Search engine optimization (SEO) is a vital part of content creation on YouTube. The better you optimize your descriptions, titles, and headers and use keywords, the more visible your content will be.
Brands that focus on YouTube SEO are always at the forefront, appearing at the top of search results and drawing attention before their competitors, enhancing brand visibility.
While video is the primary content type on YouTube, a comprehensive SEO strategy goes beyond just titles and descriptions. It includes secondary elements like thumbnails, hashtags, and even subtitles.
Understanding why these elements are essential and how to use them effectively will prepare you to optimize your YouTube SEO and stand out in the crowded platform. Keep reading to learn more about these elements and what you can do to enhance your SEO strategy.
Table of Contents
Select Proper Keywords for YouTube
When people search for content on the platform, they usually don’t know the exact video name they are looking for. That’s why they search using keywords that may be in the title or are somehow related to the topic. For example, if they are looking for a paper writing service review, they will use keywords related to the topic or type the same phrase.
Keywords are extremely crucial for YouTube SEO. To make sure your content will stay on top of the search results, it’s crucial to analyze your niche and understand which words and phrases are most commonly used. Sometimes, a simple combination of keywords, especially when used in the right order, can yield the desired result.
Don’t forget to select a target keyword that accurately represents your topic or poses a key question for your video. This understanding will enlighten you and guide your SEO strategy.
It’s essential to add a target keyword to the title and do it naturally so the whole phrase will look realistic. You don’t need a title where a keyword is the only piece of text. Be creative and come up with an engaging headline that draws attention.
It may be a surprise for some individuals, but hashtags are essential for a successful search engine optimization strategy on YouTube. They are not only crucial for classic YouTube videos but also for shorts.
The algorithm considers tags as a crucial factor in ranking content, and the system relates videos to specific categories. By understanding what tags will be appropriate for your video and researching to analyze competitors, you can effectively use hashtags to boost your video’s visibility.
Remember, it’s not necessary to add a lot of tags to your video, but the right ones can make a significant difference. Use up to 8 tags to mark your videos and bring them to the needed categories.
Compose Proper Descriptions to Draw Attention
It takes two to tango, and it takes two major components to optimize your content according to the existing requirements. Sometimes, creators underestimate YouTube descriptions because they think investing only in titles is enough.
Well, it’s not enough, and you have to make sure both elements are represented properly. The YouTube algorithm recognizes descriptions when analyzing new content because they help identify the video and make it visible to users.
Since the platform sets a limit of 5000 characters for a video description, it’s not necessary to write an extensive text.
The description should complete the title and explain to viewers what exactly is presented in your video. Add a call to action, making users like the video and subscribe to your channel. It won’t take long to do that, but at the same time, it has a solid impact on the algorithm that pushes your videos to the top in recommendations.
If you share a long video with lots of details, your video description can be longer than average. Mention key takeaways and place accents so viewers will understand what to focus on when watching your content. Also, if you promote goods and services in the video, share links and provide more details about the services.
Create Long Videos to Make People Watch Till the End
It may surprise users, but videos that last less than 2 minutes do not get many views. At the same time, episodes that are around 10 minutes long receive better engagement and have a high view count.
It makes sense to work on longer videos that describe the topic from multiple angles, adding details and reviewing cases.
Depending on the topic, you can create multiple episodes related to one major part of your topic. Keep the length around 10-15 minutes, so people won’t lose interest and keep waiting till the next episode.
Add Subtitles for International Viewers
Content available in multiple languages is more valuable because it reaches a wider audience and allows more people to dive into the topic.
Non-native-English speakers will be surprised to find subtitles on your videos. Despite the fact they won’t understand the background voice, they recognize the subtitles. Moreover, once you have subtitles available? Your content will get a higher index from the search engine.
You can use a killer feature and mention the subtitle’s availability in the title. Since the title is the first thing users see when the video appears, they will react and click to watch your content.
PIN a Comment to Force Users for More Engagement
Since you highlight a specific topic, do a review, or promote services, you will always need engagement to generate more sales and encourage viewers to stay with you.
One of the optional features of YouTube is to pin your own comment, forcing people to leave their own comments. For example, if you review multiple products, you can ask the following:
- Which of the following products is the most comfortable for you?
- Would you recommend such products to your friends?
- Do you have any experience using such products before?
Consider the fact that people do not always check the comment section. When the video ends, remind them to check the information in the comment section so they will read it and leave their thoughts.
Final Thoughts
YouTube SEO is very specific, and it differs from other platforms’ optimization strategies. You have to consider multiple factors, including video length, subtitles availability, and the number of hashtags. It may sound too complicated, but once you follow the instructions and constantly improve the quality of your content, you will succeed.
Related Reading:
