Today I will tell you how to use Youtube SEO Techniques and strategies.
Are you creating videos but not getting:
- Views ????
- Subscriptions ????
- Interaction ????
- Spread????
Don’t worry; I’m here to solve this problem for you.
The Secret YouTube SEO Techniques That Skyrocketed My Views by 500%
I remember very well when I started on YouTube how I became sad because of the effort I put in on my channel, but without getting views and subscribers.
I know it’s frustrating!!!
But after much trying, I learned How To Make A Youtube Video correctly.
And today, I will tell you about Youtube Video Ranking and SEO.
I will teach you how to get yours:
- YouTube videos shine by optimizing tags
- Titles
- descriptions
- watch time
- and more
First up, let’s dive into video keyword research.
Keyword Research
What Is Video Keyword Research?
It’s all about discovering people’s words and phrases when hunting for video content online.
Since YouTube is the go-to video platform, we will focus on YouTube searches.
Now, you might be wondering!
Why is keyword research such a big deal for your YouTube channel?
Well, according to JumpShot, YouTube is the world’s 2nd most popular search engine!
Just imagine the millions of people searching for videos on topics like sports, makeup, business, and so much more every single day.
The best part?
Your target audience is likely searching for a video like yours.
If you can figure out the keywords they’re using in their search and optimize your video accordingly, your masterpiece could land at the top of the search results!
Optimizing your videos around the right keywords can boost your:
- views
- comments
- likes
- subscribers
How to Find Keywords for YouTube Videos?
YouTube Autocomplete with Youtube SEO Techniques
Do you know how YouTube suggests certain keywords when typing in the search bar?
That’s Autocomplete in action.
The best part about Autocomplete is that it only recommends popular keywords.
In other words, YouTube says, “Hey, people search for these terms often when looking for videos!”
So, these suggestions make excellent keywords to optimize your videos around.
Let’s say you want to create a video about productivity tips,so when you type “productivity tips” into YouTube, it presents you with 4-5 other related keywords:
These aren’t just excellent video topic ideas but fantastic keywords too!
Why?
First, these keywords are popular (otherwise, YouTube wouldn’t suggest them).
Second, Autocomplete suggestions tend to be pretty long (5+ words).
Being “long tail” keywords, they’re usually less competitive, making it easier for you to rank.
If you want to take the YouTube Autocomplete process up a notch, give KeywordTool.io a try.
Rather than tediously typing in various keywords one by one, this handy tool automates the process by searching for hundreds of variations of your keyword.
The result?
A treasure trove of hundreds of autocomplete suggestions at your fingertips!
Competitor Top Videos
Another great approach is to check out your competitors’ top videos. Instead of starting from scratch, learn from keywords that have already worked well for them. Here’s how:
- Head over to a competitor’s channel similar in size to yours.
- Click on their channel’s “Videos” tab.
- Sort by “Most Popular” to see their most viewed videos.
- Take note of the keywords used in the video titles and descriptions.
And there you have it!
A bunch of proven keywords to optimize your videos around.
VidIQ’s Keyword Tool
VidIQ‘s Keyword Tool is another fantastic resource.
It’s one of the few tools with a YouTube-specific keyword research feature.
Just type in a keyword, and you’ll get a list of ideas and valuable data, like search volume and competitiveness.
YouTube Analytics
Don’t forget about your own YouTube Analytics, either!
It’s a potential keyword research goldmine showing the exact keywords people use to find your videos.
So, always keep an eye on your analytics for more insights.
To access this report in YouTube Studio, navigate to “Analytics” → “Reach Viewers.”
You’ll often see keywords you’re already optimizing for, which means your video SEO efforts are working.
However, you might occasionally stumble upon a keyword you’re not optimizing for.
This is crucial because your video already ranks in search results for that term without intentional optimization.
According to YouTube, if you include that “missing” keyword in your title and description, you can achieve even higher rankingsfor that term. So, keep an eye out for those hidden gems!
Google Video Result Keywords
It’s awesome to rank high in YouTube searches, but ranking well in both YouTube and Google is even bette.
To achieve this, find “Video Result Keywords,” which are keywords that Google displays with video results.
Typically, these keywords cover topics like sports, tutorials, and cute things.
Before deciding on a keyword, search it in Google.
If YouTube videos appear in the results, you’ve found a Video Result Keyword.
Optimizing your video around that keyword will increase your chances of ranking in Google.
YouTube Video Title
Your YouTube video title significantly impacts your video’s performance for two main reasons:
1. Click-Through-Rate
When viewers find your video in search results, they rely on your thumbnail and title to decide if they’ll watch it. YouTube even emphasizes that.
