YouTube Description Templates

For Hyper & Ryan's CS2 Channels

Last Updated: February 2026

Critical rule: The first 2 lines (first ~120 characters) appear in YouTube search results and suggested videos. These lines are your SEO money lines — they MUST contain your primary keywords AND a hook to click.

📐 Description Structure (Universal)

Every description should follow this structure:

LINE 1-2: SEO hook (keywords + value prop — this shows in search)
LINE 3: Blank line
LINE 4-5: Sponsor/promo block
LINE 6: Blank line
LINE 7+: Video context / timestamps
BOTTOM: Social links + hashtags

Template 1: Case Opening Videos (Hyper_CS2 / MountainGambles)

🎰 Opened [NUMBER] [CASE NAME] Cases in CS2 — did I profit or lose EVERYTHING? Watch to find out! #cs2caseOpening #cs2

💰 Use code PEAK on Rain.gg for free cases → https://rain.gg
🔗 peakrewards.gg — Free rewards just for playing

📋 What happened this video:
[Write 2-3 sentences about the video content, naturally including keywords like "cs2 case opening," "knife unboxing," "cs2 skins," etc.]

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 — Intro
0:30 — First [Case Name] Opens
[X:XX] — The BIG Moment
[X:XX] — Final Results & Profit/Loss

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🎮 MORE CS2 CONTENT:
▸ Shorts Channel: [link]
▸ Gambling Channel: [link]
▸ Main Channel: [link]

📱 SOCIALS:
▸ Kick: https://kick.com/[channel]
▸ Twitter: [link]
▸ Discord: discord.gg/peakslots

🏷️ Tags to include in description body:
cs2 case opening, csgo case opening, cs2 case opening 2026, [case name] case opening, cs2 knife unboxing, cs2 skins, counter strike 2 cases, rain.gg case opening

#cs2 #counterstrike2 #caseOpening #cs2skins #csgo #csgocaseopening #knifeopening #cs2knife #cs2cases

Template 2: Gambling/Rain.gg Videos (HyperGambles / Peak Slots)

🎰 Risking $[AMOUNT] on Rain.gg [GAME MODE] — biggest [win/loss] yet? CS2 gambling at its finest. #raingg #cs2gambling

💰 Use code PEAK on Rain.gg → https://rain.gg (Free bonus cases!)
🔗 peakrewards.gg — Earn rewards on every bet

📋 Today's Session:
[2-3 sentences describing the session, naturally including "rain.gg," "cs2 gambling," "case battle," "upgrader," etc.]

Starting Balance: $[X]
Ending Balance: $[X]
Biggest Win: $[X] on [game/item]

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 — Starting Balance & Strategy
[X:XX] — [Game Mode] Round 1
[X:XX] — The HUGE Win/Loss
[X:XX] — Final Balance & Results

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🎰 MORE GAMBLING CONTENT:
▸ CS2 Cases: [link to Hyper_CS2 or MountainGambles]
▸ Slots: [link to HyperSpins or Peak Slots]
▸ Shorts: [link]

📱 SOCIALS:
▸ Kick (LIVE daily): https://kick.com/[channel]
▸ Twitter: [link]
▸ Discord: discord.gg/peakslots

rain.gg, rain.gg case battles, rain.gg upgrader, cs2 gambling, csgo gambling, skin gambling, cs2 case battle, rain.gg codes, code PEAK rain.gg, cs2 gambling 2026

#raingg #cs2gambling #casebattle #cs2 #counterstrike2 #skinGambling #csgogambling #upgrader #cs2skins

Template 3: Trade Up Videos (HyperCS / MountainCS)

🔄 CS2 Trade Up Challenge: starting from $[AMOUNT] — can we reach [GOAL ITEM]? Trade ups in 2026 are [wild/broken/amazing]. #cs2tradeups #cs2

💰 Use code PEAK on Rain.gg → https://rain.gg
🔗 peakrewards.gg — Free rewards for the community

📋 The Challenge:
[2-3 sentences about the trade up journey, including "cs2 trade ups," "nothing to knife," "trade up contract," etc.]

Starting Inventory: $[X]
Goal: [Specific item]
Result: Watch to find out 👀

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 — The Rules & Starting Point
[X:XX] — First Trade Up
[X:XX] — Getting Close to [Goal]
[X:XX] — The FINAL Trade Up
[X:XX] — End Result & Profit Check

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

📱 SOCIALS & CHANNELS:
▸ Kick: https://kick.com/[channel]
▸ Gambling: [link]
▸ Discord: discord.gg/peakslots

cs2 trade ups, cs2 trade up guide, cs2 nothing to knife, cs2 trade up 2026, cs2 trade up to knife, trade up contract cs2, csgo trade ups, cs2 knife trade up, counter strike 2 trade ups

#cs2 #cs2tradeups #nothingtoknife #cs2skins #tradeup #counterstrike2 #cs2knife #csgoskins

Template 4: Shorts (All Channels)

[ONE compelling sentence with primary keyword] 🔥

💰 Code PEAK on Rain.gg → https://rain.gg
🔗 peakrewards.gg

#cs2 #cs2shorts #caseOpening #cs2skins #shorts #counterstrike2 #csgo #knifeopening

Shorts description notes: - Keep it SHORT — most viewers never expand it - First line = the ONLY line that matters - Hashtags at end help with Shorts shelf discovery - Always include #shorts (helps YouTube categorize)

Template 5: Slots Content (HyperSpins / Peak Slots)

🎰 $[AMOUNT] [GAME NAME] session — hunting for that [MULTIPLIER]x! Online slots at [casino name]. #slots #bigwin

💰 Use code PEAK on Rain.gg → https://rain.gg
🔗 peakrewards.gg — Free rewards daily

📋 Today's Slots Session:
[2-3 sentences about the session, including game name, stakes, biggest moments]

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 — [Game Name] ($[bet] bets)
[X:XX] — [Next Game]
[X:XX] — BIGGEST WIN
[X:XX] — Session Results

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

📱 LINKS:
▸ Kick: https://kick.com/[channel]
▸ CS2 Channel: [link]
▸ Discord: discord.gg/peakslots

#slots #onlineslots #bigwin #slotmachine #gambling #casino #slotgames

🔑 SEO First-Line Formulas

The first line is EVERYTHING for search. Here are proven first-line formulas:

For Case Openings:

🎰 Opening [NUMBER] [CASE NAME] CS2 cases — the knife came on case #[X]! cs2 case opening 2026

🔥 CS2 case opening with [NUMBER] [CASE NAME] — $[AMOUNT] spent, here's what I got. csgo case opening highlights

