The combination of the phrase 'side quest' (gaming terminology applied to life) and the highly unusual, artistic image creates an immediate, high-intrigue hook.
Slide Text
side quest ideas to make your life more interesting
Visual
A woman lying on a bright red carpet in a dark, forest-like setting, smoking, creating a cinematic, surreal mood.
All Slides
@helidoe carousel breakdown
helinä
substack: https://substack.com/@notesbyhelina #sidequest #aesthetic #thingstodo
Effectiveness score
9/10
Views
701.8K
Likes
136.2K
Saves
42.7K
Engagement
26.4%
Hook
side quest ideas to make your life more interesting
Goal
build-community
Offer
information
CTA
read the rest on my substack! (notesbyhelina)
Caption
substack: https://substack.com/@notesbyhelina #sidequest #aesthetic #thingstodo
Strategic Summary
This carousel goes viral by gamifying lifestyle curation. The term 'side quest' lowers the barrier to self-improvement, making mundane activities feel like an RPG adventure. The high bookmark rate (10.1x norm) indicates the content functions as a reference list for beating boredom. The aesthetic cohesion reinforces a cohesive 'main character' identity that users want to save and emulate.
The Winning Formula
Gamified lifestyle curation: reframe mundane activities as 'side quests' and pair each with a distinct, save-worthy aesthetic visual.
What's working
- •Slide 1 uses the term 'side quest', gamifying self-improvement and appealing to a gaming/internet-culture audience while promising low-stakes fun.
- •The bookmark rate (10.1x library norm) proves the carousel works as a 'To-Do List' for the viewer's life; users save it to reference when they feel bored.
- •Visual variety in slides 2-7 (sushi, art, travel, coffee) creates an 'aspiration stack' where each slide offers a different flavor of the lifestyle fantasy.
- •Slide 8 offers a high-value '52 side quests' resource, justifying the save and driving traffic to the Substack.
- •Text is sparse and directive ('take yourself on...', 'buy the cheapest...'), reducing cognitive load and encouraging fast swiping.
What's not working
- •Slide 7 ('write a novel') breaks the scale of the 'quick side quest' premise; the effort required is too high compared to 'buy a flight' or 'eat sushi', potentially causing a drop-off or comment debate.
- •Some visuals are generic enough (Slide 5 coffee, Slide 2 gallery) that they might get lost in a sea of aesthetic content; they rely on the list format rather than the image alone.
Viral lesson
Give a familiar listicle a 'reframing wrapper' (like 'side quests') to change the perceived value of the items from 'chores' to 'adventures'.
Can a small creator replicate this? Highly replicable for lifestyle, mental health, or productivity creators. The prerequisite is a consistent visual aesthetic that matches the 'vibe' of the advice. No brand deal needed; this thrives on identity signaling.
Structural Formula (steal-the-format)
Structure pattern
8-slide listicle: Hook (Concept) -> Examples 1-6 (Vibe-based directives) -> CTA (Substack Newsletter)
Copy formula
Lowercase or sentence-case imperative verbs describing an activity + aesthetic noun phrase (e.g., 'take yourself on a sushi date').
What to swap (concrete remixes)
- •Swap 'side quests' for 'reset days' for the burnout/productivity niche (e.g., 'reset day ideas to fix your sleep').
- •Swap 'lifestyle curation' for 'budget-friendly swaps' for personal finance (e.g., 'cheap swaps to make your apartment look expensive').
What NOT to copy
Do not copy the 'write a novel' step if your other steps are very low effort, as it creates a 'difficulty spike' that breaks the gamification framing. Ensure the effort level on every slide matches the promise of the hook.
Aesthetics
lo-fi, film-grain aesthetic with a mix of surreal, candid, and cozy imagery; text is always a classic serif font (Times New Roman style) centered or balanced.
Color palette
What it conveys: The overall aesthetic triggers a sense of 'quiet luxury' and 'intentional living'. It feels curated, calm, and nostalgic, making the viewer feel that life can be beautiful if you just look for the right angles.
Slide-by-slide forensics
1hooklifestyle shotplayful aspirationworks:yesgrab:95/100aesthetic:90/100side quest ideas
to make your life more interesting
side quest ideas to make your life more interesting
Visual description
A woman lies on her side on a red carpet placed inexplicably in a lush green forest. She wears a white top and dark skirt, holding a cigarette. The image has a lo-fi, grainy quality. The text is centered in white serif font.
Scene setting
surreal red carpet in forest
Visible people
Visible objects
Predicted audience reaction
Users will stop at the red carpet visual and feel intrigued by the 'side quest' phrasing.
Verdict: The visual is a strong pattern interrupt, and the copy promises a fun, low-pressure list.
2step in listwide shotcultural refinementworks:yesgrab:60/100aesthetic:75/100visit all the tourist attractions in your city
visit all the tourist attractions in your city
Visual description
Wide shot of a museum gallery with large, classical tapestries or paintings. Two people are visible in the distance, looking at the art. The lighting is natural and spacious. Text is centered white serif.
