How to Use YouTube’s Inspiration Tab for Smarter Video Brainstorming

If you’ve ever stared at a blank content calendar wondering what video to make next, YouTube’s Inspiration Tab in YouTube Studio might be exactly what you need. Available only on desktop and in all global markets, this feature is designed to spark ideas and help creators kickstart the video planning process.

What Is YouTube’s Inspiration Tab?

The Inspiration Tab is a built-in idea generator within YouTube Studio under Content → Inspiration.

It provides suggestions for video topics, titles, hooks, outlines, and even thumbnails. Think of it as your creative partner that gets the brainstorming started, so you don’t have to start from scratch.

“The Inspiration Tab is a great tool for getting unstuck. It doesn’t replace strategy, but it gives you a jumping-off point when your team needs a fresh spark or a new angle. We use it to validate trends and quickly brainstorm headline formats that are already performing well in our clients’ industries.” 

Steve James, Partner, Stream Creative

Key Features You’ll Find Inside:

• Hooks – Suggestions for opening lines or thought-provoking statements to grab attention.
  
  
• Outlines – Structured talking points to simplify the script-writing process.
  
  
• Titles – Optimized headline ideas based on trends and similar content.
  
  
• Thumbnails – Visuals generated by AI to help your video stand out. (Personally, I say avoid this one and make your own thumbnails)
  
  
• Related Videos – A look at what your audience has been watching recently to align with their interests.

Why YouTube’s Inspiration Tab Is a Great Starting Point

While the AI-powered Inspiration Tab provides ready-made outlines and hooks, the real value comes when you build on these foundations. By customizing the structure with your unique expertise, stories, and perspective, you ensure the final video feels authentic and aligned with your brand.

“This tool saves you time on the front end but, and I cannot stress this enough, the personalization you add is what makes the content resonate.”

Janice Dombrowski, Marketing Director, Stream Creative

The Human Element Matters More Than Ever

In a world overflowing with AI-generated content, standing out requires more than following a template. Having a point of view is essential.

The Inspiration Tab can hand you a great hook or topic, but your insights, tone, and experiences are what connect with viewers.

Think of AI as the spark, and your voice as the fuel that makes the video truly engaging.

Tips to Get the Most Out of the Inspiration Tab

• Use it as a brainstorming tool, not a scriptwriter. Start with the outline but rewrite it in your own style.
  
  
• Layer in personal experience. Audiences want your take, not just generalized information.
  
  
• Check for accuracy. AI suggestions are a guide, not always perfect. Fact-check before finalizing.
  
  
• Experiment with hooks. Try both question-based and bold-statement openers to see what resonates with your audience.
  
  
• Watch related videos. Use them to spot trends and gaps you can uniquely fill.

“When you treat the Inspiration Tab as a starting point instead of a final draft, you unlock its real value. The best-performing videos we’ve seen still come from adding a unique point of view and tightening the strategy behind the scenes.”

Bridget Leech, Account Executive, Stream Creative

AI Hands You the Recipe, But You’re Still the Chef

Don’t be afraid to play around with your recipe, get creative with your spices!

The YouTube Inspiration Tab is a fantastic first step for idea generation, helping you save time and organize your thoughts quickly.

But remember: the best videos will always be the ones that showcase your unique perspective, insights, and human creativity.