sharing.
🎪
Interactive & Challenge Content
Participatory horror content including scary challenges, viewer interactions, and experimental horror experiences. Highest engagement potential with younger audiences.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Scary Hide and Seek in ABANDONED Building | Challenge format combining horror location with game mechanics | Young adults aged 16-28 seeking adrenaline content | Action camera sponsors, safety equipment affiliates |
Reading YOUR Scariest Experiences | Community submission-based content with viewer story dramatizations | Engaged community members who want participation | Story submission platform sponsors, community membership tiers |
24-Hour Overnight in STORAGE UNIT Challenge | Survival-style challenge in creepy confined space | Challenge video enthusiasts and claustrophobia fans | Survival gear sponsors, storage company partnerships |
Playing Horror Games Viewers Choose | Interactive series where community votes on next game to play | Engaged gaming communities who enjoy control | Polling platform sponsors, community voting tool deals |
Investigating Places YOU Recommended | Exploring viewer-submitted haunted or creepy locations | Local community members and investigation fans | Travel gear sponsors, investigation equipment affiliates |
Horror Movie Survival Challenge | Attempting to make smart decisions while watching horror films with consequences | Horror comedy fans and interactive content seekers | Snack and beverage sponsors, party game affiliates |
Recreating YOUR Nightmares | Viewer nightmare submissions visualized through video production | Creative content fans and psychology enthusiasts | Dream analysis app sponsors, psychology tool affiliates |
Escape Room: HORROR Edition | Attempting horror-themed escape rooms with time pressure and scares | Puzzle enthusiasts and horror challenge fans | Escape room partnerships, puzzle game sponsors |
Blindfolded in a Haunted House | Sensory deprivation challenge in scary locations | Extreme challenge viewers seeking intense reactions | Safety equipment sponsors, sensory experience brands |
Horror Movie Drinking Game (Non-Alcoholic) | Creating family-friendly horror movie challenge rules with consequences | Social viewing groups and party content fans | Beverage sponsors, party supply affiliates |
Drawing Horror Monsters From Descriptions | Artistic challenge visualizing viewer-described creatures | Art community and creative horror fans | Art supply sponsors, digital drawing tool affiliates |
Spending Night in MOST HAUNTED Hotel Room | Hotel challenge in reputedly cursed or haunted accommodations | Paranormal fans and travel content enthusiasts | Hotel booking affiliates, travel gear sponsors |
Horror Short Film Made by VIEWERS | Crowdsourced horror production with community-submitted elements | Aspiring filmmakers and collaborative content fans | Filmmaking tool sponsors, collaborative platform deals |
Scary Prank Wars With Other Creators | Horror-themed creator collaborations with escalating scares | Prank video fans and collaborative content viewers | Prank supply sponsors, multi-creator brand deals |
Reacting to VIEWERS Scary Videos | Community-submitted horror footage reaction and analysis | Submission-based content fans and community builders | Video platform sponsors, submission tool affiliates |
Implementation Tips
- 1Always prioritize safety over content—have emergency plans, backup personnel, and first aid when doing physical challenges. Viewer trust disappears if someone gets hurt.
- 2Create clear submission guidelines for viewer-generated content—specify formats, content restrictions, and rights usage to avoid legal issues.
- 3Build anticipation with community posts—announce upcoming challenges or viewer choice videos 3-5 days in advance to boost engagement and participation.
- 4Offer real incentives for participation—featured viewers should receive shoutouts, custom badges, or small prizes to encourage quality submissions.
Growth Strategies for Success
Content Optimization
Hook Within 15 Seconds
Horror content must deliver immediate tension or intrigue—open with your scariest moment or biggest promise to prevent early drop-off
Reduce first-minute drop-off rate from 40% to under 20%
Strategic Jump Scare Placement
Place major scares at 30%, 50%, and 80% through videos to maintain retention peaks throughout watch time
Achieve 60%+ average view duration on 15+ minute horror content
Red Lighting and High Contrast Thumbnails
Use red/black color schemes with terrified expressions or creepy imagery that stands out in feeds
Increase CTR from 4% average to 8-12% for horror content
Audience Growth
Cross-Platform Horror Community
Build engaged Discord server where fans share their own stories and interact between uploads
Convert 15-20% of viewers into community members who watch every upload
Series-Based Content Structure
Create continuing horror series with recurring elements that build viewer anticipation for next episodes
Increase subscriber notification clicks by 35-50% for series content
Collaborate With Adjacent Niches
Partner with true crime, paranormal, mystery, and gaming channels for audience crossover
Gain 1000-5000 subscribers per strategic collaboration with aligned audiences
Monetization
Avoid Demonetization Keywords
Use "scary" instead of "terrifying," avoid graphic violence descriptions, exclude real death/tragedy in titles/descriptions
Maintain 90%+ monetization rate on horror content vs 60% industry average
Premium Horror Content Tiers
Offer extended cuts, behind-the-scenes, and exclusive investigations through membership/Patreon
Convert 2-4% of subscribers into paying members at $3-10/month
Horror-Friendly Sponsorships
Target sponsors like NordVPN, Raycon, MeUndies, mobile games—brands comfortable with edgy content
Secure $800-3000 per sponsored video at 100K+ subscriber level
4-Week Action Plan
Week 1
12-18 hours
Horror Niche Selection & Setup
- Decide on primary horror sub-niche (gaming, storytelling, exploration, etc.) based on your resources and comfort level
- Create channel branding with horror aesthetic—dark colors, atmospheric fonts, eerie imagery
- Set up recording equipment: quality microphone for narration/reactions, camera for exploration if applicable
- Research 20 successful horror channels in your chosen niche to understand audience expectations
- Plan first 15 video ideas with detailed outlines for each concept
Week 2
18-25 hours
Content Production Foundation
- Create 3 pilot videos testing different horror formats to see what resonates with early viewers
- Design 5-10 thumbnail templates using red/black/white color schemes with high contrast
- Build intro/outro sequences with atmospheric music and your channel branding
- Write SEO-optimized descriptions with horror keywords that avoid demonetization triggers
- Set up a simple Discord or subreddit for community building
Week 3
15-20 hours
Launch & Community Building
- Upload first video with evening scheduling (7-10 PM) for optimal horror content viewing
- Share in relevant subreddits (r/horror, r/creepy, r/nosleep) following self-promotion rules
- Create 5-7 YouTube Shorts using scariest moments from your long-form content
- Engage with every comment in first 24 hours to build community and boost engagement signals
- Join horror creator Discord servers to network and learn from established creators
Week 4
10-15 hours
Optimization & Scaling
- Analyze retention graphs to identify exact moments viewers drop off—improve pacing in those areas
- A/B test two different thumbnail styles on similar videos to determine higher CTR approach
- Develop a consistent upload schedule (minimum 1x/week) and announce it to subscribers
- Research potential sponsors in horror-friendly categories and prepare media kit
- Plan next month including at least one collaboration outreach to similar-sized horror creator
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