For Gambling:

🎰 $[AMOUNT] Rain.gg [GAME MODE] session — started with $[X], ended with $[Y]. CS2 gambling 2026

💰 Rain.gg case battle for $[AMOUNT] — use code PEAK for free cases! cs2 skin gambling

For Trade Ups:

🔄 CS2 trade up from $[LOW] to [GOAL] — the nothing to knife challenge continues! cs2 trade ups 2026

🎯 Trade up challenge: $[AMOUNT] starting budget, goal is [ITEM]. CS2 nothing to knife 2026

📌 Link Placement Priority

Order your links by business priority:

1. Rain.gg + code PEAK (PRIMARY — this is the money)
2. peakrewards.gg (SECONDARY — community funnel)
3. Other channel links (cross-promotion)
4. Kick stream link (live audience funnel)
5. Discord (community)
6. Twitter / other socials (lowest priority)

Why this order: Viewers scan top-down and stop reading fast. Put the highest-value link first.

⏱️ Timestamp Best Practices

• Always include timestamps — they create chapters in the video progress bar
• Chapters boost average view duration (viewers jump to exciting parts instead of leaving)
• Start with 0:00 (required for YouTube to recognize chapters)
• Each chapter needs at least 10 seconds
• Use descriptive chapter names: 3:45 — The $10,000 Knife Drop NOT 3:45 — Part 2
• Minimum 3 timestamps, aim for 5-8

#️⃣ Hashtag Strategy

Rules:

• YouTube allows up to 15 hashtags (use 8-12)
• First 3 hashtags appear ABOVE the title (visible before clicking)
• Put your 3 most important hashtags at the START of the hashtag block
• Mix broad (#cs2) with specific (#rainggcasebattle)

By Content Type:

Case Openings:

#cs2 #caseOpening #cs2skins #cs2cases #csgo #csgocaseopening #knifeopening #cs2knife #counterstrike2 #cs2caseOpening #unboxing

Gambling:

#cs2gambling #raingg #casebattle #cs2 #skinGambling #csgo #upgrader #cs2skins #counterstrike2 #gambling

Trade Ups:

#cs2tradeups #cs2 #nothingtoknife #tradeup #cs2skins #cs2knife #counterstrike2 #csgo

Shorts:

#shorts #cs2 #cs2shorts #caseOpening #cs2skins #counterstrike2 #csgo #viral

Slots:

#slots #bigwin #onlineslots #casino #gambling #slotgames #slotmachine #jackpot

🖥️ End Screen & Card Recommendations

End Screens (last 20 seconds):

• Subscribe button — always
• Best performing video — link your highest CTR video
• Latest upload — keeps viewers in your content loop
• Position: Right side of screen (don't block content on left)

Cards (in-video popups):

• Place at moments of peak engagement (right after a big win, knife drop, etc.)
• Link to related content ("Want to see my biggest knife unbox ever? 👆")
• Never more than 4 cards per video
• First card: At 25% of video length
• Key card: Right after the climax/big moment
• Last card: At 80% of video length (before end screen)
• Link to your gambling channel from case videos and vice versa (cross-pollinate)

Copy-paste these templates for every upload. Customize the brackets [X] and tweak the first 2 lines to match each specific video. Consistency = compounding SEO.

CS2 YouTube Keyword Research Guide

For Hyper & Ryan's Channels

Last Updated: February 2026

How to use this: Pick 1-3 keywords from the relevant category for every video title, description, and tags. Prioritize HIGH volume keywords in titles and MEDIUM/LOW in descriptions and tags for reach + discoverability balance.

🔑 Volume Legend

• HIGH = Massive search volume, fierce competition (use in titles only if you can differentiate)
• MEDIUM = Strong search volume, moderate competition (sweet spot for titles)
• LOW = Niche but dedicated searchers, low competition (great for tags + descriptions)

Category 1: Case Opening Keywords

💡 Insight: Always include BOTH "cs2" AND "csgo" versions. YouTube autocomplete shows both have massive separate audiences.

Category 2: Gambling / Betting Keywords

💡 Insight: "rain.gg" has its own YouTube search ecosystem. Videos titled around rain.gg features will capture high-intent viewers who are already on or considering the platform.

Category 3: Skins / Items Keywords

Category 4: Trading Keywords

Category 5: News / Updates Keywords

Category 6: Challenge / Series Keywords (LOW Competition Gold Mines)

🔥 Trending Terms — February 2026

Based on YouTube autocomplete data pulled live:

1. "cs2 case opening 2026" — Year-specific freshness signal, growing
2. "nothing to knife cs2 2026" — Updated challenge format trending
3. "cs2 new case" — Always spikes with updates (check for new case drops)
4. "rain.gg case battles" — Platform-specific gambling search growing
5. "cs2 skins market crash" — Market volatility = trending topic
6. "cs2 gloves tier list" — Gloves content trending upward
7. "cs2 sticker crafts" — Sticker content is a growing vertical
8. "cs2 trade up nothing to knife" — Series format dominating algorithm
9. "cs2 genesis case" — Latest case references in autocomplete
10. "cs2 blue gem unboxing" — Rare items always trend

🎯 Long-Tail Keywords (Low Competition — Easy Wins)

These get fewer searches but have almost ZERO competition. Perfect for smaller channels to rank on page 1:

1. cs2 case opening no commentary
2. rain.gg low balance challenge
3. cs2 trade ups cheap 2026
4. cs2 nothing to butterfly knife armory
5. cs2 sticker craft budget
6. cs2 gloves under 100
7. cs2 blue gem loadout showcase
8. rain.gg upgrader strategy
9. cs2 case opening stats analysis
10. cs2 dragon lore trade up attempt
11. cs2 skins under 1 dollar 2026
12. nothing to a free cs2 knife has never been easier
13. cs2 case battle ohnepixel style
14. cs2 knife glove combo showcase
15. rain.gg codes 2026

🏆 Competitor Keywords to Target

These are keywords that top CS2 content creators rank for. By including them in your tags/descriptions, you appear in "suggested" alongside their videos:

ohnePixel (1M+ subs)

• ohnepixel case opening
• ohnepixel best unboxing
• ohnepixel case battle
• ohnepixel sticker crafts
• ohnepixel funny moments
• ohnepixel reacts

Anomaly (3M+ subs)

• anomaly case opening
• anomaly cs2 gambling
• anomaly unboxing
• anomaly cs2

TimTheTatman / Nadeshot (crossover audience)

