How I Create Viral YouTube AI Videos with a Simple Formula

When I started my YouTube journey, I was terrified of three things: I froze in front of the camera and hated being on-screen, I couldn’t wrap my head around editing software, and I was constantly stressed about coming up with new ideas. Sound familiar? But then I stumbled on a game-changer: short, animated videos that pack an emotional punch. I’ve watched channels like mine explode with millions of followers using this approach, and I’m here to share how I do it. The secret? A 30-second formula that hooks viewers with intense emotional swings—something platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Reels can’t resist.

My videos follow a clear structure: a vulnerable creature in trouble (to spark concern), a heroic rescue (to flip the mood), and an uplifting message (to inspire comments). In just half a minute, I take viewers from worry to joy to reflection. It’s not about groundbreaking stories—it’s about creating an emotional rollercoaster that keeps people watching and engaging.

Take a channel like YellowChicken, which I studied closely. In just three months, they posted 43 animated shorts and gained over 2 million followers. No actors, no fancy cameras—just pure animation. Their videos were simple: a chick diving through flames to save a trapped cat or a duck rushing to help a fainted elderly person. They felt “basic” at first, but the millions of views proved me wrong. I realized it’s all about nailing a repeatable formula and scaling it fast.

4-Steps Process to Make Viral AI Videos

1. Craft the Story
   I don’t try to reinvent the wheel with every video. Instead, I stick to a proven structure and swap out the characters or settings. For example, I’ll have a puppy save a kitten, a duck rescue a hedgehog, or a chick help a grandma. I steer clear of using kids as characters to avoid YouTube’s strict child safety rules. When writing, I focus on vivid details—like “the hawk’s shadow swallowing the tiny mouse”—to make the scenes pop in the viewer’s mind.

2. Create the Visuals
   I use a tool called Dreamina to generate crisp 2K images. I write detailed scene descriptions and build the video frame by frame. If something looks off or disconnected, I tweak the description until the visuals flow smoothly. Consistency is key—I make sure the characters and backgrounds stay cohesive so the story doesn’t feel jarring.

3. Turn It Into Animation
   For animation, I’ve tried a few tools:

   • Dreamina: It’s free but takes a bit longer.

   • DigenAI: Super quick for short clips.

   • Kling: My go-to for longer scenes with smooth transitions.

   I just plug in my scene descriptions, upload the images, and let the tool work its magic to create the video.

4. Polish with Editing, Voice, and Text
   Once I have the animation, I add music, text overlays, and a strong closing line. I love using narrations like:

   • “This was her second time saving them.”

   • “Protection is just instinct.”

   • “Who says animals don’t feel love?”

   I always end with a question to spark comments, like:

   • “Do you think animals have emotions?”

   • “What’s the most heartfelt rescue you’ve seen?”

   These little hooks get people talking, and that engagement pushes the algorithm to show my video to more viewers.

I used to think viral videos needed endless creativity, but I learned that successful creators lean on a repeatable structure. I don’t need 100 different stories—just one solid template that I can tweak with new characters or settings. This approach lets me produce videos quickly and test what works without burning out.

I noticed this trend taking off in late 2024, and plenty of channels are still riding it to grow fast. But trends don’t last forever—platforms start dialing back on overused formats. The earlier I started testing, the quicker I found what clicked. So, ask yourself: do you want to spend months figuring out what to create, or jump in now with a formula that’s already working?

When I decided to go all-in, I joined a program that guided me step-by-step. It showed me how to write compelling story prompts, create visuals, edit like a pro, and design eye-catching thumbnails. Each week, I studied what made trending videos tick and got access to templates and tools that made it easy. I didn’t need to be a creative genius—I just needed to follow the process.

If you’re ready to start your own YouTube channel, I’d recommend finding a similar program to kick things off. It’s less about talent and more about taking action.