24 Sep SEO for YouTube: Learn How Optimization Can Help Your Channels
YouTube is a social media platform that works like a search engine, where people seek topics and subjects which interest them, and expect responses in video form. Content creators on the platform earn recognition and money based on the amount of hits, views and time people spend watching their content. SEO for YouTube is crucial because content optimization can help to improve all of these factors.
It makes sense: on Google, a website that appears in the top positions of search results will be seen more and get more clicks, and on YouTube, a channel’s video needs to appear in the top positions too, in order to be more accessible to viewers and generate greater revenue. A specific set of SEO techniques will enable this kind of positioning and growth.
Each platform or search engine requires a different type of SEO, since they each analyze different aspects according to their proprietary algorithm. In the case of YouTube, whose algorithm is more sophisticated than most other search engines, it is important to pay close attention to optimization. Factors to be analyzed include: titles, thumbnails, descriptions, video viewing time, “like” and “dislike” clicks.
The importance of keywords
The first step in SEO work for YouTube is to conduct a keyword search. Find out which ones are trending, and can be used in the title of your video. This keyword research can be done using tools such as Google Trends or SEMrush’s Keyword Tool.
After defining the keyword and including it in the title, it’s crucial to determine a suitable length that works on both desktop and mobile devices. The general rule of thumb is between 50 and 60 characters. A slightly smaller or larger title won’t interfere with the video’s performance as long as it is sufficiently objective and clear, but observing recommended standards will lead to better results every time.
TAGs and descriptions
Many people who start a YouTube channel underestimate the power of tags and descriptions. But these details have a huge influence on a video’s performance. TAGs serve to classify videos according to the subjects they cover, and help people to find relevant videos. Having said that, an excessive use of TAGS can work against your content. That’s why it’s important to use only those which are directly related to your video’s theme.
As for descriptions, many influencers are unsure whether they should be long or short, and whether or not they matter for a video’s performance. While there is no set recommendation for description length, ideally they should be clear, include the keyword from the title, and act as a handy summary of both the subject covered, and what people can expect to find in the video. Descriptions may contain additional information about the topics mentioned in the video, and serve as supporting material too. Knowing how to use them in a way that convinces users to watch the video until the end is one of the keys to YouTube success!
Video thumbnails
Thumbnails are static images that appear before the user presses play, and they need to be chosen carefully. The images should be appealing, and related to the video’s theme and title. A steady posting frequency is essential to success on YouTube, since it helps to increase your channel’s audience.
Metrics Analysis
Once SEO for YouTube is complete and all important aspects have been checked for the algorithm, optimization work will be well underway, and your video will no doubt be performing much better than before. But this isn’t enough to guarantee the best results possible. The rest of the process will depend on the analysis of key metrics.
A lot of the data which helps in this part of the process is supplied by the YouTube platform itself: revenue generated by each video, the content with the best performance and most views, etc. This allows us to identify the themes which are most appealing to our audience, and plan strategies for upcoming videos accordingly. Influencers who work with guests, for example, can analyze which guests are the most successful and generate the most engagement among their followers.
Cards
Cards can and should also be leveraged to improve the performance of your videos on YouTube. They allow creators to place links to other, related videos within the main video. This feature is available in the YouTube editor, where you can choose at what point in the video these links will appear.
Results
It bears mentioning that SEO for YouTube doesn’t yield immediate results. Your figures will improve, but only over time. Revenue and views increase thanks to the implementation of techniques that change video’s positioning, and thus reach more people. And if the content is of high enough quality, users will inevitably check out other videos on the channel, and end up subscribing.
How SEO can help influencers
Influencers on YouTube can expect to gain better positions within the platform by applying SEO techniques. Over time, their audience will increase, and so will their channel’s revenue. Employing an agency can be useful for devising new strategies and reaching new audiences.
Content creators on the platform need to juggle script-writing, filming, lighting, editing, audio work and, occasionally, guest appearances. They don’t always have the time and patience required to cast a more strategic eye on their content. The backing of SEO experts could be the missing piece that is needed for their channel to reach the next level of success.
Tips for those looking to get started on YouTube
To begin creating content on YouTube, it’s not enough to have a decent camera, an attractive backdrop and a good idea. You need to ensure that the theme, category and topics that will be covered are of interest to your audience. You also need to define (or at least consider) who this audience is, their age group and their interests.
Having done so, you need to consider how to make your idea viable, how often to post and how to establish a visual identity for your channel. Are you going to edit the content yourself, or seek professional help?
In the beginning, promoting the channel to your close friends, groups and social networks is key. This will remain the case throughout your time on YouTube, but it can make all the difference in this initial phase.
This article has covered a number of SEO tips for YouTube, all of which are important for a channel’s growth. Anyone with a little extra resources to invest should think of working with an agency that is specialised in SEO. At Rabbit Hole, our professionals love to work with SEO on YouTube and have considerable experience in this area.
Our final tip for influencers or content creators looking to create a YouTube channel is: GET STARTED! Even if your features are not the best and your idea is not yet fully-formed. These things will come with time, and you can always refine and develop your strategies further. But don’t let your fear or insecurities hold you back from fulfilling your vision on an incredible platform like YouTube. Make it happen!
