100 YouTube Content Ideas for 2026 (Shorts, Long-Form & Evergreen)

YouTube Shorts now receive over 90 billion views per day. With over 2 billion logged-in monthly users, YouTube remains the second-largest search engine in the world. But here's the challenge: knowing what to post.

Whether you're starting a new channel or reviving a stagnant one, content ideas are the lifeblood of YouTube success. This list gives you 100 proven video ideas organized by format and niche — from viral Shorts to evergreen long-form content that brings traffic for years.

Use this as your brainstorming toolkit. Bookmark it, come back to it, and never face a blank content calendar again.

TL;DR: Quick Reference by Category

Quick wins: Start with Shorts ideas (#1-20) for fast reach, then build tutorial content (#21-35) for sustainable search traffic.

Table of Contents

1. YouTube Shorts Ideas (1-20)
2. Tutorial & How-To Ideas (21-35)
3. Vlog & Lifestyle Ideas (36-50)
4. Review & Comparison Ideas (51-60)
5. List & Ranking Ideas (61-70)
6. Interview & Collaboration Ideas (71-80)
7. Educational & Explainer Ideas (81-90)
8. Evergreen & Passive Income Ideas (91-100)
9. How to Choose the Right Ideas for Your Channel
10. FAQs

YouTube Shorts Ideas (1-20)

YouTube Shorts has exploded, now reaching over 1.5 billion users monthly. The best strategy in 2026? Use Shorts as "trailers" for your long-form content. According to Epidemic Sound, the hybrid approach — where Shorts funnel viewers to monetized long-form videos — is outperforming single-format strategies.

Here are 20 Shorts ideas that grab attention:

Quick Hooks & Tips

1. One tip that changed [your niche] for me Share a single actionable tip in under 30 seconds. Works for any niche — fitness, business, cooking, tech.

2. POV: You just discovered [surprising hack] Use the "POV" format to show a transformation or revelation. High replay value.

3. Things I wish I knew before starting [activity] Retrospective advice content performs well because it promises to save viewers time and mistakes.

4. You're doing [common activity] wrong Contrarian content stops the scroll. Challenge conventional wisdom with a better method.

5. [Skill] in 60 seconds Compress a normally complex topic into one minute. "Editing Reels in 60 seconds" or "Perfect espresso in 60 seconds."

Transformation & Reaction

6. Before and after [makeover/project] Transformation videos are consistently among the most-viewed Shorts formats. Show dramatic changes in makeup, room design, fitness, or creative projects.

7. My reaction to [trending topic/viral video] Reaction Shorts require minimal editing and tap into existing audience interest. Keep reactions genuine and add unique commentary.

8. Wait for it... [unexpected ending] Loop-friendly content with surprise endings gets rewatched. The algorithm loves high completion rates.

9. Rating [popular thing] from 1-10 Quick opinion content sparks comments and debate. Rate restaurants, products, movies, or trends.

10. [Unpopular opinion] that's actually true Hot takes generate engagement. Just be prepared to defend your position in comments.

Entertainment & Trends

11. Mini vlog: My morning routine Mini vlogs are trending as creators share snippets of daily life in compact formats. Keep it relatable and authentic.

12. [Trending sound] + your unique spin Jump on trending audio within 48 hours for maximum reach. Add your niche expertise to stand out.

13. POV: [Relatable situation] everyone experiences Relatable comedy works across demographics. "POV: You pretend to check your phone to avoid someone."

14. Challenge attempt: [Viral challenge] Participate in trending challenges but add your unique personality. Don't just copy — elevate.

15. [Behind the scenes] of my [job/creative process] Peek behind the curtain of your work. According to research, behind-the-scenes content boosts engagement by up to 30%.

Educational Bites

16. Myth vs. reality: [Common misconception] Debunk popular myths in your industry. "Myth: You need 1,000 subscribers to make money. Reality:..."

17. [Comparison]: Option A vs. Option B Side-by-side comparisons work great in short format. "iPhone vs. Android for filming Shorts."

18. 3 apps that [solve specific problem] Tool recommendations get saved and shared. Focus on solving one specific problem.

19. The [industry term] everyone gets wrong Educate while entertaining. Show you're an authority worth following for longer content.

20. What [price point] gets you in [category] "What $50 vs. $500 headphones sound like" or "What $10 vs. $100 wine tastes like."

Schedule your Shorts in advance: PostEverywhere lets you schedule YouTube Shorts alongside your long-form content — all from one calendar. Plan your content →

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Tutorial & How-To Ideas (21-35)

Over 70% of YouTube viewers turn to the platform to solve problems. Tutorial content is the backbone of sustainable YouTube growth because it ranks in search and provides evergreen value.