• timthetatman case opening
• nadeshot cs2
• cs2 case opening timthetatman

General Competitor Tags

• HeyZeus cs2
• Sparkles cs2
• WarOwl skins
• TDM_Heyzeus case opening

📋 Keyword Implementation Quick Reference

Every Case Opening Video MUST Include:

In Title (pick 2-3): cs2 case opening, knife, [case name], [dollar amount] In Description (line 1-2): cs2 case opening 2026, csgo case opening, [specific case name] In Tags: All relevant keywords from Categories 1, 3, and 6

Every Gambling Video MUST Include:

In Title (pick 2-3): rain.gg, case battle/upgrader/coinflip, [dollar amount], win/profit In Description (line 1-2): cs2 gambling, rain.gg, [game mode], skin gambling In Tags: All relevant keywords from Categories 2 and 3

Every Trade Up Video MUST Include:

In Title (pick 2-3): cs2 trade up, nothing to knife, [goal item] In Description (line 1-2): cs2 trade ups 2026, nothing to knife, trade up guide In Tags: All relevant keywords from Categories 4 and 6

Keywords sourced from YouTube Autocomplete API, February 8, 2026. Refresh monthly for trending shifts.

YouTube Tag Strategy

For Hyper & Ryan's CS2 Channels

Last Updated: February 2026

Key fact: YouTube allows 500 characters of tags per video. Tags are the THIRD most important ranking factor after title and description. Use ALL 500 characters — leaving tags empty is leaving views on the table.

📐 Tag Placement Rules

Order Matters

YouTube gives the most weight to your first 3-5 tags. Place them strategically:

1. Tag 1-2: Exact match of your video title (or close variant)
2. Tag 3-5: Primary keywords for the content type
3. Tag 6-10: Secondary keywords / variations
4. Tag 11-15: Competitor channel names + broad category
5. Tag 16+: Long-tail variations, related searches, misspellings

Tag Formatting

• Use lowercase (YouTube normalizes anyway, but be consistent)
• Mix single words AND multi-word phrases
• Include both "cs2" and "csgo" versions of every keyword
• Include common misspellings: "counter strike" / "counterstrike" / "counter-strike"

🏷️ Core Tags (EVERY Video — Copy-Paste This Block)

These tags should be on every single video across all channels. They establish channel-level relevance:

cs2, csgo, counter strike 2, counter-strike 2, counterstrike 2, cs2 2026, csgo 2026, counter strike, valve, steam, cs2 skins, csgo skins, cs2 case opening, cs2 gambling, rain.gg, code PEAK, peakrewards, Hyper, HyperGambles, Mountain, MountainGambles

Character count: ~250/500 — leaves room for 250 chars of content-specific tags.

🎯 Content-Specific Tag Blocks

Case Opening Videos

Add these to the core tags:

cs2 case opening, csgo case opening, case opening, cs2 case opening 2026, cs2 knife unboxing, knife opening, cs2 cases, [SPECIFIC CASE NAME], [SPECIFIC CASE NAME] opening, cs2 unboxing, case unboxing, cs2 case opening highlights, cs2 case opening compilation, csgo case opening compilation, opening cases cs2

With a specific case (e.g., Revolution Case):

revolution case, revolution case opening, cs2 revolution case, revolution case cs2, revolution case knife, revolution case skins, revolution case opening cs2

Gambling / Rain.gg Videos

Add these to the core tags:

rain.gg, rain gg, raingg, cs2 gambling, csgo gambling, skin gambling, cs2 case battle, case battle, rain.gg case battles, cs2 upgrader, rain.gg upgrader, gambling cs2, cs2 gambling 2026, rain.gg codes, rain.gg code PEAK, rain.gg big win, cs2 coinflip, online gambling, skin betting

Trade Up Videos

Add these to the core tags:

cs2 trade ups, csgo trade ups, trade up, cs2 trade up contract, cs2 trade up guide, cs2 nothing to knife, nothing to knife, nothing to knife cs2, cs2 trade up to knife, trade up challenge, cs2 trade up 2026, cs2 knife trade up, trade up cs2, trade up contract

Shorts

Add these to the core tags:

cs2 shorts, csgo shorts, shorts, cs2 clips, cs2 highlights, cs2 funny moments, cs2 case opening shorts, cs2 knife, cs2 viral, cs2 best moments, #shorts

Slots Content

Add these to the core tags:

slots, online slots, slot machine, big win, slot games, [SPECIFIC GAME NAME], casino, gambling, online casino, slots 2026, biggest win, slot win, mega win, [GAME PROVIDER e.g., pragmatic play, hacksaw gaming]

🏆 Competitor Tags to Target

Including competitor names in your tags helps your videos appear in "Suggested" next to theirs:

Tier 1 — Direct CS2 Skin/Gambling Competitors

ohnepixel, ohne pixel, ohnePixel, anomaly, anomaly csgo, anomaly cs2, HeyZeus, heyzeus cs2, TDM_Heyzeus, sparkles, sparkles csgo, zipel, zipel cs2

Tier 2 — CS2 Content Creators (Broader Audience)

WarOwl, 3kliksphilip, NadeKing, BananaGaming, Valens, Fitz, SwaggerSouls

Tier 3 — Gambling/Slots Creators

Trainwreck, trainwreckstv, Roshtein, xQc gambling, AyeZee, Drake gambling, Stake gambling

Tier 4 — General Gaming (Long Shot but No Harm)

gaming, pc gaming, steam games, fps games

Important: Only include competitor names that are RELEVANT to your content. Don't tag "xQc" on a pure trade-up video — YouTube may penalize irrelevant tags.

🚫 Tags to AVOID

Too Broad (Infinite Competition — You'll Never Rank)

❌ games
❌ video games
❌ gaming
❌ funny
❌ entertainment
❌ best
❌ 2026

These words alone are useless. They only work as part of multi-word phrases (e.g., "cs2 funny moments" is fine, "funny" alone is not).

