YouTube Keyword Research: A Complete Guide

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, with over 2 billion logged-in monthly users. With so much content being uploaded every minute, it can be challenging to get your videos noticed. One way to increase your visibility on YouTube is through keyword research.

What is YouTube Keyword Research?

YouTube keyword research involves finding the right keywords that people are searching for on the platform. By optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags with these keywords, you can increase the chances of your videos appearing in search results and recommendations.

How to Conduct YouTube Keyword Research

Here are the steps to conduct effective YouTube keyword research:

1. Brainstorm Potential Keywords

Start by brainstorming a list of potential keywords related to your video content. Think about what terms your target audience might use when searching for videos like yours.

2. Use YouTube’s Search Suggestions

Enter your potential keywords into the YouTube search bar and take note of the auto-suggestions that appear. These suggestions are based on popular search terms and can give you ideas for relevant keywords to use.

3. Use YouTube’s Search Filters

After entering a keyword into the search bar, click on the “Filters” option and select “Sort by” > “View count.” This will show you the most popular videos related to that keyword, giving you insight into what content is performing well.

4. Use Keyword Research Tools

There are several keyword research tools available that can help you identify popular keywords on YouTube. Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Keyword Tool can provide data on search volume, competition, and related keywords.

Optimizing Your Videos with Keywords

Once you have identified relevant keywords for your videos, it’s important to optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with these keywords. Here are some tips for doing so:

1. Title

Your video title should include your target keyword and be descriptive of the content. Keep it concise and engaging to attract viewers.

2. Description

The video description is where you can provide more context about your video. Include your target keyword naturally throughout the description and add relevant links and timestamps.

3. Tags

Add relevant tags to your video that include your target keyword and related terms. Tags help YouTube understand the content of your video and can improve its visibility in search results.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Keywords

After optimizing your videos with keywords, it’s important to monitor their performance and make adjustments as needed. Keep an eye on your video analytics to see which keywords are driving traffic and engagement.

1. Track Your Rankings

Use tools like SEMrush or TubeBuddy to track your video rankings for specific keywords. Monitor how your videos are performing in search results and make changes to your keywords if necessary.

2. Analyze Your Competition

Keep an eye on what keywords your competitors are using in their videos. Look for opportunities to target keywords that they may have overlooked or are not ranking well for.

Conclusion

YouTube keyword research is a crucial step in optimizing your videos for maximum visibility on the platform. By identifying relevant keywords, optimizing your videos with those keywords, and monitoring their performance, you can increase your chances of getting more views and growing your channel.

Remember to regularly review and update your keyword strategy to stay ahead of the competition and continue attracting new viewers to your content.

Image source: SEMrush