According to Google's own research, 86% of US viewers use YouTube to learn new things. That's a massive opportunity for creators willing to teach what they know.

21. Complete beginner's guide to [skill/software] Create the definitive resource for beginners. "Complete Beginner's Guide to Photoshop in 2026" can rank for years.

22. How to [achieve specific result] step-by-step Be specific. "How to edit vertical video for YouTube Shorts" beats "How to edit video."

23. [Software] tutorial: [Advanced feature] explained Dive deep into features most users overlook. "Notion databases: The complete guide" or "Excel pivot tables demystified."

24. How I [achieved impressive result] Case study format: "How I grew from 0 to 10K subscribers in 6 months." Share real numbers and strategies.

25. [Common task] the right way (most people do this wrong) Corrective tutorials perform well because they promise improvement over current methods.

26. How to fix [common problem] "How to fix grainy iPhone photos" or "How to fix your golf swing." Troubleshooting content gets searched constantly.

27. DIY [project] with [budget constraint] Budget-friendly DIY content attracts viewers. "DIY desk setup under $200" or "Professional lighting for $50."

28. How to start [career/business] in 2026 Career transition content has strong search demand. Update annually to stay relevant.

29. [Platform] algorithm explained (how to beat it) Algorithm content performs well. Check out our guide on how the YouTube algorithm works for inspiration.

30. How to [skill] faster than 99% of people Promise accelerated learning. "How to learn [language] faster" or "How to build muscle faster."

31. [Tool/Software] tips most people don't know Power user tips for popular tools. "10 Google Sheets tricks that will change your workflow."

32. How to set up [equipment/software] from scratch Setup guides help nervous beginners get started. "How to set up OBS for streaming in 2026."

33. How to [skill] without [common requirement] Remove barriers to entry. "How to make music without instruments" or "How to start a podcast without expensive equipment."

34. [Process] walkthrough: Behind the scenes Show your actual workflow. "How I edit a YouTube video from start to finish" or "My content creation process revealed."

35. How to use AI for [specific task] AI tutorials are exploding. AI content generation topics get significant search volume in 2026.

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Vlog & Lifestyle Ideas (36-50)

According to research, 65% of women and 50% of men aged 16-34 watch vlogs weekly. Authentic daily life content builds loyal audiences who return for your personality, not just information.

36. A day in my life as a [profession/role] Day-in-the-life content lets viewers experience your world. Works for any profession from software engineer to stay-at-home parent.

37. Morning routine that changed my productivity Morning routine videos consistently perform well. Focus on specific benefits: energy, focus, creativity.

38. What I eat in a day [dietary approach] Food content is universally appealing. "What I eat in a day (high protein)" or "What I eat as a [profession]."

39. Room/apartment/office tour Tours satisfy curiosity and provide inspiration. Update annually as your space evolves.

40. [Number] days of [challenge] — what happened Challenge documentation creates a narrative arc. "30 days of cold showers: My results."

41. Unfiltered week in my life Raw, unpolished vlogs build trust. Show the struggles alongside the wins.

42. How I stay organized/productive Productivity content has evergreen appeal. Share your actual systems, apps, and routines.

43. Monthly reset routine Viewers love ritualized content. "How I plan my month" or "My monthly financial review."

44. [Season] reset: Goals, habits, and plans Seasonal content (spring cleaning, fall planning) gets searched at predictable times.

45. Moving vlog / Life update Major life transitions make compelling content. Moving, career changes, relationship updates.

46. What I spend in a week/month Money transparency content performs well. "What I spend as a [profession] in [city]."

47. [Event/Trip] vlog Document experiences: concerts, conferences, vacations, local adventures.

48. Self-care routine / Mental health check-in Wellness content resonates deeply. Share genuine self-care practices, not just product placements.

49. Answering your assumptions about me Community-driven content. Let viewers submit assumptions, then address them honestly.

50. Goals update: What I achieved (and didn't) Accountability content builds investment. Review quarterly or annual goals publicly.

Plan a month of vlogs in one sitting: With PostEverywhere's calendar view, you can see your entire content schedule at a glance and batch-schedule videos for consistent posting. Start planning →

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Review & Comparison Ideas (51-60)

Review content ranks well in search and can generate affiliate revenue. According to StudioBinder, honest opinion content is among the most-searched formats on YouTube.

The key to review content: be genuinely helpful. Viewers can spot biased reviews instantly, and trust is hard to rebuild once lost. Focus on who the product is right for — not just whether it's "good" or "bad."

