Have you ever wondered why some videos always appear at the top of YouTube search results? What if your videos could be the ones everyone sees first? With this detailed YouTube SEO checklist, you’ll learn exactly how to make your videos rank higher on both YouTube and Google. Let’s dive into the steps that can help you succeed.
YouTube SEO Checklist:
Understanding User Search Behavior: Where Do People Search?
To succeed on YouTube, it’s important to understand where your audience goes when they’re looking for content. This understanding allows you to align your content strategy with user behavior, ensuring that your videos are visible where your audience is most active. Here’s what we’ve found:
Google for Services and Products
When people need to buy something or find a service, they usually start with Google. Google is the go-to search engine for most users because of its vast index of information, fast results, and user-friendly interface. Whether someone is looking for a plumber, a new pair of shoes, or the latest tech gadget, their first stop is often Google. This is because Google has conditioned users to expect answers to all their queries, big or small, almost instantaneously.
For example, if a person is searching for “best running shoes,” they’re likely going to see a mix of product reviews, shopping results, and perhaps some video reviews embedded in the search results. The videos that appear in these results are not there by accident; they are strategically optimized to show up for such queries.
If you’re in the business of selling products or services, understanding this behavior is crucial. You need to ensure that your videos are optimized not just for YouTube but also for Google search results. This means using the right keywords, creating valuable content that answers user questions, and ensuring your video appears in the video search results on Google.
YouTube for Learning
If someone wants to learn something through a video, 90% of the time, they’ll go straight to YouTube. YouTube is not just a platform for entertainment; it’s also one of the largest educational resources on the internet. From DIY tutorials to detailed academic lectures, YouTube hosts a vast array of educational content that caters to learners of all kinds.
Imagine a user trying to learn how to play the guitar. Their first instinct might be to search on YouTube for beginner guitar lessons. This user behavior indicates that video content has become a primary source of learning, especially for visual and auditory learners. This trend is growing, with more users preferring to watch a video rather than reading a blog post or a manual.
For content creators, this presents a golden opportunity. If you create instructional or educational content, YouTube is where you want to be. However, it’s not just about creating the content; it’s about making sure it reaches your audience. This is where SEO comes into play. By optimizing your videos for the keywords and topics your audience is searching for, you can increase the chances of your videos being found.
Pinterest for Visual Ideas
Looking for images or visual concepts? People often turn to Pinterest instead of Google Images. Pinterest has carved out a niche for itself as a visual discovery engine, where users go to find inspiration for everything from home decor to fashion to wedding planning. Unlike Google, which serves a broader range of searches, Pinterest is particularly powerful for discovering new ideas and concepts visually.
Let’s say a user is planning a wedding and wants ideas for floral arrangements. They are more likely to go to Pinterest, where they can browse thousands of images, save their favorites, and even explore related content curated by other users. This behavior shows that when users are in the discovery phase and looking for visual inspiration, Pinterest is often the preferred platform.
As a content creator, understanding this behavior can help you decide where to invest your efforts. If your content is highly visual—such as fashion, home decor, or crafts—you might want to consider not only optimizing your YouTube videos but also creating complementary content for Pinterest seo. This way, you can capture the audience on both platforms and drive traffic between them.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding where your audience is searching for content is crucial because it allows you to tailor your content strategy accordingly. If your audience is searching on YouTube, you need to be there, ready with the content they’re looking for before your competitors. By aligning your content with the platform’s user behavior, you increase the chances of your content being discovered, viewed, and shared.
Now that we’ve explored where people search, let’s dive into how to make sure your content is found—starting with optimizing your YouTube channel.
6 Steps SEO Checklist to Rank YouTube Videos
Ranking your videos isn’t just about creating great content; it’s also about making sure people can find it. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help your videos rank higher:
Step 1: Optimize Your YouTube Channel—Make a Great First Impression
Your YouTube channel is like your store’s front window—it’s the first thing people see. If it’s well-organized and visually appealing, people are more likely to enter and explore. Here’s how to make it stand out:
Add a Logo
Your logo should be visible on your channel to create a consistent brand image. Your logo is a visual representation of your brand and helps viewers instantly recognize your content across different platforms. Think of major brands like Coca-Cola or Nike—their logos are instantly recognizable and associated with their products.
