7:41Why the North Pole looked like this on Old Maps
Save referenceExpectation Violation
You picture the North Pole as ice. This old map shows four islands around a black rock, and 'Pygmies?' points at one of them. That's odd enough to be funny, and the title promises to explain why anyone drew it.
'Looked like this' can't be understood without the picture, so the title sends your eye straight back to the map.
Two red labels with question marks do the work, 'North Pole?' names the shape and 'Pygmies?' adds the absurd detail you'd never spot on the old map alone.
When an old source contains something absurd, label it in red with a question mark so viewers can read it at a glance. Pick the strangest detail, not the most important one, and let the title promise the explanation.
Label the strangest detail, not the most important one.
Apply this pattern to your next video.
Bring the reference into a packaging brief, then decide what your title and thumbnail should each communicate.