51. [Product] review after [time period] of use Long-term reviews are more valuable than day-one reviews. "iPhone 17 review: 6 months later."

52. [Product A] vs [Product B]: Which should you buy? Head-to-head comparisons help viewers make decisions. Be genuinely helpful, not biased.

53. I tested [trending product] — is it worth the hype? Test viral products so viewers don't have to. "I tested TikTok-famous kitchen gadgets."

54. Best [category] under $[price] Budget-focused reviews attract price-conscious viewers. "Best cameras under $500 in 2026."

55. [Brand] products ranked from worst to best Brand-specific rankings attract loyal fans searching for guidance.

56. I switched from [Option A] to [Option B] for a month Switching experiments provide valuable comparative insight. "I switched from Mac to Windows for a month."

57. [Professional] reviews [amateur's work/gear] Expert commentary on accessible products. "Professional chef reviews $20 knives."

58. Why I returned/kept [product] Honest post-purchase content. Explain what works and what doesn't in real-world use.

59. [Year] [category] buyer's guide Annual buyer's guides get searched every year. "2026 laptop buyer's guide."

60. Things I'd never buy again vs. things I'll repurchase forever Format combines positive and negative reviews for balanced content.

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List & Ranking Ideas (61-70)

List content is one of the most shareable formats on YouTube. Top 10s and rankings satisfy viewer curiosity while being highly scannable.

61. Top 10 [category] in 2026 Classic format that works across every niche. Update annually to maintain relevance.

62. [Number] mistakes beginners make in [activity] Mistake-avoidance content attracts beginners seeking shortcuts. "7 mistakes new YouTubers make."

63. [Number] things I learned in [time period] of [activity] Retrospective wisdom packaged as a list. "10 things I learned from 5 years of content creation."

64. [Number] tools/apps I can't live without Tool recommendation content gets saved and referenced repeatedly.

65. [Number] books that changed my life Book recommendation content has passionate audiences and long shelf life.

66. [Number] habits that [positive outcome] Habit content is evergreen. "5 habits that doubled my productivity."

67. Worst [category] mistakes I've seen Cautionary content educates while entertaining. "Worst investing mistakes I've witnessed."

68. [Number] underrated [things] you need to try Hidden gem content provides unique value. "10 underrated Chrome extensions."

69. [Number] trends that will dominate [year/industry] Trend prediction content gets searched annually. Support predictions with evidence.

70. [Number] skills that will make you money in 2026 Career-focused list content attracts ambitious viewers.

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Interview & Collaboration Ideas (71-80)

Interview content lets you borrow credibility from guests while providing unique value. According to Epidemic Sound, video podcasts and interview formats are exploding in 2026.

71. Interview with [expert in your niche] Expert interviews boost your authority and provide unique insights for viewers.

72. How [successful person] got started Origin story interviews inspire and educate. Focus on actionable takeaways.

73. [Topic] with [guest]: Deep dive conversation Long-form discussions allow nuanced exploration of complex topics.

74. Collaboration: [Combined expertise] project Partner with complementary creators. "Chef + nutritionist create the perfect meal."

75. Reacting to [guest's] old content together Nostalgic collaboration format. Review old videos and discuss how things have changed.

76. [Guest] rates my [work/setup/routine] Expert critique content. Have professionals evaluate amateur work constructively.

77. [Number] questions with [interesting person] Rapid-fire format keeps interviews dynamic. "10 questions with a [profession]."

78. Debating [controversial topic] with [person with different view] Respectful debate content provides multiple perspectives. Keep it civil.

79. Swapping [jobs/lives/routines] for a day Role-swap content is inherently entertaining. "I tried my subscriber's morning routine."

80. Creator roundtable: [Industry discussion] Multi-person discussions create rich content. Easier to organize virtually.

Cross-post collaborations everywhere: When you create content with others, maximize reach by cross-posting across all your platforms. PostEverywhere makes multi-platform distribution effortless. See how →

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Educational & Explainer Ideas (81-90)

Educational content positions you as an authority and has strong evergreen potential. Over 86% of US viewers use YouTube to learn new things.

81. [Complex topic] explained simply Break down complicated subjects. "Cryptocurrency explained in 10 minutes."

82. The history of [interesting topic] Historical context adds depth to any niche. "The history of video games."

83. How [industry/company/technology] actually works Behind-the-scenes explainers satisfy curiosity. "How streaming services actually work."

84. [Myth] debunked: The truth about [topic] Myth-busting content has timeless appeal. Challenge popular misconceptions with facts.

85. [Concept] for [audience]: Complete guide Tailor educational content to specific audiences. "Investing for complete beginners."