Misleading / Penalty Risk

❌ free skins (if not actually giving away free skins)
❌ hack / cheat / exploit
❌ csgo free knife (clickbait tag)
❌ fortnite, minecraft, valorant (irrelevant games)
❌ mr beast, pewdiepie (irrelevant creators)

Over-Optimized (Looks Spammy to YouTube)

❌ Don't repeat the same keyword 5 different ways with minor variations
❌ Don't stuff tags with the exact same phrase rearranged

Example of BAD tag spam:

cs2 case opening, case opening cs2, opening cs2 case, case cs2 opening, open case cs2

Example of GOOD variation:

cs2 case opening, csgo case opening, cs2 unboxing, case opening 2026, cs2 case opening highlights

📋 Tag Templates — Copy-Paste Ready

Template A: Case Opening Video (Full 500 chars)

cs2, csgo, counter strike 2, cs2 case opening, csgo case opening, cs2 2026, cs2 knife unboxing, cs2 unboxing, case opening, cs2 cases, [CASE NAME], [CASE NAME] opening, knife opening, rain.gg, code PEAK, cs2 skins, csgo skins, cs2 case opening 2026, ohnepixel, anomaly, Hyper, HyperGambles, Mountain, cs2 case opening highlights, cs2 case opening compilation, csgo case opening compilation

Template B: Gambling Video (Full 500 chars)

cs2, csgo, counter strike 2, rain.gg, rain gg, cs2 gambling, csgo gambling, skin gambling, case battle, cs2 case battle, rain.gg case battles, rain.gg upgrader, cs2 upgrader, rain.gg code PEAK, rain.gg big win, cs2 2026, cs2 skins, gambling, online gambling, Hyper, HyperGambles, Peak Slots, code PEAK, peakrewards, ohnepixel case battle, anomaly gambling, cs2 gambling 2026

Template C: Trade Up Video (Full 500 chars)

cs2, csgo, counter strike 2, cs2 trade ups, csgo trade ups, cs2 trade up guide, trade up contract, cs2 nothing to knife, nothing to knife, nothing to knife cs2, cs2 trade up to knife, cs2 knife trade up, trade up challenge, cs2 2026, rain.gg, code PEAK, cs2 skins, Hyper, Mountain, cs2 trade up 2026, cs2 cheap trade ups, cs2 trade up red, cs2 budget, ohnepixel trade up

Template D: Shorts (Limited but Targeted)

cs2, csgo, counter strike 2, shorts, cs2 shorts, cs2 case opening, cs2 knife, cs2 highlights, cs2 best moments, rain.gg, Hyper, Mountain, cs2 2026, csgo case opening, case opening shorts, cs2 viral

Template E: Slots (Full 500 chars)

slots, online slots, slot machine, big win, casino, [GAME NAME], gambling, Hyper, HyperSpins, Peak Slots, online casino, slots 2026, mega win, slot games, biggest slot win, [PROVIDER NAME], slot bonus, bonus buy, max bet, slot highlights, gambling highlights, code PEAK, rain.gg, peakrewards, casino online, slot win 2026

🔄 Tag Maintenance Schedule

💡 Pro Tips

1. YouTube Studio shows which search terms find your videos. Go to Analytics → Reach → Traffic source: YouTube search. Use this to find tags that are ACTUALLY working and double down.

2. Hashtags in descriptions are NOT the same as tags. Hashtags (#cs2) show above the title and in hashtag search pages. Tags (in the tag field) are invisible metadata for the algorithm. Use BOTH.

3. Use VidIQ or TubeBuddy (free tier) to see what tags competitors are using. Search a competitor video → check their tags → steal the relevant ones.

4. Tag trending events fast. When a new CS2 update drops, a new case launches, or a major tournament happens — add those terms to your tags within 24 hours. First-mover advantage in tags = first page of search.

5. Your channel name should be a tag on every video. "Hyper" "HyperGambles" "HyperCS" "Mountain" "MountainGambles" — this helps YouTube connect your videos to your channel brand.

Tags are invisible to viewers but critical to the algorithm. Treat them like the backend wiring of your video — it's not glamorous but it makes everything work.

Thumbnail Best Practices Guide

For Hyper & Ryan's CS2 Channels

Last Updated: February 2026

The brutal truth: Thumbnail is 80% of whether someone clicks. A perfect title with a bad thumbnail gets ZERO views. A mediocre title with a killer thumbnail still gets clicks. Prioritize thumbnails above everything else.

🎨 Color Psychology — What Gets Clicks in CS2

Colors That WORK in This Niche

Colors to AVOID

The #1 Rule: HIGH CONTRAST

The CS2 niche is dominated by dark gameplay screenshots. Your thumbnail needs to SCREAM against the feed. Use bright, saturated colors with dark backgrounds.

📝 Text Rules

Word Count

• Maximum: 4-5 words on the thumbnail
• Ideal: 2-3 words (or just a number)
• Best performers: Just a dollar amount or one word
• Examples: $50,000 or PROFIT or ALL IN

Font Rules

• Size: Text should be readable at phone-thumbnail size (think 150px tall on a 1280x720 canvas)
• Font style: Bold, thick, sans-serif (Impact, Bebas Neue, Montserrat Black, Anton)
• NEVER use: Thin fonts, serif fonts, cursive/script fonts
• Stroke/outline: Always add a dark stroke (3-5px) around text for readability
• Drop shadow: Subtle drop shadow helps text pop off any background

Text Placement

• Bottom third: Most common, doesn't block faces
• Center: For impact statements ($50,000 in the middle of the frame)
• Top left: Least common but catches scanning eyes (we read left-to-right)
• NEVER: Cover the item/skin you're showcasing or the face

Text Color Combos That Work

✅ White text + black stroke on ANY background
✅ Yellow text + dark red stroke (gold/money feel)
✅ Green text + dark outline (profit/win)
✅ Red text + white stroke (loss/danger)

😱 Face/Reaction Placement

Why Faces Matter

YouTube's algorithm and human psychology both favor faces. Thumbnails with faces get 30-40% higher CTR on average. For gambling/case content specifically, the REACTION is the product.

Face Rules

• Position: Right side of frame (most common) OR left side (if item is on right)
• Size: Face should take up 25-40% of the thumbnail
• Expression: EXAGGERATED — subtle expressions don't read at small size
• Eye direction: Looking at the item/result (guides viewer's eye to the point of interest)

Best Reaction Types for CS2 Content

🚨 DON'T: Fake reactions. Viewers can tell. DO: Capture REAL reactions during recording and use the best frame.

