If you’re uploading videos on YouTube but not getting enough views, chances are you’re ignoring YouTube SEO. Just like Google, YouTube is a search engine—so optimizing your videos is essential for getting discovered.
Here’s a quick and simple guide to help your videos rank higher:
1. Do Keyword Research
Start by finding what your audience is searching for. Use tools like TubeBuddy, VidIQ, or even YouTube’s auto-suggest feature. For example, if you type “how to bake,” YouTube might suggest “how to bake a chocolate cake”—a great long-tail keyword!
Tip: Choose keywords with high search volume but low competition.
2. Optimize Video Title
Your title should be catchy but also include your main keyword. For example:
✅ “How to Bake a Chocolate Cake – Step-by-Step Guide”
❌ “Yummy Cake Time!!”
YouTube favors clear, keyword-rich titles that match what users search.
3. Use SEO-Friendly Descriptions
Your video description should explain what the video is about, ideally in the first two lines. Include your main keyword naturally, and add timestamps, links, hashtags, or CTAs (Call to Action).
4. Add Relevant Tags
Tags help YouTube understand the video context. Include your main keyword and related terms. While tags are less important than they used to be, they still help with discoverability.
5. Create Custom Thumbnails
A thumbnail is the first thing viewers notice. Use bright colors, readable text, and relevant images. A high click-through rate (CTR) boosts your video’s chances of ranking.
6. Encourage Engagement
Ask viewers to like, comment, share, or subscribe. Engagement sends signals to YouTube that your content is valuable. Even a pinned comment or a question in your video helps.
7. Add Subtitles and Closed Captions
YouTube can read captions to understand your video content better. Uploading a transcript or enabling auto-captions makes your video more accessible and boosts SEO.
Final Thoughts
YouTube SEO isn’t rocket science—it’s all about making your content easy to find and engaging to watch. Keep your videos consistent, optimized, and valuable to your target audience.
Start implementing these tips and you’ll see growth—one view at a time!
Would you like a version of this blog with SEO keywords or hashtags added too?