2. Video SEO
Your title summarizes your video’s content, which is why search engines like YouTube focus on the keywords used in your title.
Include Your Keyword In Your Title
Your title is crucial for your video’s metadata.
A study found a strong correlation between keyword-rich titles and rankings in YouTube search.
So, for effective video SEO, include the exact keyword in your title.
Place your keyword early in the title
YouTube prioritizes terms that appear early in a title.
When possible, position your keyword at the beginning.
For example, if your target keyword is “paleo snacks,” opt for a title like ”
Paleo Snacks: 9 Tasty Examples” instead of “9 Examples of Tasty Paleo Snacks.”
Optimize Your Youtube Video Title for CTR
(CTR) It is a crucial YouTube ranking factor, indicating a video’s desirability.
Here are 3 tips Youtube Seo Technique to enhance your title CTR
1. Add a number
Including a number in your title can significantly boost CTR.
For instance, mention “5” if your video offers five tips or “$127” if it’s about a first-class flight experience.
2. Use attention-grabbing words and phrases
Consider adding eye-catching words or phrases like “WOW” or “I cried” if relevant to your video.
3. Get emotional
Research shows that emotionally-charged headlines attract more clicks and shares.
However, avoid using clickbait to maximize your title’s CTR, as it can negatively impact your video’s performance in the long run.
Clickbait
In recent years, YouTube has taken action against clickbait.
They’ve stated that clickbait titles can “hurt your chances of being recommended to new viewers.”
Essentially, using clickbait titles can cause YouTube to bury your video.
How does YouTube identify clickbait?
They closely monitor how users engage with a video after clicking on it.
If viewers drop off within the first few seconds, it signals to YouTube that the video likely has a misleading title, tricking people into clicking.
Conversely, if users stay and watch your video, YouTube recognizes that your title accurately reflects the video’s content:
Free Headline Analyzer
For an unbiased evaluation of your video title, try using a headline analyzer.
CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer is one of the best free options available online.
To use it, simply input your video title, and within seconds, you’ll receive detailed feedback and specific recommendations.
Although this tool is designed for blog post headlines, the same principles apply to creating captivating YouTube video titles.
Reoptimize Old Videos
If a video underperforms, you may not be able to change the content, but you can always modify the title, description, and tags.
Many YouTubers revisit and reoptimize their old videos, making the title more compelling and SEO-friendly.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit your YouTube Analytics and access your views report.
- Identify videos on your channel with the most petite views.
- Experiment with a new title for that video. You can revise your current title to make it more engaging or try a completely different title (and keyword).
It’s as simple as that!
Use Titles and Thumbnails
The decision to watch a video often depends on the thumbnail and the title.
So, your title and thumbnail must work together, conveying a cohesive story.
For instance, the Daily Bumps vlog effectively pairs their thumbnails and titles:
The eye-catching thumbnails grab your attention, while the closely-related title seals the deal.
This combined approach enhances the video’s appeal and entices viewers to click.
YouTube Video Description
What Is a Video Description?
Along with your video title and tags, YouTube uses your description to understand the content (and context) of your video content.
Put another way: a well-optimized description can boost your video’s rankings in YouTube search (and Suggested Video).
In fact, YouTube strongly recommends that you optimize your video description for SEO:
And now it’s time to show you how to write great descriptions for your YouTube videos.
Best Youtube SEO Techniques
Aim for 300+ words
Many YouTubers overlook the importance of their video description, but a well-written description helps YouTube understand and rank your video.
Aim for at least 300 words, like this example, with 342 words, which has helped the video rank high for its target keyword.
Keywords in the First 3 Sentences
YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes keywords in your description’s initial 3 sentences.
YouTube advises putting the most important keywords towards the beginning.
Ensure your main keyword and other crucial keywords appear early in your description.
For instance, examine the search results for “Cold Brew Coffee.”
All top-ranking videos feature that exact keyword in the first sentence of their description:
Augment Your Abstract for Enthralling CTR
The initial few phrases of your abstract play a pivotal role in your video’s click-through rate.
How so?
Indeed, the opening duo or trio of sentences manifest within the search outcomes:
Therefore, crafting this snippet to be both SEO-savvy and alluring is imperative.
Otherwise, your video may be bypassed in the search results.
It goes without saying, incorporating links to social media accounts or your YouTube channel at the onset of your abstract is inadvisable.
As evidenced, links fail to render your video as enticing.