🔫 Item/Skin Showcase Techniques

How to Feature CS2 Items

1. Render the item in high quality — Use CS2 inspect screenshots or workshop renders (not low-res in-game)
2. Add a GLOW behind the item — Outer glow in item's color makes it pop
3. Angle the item — 3/4 angle is more dynamic than straight-on
4. Size matters — The item should be the second-largest element (after face or text)
5. Float it — Item floating on a dark/blurred background > item in inventory UI

Item Placement

• Item on LEFT, face on RIGHT (or vice versa — but separate them)
• Item should be at eye level or slightly above (conveys value)
• If showing multiple items, arrange in a slight arc/cascade

For Specific Items:

• Knives: Show the inspect animation angle (the glamour shot)
• Gloves: Show on hands with a matching knife
• Blue Gems: Maximize the blue pattern visibility — rotate to show the most blue
• Sticker crafts: Show the full gun with stickers visible

↔️ Before/After & Comparison Layouts

The Split Thumbnail

One of the HIGHEST performing thumbnail formats in CS2 gambling:

┌─────────────┬──────────────┐
│   BEFORE    │    AFTER     │
│             │              │
│  $100 (red) │ $10,000(grn) │
│  sad face   │  happy face  │
│  empty inv  │  stacked inv │
└─────────────┴──────────────┘

How to execute: - Divide frame with a diagonal line or lightning bolt (not just a straight line) - Left side = before (darker, muted, red tones) - Right side = after (brighter, saturated, green/gold tones) - Same person, different expressions on each side

Comparison Format

┌─────────────┬──────────────┐
│  OPTION A   │   OPTION B   │
│             │              │
│   Cases     │   Upgrader   │
│   $5,000    │   $5,000     │
│  ? result   │  ? result    │
└─────────────┴──────────────┘

Arrow Format

┌────────────────────────────┐
│ $100 ─────➤➤➤───── $????? │
│ [item]              [???]  │
│        [shocked face]      │
└────────────────────────────┘

🎯 10 Specific Thumbnail Concepts

1. "The Knife Drop" — Case Opening

• Layout: Black background, knife render with golden glow, shocked face on right
• Text: Just the knife value $15,000
• Colors: Gold/yellow glow, dark background
• Use for: Any video where a knife is unboxed

2. "The Balance Sheet" — Gambling Session

• Layout: Split screen — red balance on left, green balance on right, arrow between
• Text: $500 → $50,000 in bold
• Colors: Red to green gradient
• Use for: Profit sessions on Rain.gg

3. "The All-In" — High Stakes

• Layout: Person pushing chips/money toward camera, Rain.gg screen in background
• Text: ALL IN in huge yellow text
• Colors: Gold text, dark cinematic background
• Use for: Maximum risk videos

4. "The Versus" — Case Battle

• Layout: Two faces on opposite sides, VS in the middle, items above each head
• Text: VS with fire/lightning effect
• Colors: Red vs Blue split
• Use for: Hyper vs Ryan or any head-to-head

5. "The Impossible Trade Up" — Trade Up Challenge

• Layout: Cheap skin on far left, arrow chain, target knife on far right
• Text: $1 → 🔪?
• Colors: Gray/brown starting skins, glowing gold target
• Use for: Nothing-to-knife series

6. "The Stack" — Collection/Inventory

• Layout: Top-down view of multiple skins fanned out, total value overlaid
• Text: $100,000 INVENTORY
• Colors: Rainbow of skin colors, dark background
• Use for: Inventory showcases, collection videos

7. "The Odds" — Data/Testing Video

• Layout: Large percentage number (e.g., "2.4%") with knife behind it
• Text: 1 in 42 CASES
• Colors: White text, red/gold accent
• Use for: Odds analysis, testing videos

8. "The Loss" — Bad Session

• Layout: Devastated face, red-tinted, balance showing near-zero
• Text: -$10,000 in red
• Colors: Red, dark, desaturated
• Use for: Loss videos (these actually perform well — viewers love drama)

9. "The New Case Hype" — Update Content

• Layout: New case render, sparkles/glow, surprised face
• Text: NEW CASE or case name
• Colors: Match the case's color scheme
• Use for: Day-one new case content (speed matters!)

10. "The Budget Play" — Relatable Content

• Layout: Small stack of cheap skins, questioning/hopeful expression
• Text: $10 CHALLENGE
• Colors: Humble greens, approachable feel (not flashy)
• Use for: Budget challenges, low-balance rain.gg content

🚫 What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes)

1. Screenshot-as-Thumbnail

❌ Never just screenshot the game UI and use it as a thumbnail. It looks lazy and blends in with every other CS2 video.

2. Too Much Text

❌ If you need to squint to read it, there's too much text. 5+ words = too many. Nobody reads paragraphs on thumbnails.

3. Cluttered Layout

❌ Don't try to show the knife AND the face AND the balance AND the case AND text AND a logo. Pick 2-3 elements MAX.

4. Low Contrast

❌ Light gray text on a slightly darker gray background. If it doesn't pop when you squint at it, redo it.

5. Inconsistent Branding

❌ Every thumbnail looks completely different in style. This makes your channel page look chaotic. Pick 2-3 template styles and rotate.

6. Tiny Items

❌ Featuring a skin that's so small you can't tell what it is at thumbnail size. The item must be IDENTIFIABLE at 240px wide.

7. Boring/Neutral Expression

❌ A slight smile or neutral face does nothing. EXAGGERATE. This is performing, not posing for a passport photo.

8. No Contrast Between Text and Background

❌ Yellow text on a bright background. Always use outlines/strokes to separate text from any background.

9. Outdated Templates

❌ Using the same exact thumbnail style for 6+ months. Thumbnail trends shift — refresh your style every 2-3 months.

10. Red Arrows and Circles

❌ The 2017 clickbait look. Red circles and arrows scream desperation and low production value. Modern thumbnails use glow effects, split screens, and clean text instead.

🛠️ Thumbnail Production Checklist

Before uploading a thumbnail, verify:

• [ ] Readable at phone size — Shrink it to 240x135px and check
• [ ] 3 or fewer main elements — Face, item, text (pick 2-3, not all 3 crammed)
• [ ] High contrast — Squint test: can you still see the key elements?
• [ ] Title doesn't repeat thumbnail text — They complement, not duplicate
• [ ] Emotion is clear — Can you tell the reaction from across the room?
• [ ] Brand consistency — Does it look like it belongs on your channel?
• [ ] 1280x720 resolution — YouTube standard, 16:9 aspect ratio
• [ ] Under 2MB file size — YouTube's limit
• [ ] No copyrighted watermarks — Stock photo watermarks = instant amateur look

💡 Advanced Tips

1. A/B test thumbnails — YouTube now has built-in thumbnail testing. Upload 2-3 versions and let YouTube pick the winner. USE THIS.

2. Study your own analytics — Go to YouTube Studio → Content → sort by CTR. Your highest CTR videos show what thumbnail style YOUR audience responds to.

3. The 3-second rule — Viewers decide to click in under 3 seconds. If your thumbnail can't communicate its message in 3 seconds, simplify it.