When adding a logo to your YouTube channel, ensure that it is high-resolution and appropriately sized for the platform. YouTube recommends a 98 x 98 pixels size for channel logos. It’s also essential that your logo is consistent with your branding across other platforms, such as your website and social media profiles. Consistency helps build trust and recognition among your audience.
Write a Strong Channel Description
Your channel description is your opportunity to tell viewers what your channel is about, what you offer, and why they should subscribe. This is where you can showcase your unique value proposition (UVP) and what sets you apart from other creators.
A good channel description should be concise yet informative. It should clearly explain what kind of content viewers can expect and how often you upload. For example, if you run a cooking channel, your description might include information about the types of recipes you share, whether they’re quick meals, gourmet dishes, or dietary-specific options like vegan or gluten-free.
Don’t forget to include relevant keywords in your description. Keywords help YouTube understand what your channel is about and can improve your chances of appearing in search results. However, avoid keyword stuffing, as this can make your description look spammy and turn off potential subscribers.
Create Playlists
Grouping similar videos together in playlists keeps people watching your videos longer and helps you rank for more specific search terms. Playlists are a powerful tool for content creators because they create a continuous viewing experience for your audience. When a video in a playlist ends, the next one starts automatically, which can significantly increase your channel’s watch time.
When creating playlists, think about how your audience might want to consume your content. For example, if you have a tech channel, you could create playlists around different categories like “Smartphone Reviews,” “Gadget Unboxings,” or “Tech Tutorials.” By grouping similar content together, you make it easier for viewers to find what they’re interested in and keep them engaged longer.
Additionally, playlists can be optimized for SEO. Give your playlists descriptive titles that include relevant keywords, and write detailed descriptions that explain what the playlist is about. This helps YouTube understand the content of your playlist and increases the chances of it being discovered through search.
Add a Channel Trailer
A short video trailer can introduce new viewers to your channel. A channel trailer is like a movie preview—it gives potential subscribers a quick overview of what they can expect from your content. This is your chance to make a great first impression and encourage viewers to subscribe.
Your channel trailer should be short, ideally around 30 seconds to 1 minute long. It should highlight your best content and communicate your channel’s value proposition. For example, if you’re a fitness trainer, your trailer might include clips of your workout routines, client testimonials, and a call to action encouraging viewers to subscribe for weekly fitness tips.
Make sure to include a call to action (CTA) at the end of your trailer. A simple “Subscribe for more videos” can be effective in converting viewers into subscribers. Also, include your main keywords in the trailer’s title, description, and tags to improve its visibility in search results.
Link Everything
Make sure your YouTube channel is connected to your website and social media profiles. This helps with SEO and builds trust. When your YouTube channel is linked to your website and social media accounts, it creates a network of content that reinforces your online presence.
For example, if you have a blog, you can embed your YouTube videos in your posts, driving traffic between the two platforms. You can also share your videos on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, reaching a broader audience and increasing your video’s visibility.
Additionally, linking your YouTube channel to your website can improve your search engine rankings. Google considers backlinks from high-authority sites (like your own) as a signal of quality, which can help your videos rank higher in search results. Make sure to include links to your social media profiles in your channel description, and use YouTube’s built-in feature to add links to your channel’s banner.
Step 2: Find Video Topics with High Traffic Potential—Target the Right Audience
Imagine creating a video that gets tons of views because it’s on a topic everyone is searching for. To do that, you need to pick the right topics. Here’s how:
Check Google
Search for your video topic on Google. If videos appear in the results, it means there’s a demand for video content on that topic. Google is the most popular search engine globally, and its search results often include video content, especially for queries that can be answered visually or through demonstrations.
