The Think Media Podcast: Episode 412 – "This New YouTube Strategy Got 103K Subs Fast"

Release Date: May 13, 2025

In Episode 412 of The Think Media Podcast, host Sean Cannell delves into a groundbreaking YouTube growth strategy with guest Ben Azadi. This episode is a treasure trove for content creators aiming to elevate their YouTube channels, offering actionable insights backed by tangible success.

Introduction to the Episode

Sean Cannell kicks off the episode by highlighting Ben Azadi’s remarkable achievement: gaining over 100,000 subscribers in just 37 days. This explosive growth is attributed to a new YouTube strategy that deviates from conventional methods, showcasing the dynamic nature of content creation on the platform.

Ben Azadi’s YouTube Journey and Breakthrough

Ben Azadi, a functional health practitioner with 16 years of experience, shares his inspiring journey. Despite having a substantial subscriber base of 445,000, his channel experienced periods of stagnation. Ben’s recent surge began with an unplanned, unscripted video that emphasized authenticity over production polish.

Ben Azadi [00:42]: “It was completely just like natural and organic and I'm just sharing insights on fat loss and health and things I've learned over the years.”

This spontaneous approach proved highly effective, leading to his fastest-growing video in over six years. Encouraged by this success, Ben adopted a new content format focused on conversational, protocol-driven videos with minimal editing.

Seven Viral Title Formulas for YouTube Growth

Sean Cannell introduces seven specific YouTube title formulas that Ben employed to achieve his rapid subscriber growth. These formulas are designed to maximize views and engagement by leveraging psychological triggers and strategic content packaging.

1. Unexpected Solution Formula

Example: “If you eat one whole avocado every day, this happens to your body and fat!”
Views: 33,000
Timestamp: [12:13]

Ben explains how this title sparks curiosity by presenting a surprising benefit of a common food item. By framing the content around a daily habit with transformative results, the title attracts a broad audience interested in health and fat loss.

Ben Azadi [12:13]: “I explain a timeline of new benefits every single day that get unlocked by simply eating a whole avocado every day.”

2. Step-by-Step Protocol Formula

Example: “The five-step protocol to lose man boobs after 40 plus”
Views: 43,000
Timestamp: [14:26]

Targeting a specific demographic, Ben’s title promises a clear, actionable plan to address a common issue. This niche targeting, combined with a structured approach, resonated strongly with his audience, particularly men over 40.

Ben Azadi [14:26]: “I think the faster I could get into those steps, the more they're going to want to learn those five steps.”

3. Counterintuitive Claim Formula

Example: “Meat is better than exercise”
Views: 50,000
Timestamp: [17:52]

This formula leverages shocking or contradictory statements to pique interest. In this case, juxtaposing meat consumption against exercise challenges prevailing health narratives, prompting viewers to click and learn more.

Ben Azadi [17:52]: “It's the exact opposite of what most people have heard and it really wants, they want to know why.”

4. Authority Contradiction Formula

Example: “We learn it too late. Do not make these health mistakes”
Views: 33,000
Timestamp: [20:19]

By presenting information that contradicts established authority or conventional wisdom, this formula creates a compelling reason for viewers to watch. Ben repurposed content from a keynote lecture, rebranding it with a thought-provoking title.

Ben Azadi [20:19]: “It's about the corruption of Big Pharma and Big Food and why what we've been taught is the exact opposite.”

5. Time-Bound Promise Formula

Example: “How to get rid of your visceral fat in 30 Days – Complete Beginners Guide”
Views: 365,000
Timestamp: [22:37]

This highly effective formula combines urgency with a clear, attainable goal. The promise of significant results within a specific timeframe attracts viewers seeking quick and structured solutions.

Ben Azadi [22:37]: “I explained what visceral fat is, how dangerous it is, and how it's so easy to get it off your body without struggling.”

6. Quick Results Formula

Example: “One tablespoon a day melts fat in seven days”
Views: 430,000
Timestamp: [26:46]

Focusing on immediate, tangible outcomes, this title promises rapid results from simple actions. Ben’s detailed explanation of multiple beneficial ingredients further enhances the credibility and appeal of the video.

Ben Azadi [26:46]: “I give some bold claims… and then I attach the Q and A at the end.”