4. Check on multiple devices — Look at your thumbnail on phone, tablet, and TV. What looks great on a monitor might be illegible on a phone.

5. Create a thumbnail FIRST — Before filming, plan the thumbnail concept. This way you can capture the perfect reaction shot during recording.

Thumbnails are NOT an afterthought. They're the first thing viewers see and the last thing you should rush. Budget time for them: 30-60 minutes per thumbnail minimum.

YouTube Title Formula Guide

For Hyper & Ryan's CS2 Channels

Last Updated: February 2026

The #1 rule: Your title and thumbnail work TOGETHER. The title says what the thumbnail can't show. Never repeat information between them.

📏 Title Rules

• Character limit: 60–70 characters MAX (YouTube truncates at ~70 on desktop, ~50 on mobile)
• Front-load keywords: Put the most important keyword in the first 40 characters
• Mobile first: Most viewers see titles on phones — the first 40–45 chars are all they get
• No clickbait without payoff: Algorithm punishes high click + low retention
• Capitalize strategically: Use ALL CAPS for 1-2 emotional words, not the entire title

🏆 15 Proven Title Formulas

Formula 1: The Dollar Amount Opener

Format: $[AMOUNT] [ACTION] on [PLATFORM/GAME] Why it works: Specific dollar amounts create instant stakes and curiosity.

Examples for Hyper: - $5,000 Case Battle on Rain.gg Went WRONG - $10,000 CS2 Case Opening (My Biggest Ever) - $500 to $50,000 Rain.gg Challenge

Examples for Ryan: - $2,000 CS2 Upgrader Attempt — ALL or NOTHING - $15,000 Case Battle vs Hyper on Rain.gg

Formula 2: The Nothing-to-Something Challenge

Format: [NOTHING/LOW] to [GOAL ITEM] — [QUALIFIER] Why it works: Underdog journey + clear goal = viewers want to see if you make it.

Examples: - $0 to Butterfly Knife — CS2 Trade Up Challenge - $1 to a Free Knife in CS2 (2026 Method) - Nothing to Dragon Lore Using ONLY Trade Ups - $10 to Karambit — Can It Be Done in 2026?

Formula 3: The Quantity Flex

Format: I Opened [BIG NUMBER] [CASES] and Got [RESULT] Why it works: Large numbers = spectacle. "And got" creates a cliffhanger.

Examples: - I Opened 200 CS2 Cases and Got THIS - I Opened 500 Revolution Cases — Was It Worth It? - Opening 100 Cases Until I Get a Knife - I Opened Every CS2 Case (Here's What Happened)

Formula 4: The Emotional Reaction

Format: [RESULT] Made Me [EMOTION] — [CONTEXT] Why it works: Emotional titles + reaction thumbnail = empathy click.

Examples: - This Knife Unbox Made Me Scream — $30,000 CS2 Case Opening - I Almost Cried When I Hit This Upgrade - The Luckiest Case Opening of My Life - This Case Battle Ending Will Shock You

Formula 5: The Risk/Stakes Framer

Format: Risking $[AMOUNT] on [SPECIFIC BET] — [OUTCOME HINT] Why it works: Risk = tension. Viewers watch to see if you survive.

Examples: - Risking $5,000 on a 10% Upgrader — Did It Hit? - Risking My ENTIRE Inventory on One Case Battle - I Put Everything on Red — $8,000 Coinflip - All-In $20,000 Rain.gg Upgrader

Formula 6: The Versus/Competition

Format: [PERSON] vs [PERSON] — $[AMOUNT] [FORMAT] Why it works: Competition = narrative. Viewers pick sides.

Examples: - Hyper vs Ryan — $10,000 Case Battle (Loser Pays) - Hyper vs Mountain — Who Gets a Knife First? - $5,000 Case Battle: Me vs My Best Friend - 1v1 Rain.gg Case Battle — Winner Takes ALL

Formula 7: The Specificity Hook

Format: I Found the [SUPERLATIVE] [THING] in CS2 Why it works: Specific superlatives (cheapest, rarest, best) trigger curiosity.

Examples: - I Found the CHEAPEST Knife in CS2 (2026) - The BEST Trade Up in CS2 Right Now - The Most PROFITABLE Case in CS2 (Tested 200 Opens) - I Found a $50,000 Blue Gem in a Random Trade Up

Formula 8: The Time Pressure

Format: [TIME LIMIT] to [GOAL] — CS2 [FORMAT] Why it works: Countdown = urgency. Viewers watch the full video.

Examples: - 24 Hours to Profit $10,000 on Rain.gg - 1 Hour, 1 Knife — CS2 Case Opening Challenge - Can I Profit in 30 Minutes? (Rain.gg Upgrader) - Speed Opening: 100 Cases in 10 Minutes

Formula 9: The "Every" Format

Format: Opening EVERY [TYPE] in CS2 [QUALIFIER] Why it works: Completionist format = satisfying. High watch time.

Examples: - Opening EVERY CS2 Case Until I Profit - I Opened EVERY Case in CS2 — Here's the BEST One - Trading Up EVERY Skin Tier in CS2 - Testing EVERY Game on Rain.gg (Which Is Best?)

Formula 10: The Data/Proof Approach

Format: I Tested [THING] [NUMBER] Times — Here's the Truth Why it works: Data = credibility. "Truth" implies secrets revealed.

Examples: - I Opened 1,000 Cases to Find the REAL Odds - Is Rain.gg Actually Profitable? (I Tested It) - CS2 Trade Up Odds Explained — I Tracked 500 Attempts - The Truth About CS2 Case Opening Odds (Data Proof)

Formula 11: The "What If" Curiosity

Format: What Happens When You [EXTREME ACTION] Why it works: Hypothetical setup = must-watch curiosity.

Examples: - What Happens When You Upgrade $1 to $100,000? - What If You ONLY Open the Cheapest CS2 Cases? - What Happens If You Never Stop Opening Cases?

Formula 12: The Update/New Release

Format: NEW [ITEM/CASE] in CS2 — [REACTION/ACTION] Why it works: New content = time-sensitive clicks. First-mover advantage.

Examples: - NEW CS2 Case Just Dropped — Opening 100 Immediately - New Case Update: These Skins Are WORTH A FORTUNE - The NEW Gloves Are HERE — Unboxing Until I Get One

Formula 13: The Budget Challenge

Format: $[SMALL AMOUNT] CS2 [ACTION] — How Far Can It Go? Why it works: Relatable budget + gambling = every viewer can imagine themselves.

