u/studentofcode

I posted my first long-form video 2 months ago. My niche is Trading Cards. I’ve been working on my editing and packaging, moving the needle each video.

I’ve posted 20 total long-form videos. Starting 2 weeks ago, I had my first breakout video which hit 16,000 views. The next two videos 2,500 and 5,000 respectively.

The last two videos have both been under 100, with little to none impressions (<500 in first 48 hours). Something has clearly changed as my channel has been consistent, same related topics, improved editing and packaging, and even better metrics (CTR, AVD).

Not sure if it’s a change in the algorithm or this is typical for an 8 week channel. Has this happened to you?

Title: STOP Overpaying: 5 Budget Pokémon Cards That Are Absolute Steals

Summary: I list, showcase, and discuss 5 of My favorite cards right now with high growth potential. They are budget options.

I posted recently and narrowed down my thumbnail to the one above. Now I’m hoping to finalize on a title. Currently the titles I have narrowed down to are:

1. 6 Signs Your Pokemon Pack is FAKE

2. BEST WAY to spot Fake Pokemon Cards RIGHT NOW

I’ve had success with using urgency terms (RIGHT NOW or TODAY, BEST) I’ve never had a title that states an exact number such as “X ways to…” I’m not sure if it’s effective or it turns away potential audience who for some reason want only 1 way or 2 ways, 6 is too high!

Still finalizing the title, but here are the final options:

1. BEST WAY to spot Fake Pokemon Cards RIGHT NOW

2. How to Spot Fake Pokemon in 2026

3. 6 Signs Your Pokemon Pack is FAKE

4. Don’t get Scammed! Learn this ASAP (Fake Pokemon)

The summary of the video is: 6 quick ways to identify fake Pokemon packs in 5 minutes. A detailed rundown with examples to avoid getting scammed and protect your money

The video title is “The TRUTH about Pokémon’s Hottest Set RIGHT NOW”

I’m exploring how the product is overhyped right now. The key message is there will be a crash soon

Video was posted last night. CTR is quite low and at the moment it’s clearly not my forte. Hoping to have one done by today to gauge if I can improve my CTR. If it works, I’ll likely keep paying for more thumbnails going forward.