What to type: writing a question that makes a great video

Turn a topic into a question

Topics are too broad to tell as one story. Narrow them until the answer is one surprising idea.

Use notes to steer the angle

Under the question you can add notes: a fact you want included, a source to lean on, an angle (“focus on the fullers, not the emperor”), or what to avoid. The research and script follow them.

• “Mention the urine tax and the emperor’s quote.”
• “Keep it for a general audience, no gross-out jokes.”
• “Use the 2019 study as the main source.”

Questions that work well

These shapes reliably produce strong hooks:

• Why did people…? Habits from history that sound absurd today.
• What actually happens when…? The body, the brain, everyday science.
• Is it true that…? Myths with a real answer.
• How did people… before…? Life before a modern invention.

Questions to avoid

• Lists (“10 facts about Egypt”): no single payoff, so viewers leave halfway.
• Breaking news: research can lag behind events from the last few days.
• Personal advice: medical, legal or financial advice for a specific person. Explain how things work instead.
• Contested claims without sources: if you cannot check it, viewers will check it for you in the comments.