Examples: - $10 Rain.gg Challenge — Can I Turn It Into a Knife? - $50 Budget Case Opening — Better Than Expected? - $100 Rain.gg Challenge: Upgrader vs Cases vs Battles

Formula 14: The Story Arc

Format: From [BAD SITUATION] to [DREAM OUTCOME] Why it works: Narrative arc = emotional investment. Viewers stay for resolution.

Examples: - From Broke to $20,000 in One Stream - I Lost Everything... Then THIS Happened - My Biggest L Turned Into My Biggest W - Down $5,000 — One Upgrade Changed Everything

Formula 15: The List/Ranking

Format: Top [NUMBER] [CATEGORY] in CS2 (2026) Why it works: Lists = scannable + rankable. Year = freshness. High retention.

Examples: - Top 5 Most PROFITABLE Cases to Open in CS2 (2026) - Top 10 CS2 Skins Under $5 That Look EXPENSIVE - Ranking Every CS2 Knife from WORST to BEST - Best Rain.gg Cases Right Now (February 2026)

🧪 A/B Test Suggestions

Test these pairs to learn what your audience responds to:

🚫 Words to STOP Using (Overused / Algorithm Fatigue)

These words are so overused in the CS2 niche that they've lost all impact:

✅ Words to START Using (High-Performing in CS2 Niche)

Based on what top-performing CS2 videos use in their titles:

💰 Money Words (create stakes)

• Risking — implies potential loss
• Profit — implies gain (viewers want to see success)
• Worth — "Was it worth $5,000?" creates evaluation curiosity
• Budget — relatable, accessible content
• All-In — maximum stakes language

🎯 Specificity Words (build trust)

• Tested — implies data/proof
• Tracked — implies methodology
• Exactly — precision builds credibility
• Real — "Real odds" / "Real results"
• Actually — "Is this actually profitable?"

⚡ Tension Words (create urgency)

• ONLY — "I can ONLY open 10 cases"
• LAST — "My LAST attempt"
• ONE — "ONE chance" / "ONE upgrade"
• EVERYTHING — "Risking EVERYTHING"
• NEVER — "Never been done before"

🏆 Result Words (promise a payoff)

• Hit — "Did it hit?" (gambling language)
• Found — "I found a $50K skin"
• Pulled — "I pulled a Dragon Lore"
• Landed — "Landed on the rarest skin"
• Got — Simple, direct, curiosity-inducing when vague

📅 Freshness Words (signal relevance)

• 2026 — Year in title = freshness signal
• NEW — Caps in title for new content
• Right Now — "Best cases right now"
• Just — "Just dropped" / "Just happened"
• Updated — "Updated for 2026"

📐 Format-Specific Title Formulas

Case Opening Videos

✅ [$AMOUNT] CS2 Case Opening — [EMOTIONAL HOOK]
✅ I Opened [NUMBER] [CASE NAME] and Got [RESULT TEASE]
✅ Opening [CASE NAME] Until I Get a [GOAL ITEM]
❌ INSANE CS2 CASE OPENING!!! (OMG)

Gambling Videos (Rain.gg)

✅ $[AMOUNT] Rain.gg [GAME MODE] — [STAKES/OUTCOME]
✅ Risking $[AMOUNT] on Rain.gg [GAME] — Did It Hit?
✅ Rain.gg [GAME] Challenge: $[LOW] to $[HIGH]
❌ GAMBLING ON RAIN.GG GONE WRONG!!!

Trade Up Videos

✅ $[LOW] to [GOAL ITEM] — CS2 Trade Up Challenge
✅ Nothing to [KNIFE] Using ONLY Trade Ups
✅ CS2 Trade Up Odds: I Tracked [NUMBER] Attempts
❌ CRAZY CS2 TRADE UPS!!! INSANE RESULTS!!!

Shorts

✅ [3-5 words max] — $[AMOUNT] [RESULT] 🔥
✅ When the [ITEM] Actually Hits...
✅ POV: You pull a $[AMOUNT] [ITEM]
❌ [Long complex title that gets cut off on mobile]

Shorts titles should be under 40 characters.

Slots/Casino Content (Hyper Slots / Peak Slots)

✅ $[AMOUNT] [GAME NAME] — [MULTIPLIER] Hit!
✅ [GAME NAME] Finally Paid — $[WIN AMOUNT]
✅ Biggest [GAME] Win of 2026 ($[AMOUNT])
❌ PLAYING SLOTS OMG INSANE WIN!!!

🧠 Title Psychology Checklist

Before finalizing any title, check these boxes:

• [ ] Does it create a question in the viewer's mind? (They should NEED to click to get the answer)
• [ ] Is there a specific number? (Dollar amounts, case counts, odds — specifics beat vague)
• [ ] Does it pair with the thumbnail without repeating it? (Title says what thumbnail can't)
• [ ] Would YOU click this if you saw it in your feed? (Honest gut check)
• [ ] Is the primary keyword in the first 40 characters? (Mobile optimization)
• [ ] Is it under 65 characters? (No truncation)
• [ ] Does it avoid the "dead words" list? (No INSANE, CRAZY, OMG, etc.)
• [ ] Does it include a freshness signal? (2026, NEW, latest, updated)

Review and update these formulas monthly based on what's performing. Track CTR in YouTube Studio to see which formulas work best for YOUR audience.

YouTube Upload Optimization Checklist

For Hyper & Ryan — Every Video, Every Time

Last Updated: February 2026

Print this. Pin it. Follow it. Every step below exists because it directly impacts views, CTR, or watch time. Skip one and you're leaving views on the table.

📋 PRE-UPLOAD (Before You Hit Publish)

Title Optimization

• [ ] Title uses a formula from title-formulas.md
• [ ] Primary keyword is in the first 40 characters
• [ ] Title is under 65 characters (no truncation)
• [ ] Specific number included (dollar amount, case count, odds)
• [ ] No "dead words" (INSANE, CRAZY, OMG, NOT CLICKBAIT)
• [ ] Title complements the thumbnail (doesn't repeat it)
• [ ] Includes a freshness signal (2026, NEW, latest) when relevant
• [ ] Gut check: Would I click this in my own feed?