For example, if you search for “how to tie a tie” on Google, you’ll likely see a mix of text-based results and video results. The videos that appear in these results are often YouTube videos that have been optimized for the keyword “how to tie a tie.” If you’re creating content around a topic, it’s a good idea to search for it on Google first to see if videos are appearing in the results.
If you find that videos are appearing for your topic, this indicates that there’s an audience for video content on that subject. This is your opportunity to create a video that not only ranks on YouTube but also shows up in Google search results, driving traffic from both platforms.
Focus on Specific Keywords
Use specific phrases like “How to wear party wear shoes” instead of general ones like “party wear shoes.” This helps your video show up in more targeted searches. Specific keywords, often referred to as long-tail keywords, are more detailed and usually indicate a higher intent to take action.
For example, a user searching for “party wear shoes” might be in the early stages of their search and not yet ready to make a purchase. On the other hand, a user searching for “how to wear party wear shoes with a saree” is likely looking for specific advice and is closer to making a decision.
By focusing on these specific keywords, you can create content that directly addresses the needs of your audience. This increases the chances of your video being clicked on and watched in full, which is a positive signal to YouTube’s algorithm and can help improve your video’s ranking.
Use Tools for Topic Research
In addition to manually searching on Google, you can use tools like Google Trends, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to identify trending topics and high-traffic keywords. These tools provide data on search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keywords, helping you find topics with high traffic potential.
For example, Google Trends allows you to see how search interest in a particular keyword has changed over time. This can help you identify seasonal trends or topics that are gaining popularity, allowing you to create content that is timely and relevant.
Ahrefs and SEMrush, on the other hand, provide more detailed keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and competitive analysis. These tools can help you identify low-competition keywords with high traffic potential, giving you a better chance of ranking in search results.
Step 3: Keyword Research Techniques—Find the Best Keywords for Your Video
Keywords are the words or phrases people use when searching. To make sure your video shows up in search results, you need to choose the right keywords. Here’s how:
Use YouTube’s Suggestions
Start typing a word into YouTube’s search bar, and YouTube will show you what other people are searching for. This is a great way to find trending keywords. YouTube’s autocomplete feature is a valuable tool for keyword research because it reflects real user searches.
For example, if you start typing “how to make” into YouTube’s search bar, you might see suggestions like “how to make pasta,” “how to make slime,” or “how to make a paper airplane.” These suggestions are based on what other users have recently searched for, indicating that there’s a demand for content on these topics.
Once you have a list of suggested keywords, you can create content that directly addresses these searches. This increases the likelihood that your video will appear in search results and be clicked on by users.
Check Competitors’ Video Tags
See what tags your competitors are using in their videos. You can do this by viewing the video’s source code or using tools like TubeBuddy. Video tags are a way to tell YouTube what your video is about, and they can help your video appear in related searches.
To view the tags used in a competitor’s video, you can use TubeBuddy’s free Chrome extension. Simply install the extension, go to the video you want to analyze, and TubeBuddy will show you the tags that the video is using. This can give you ideas for tags to use in your own videos.
Check Below Video tags
Alternatively, you can view the source code of a YouTube video to find the tags.
Analyze Video Source Code
To find the tags used in a video, right-click on the video, choose “View Source,” and search for keywords in the code. This shows you which keywords are helping the video rank. By analyzing the tags used by high-ranking videos, you can identify which keywords are effective and consider using them in your own videos.
For example, if you find that a top-ranking video on “DIY home decor” uses tags like “home decorating ideas,” “budget home decor,” and “easy DIY projects,” you might consider using these tags in your own video on the same topic. This helps YouTube understand that your video is related to these keywords, increasing the chances of it being shown in search results and related videos.
Use Keyword Research Tools
In addition to YouTube’s suggestions and competitor analysis, you can use keyword research tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner to find high-traffic keywords. These tools provide data on search volume, competition, and keyword trends, helping you identify the best keywords to target in your videos.
For example, Ahrefs’ Keyword Explorer tool allows you to search for keywords and see data on their search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keywords. You can also see which videos are currently ranking for a particular keyword, giving you insights into what type of content is performing well.