86. What [profession] actually does all day Career exploration content helps students and career-changers.

87. [Field] terminology explained Jargon-busting content for newcomers. "Marketing terms you need to know."

88. The science behind [phenomenon] Science explanations attract curious viewers. "The science behind why you procrastinate."

89. [Year] in [industry]: What changed and why Annual industry reviews provide valuable context and rank for recap searches.

90. Case study: How [company/person] succeeded/failed Business case studies combine storytelling with education. Analyze real examples.

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Evergreen & Passive Income Ideas (91-100)

Evergreen content continues generating views and revenue long after publication. According to TubeBuddy, focusing on evergreen topics is the foundation of sustainable YouTube income.

What makes content "evergreen"? It solves permanent problems or teaches timeless skills. Topics like productivity, money management, fitness fundamentals, and core software skills will be searched for years — unlike news or trend-based content that expires quickly.

The best channels balance trending content (for short-term spikes) with evergreen content (for long-term, compounding growth).

91. Beginner's guide to [evergreen skill] Skills that will always be relevant: cooking basics, writing, public speaking, financial literacy.

92. [Timeless topic] masterclass Deep-dive content on topics that don't change. "Negotiation masterclass" or "Photography composition guide."

93. Essential [category] every [person] needs Recommendation content for universal needs. "Essential tools every homeowner needs."

94. How to [life skill] properly Fundamental life skills: budgeting, cooking basics, car maintenance, interview preparation.

95. Complete [software/skill] course Free comprehensive courses attract massive audiences and build email lists.

96. [Topic] FAQ: Answering your questions Compile frequently asked questions into one comprehensive resource.

97. Common [category] mistakes and how to fix them Correction content helps intermediate practitioners level up.

98. The ultimate [category] resource compilation Curated resource lists get bookmarked and revisited. "The ultimate free design resources guide."

99. [Classic content] updated for [current year] Update successful older videos with current information. Maintains relevance and can recapture rankings.

100. [Pillar topic] everything you need to know Comprehensive pillar content establishes topical authority. Link to more specific videos for depth.

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Bonus: Ideas by Niche

Here's how to adapt these 100 ideas for specific niches:

Business & Finance Creators

• Shorts: "One investing rule that changed my portfolio" (#1), "What $100 vs $10,000 portfolios look like" (#20)
• Long-form: "How to start investing in 2026" (#28), "Stock market explained simply" (#81)
• Evergreen: "Budgeting masterclass" (#92), "Essential financial tools" (#93)

Fitness & Health Creators

• Shorts: "Form fix in 30 seconds" (#4), "Before/after transformation" (#6)
• Long-form: "Complete beginner's guide to the gym" (#21), "What I eat in a day" (#38)
• Evergreen: "How to build muscle: Complete guide" (#85), "Common gym mistakes" (#97)

Tech & Software Creators

• Shorts: "3 apps that changed my productivity" (#18), "Tech myth debunked" (#16)
• Long-form: "Software tutorial deep dive" (#23), "Best laptops under $1000" (#54)
• Evergreen: "Complete course on [software]" (#95), "Setup guide from scratch" (#32)

Lifestyle & Beauty Creators

• Shorts: "My morning routine" (#11), "Get ready with me" (#6)
• Long-form: "Day in my life" (#36), "Apartment tour" (#39)
• Evergreen: "Skincare basics for beginners" (#91), "Wardrobe essentials" (#93)

Gaming Creators

• Shorts: "Epic play in 30 seconds" (#8), "Rating this game 1-10" (#9)
• Long-form: "Complete game walkthrough" (#22), "Best games under $20" (#54)
• Evergreen: "How to get better at [game]" (#30), "Gaming setup guide" (#32)

Education & Career Creators

• Shorts: "Career tip that changed everything" (#1), "Interview mistake to avoid" (#16)
• Long-form: "How to start [career] in 2026" (#28), "What [job] actually does all day" (#86)
• Evergreen: "Resume writing masterclass" (#92), "Interview preparation guide" (#94)

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How to Choose the Right Ideas for Your Channel

Not every idea works for every channel. Here's how to pick the right ones:

Match Ideas to Your Niche

Pick ideas that align with your channel's focus. A cooking channel can adapt "Top 10" into "Top 10 kitchen gadgets" while a tech channel makes it "Top 10 productivity apps."

Consider the Hybrid Strategy

In 2026, the most successful creators use Shorts as trailers for long-form content. Take idea #5 ("Skill in 60 seconds") and expand it into a full tutorial (#21).

