So you’ve started a YouTube channel and you’re wondering how to get more views and subscribers Search engine optimization, or SEO, is crucial. With over 500 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, you need to make sure people can actually find your content. If you want to rank higher in YouTube’s search and suggested videos, you’ll need to master the basics of YouTube SEO.
What Is YouTube SEO and Why Is It Important?
YouTube SEO stands for “search engine optimization” and it’s how you improve your YouTube channel’s ranking in search results. If you want more views and subscribers, YouTube SEO is essential.
Why YouTube SEO Matters
YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google, so ranking higher means more people will find your videos. The higher you rank for keywords related to your content, the more visibility and traffic you’ll get.
Some key factors that determine your YouTube SEO ranking:
- Video Titles: Include important keywords, especially in the first 60 characters. Keep titles concise but compelling.
2.Video Descriptions: Describe your video content in detail using keywords and phrases. The first 2 sentences are the most important, so make them count!
- Tags: Tags are keywords that describe your video content. Use phrases in addition to single words. The more relevant tags, the better.
4.Thumbnail Images: Eye-catching thumbnails with text or images that represent your content. They should stand out and capture interest.
5.Watch Time: YouTube tracks how long viewers watch your videos. More watch time signals high quality, engaging content. Try to keep viewers watching for longer.
6.Likes and Comments: Viewer interactions like likes, comments and shares tell YouTube that your content is interesting and relevant. Engage with your viewers and encourage them to interact with your videos.
7.Channel Optimization: An optimized channel, with keyword-rich descriptions, thumbnails, playlists and a consistent schedule of new uploads, signals an active creator focused on quality content. Take the time to optimize your channel for the best possible results.
With the right YouTube SEO strategy, you’ll gain more views, build your audience and become a YouTube star! The key is creating great content, optimizing for search and engaging with your viewers. Now get out there and start ranking higher!
Optimizing Your YouTube Video Titles and Descriptions
Optimizing your video titles and descriptions is key to ranking higher in YouTube search. People search YouTube just like Google, so making your content easy to find is essential.
Video Titles
Your title is the first thing viewers see, so make it count! Aim for a title that is:
- Descriptive and eye-catching. Include important keywords, the topic, and what the viewer will learn.
- Around 60 characters. This is long enough to be descriptive but short enough to display well in search results.
- Unique. Don’t copy other video titles word-for-word. Come up with your own compelling title.
Video Descriptions
The video description is where you can provide more details about your content. It’s an opportunity to rank for more keywords and phrases. Some tips:
- Include a longer, more natural description of what your video covers. Explain the topic thoroughly by rephrasing keywords and restating concepts.
- Add links to related videos or channel playlists. This connects your content and keeps viewers engaged.
- Put crucial words at the start of sentences and paragraphs. Also, include synonyms and related terms throughout the description.
- Ask viewers to like, comment and subscribe. Engagement metrics factor into YouTube’s ranking algorithm.
- Update your description if the content or keywords become outdated. Keep things fresh to maintain high search rankings.
Optimizing your YouTube video titles and descriptions takes time but will pay off with higher search rankings and more views. Put in the effort and your video could end up on the first page of results!
Using Tags and Keywords Effectively
To rank higher on YouTube, you need to optimize your video for search. One of the most important ways to do this is by using relevant tags and keywords. Think of these as signposts that point search engines and viewers to your content.
Tags
YouTube allows you to add tags to your video to describe its content. Come up with a list of keywords and phrases people might search for related to your topic. For a video on ‘How to Change a Tire good tags would be:
- change a tire
- flat tire
- tire repair
- emergency roadside kit
Aim for a mix of broader terms as well as longer, more specific phrases. Include synonyms and related words too, like ‘fix a flat or â swap a spare. The more tags you have, the more discoverable your video becomes.
Keywords
In addition to tags, work keywords into your video title, description, captions, and even the video content itself. For example, in your title and description, reiterate important tags and phrases from your list. In the video, naturally mention those keywords a few times as you discuss the topic.
YouTube scans your video transcript to better understand what it’s about. Keywords in your actual content carry more weight for search ranking and recommendations. At the same time, avoid keyword stuffing where it sounds unnatural. Your viewers come first, so make the information easy to understand.