7. Experiment Result Formula

Example: “What happens when you stop eating for 36 hours”
Views: 2.1 million
Timestamp: [35:45]

This formula involves documenting the outcomes of personal experiments, offering unique insights and real-time transformations. Ben’s extensive reach showcases the massive potential of well-executed experiment-based content.

Ben Azadi [35:45]: “People love the timeline. They love to see what's happening hour by hour.”

Strategic Content Packaging and Engagement

A recurring theme in Ben’s strategy is the strategic packaging of content:

• Minimal Editing: Focused on authenticity and delivering value without unnecessary production elements.

• Q&A Sessions: Incorporating audience questions post-content to increase video length intentionally, which enhances watch time—a critical metric for YouTube’s algorithm.

Ben Azadi [07:53]: “There's going to be questions that pop up that I do want to address.”

• Use of AI Tools: Leveraging ChatGPT to generate potential viewer questions, streamlining content creation, and enhancing engagement.

Ben Azadi [07:53]: “I put it into ChatGPT and then I prompt ChatGPT to give me seven to ten questions somebody might have based off of what I just shared.”

Leveraging Affiliate Marketing and Lead Generation

Ben integrates affiliate marketing and lead generation seamlessly into his content:

• Affiliate Links: Incorporating Amazon affiliate links related to video content, thereby monetizing views without disrupting the viewer experience.

• Lead Magnets: Offering free ebooks and downloadable guides as CTAs within videos to build email lists, a strategy that yielded substantial subscriber growth.

Ben Azadi [30:27]: “Seven different ingredients… I put all of my Amazon affiliate links for all of them too, in the notes.”

The Impact of Content Diversification

By experimenting with different video formats—ranging from long-form lectures to short, engaging reels—Ben harnesses multiple content streams to amplify his reach. His ability to repurpose content across platforms like Instagram and Facebook reels underscores the versatility and scalability of his strategy.

Ben Azadi [35:45]: “That One video… gave me 27,000 email subscribers… And it was from that reel.”

Ben Azadi’s New Book and Future Insights

Towards the episode’s conclusion, Ben introduces his new book, Metabolic Freedom, a comprehensive 30-day guide focused on hormone balance, fat burning, and overall metabolic health. The book encapsulates Ben’s extensive research and practical insights, further establishing his authority in the health niche.

Ben Azadi [32:14]: “It's written for the masses. It’s not a niche book... It’s just everything I've been learning the last 17 years being in the health space.”

The book launch includes a bonus metabolism course featuring exclusive interviews with health experts, providing additional value and resources for his audience.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Sean Cannell wraps up the episode by summarizing the seven viral title formulas that propelled Ben Azadi’s YouTube channel to unprecedented growth. He encourages listeners to experiment with these strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting content packaging to break through growth plateaus.

Sean Cannell [30:27]: “For any niche, you could say how to overcome a common obstacle in X number of days even if you're starting from zero.”

Listeners are also teased with a forthcoming Part Two of the conversation, promising deeper insights into email list building, securing a book deal through YouTube, and advanced monetization strategies.

Key Quotes:

• Ben Azadi [00:42]: “It was completely just like natural and organic and I'm just sharing insights on fat loss and health and things I've learned over the years.”

• Ben Azadi [12:13]: “I explain a timeline of new benefits every single day that get unlocked by simply eating a whole avocado every day.”

• Ben Azadi [20:19]: “It's about the corruption of Big Pharma and Big Food and why what we've been taught is the exact opposite.”

• Ben Azadi [26:46]: “I give some bold claims… and then I attach the Q and A at the end.”

• Sean Cannell [30:27]: “For any niche, you could say how to overcome a common obstacle in X number of days even if you're starting from zero.”

• Ben Azadi [32:14]: “It's written for the masses. It’s not a niche book... It’s just everything I've been learning the last 17 years being in the health space.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 412 of The Think Media Podcast serves as an invaluable resource for YouTube content creators. Ben Azadi’s innovative strategies, particularly his adept use of viral title formulas and content repurposing, offer a blueprint for achieving rapid channel growth. By focusing on authenticity, strategic packaging, and engagement-driven content, creators can navigate the evolving landscape of YouTube to build a thriving online presence.

Listeners are encouraged to implement these strategies, experiment with new formats, and remain adaptable to the ever-changing dynamics of digital content creation.

For more insights and strategies on growing and scaling your YouTube channel, subscribe to The Think Media Podcast and stay tuned for Part Two featuring deeper dives into content monetization and advanced growth tactics.