Fan Theory / Fan Question (pending)

Platform: All platforms Type: Fan Theory, Fan Question

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Where this format overrides General Guidelines: This format covers two subtypes—Fan Theory and Fan Question—each with its own locked headline formula. Both depart from the open headline principles in §1.2. The focus keyphrase structures depart from General Guidelines’ [Person/Topic] [Does/Is] [Thing] format. The tone is more specific than universal General Guidelines guidance. This format introduces requirements with no brand-level equivalent: a word count range (300–500 words—the shortest of any format), a per-theory/question H2 structure for UsW, and Google Trends keyword requirements for H2 subheadings. Text in red throughout this page marks anything that overrides or goes beyond the General Guidelines.

Purpose

Fan Theory and Fan Question articles engage the fan community around a show, film, or subject by either exploring a compelling theory or directly answering a question that fans are actively asking. Their SEO value lies in capturing long-tail search traffic from viewers who are curious, invested, and searching for answers or speculation. These articles are intentionally short and focused—get to the point fast.

Headline (H1)

(REQUIRED)

Fan Theory formula: This [Show Name] Fan Theory About [Character/Plot Point] Will Blow Your Mind
Fan Question formula: Biggest Questions About [Show Name] Answered

Optimize before publishing. Articles are indexed almost immediately after publishing. Get the H1 and SEO title right before hitting publish.

SEO Title

(REQUIRED)

Dek

(REQUIRED)

Meta Description

(REQUIRED)

Focus Keyphrase

(REQUIRED)

Subtype Primary Secondary (if applicable)
Fan Theory "[Show Name] fan theory" "[Character Name] theory"
Fan Question "[Show Name] fan question" "What happened in [Show Name]?"

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Tone

(REQUIRED)

Speculative, engaging, and conversational.

Word Count

(REQUIRED)

Target: 300–500 words. This is the shortest format in the standards. These articles are intentionally focused—readers want a quick, satisfying answer or a well-presented theory. Do not pad. Stay tight.

Article Structure

(REQUIRED)

The following structure is mandatory for this format. General Guidelines do not prescribe article structure.

Fan Theory:

[AI DISCLAIMER—CUE sites only]
"This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI."

[LEDE / INTRO]
- Introduce the show and the theory—hook the reader immediately
- No throat-clearing openers

[H2—Theory name or description (Google Trends keyword)]
- Clearly explain the fan theory
- Present the evidence that supports it (scenes, dialogue, visual details, etc.)
- Acknowledge any counter-evidence if relevant

[ADDITIONAL H2 SECTIONS—one per theory if covering multiple]
(UsW: each theory gets its own H2 with a Google Trends keyword)

[INTERNAL LINKS—embedded throughout]
- 3–5 contextual internal links

Fan Question:

[AI DISCLAIMER—CUE sites only]
"This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI."

[LEDE / INTRO]
- Introduce the show and the question being answered
- No throat-clearing openers

[H2—The question as a subheading (Google Trends keyword)]
- Directly answer the question
- Provide supporting details and context

[ADDITIONAL H2 SECTIONS—one per question if covering multiple]
(UsW: each question gets its own H2 with a Google Trends keyword)

[INTERNAL LINKS—embedded throughout]
- 3–5 contextual internal links

Formatting Rules

(REQUIRED)

(REQUIRED)

3–5 contextual internal links per article. See General Guidelines §1.4 for full anchor text rules.

Link to:

UsW: 3 minimum, 5 maximum. Do not confuse with Related Links—Related Links are used to break up inline copy and are counted separately.

Hero Image

(REQUIRED)

General Guidelines do not specify image requirements. The following specs are mandatory for this format.

Spec Requirement
Minimum width 1200px (1600px+ preferred)
Aspect ratio 16:9
Resolution 300K+ pixels
Subject A still or promo image from the show or film being discussed
Logos NOT permitted
Text overlays NOT permitted
Generic stock NOT permitted

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URL Structure

(REQUIRED)

General Guidelines do not prescribe URL patterns. The following is mandatory for this format.

Tags

(REQUIRED)

General Guidelines do not specify tags. The following are mandatory for this format.

What to Avoid

Prohibited Reason
Fan Theory: presenting the theory without the supporting evidence Format requirement—evidence is the core of a fan theory article
Fan Question: burying the answer or not answering directly Format requirement—the answer must come first
UsW: multiple theories or questions under a single H2 Format structure requirement—each theory/question gets its own H2
H2 subheadings without Google Trends keywords (UsW) Format requirement for UsW
Padding to hit a word count—these articles are intentionally short Format is 300–500 words; do not inflate with unnecessary content
NSFW in any metadata field Suppresses article in feeds—see General Guidelines §1.3
Clickbait or misleading headlines Helpful Content algorithm penalty risk—see General Guidelines §1.2
Generic stock images Format image spec—hero must be a still or promo image from the show/film
Affiliate links (unlabeled) Google penalty risk—see General Guidelines §1.4
“Click here” or “read more” as anchor text Poor UX and SEO signal—see General Guidelines §1.4
Publishing without human review Universal compliance rule—see General Guidelines §1.8

Pre-Publish Checklist