SEMrush offers similar features, including keyword research, competitive analysis, and content ideas. Google Keyword Planner, while primarily designed for Google Ads, can also be used to find keyword ideas and see search volume data.
Step 4: Create Better Videos Than Your Competitors—Stand Out in a Crowded Space
If you want your video to rank higher, it needs to be better than the competition. Here’s how to make sure your video is the best:
Make Longer Videos
Videos that are 9 to 15 minutes long tend to perform better because they keep viewers engaged longer. Watch time, or the total amount of time viewers spend watching your videos, is a critical factor in YouTube’s ranking algorithm. The longer your video, the more time viewers are likely to spend on it, which can signal to YouTube that your content is valuable.
For example, if you create a video that’s 12 minutes long and most viewers watch the entire video, this generates 12 minutes of watch time per viewer. If 1,000 people watch your video from start to finish, that’s 12,000 minutes of watch time—an impressive metric that can help boost your video’s ranking.
However, it’s important to balance length with quality. A longer video that’s filled with fluff or unnecessary information is unlikely to keep viewers engaged. Focus on creating content that is informative, engaging, and valuable to your audience. If your video needs to be longer to cover the topic thoroughly, then by all means, make it longer. But don’t make it longer just for the sake of increasing watch time.
Engage Viewers Early
The first 30 seconds are crucial. Start with something interesting to keep viewers watching. The beginning of your video is your chance to hook viewers and convince them to stay for the entire video. If your introduction is slow or unengaging, viewers are likely to click away, which can negatively impact your video’s ranking.
To engage viewers early, start with a strong opening that grabs their attention. This could be a question, a surprising fact, or a preview of what’s coming up in the video. For example, if your video is a tutorial on “how to bake a chocolate cake,” you might start by showing the finished cake and saying, “Today, I’m going to show you how to make this delicious chocolate cake in just 30 minutes!” This gives viewers a reason to keep watching.
Another effective strategy is to address your viewers’ pain points or interests right at the start. If your video is a solution to a problem, state the problem clearly and promise a solution. For example, “Struggling to get more views on your YouTube videos? In this video, I’m going to share 5 proven strategies that will help you grow your channel and reach more viewers.” This approach immediately connects with viewers and encourages them to watch the entire video.
Link to Other Videos
Keep people on your channel by linking to other relevant videos or playlists. This increases your total session watch time, which is good for SEO. When viewers watch multiple videos in a single session, YouTube sees this as a positive signal and may rank your videos higher as a result.
You can link to other videos in several ways. One common method is to use YouTube’s end screens feature, which allows you to add links to other videos, playlists, or channels at the end of your video. This is a great way to keep viewers on your channel after they’ve finished watching your video.
You can also use cards to link to other videos during the video itself. Cards are small, clickable notifications that appear in the top-right corner of the video and can be used to link to other videos, playlists, or websites. For example, if you’re referencing another video you’ve made, you can use a card to link to that video so viewers can easily find it.
Another effective strategy is to create playlists around specific topics and encourage viewers to watch the entire playlist. Playlists create a seamless viewing experience, and when a video in a playlist ends, the next one starts automatically. This keeps viewers on your channel longer and increases your total session watch time.
Encourage Interaction
Ask viewers to like, comment, share, and subscribe. More engagement means a higher ranking. YouTube’s algorithm takes into account how viewers interact with your content—likes, comments, shares, and subscriptions are all positive signals that can help boost your video’s ranking.
To encourage interaction, include a call to action (CTA) in your video. This could be as simple as saying, “If you found this video helpful, give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more content like this.” You can also ask viewers to leave a comment with their thoughts or questions, which not only increases engagement but also helps you connect with your audience.
Another strategy is to ask viewers to share your video with others. For example, you could say, “If you know someone who could benefit from this information, share this video with them.” Sharing your video extends its reach and can bring in new viewers who might not have found your content otherwise.