Contrarily, inaugurate your abstract by elucidating the advantage a viewer shall reap from your video.
Take, for instance, the top-ranked outcome, which adeptly markets the rationale for selecting their video.
Upon encountering a description of such caliber in search results, an individual is significantly more inclined to engage.
Include Your Target Keyword 2-3 Times for Impact
It’s essential to repeat your target keyword 2-3 times after incorporating it at the beginning of your description.
This practice isn’t about keyword stuffing, which can land you in trouble.
Instead, it’s a subtle way to emphasize your video’s focus, making it clear to YouTube what your content is about.
For instance, if “YouTube SEO Techniques” is your target keyword, sprinkling it a few times ensures YouTube understands your video’s topic without forcing it.
Youtube Related Keywords
Enrich your video description with related keywords to give YouTube more context about your content.
Not only does this help you rank for those terms on YouTube and Google searches, but it also makes your video more accessible to users.
Let’s say your target keyword is “YouTube SEO Techniques “; related terms could be:
Incorporating these keywords into your description will make it even more powerful.
Embrace Original Content for a Boost in Rankings
Make every description 100% unique for each video you upload to YouTube.
YouTube states that an original description can improve your rankings:
If you have older videos on your channel with the same description template, now is the perfect time to revisit and rewrite them with original content, following the tips shared here.
Breathe new life into your old videos and watch them soar.
Unleash Your Creativity with This Template
Struggling with descriptions?
Try this template:
Feel free to tailor it, but this simple blueprint can streamline your YouTube descriptions for every new video.
Keep It Real and Engaging
Don’t forget your description isn’t just for YouTube’s algorithm.
Many viewers read it to decide whether to keep watching.
Hitting “Show more” to read the full description is expected, so sprinkle keywords naturally.
Check out this popular video’s description (1M+ views):
Keywords are there, but the text feels genuine and entices you to watch!
Skyrocket Your Views via Suggested Videos
Have you ever noticed the “Suggested Videos” column on YouTube’s right side while watching a video?
It’s a goldmine for views, and you can tap into it too!
Ready to tap into this source?
Focus on your video’s metadata (yes, that includes descriptions).
Find those magic keywords that match popular videos in your niche.
The result?
YouTube says, “Hello, Suggested Video!”
Before you hit “publish,” grab inspiration from top videos and sprinkle their keywords into your description.
Master YouTube Tags
Unraveling the YouTube Tag Mystery
When we talk about YouTube SEO Techniques, you need to know about Youtube Tags.
YouTube tags, or “video tags,” are the magic words that help YouTube understand your video’s content.
These tags are vital for ranking well in YouTube’s search algorithm.
The Power of Tags
Metadata tags offer valuable insights into your video’s topic and category for YouTube and Google.
An industry study has revealed a unique link between YouTube tags and rankings:
So, let’s dive into optimizing your video tags.
Winning Strategies
First Tag = Your Golden Keyword
YouTube is particularly attentive to your initial tags, especially the very first one.
Ensure your primary tag matches the exact keyword you want to rank for.
If you’re targeting “public speaking tips,” make that your first tag:
Blend Broad and Focused Tags
Focused tags (e.g., “get bigger biceps” or “how to start a blog“) clarify your video’s specific topic.
However, don’t forget broad tags, as they provide crucial context.
For instance, if your main keyword is “how to do a pushup,” use that and its variations in your tags:
Include broad tags such as “Bodybuilding” and “workouts” to define your video’s overarching theme:
Less is More with Tags
New YouTubers often overstuff their videos with tags, which can backfire.
Remember, tags help YouTube grasp your video’s content.
Overloading with 20+ tags confuses YouTube and may hurt your rankings.
For example, see the tags on this video:
If you can’t tell what the video is about, neither can YouTube.
Avoid this by using 5-8 relevant tags, combining focused and broad keywords from your research.
Consider the #1 result for “passive income“:
With just 8 descriptive tags, this video achieves clarity and effectiveness.
Embrace 2-3 Word YouTube Tags
What’s the ideal tag length?
Briggsby’s data suggests 2-3 words work best for SEO.
While not a strict rule, it’s a helpful guideline.
One-word tags might be insufficient, while lengthy tags may overwhelm YouTube.
For a video on “health benefits of coffee,” use descriptive tags like “coffee health benefits” and “is coffee healthy.”
Discover Tags with Tools
No need to stress over tags; use YouTube keyword research tools to generate related tags effortlessly.
TagTube
TagsYouTube, a free tool, creates a list of related tags for your videos.