Scene setting
museum gallery
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Same white serif typography centered over an aesthetic photo.
Story: Moves from the abstract hook to the first concrete example.
Predicted audience reaction
Users will save this slide as a reminder to explore their local area.
Verdict: It's a solid suggestion, though the image is slightly generic compared to Slide 1.
3step in listflat laycozy treatworks:yesgrab:70/100aesthetic:85/100take yourself on a sushi date
take yourself on a sushi date
Visual description
Flat lay / close-up of a sushi set on a black slate plate. There are five pieces of nigiri. Chopsticks rest on a white napkin holder. A wooden bowl of soy sauce is visible. The lighting is warm and wooden.
Scene setting
sushi restaurant table
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Maintains font and overlay style.
Story: Shifts from cultural activity to solo self-care/dining.
Predicted audience reaction
High save value; users love the idea of a 'solo date'.
Verdict: The visual is appetizing and the text promotes a popular 'solo date' trend.
4step in listlifestyle shotwanderlustworks:yesgrab:75/100aesthetic:80/100buy the cheapest flights to another country and go explore
buy the cheapest flights to another country and go explore
Visual description
Candid shot of a young woman sitting on a stone wall by a waterfront in a European-style town. She is taking a photo with a disposable or digital camera. A friend is partially visible in the foreground. Buildings with balconies line the water.
Scene setting
Mediterranean waterfront
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Text moves to top-left to avoid the subject, maintaining the aesthetic but adapting to the composition.
Story: Escalates from local activities to international travel.
Predicted audience reaction
Inspires travel planning; high share potential.
Verdict: The 'cheapest flights' angle makes travel feel accessible, countering the 'luxury' vibe of the image.
5step in listclose uproutine comfortworks:yesgrab:50/100aesthetic:70/100become a regular at a cafe
become a regular at a cafe
Visual description
Close-up of a cappuccino or latte with thick foam in a white ceramic mug. The lighting is dim, warm, and ambient. The background is blurred wood grain. Text is centered black serif.
Scene setting
cafe table
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Font changes to black to contrast with the white foam; style remains serif.
Story: Returns to a smaller, local scale after the travel slide.
Predicted audience reaction
Relatable and easy to do; reinforces the 'romanticize routine' theme.
Verdict: Simple visual that fits the aesthetic perfectly, though less dynamic than previous slides.
6step in listlifestyle shotsolitude nostalgiaworks:yesgrab:65/100aesthetic:85/100go to the movies at night
go to the movies at night
Visual description
Interior of a movie theater. A lone figure sits in the front row facing a screen that says 'THE END'. The theater is dark with rows of red seats. Lighting is moody with a spotlight on the screen. Text is centered white serif.
Scene setting
movie theater
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Return to white text on dark background.
Story: Focuses on solitary experiences.
Predicted audience reaction
Evokes a moody, solitary 'main character' vibe.
Verdict: The 'THE END' on screen adds a cinematic layer that matches the text perfectly.
7step in listclose upintellectual ambitionworks:partialgrab:60/100aesthetic:75/100write a novel
write a novel
Visual description
Close-up of a person holding an open paperback book in front of their face. The person has dark hair and bangs. The book cover shows a black and white image. The text is to the left in black serif.
Scene setting
indoor / reading nook
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Similar framing to Slide 5 but with a person.
Story: Escalates difficulty significantly from 'watch movie' to 'create novel'.
Predicted audience reaction
Might be divisive; 'writing a novel' is a massive undertaking compared to 'buy coffee'.
Verdict: The suggestion is inspiring but potentially overwhelming, breaking the 'easy side quest' flow.
8ctatext cardcommitmentworks:yesgrab:70/100aesthetic:80/100HELINÄ
52 side quests for the 52 weeks of the year
Let's make 2026 a year to remember
HELINÄ read the rest on my substack! ❤️
JAN 13, 2026 (notesbyhelina)
2026: the year of the quest
HELINÄ 52 side quests for the 52 weeks of the year Let's make 2026 a year to remember HELINÄ read the rest on my substack! ❤️ JAN 13, 2026 (notesbyhelina) 2026: the year of the quest
Visual description
Digital card design. Top half is dark background with white text and a profile picture circle. A thin line separates the top from the bottom, which is a painting of a seascape with figures on a cliff. The date 'JAN 13, 2026' is futuristic, suggesting the content is for a future year.
Scene setting
Substack newsletter card
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Switches from photo-overlay style to a solid informational card.
Story: Offers the full solution (52 quests, one for each week).
Predicted audience reaction
Drives saves and clicks to Substack. The '52 weeks' framing creates a reason to come back.
Verdict: Perfect CTA; it bundles the interest generated by the list into a subscribable asset.