Finally, encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel. Subscribers are more likely to see your future videos in their feed, which can help you build a loyal audience over time. You can also ask viewers to turn on notifications so they’ll be alerted whenever you upload a new video.
Step 5: Video SEO Optimization—Make Your Video Easy to Find
SEO isn’t just for websites. Optimizing your video helps it rank higher in search results. Here’s how to do it:
Write a Great Title
Use your main keywords in the title to make it clear what the video is about and to attract clicks. The title is one of the first things viewers see, and it plays a significant role in whether they decide to watch your video.
Your title should be descriptive and accurately reflect the content of your video. For example, if your video is a tutorial on “how to edit photos in Photoshop,” your title should clearly convey that. A good title might be, “How to Edit Photos in Photoshop: Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide.” This title is specific, includes relevant keywords, and tells viewers exactly what they can expect from the video.
In addition to being descriptive, your title should also be compelling. Think about what would make someone want to click on your video. Using words like “easy,” “quick,” “step-by-step,” or “beginner’s guide” can make your title more appealing to viewers who are looking for straightforward, accessible content.
However, avoid clickbait titles—titles that promise something the video doesn’t deliver. Clickbait can lead to high bounce rates (viewers clicking away quickly), which can hurt your video’s ranking. Be honest and transparent in your titles, and make sure they accurately represent the content of your video.
Detailed Descriptions
Write at least 250 words in the video description, explaining what the video covers and using relevant keywords. The description provides additional context for your video and helps YouTube understand what it’s about.
Your description should provide a summary of the video’s content, including key points and topics covered. For example, if your video is a tutorial on “how to bake a chocolate cake,” your description might include a brief overview of the steps involved, the ingredients used, and any tips or tricks you share in the video.
Including relevant keywords in your description can help improve your video’s visibility in search results. However, be sure to use keywords naturally—keyword stuffing (overloading your description with keywords) can make your content difficult to read and may be penalized by YouTube’s algorithm.
In addition to the main description, you can also include links to related content, such as other videos, your website, or social media profiles. This not only helps with SEO but also provides viewers with more opportunities to engage with your content.
Add Tags
Use tags that describe your video’s content. This helps YouTube understand what your video is about and can help it appear in related searches. Tags are an important part of YouTube SEO because they provide additional context for your video.
When adding tags, start with your main keywords and then add variations or related terms. For example, if your video is about “how to grow tomatoes,” your tags might include “grow tomatoes,” “gardening tips,” “vegetable garden,” and “tomato plants.” These tags help YouTube understand the topic of your video and increase the chances of it being shown in related searches.
In addition to your main keywords, you can also use tags to target specific niches or subtopics. For example, if your video is part of a series on gardening, you might use tags like “gardening series” or “vegetable gardening.” This can help your video appear in search results for those specific niches and attract viewers who are interested in that topic.
Speak Keywords in the Video
Include keywords in the script so they’re naturally spoken in the video. Speaking your keywords helps YouTube’s speech recognition technology understand the content of your video.
For example, if your video is about “how to fix a leaking faucet,” make sure to mention the keyword phrase “fix a leaking faucet” in your video. This helps reinforce the topic and can improve your video’s ranking for that keyword.
However, avoid overusing keywords or forcing them into your script. The goal is to speak naturally and ensure that the content flows smoothly. If you’re providing valuable information, the keywords will naturally be included in your speech.
Upload Transcripts
Adding a transcript helps YouTube understand your video’s content and can improve your ranking. Transcripts are a text version of the spoken content in your video and can be uploaded as a separate file or added directly to the video’s description.
Transcripts are beneficial for SEO because they provide additional text for YouTube to index. This can help your video rank for more keywords and increase its visibility in search results. Transcripts also make your content more accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who prefer to read rather than watch videos.
To create a transcript, you can use YouTube’s automatic captions feature, which generates captions based on the audio in your video. However, these captions are often not 100% accurate, so it’s a good idea to review and edit them before uploading. Alternatively, you can create your own transcript by typing out the spoken content in your video.
