What is a listicle?  

Formed from a blend of “list” and “article”, a listicle is an article in the form of a list.  

How to write a listicle:

1. Brainstorm way more than you need, then trim it down.
2. Number each item.
3. Use an odd (or prime) number.  2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, etc.
4. Add meat to the bones of the list.  Write something interesting under each text item to help focus the reader’s attention and shape their understanding of the topic.  
5. Link, add arresting images, embed media.  Match the message to a visual.

What makes a listicle worth reading?

1. Make judgements.  Rank your list with with words like: top, best, most, ultimate, worst, deadliest, most creepy, etc.  
2. Motivate, teach, inspire.  Make a list that inspires people to take action.  Make a list that teaches your audience something they didn’t know.  What are you go at?  What do you know a lot about?  Share it with the world.
3. Get controversial.  Argue about actions, events, or ideas.  Go against something that is popular.  Disagree with a popular opinion.  Highlight problems or differences.  

Basic types of listicles:

1. The basic list.  This list just throws ideas and random grouping of things with no narrative driving it.  No theme.  No ranking.
   1. “109 Cats in Sweaters”
   2. “10 Ghosts”
   3. “11 Songs I’m Listening to Right Now”
2. The definitive list.  Select a theme.  Sets out to encompass all of something.
   1. “The 50 Cutest Things that Ever Happened”
   2. “17 Movies to
3. The framework list.  

https://www.bustle.com/articles/134854-8-tips-for-writing-a-listicle-that-will-get-published