Balance Trending and Evergreen

Build a content mix:

• 60% evergreen: Tutorials, guides, and educational content that ranks long-term
• 30% trending: Timely topics, reactions, and current events for short-term spikes
• 10% experimental: New formats to discover what resonates

Batch Your Content Creation

Use content calendar tools to plan content in advance. Many successful creators film multiple videos in single sessions, then connect their channel through the YouTube integration to schedule uploads for consistent posting.

Use AI to Scale Ideas

AI content generators can help you outline scripts, generate titles, and create thumbnail concepts. Use AI as a starting point, then add your unique perspective and personality.

Track What Works

Pay attention to:

• Click-through rate (CTR): Indicates thumbnail and title effectiveness
• Average view duration: Shows content quality
• Comments and shares: Measures engagement depth

Double down on what works; adjust or abandon what doesn't.

Start With Your "Unfair Advantage"

What do you know that most people don't? What experience have you lived that others are curious about? Your unique perspective is what separates your channel from the thousands of others covering similar topics.

The best content comes from genuine expertise or experience. A software engineer teaching coding has credibility a random person doesn't. A parent sharing parenting tips resonates differently than a childless influencer reading scripts.

Find your unfair advantage and build around it.

The 10-Video Test

Before committing to a niche, ask: "Can I make 10 videos on this topic without running out of ideas?" If the answer is no, the niche is too narrow. If you can think of 50+ videos easily, you've found your wheelhouse.

This list gives you 100 starting points, but the best creators generate their own ideas based on audience feedback and search demand.

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FAQs

What type of YouTube content gets the most views in 2026?

According to Fourthwall's research, the most-watched categories include entertainment, gaming, music, how-to tutorials, and educational content. However, success depends more on execution than category. The key is matching your content type to your strengths and audience interests.

How often should I post on YouTube?

Consistency matters more than frequency. One high-quality video per week outperforms daily low-effort uploads. According to VidIQ, YouTube's algorithm rewards consistent posting schedules. Use scheduling tools to maintain consistency even during busy periods.

Should I focus on YouTube Shorts or long-form videos?

In 2026, the best strategy is both. Use Shorts (15-60 seconds) to attract new viewers and long-form content (8-15 minutes) for deeper engagement and monetization. Treat Shorts as trailers that funnel audiences to your main content.

How do I come up with original video ideas?

Start with what you know and what your audience asks. Use these methods:

• Search YouTube for gaps in existing content
• Check comments on related videos for unanswered questions
• Use tools like Google Trends to spot rising topics
• Ask your audience directly what they want to see

What length should my YouTube videos be?

It depends on content type. Successful daily vloggers maintain 8-12 minute videos with 3-5 main moments. Tutorials should be as long as needed to be comprehensive — no longer. Shorts perform best between 15-35 seconds for high completion rates.

How do I know if a video idea will perform well?

Research before creating:

• Search the topic on YouTube to see existing competition
• Check if similar videos have high view counts relative to subscriber counts
• Use keyword research tools to estimate search demand
• Look at comment sections to gauge audience interest

Can I reuse content ideas that worked for other creators?

Yes, but add unique value. The same topic executed with your perspective, expertise, or personality becomes original content. Avoid direct copying — instead, ask "How can I make this better or different?"

How far in advance should I plan my YouTube content?

Most successful creators plan 2-4 weeks ahead for consistent posting, with 3-6 months of content ideas in their backlog. Use a content calendar to visualize your schedule and spot gaps. Batch-scheduling saves significant time compared to posting manually.

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Start Creating Today

You now have 100 proven video ideas to fuel your YouTube growth in 2026. The difference between channels that succeed and those that fail isn't usually the ideas — it's execution and consistency.

Here's your action plan:

1. Pick 10 ideas from this list that match your niche and skills
2. Research demand — search each idea on YouTube and check view counts
3. Outline your first video this week using the format that fits (tutorial, vlog, list, etc.)
4. Schedule it with PostEverywhere's YouTube scheduler so you're committed to publishing
5. Analyze results after publishing — what worked? What didn't?
6. Repeat with the next idea, improving each time

The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.

Ready to plan your YouTube content? PostEverywhere helps you schedule YouTube videos and Shorts alongside all your other social content. See your entire content calendar in one view and maintain a consistent posting schedule. Start your free trial →

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Related Resources:

• How to Schedule YouTube Shorts
• How to Schedule YouTube Videos
• How the YouTube Algorithm Works in 2026
• How to Go Viral on YouTube
• Best Social Media Scheduling Tools
• How to Stay Consistent on Social Media
• How to Plan a Month of Social Media Content in One Day