Input your primary keyword…
…and receive YouTube tag suggestions:
VidIQ Boost
VidIQ Boost, a paid feature, suggests tags within the YouTube video editor, providing keyword suggestions in your browser:
Click on suggestions to add them automatically. Handy!
Tips and Advanced Youtube SEO Techniques
Read Your Tags: Can you understand your video based on tags alone?
If so, your tags are top-notch.
Add Long Tail Keywords: Include 1-2 long tail variations of your target keywords as tags.
For a “chili recipe” video, check YouTube suggestions:
Use Accurate Tags: Misleading tags (e.g., competitors’ channel names or celebrities) may yield results but risk video takedown.
Copy Tags From Popular Videos: Matching tags from a popular video can help you rank as a Suggested Video.
Use TubeBuddy to view a video’s tags:
Watch Time
What Is Watch Time?
Watch Time is the cumulative duration people spend watching your YouTube video.
It’s a crucial factor in YouTube’s search and discovery algorithm, distinct from Audience Retention.
Audience Retention measures the percentage of video watched.
Watch Time considers the total minutes spent watching your video since its publication:
Why Watch Time Matters
YouTube prioritizes ranking and promoting videos with high Watch Time:
Industry research by Justin Briggs confirms the strong correlation between Watch Time and rankings:
Optimizing videos for Watch Time is a wise move.
Boost Audience Retention
Strategies that improve Audience Retention also increase Watch Time.
To maximize Audience Retention:
- Capture attention in the first 15 seconds: Viewers often judge a video by its opening moments.
- Keep it dynamic: Change camera angles, visual styles, and music to maintain interest.
- Plan, script, and outline: Advance preparation results in a polished final product.
Check out this video that applies these techniques:
Embrace Longer Videos
An easy way to boost Watch Time? Make longer videos.
Imagine Video A (6 minutes) and Video B (12 minutes) both have 50% Audience Retention and 1,000 views each.
Video A’s Watch Time: 3,000 minutes.
Video B’s Watch Time: 6,000 minutes.
Video B, with double the Watch Time, is more likely to rank higher and be promoted.
A recent study confirmed that longer videos (>15 minutes) perform better in YouTube search.
Get More Subscribers
Long, engaging videos enhance Watch Time, but gaining views is essential too.
The solution?
Build a loyal subscriber base.
With thousands (or millions) of subscribers, every new video has an eager audience ready to watch.
Subscribers, already fans of your content, are more likely to watch until the end.
Maximize Success by Replicating What Works
Want to know a secret to boosting your YouTube channel?
It’s simple – focus on what’s already working!
Let me show you how to turn your winning videos into a consistent winning streak.
First, head over to YouTube Studio and click “Interest Viewers” → “Top Videos”:
This shows you which videos on your channel have the highest Watch Time.
Take note of what your top 3-5 videos share in common, such as:
- Video length
- Title and thumbnail
- SEO optimization
- Format Style
- Visuals
- Target audience
Armed with this knowledge, create more videos that mimic these winning elements, and watch your channel soar!
Boost Session Watch Time for Greater Visibility
So far, we’ve talked about Watch Time for individual videos (a crucial ranking signal).
But there’s another key aspect to consider: Session Watch Time.
Session Watch Time measures how long someone spends on YouTube during a single session.
The more time people spend on YouTube after watching your content, the better for you (and YouTube’s ad revenue).
YouTube has confirmed that videos contributing to longer Session Time get more visibility:
For instance, if viewers exit YouTube after watching just one of your videos, that video could get lost in the shuffle:
But, if your video keeps people on YouTube longer, they’ll make sure more viewers see it.
Here’s how to increase your Session Time and keep viewers engaged:
- Embrace Playlists: Playlists automatically play all videos in the list, boosting your Session Time without any extra effort. No clicking or decision-making needed for the viewer!
- Utilize Cards: Add cards to your videos directing viewers to your other content, particularly at points where they tend to drop off. Transform a lost viewer into one that extends your Session Time.
- Enhance End Screens with Video Elements: Make it a breeze for viewers to find another related video from your channel, keeping them engaged and watching longer.
In conclusion, understanding and leveraging Watch Time and Session Time is crucial for your YouTube channel’s success.
By identifying what works and consistently replicating those elements, you’ll create more winning videos.
And, by implementing strategies to keep viewers engaged and on YouTube longer, you’ll boost your channel’s visibility and reach even more people.
Now it’s time for you to take action!
Apply these Youtube SEO Techniques and watch your YouTube channel flourish.
Keep creating, engaging, and growing your audience – your success is just around the corner!