Custom Thumbnails
Create a thumbnail that catches the viewer’s eye and encourages them to click. Thumbnails are one of the most important factors in attracting clicks on your video.
Your thumbnail should be visually appealing and relevant to the content of your video. For example, if your video is a tutorial on “how to edit photos in Photoshop,” your thumbnail might include a before-and-after image of the edited photo, along with a clear, bold title.
Use contrasting colors, clear text, and high-quality images to make your thumbnail stand out. Avoid using too much text or cluttering the image with too many elements. Keep it simple and focused on the main topic of your video.
Additionally, make sure your thumbnail is consistent with your branding. If you use a specific color scheme or style in your videos, carry that over into your thumbnails to create a cohesive look across your channel.
Step 6: Video Promotion Strategies—Get More Eyes on Your Content
After creating a great video, you need to promote it. Here’s how to get more views:
Email Your Subscribers
Send out an email to your list whenever you upload a new video. This can drive immediate views and engagement.
Your email subscribers are likely already interested in your content, so they’re more likely to click on your video and watch it. In your email, include a brief description of the video, why it’s relevant to your audience, and a direct link to the video.
For example, if your video is a new tutorial on “how to create a budget in Excel,” your email might include a subject line like “New Video: Learn How to Create a Budget in Excel.” The body of the email could include a summary of what the video covers, why it’s useful, and a call to action to watch the video.
Additionally, you can use email marketing tools to segment your list and send personalized emails to specific groups of subscribers. For example, if you have a segment of subscribers who are interested in budgeting, you can send them a targeted email about your new video on that topic.
Share on Social Media
Post your video on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn where your audience is already active. Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your content and reaching a wider audience.
When sharing your video on social media, tailor your message to the platform you’re using. For example, on Instagram, you might share a short teaser clip with a link to the full video in your bio. On Twitter, you could share a brief summary of the video with a link and relevant hashtags.
Engage with your audience by asking questions, encouraging comments, and responding to feedback. Social media is not just about broadcasting your content—it’s also about building relationships with your audience.
You can also use paid social media advertising to promote your video to a specific audience. For example, you can create a Facebook ad campaign targeting users who are interested in topics related to your video. This can help you reach a larger audience and drive more views to your video.
Embed on Your Website
If you have a blog or website, embed the video on relevant pages to get more views. Embedding your video on your website not only increases views but also helps with SEO by keeping visitors on your site longer.
For example, if you have a blog post on “how to plan a garden,” you could embed a related video tutorial on garden planning. This gives your readers additional value and encourages them to spend more time on your site.
When embedding videos, make sure they are relevant to the content of the page. A video that complements the text and provides additional information is more likely to be watched by visitors.
Use End Screens
Promote your new videos at the end of your existing popular videos. This keeps viewers on your channel longer and increases your total session watch time.
End screens are a great way to keep viewers engaged with your content. You can use them to link to other videos, playlists, or your channel’s subscription button. For example, if your video is a part of a series, you can use an end screen to link to the next video in the series, encouraging viewers to continue watching.
You can also use end screens to promote your most popular videos. This can help new viewers discover your best content and keep them coming back for more.
Share on Quora and Forums
Find relevant questions on Quora or forums and share your video as part of the answer. Quora and forums are great places to share your expertise and drive traffic to your videos.
When sharing your video, make sure it adds value to the discussion. For example, if someone on Quora is asking for tips on how to improve their photography skills, and you have a video tutorial on that topic, you can share the video along with a brief explanation of why it’s helpful.
Participating in forums related to your niche can also help you build a reputation as an expert in your field. By providing valuable content and answering questions, you can attract more viewers to your channel and increase your video’s visibility.
Conclusion: Grow Your YouTube Channel with SEO
Optimizing your YouTube videos with SEO is essential if you want to grow your channel. By following this step-by-step checklist, you can make sure your videos are easy to find, engaging to watch, and highly ranked in search results. Start applying these strategies today, and watch your views, subscribers, and success grow!