How many items should a listicle video have?

For Shorts and TikTok: 3–5 items. For long-form YouTube: 10–20 items. The format should match the platform and attention span of your audience.

What listicle topics get the most views?

"Top 10 best" products, places, and tips. "5 mistakes" people make. "Things you did not know about" topics. Any list that promises curation and ranking.

Should I count up or count down?

Count up (worst to best) for maximum retention. Viewers stay to see the number one pick. This consistently outperforms counting down in engagement metrics.

Guide

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How to Create AI Listicle Videos (Step-by-Step)

Listicle videos (top 5, top 10, best of) are proven engagement magnets. They naturally structure content for high retention. Learn how to create them at scale with AI.

Last updated: February 23, 2026

Step-by-Step Guide

Choose a searchable list topic

Find topics with search demand. "Top 10 best" and "5 mistakes" formats have built-in click appeal.

Research and rank items

Curate and rank items from least to most interesting. Ascending order maximizes retention.

Generate script with AI

Enter your list into FluxNote for narration, transitions, and compelling countdown structure.

Match unique footage per item

Each list item needs distinct visuals. FluxNote selects varied footage for each section.

Add number overlays and captions

Use visual number overlays and animated subtitles to reinforce the list structure.

Why listicle videos perform so well

Listicle formats work because they set clear expectations: the viewer knows exactly how many items they will see and can anticipate the countdown. This creates natural retention as viewers wait for the next item.

Top 5 and top 10 videos are among the most-searched formats on YouTube. Titles like "Top 10 Best..." and "5 Things You Didn't Know..." have built-in click appeal.

The format also works perfectly for AI production. Each list item is a self-contained mini-segment with its own footage, narration, and visual. AI tools can generate entire listicle videos efficiently.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Choose a list topic with search demand. Use keyword research to find topics people search for. "Top 10 best..." and "5 mistakes..." are reliable formats.

Step 2: Research and rank your items. Curate the list with genuine research. Ranking items from least to most interesting keeps viewers watching.

Step 3: Generate the script with AI. Enter your list into FluxNote. The AI creates narration for each item with transitions and a compelling countdown.

Step 4: Match unique footage to each item. Each list item needs distinct visuals. FluxNote automatically selects varied footage for each section.

Step 5: Add numbered overlays and captions. Use number overlays to reinforce the list structure. Add animated subtitles throughout.

Tips for best results

- Save the best for last — ascending order keeps viewers watching until the end
- Use visual variety — each list item should have distinctly different footage
- Add number overlays — visual countdown reinforces list structure
- Create controversy — unexpected rankings generate comments and debate
- Tease the top pick at the beginning — "You will not believe what is number 1..."

Common mistakes to avoid

- Putting the best item first — this kills retention for the rest of the video
- All items feeling the same — vary the footage, pacing, and energy for each item
- Lists that are too long for the platform — 5 items for Shorts, 10–20 for long-form
- No visual countdown — viewers need to see the number to track progress
- Clickbait that does not deliver — the list must actually deliver on the title promise

Pro Tips

Save the best item for last to keep viewers watching until the end
Use distinctly different footage for each list item
Add number overlays for visual countdown structure
Create slight controversy in rankings to drive comments
Tease the number one pick at the beginning of the video