Using tags and keywords strategically allows you to signal to YouTube what your video is all about. Optimize your content in an authentic way to rank higher in search and get discovered by more people looking for information on your topic. Keep your keywords front of mind for every new video to build up your search authority and become a trusted expert source.
Building Links to Your YouTube Videos
Building links to your YouTube videos is one of the best ways to improve their search ranking. Backlinks act like votes, telling YouTube and Google that your content is valuable. The more quality links you can build, the higher your videos will rank in search results.
Build links on your website
Add links to your YouTube videos on your own website or blog. This helps establish your YouTube channel as an authority in your niche while also boosting its authority in Google’s eyes. You can embed the actual video, link to the video in a blog post, or add it to your website’s video library or media page.
Reach out to influencers
Contact influencers in your industry and ask if they’d be willing to link to or embed one of your videos in their content. Many YouTubers and bloggers are open to cross-promotion. Offer to reciprocate by featuring their content on your channel. Collaboration and co-promotion with other influencers is an excellent way to gain new viewers and boost your search ranking.
Comment on related videos
Search YouTube for other videos in your niche and engage with them by liking, commenting and subscribing. When you comment, mention your own channel name and video title, and include a link. Some viewers will click through, giving you new traffic and backlinks. Just make sure your comments are genuinely helpful and not spammy.
Get active on social media
Promote your YouTube videos on all your social media profiles like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Share the videos, embed them in posts, and engage with viewers. The more people interact with your social posts, the more authority is passed onto your YouTube channel. Some of your followers will also head over to YouTube to view, like and subscribe.
Submit to video directories
There are many video directories, communities and social sites where you can submit your YouTube videos. Places like Reddit, Tumblr, and video aggregators often allow you to post links and embed your content. Look for relevant communities in your niche and be an active member by posting, commenting and engaging with others. The backlinks and exposure will boost your search rank.
Measuring and Improving Your YouTube SEO
Once you have optimized your YouTube channel and content, it time to measure your progress and make improvements. Checking key metrics regularly will ensure your SEO efforts are effective and your channel continues to rank higher in searches.
Views and Watch Time
The number of views and total watch time your videos receive are two of the most important metrics. YouTube wants to rank and recommend content that people actually want to watch. Focus on creating interesting, helpful videos that provide value to your viewers.
Traffic Sources
See where your viewers are coming from – YouTube searches, YouTube recommendations, external websites, social media, etc. This helps you determine what is working and where you can improve. Maybe your titles and thumbnails could be tweaked to get more traffic from YouTube searches. Or build stronger relationships with influencers in your niche to get more exposure.
YouTube Analytics
Dive deep into your channel and video stats using YouTube Analytics. Check things like average view duration, top traffic sources, viewer demographics, and more. Look for any big drops or spikes and make changes accordingly. For example, if views from YouTube searches declined recently, you may need to optimize older videos. Or if a certain video has a high click-through rate, study what you did right and apply it to future content.
Search Ranking
Regularly search YouTube for keywords related to your content and channel. See if your videos appear on the first page of results, especially for more competitive terms. If not, look for ways to strengthen your SEO for those keywords like using them in your video titles, descriptions, tags, channel keywords, and channel description. Over time, monitor how your rankings change for different keywords.
Continuously improving and optimizing your youtube seo based on these metrics will lead to greater exposure, more views and watch time, higher search rankings, and an overall more successful YouTube channel. Staying on top of the latest YouTube best practices and trends will help your channel thrive for the long run.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the key tips and tricks to boost your rankings on YouTube and get more views and subscribers. Focus on creating awesome content, choosing the right keywords, crafting captivating titles and thumbnails, building backlinks, and engaging with your viewers. It may seem like a lot of work, but putting in the effort to optimize your YouTube channel will pay off big time. Your videos will start gaining more traction and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to YouTube fame and fortune The more you practice, the simpler it becomes . So start implementing these YouTube SEO strategies today and watch your channel rise higher and higher in the rankings. Who knows, you might just become the next YouTube star!