Commerce intent
Comment ethnography
The audience likely shares a desire to romanticize their lives and escape boredom, using the carousel as a prompt list for weekend activities.
Diagnostics
Hook deep-dive
side quest ideas to make your life more interesting
The 'red carpet in the forest' visual creates a surreal curiosity, and the term 'side quest' promises a fun, gamified approach to solving the problem of a boring life.
Engagement read
The bookmark rate is massively high (6.08% vs 0.60% norm), showing this content is used as a utility/reference list rather than just entertainment.
Mechanics
The 'side quest' framing creates an expectation of a game-like completion list; users swipe to collect ideas for their own life.
Brand & funnel
Buying-journey moment: The viewer is in the consideration phase for lifestyle changes; they are looking for ideas to spice up their routine, and the creator offers a Substack as the comprehensive solution.
Ideal Customer Profile
Young adults, primarily women, who feel stuck in a monotonous routine and are seeking a more romanticized, intentional, and 'aesthetic' way of living.
Age
18-24
Gender
female
Readability
simple
Interests
Pain Points
Aspirations
Emotional Profile
Primary Emotion
aspirationIntensity
Effectiveness
Emotions Evoked
Emotional Arc
curiosity → inspiration → validation → anticipation
Why It Lands
The content taps into the viewer's desire to escape the mundane. It validates the feeling that life should be more interesting and provides a low-friction path to achieving that.
Writing Analysis
Style
listicle
Tone
aspirational
Hook Type
listicle
Quality
The writing is minimalist and punchy. It avoids fluff, allowing the imagery to carry the emotional weight while the text provides the 'what' to do.
Effectiveness
Goal Achievement
With over 42k bookmarks, the content is highly effective at providing value that users want to save for later. The transition from TikTok to Substack is seamless because the carousel acts as a 'teaser' for the full, long-form value.
Why It Spread
high aesthetic value that encourages sharing to stories
gamification of daily life (side quests)
high utility (bookmarkable list format)
Content DNA
The CTA is clear and offers a direct benefit (the full list of 52 quests) for leaving the platform. It is low-pressure and highly relevant to the content provided.
Narrative Arc
The carousel maintains a consistent, calm, and aesthetic rhythm, building anticipation with each slide until the final CTA.
Psychological Blueprint
Why It Spread
The carousel succeeded by perfectly aligning with the 'romanticize your life' trend, which is massive among Gen Z. By framing mundane activities as 'side quests,' it gamifies personal growth, making it feel achievable and exciting. The high-quality, moody, and artistic imagery serves as a powerful visual hook that stops the scroll, while the promise of a full 52-week list drives high bookmark rates for future utility.
Framework
listicle revelationPrimary Tactic
aspiration stackTactics Used
curiosity-gap on slide 1 — 'side quest ideas' implies a secret or hidden knowledge
identity-signaling throughout — uses 'aesthetic' imagery to signal membership in the 'romanticizing life' subculture
pattern-interrupt — the use of high-art, cinematic, and slightly melancholic imagery instead of standard 'influencer' content
open-loop — the promise of '52 side quests' in the final slide creates a strong desire to click the link
Cognitive Biases
Zeigarnik effect — presenting a list of ideas creates a mental need to see the full list (52 items) which is only available off-platform
Halo effect — the high aesthetic quality of the images makes the advice feel more credible and desirable
Social comparison — the images depict an idealized, aspirational lifestyle that viewers want to emulate
Tribal Markers
Trust Signals
Slide Breakdown (2 analyzed)
Hook Analysis
The combination of the phrase 'side quest' (gaming terminology applied to life) and the highly unusual, artistic image creates an immediate, high-intrigue hook.
Text
side quest ideas to make your life more interesting
Visual
A woman lying on a bright red carpet in a dark, forest-like setting, smoking, creating a cinematic, surreal mood.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes — the term 'side quest' creates a desire to know what those quests are.
Visual Psychology
Attention: the high-contrast red carpet against the dark forest
Emotional cue: the surreal, cinematic quality evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue
Composition: to create a striking, high-fashion editorial look that stops the scroll
Text
visit all the tourist attractions in your city
Visual
A person standing in a large, dimly lit museum looking at massive, classical paintings.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes — the list continues to build curiosity about what else is on it.
Visual Psychology
Attention: the central figure looking at the art
Gaze: the figure is looking at the art, drawing the viewer's eye to the paintings
Emotional cue: the scale of the room evokes a sense of awe and quiet contemplation
Composition: to make the viewer feel small and reflective
Comment Intelligence
Sentiment
PositiveResonance
Intent
build-community
Audience Vibe
The comments are sparse but highly appreciative, with users tagging friends to join them on these 'side quests.'
Standout Quotes
“Adding this to my 2026 vision board.”
“I love the idea of treating life like a game.”
“Finally, some inspiration that feels actually doable.”