Description

• [ ] First 2 lines contain primary keywords AND a hook (this shows in search results)
• [ ] Template from description-templates.md used as base
• [ ] Rain.gg link + code PEAK is in the first 5 lines
• [ ] peakrewards.gg link included
• [ ] Video context paragraph included (2-3 sentences with natural keyword usage)
• [ ] Timestamps added (minimum 3, starting with 0:00)
• [ ] Social links block at bottom (Kick, Twitter, Discord)
• [ ] Other channel links for cross-promotion
• [ ] 8-12 hashtags at the end
• [ ] First 3 hashtags are the most important (they show above the title)

Tags

• [ ] Core tags block copy-pasted from tags-strategy.md
• [ ] Content-specific tags added for this video type
• [ ] Video-specific tags added (case name, item names, dollar amounts)
• [ ] Competitor channel names included in tags
• [ ] Both "cs2" AND "csgo" variations used
• [ ] Using close to 500 characters (max allowed)
• [ ] No spammy/irrelevant tags

Thumbnail

• [ ] Custom thumbnail designed (NEVER use auto-generated)
• [ ] Passes the "phone size" test (readable at 240x135px)
• [ ] Maximum 4-5 words of text (ideally 2-3)
• [ ] High contrast — passes the squint test
• [ ] Face/reaction is clear and exaggerated
• [ ] Item/skin is visible and identifiable
• [ ] Doesn't repeat the title text
• [ ] 1280x720 resolution, under 2MB
• [ ] Consistent with channel's visual style
• [ ] If YouTube A/B testing available: Upload 2-3 thumbnail variants

🎬 IN-UPLOAD (YouTube Studio Settings)

Basic Info

• [ ] Title pasted (double-check for typos)
• [ ] Description pasted from template
• [ ] Tags pasted
• [ ] Thumbnail uploaded
• [ ] Playlist selected (add to relevant playlist — playlists boost session time)

Visibility & Scheduling

• [ ] Video set to SCHEDULED (not published immediately)
• [ ] Scheduled for optimal upload time:

Optimal Upload Times (US audience — Pacific Time):

For Shorts: Post at 8:00-9:00 AM PT or 6:00-7:00 PM PT (scroll-time hours)

• [ ] If targeting a CS2 update/new case: publish ASAP (speed > schedule)

Advanced Settings

• [ ] Category set to Gaming
• [ ] Language set to English
• [ ] Comments set to Allow all (engagement signal to algorithm)
• [ ] "Made for kids" set to No (gambling content is NOT for kids)
• [ ] Video location set (optional but helps local discovery)

📺 POST-UPLOAD OPTIMIZATION

End Screen (Last 20 Seconds)

• [ ] End screen elements added
• [ ] Subscribe button element placed
• [ ] "Best for viewer" video element OR specific high-CTR video
• [ ] "Latest upload" element
• [ ] Elements positioned to not block important content
• [ ] End screen area was planned during editing (clean space for elements)

Cards (In-Video Links)

• [ ] 2-4 cards placed throughout the video
• [ ] First card at ~25% of video length
• [ ] Card placed RIGHT AFTER the biggest moment (capitalize on peak attention)
• [ ] Card near 80% of video length (before end screen takes over)
• [ ] Cards link to relevant content (gambling → case videos, vice versa)
• [ ] Card text is compelling: "See my BIGGEST knife ever" not "Check out my other video"

Subtitles / Closed Captions

• [ ] Auto-captions reviewed for accuracy (YouTube auto-generates, but they make mistakes)
• [ ] Consider adding manual captions for key moments (improves SEO — YouTube indexes caption text)

📣 POST-PUBLISH PROMOTION

Community Post (YouTube)

• [ ] Community post scheduled 2-4 hours BEFORE video goes live
• [ ] Post includes a teaser screenshot or poll
• [ ] Post builds hype: "Just recorded something CRAZY dropping in a few hours... 🔥"
• [ ] Alternative: Post a poll ("How many cases should I open next time? 100 / 500 / 1000")

Cross-Platform Promotion

• [ ] Twitter/X: Post a clip teaser when video goes live
• [ ] Kick chat: Mention new upload during live streams (Quagmire can announce)
• [ ] Discord: Post in announcement channel when video drops
• [ ] Other YouTube channels: Mention/link new video in your other channel's community tab

Engagement Seeding (First 30 Minutes)

• [ ] Pin a comment on the video (include code PEAK and a question to encourage replies)
• Example: "Code PEAK on Rain.gg 💰 — what should I open next? Drop a comment below!"
• [ ] Reply to the first 5-10 comments (signals engagement to the algorithm)
• [ ] Heart/like early comments (encourages more engagement)

📊 48-HOUR POST-UPLOAD REVIEW

Check These Metrics

• [ ] CTR (Click-Through Rate): Target 5%+ (new channels), 8%+ (established)
• If below 3%: Thumbnail or title needs changing — swap it!
• [ ] Average View Duration (AVD): Target 40%+ of video length
• If below 30%: Intro is too long OR content doesn't match title/thumbnail promise
• [ ] Impressions: Are they growing or flat?
• Flat from upload = YouTube isn't pushing it. Consider boosting with a community post.
• [ ] Traffic sources: Where are views coming from?
• YouTube Search = SEO is working
• Suggested = Thumbnail + tags working
• Browse = Algorithm pushing to subscribers
• External = Social media promotion working

Corrective Actions

🔄 WEEKLY MAINTENANCE

• [ ] Check YouTube Studio → Analytics → Reach → YouTube search terms
• Add any new terms people are finding you with to future video tags
• [ ] Review best-performing videos of the week
• What title formula worked? What thumbnail style? Do MORE of that.
• [ ] Check competitor channels for new trends
• Are they using a new thumbnail style? A new title format?
• [ ] Plan next week's uploads
• Aim for consistent upload schedule (same days, same times)

📅 MONTHLY AUDIT

• [ ] Review keywords.md — search YouTube autocomplete for new terms
• [ ] Update tag templates with any new trending keywords
• [ ] Review and update description templates if links or promos changed
• [ ] Check channel-level analytics:
• Subscriber growth rate
• Overall channel CTR
• Best performing content type
• Audience demographics (are you reaching the right people?)
• [ ] Create 1 "SEO play" video per month — a video specifically targeting a high-volume, low-competition keyword from keywords.md

⚡ QUICK-REFERENCE: The 5 Things That Matter Most

If you're in a rush and can only focus on 5 things:

1. Thumbnail — Is it scroll-stopping? Would YOU click it?
2. Title — Keywords front-loaded? Specific number? Under 65 chars?
3. First 2 lines of description — Keywords + hook?
4. Tags — Core block + specific tags? Close to 500 chars?
5. First 30 seconds of video — Does it hook? (This determines AVD, which determines everything)

This checklist is your competitive advantage. Most CS2 creators upload with default settings and wonder why they get 200 views. Following this process consistently is how you go from 500 to 50,000 views per video. The difference isn't luck — it's optimization.