YouTube Keywords: Find The Best Keywords For YouTube SEO

Alright, guys, let's dive into the world of YouTube keywords! If you're trying to boost your channel, get more views, and generally dominate the YouTube scene, understanding and using the right keywords is absolutely crucial. Think of keywords as the breadcrumbs that lead viewers right to your amazing content. Without them, you're basically shouting into the void. So, let's break down what YouTube keywords are, why they matter, and how you can find the best ones for your videos.

What are YouTube Keywords?

So, what exactly are YouTube keywords? Simply put, they are the words and phrases that people type into the YouTube search bar when they're looking for something to watch. These keywords help YouTube's algorithm understand what your video is about, so it can show it to the right audience. Keywords aren't just single words; they can be long-tail phrases, questions, or even common misspellings. The goal is to use the keywords that your target audience is actually searching for. When you optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with these keywords, you're essentially telling YouTube, "Hey, this video is exactly what people are looking for when they search for X, Y, and Z!"

Think of it like this: If you're making a video about how to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies, some potential keywords might be "chocolate chip cookie recipe," "best cookie recipe," "easy cookie recipe," or even "how to make cookies from scratch." By including these keywords in your video's metadata (that's the title, description, and tags), you increase the chances of your video showing up when someone searches for these terms. Ignoring keywords is like opening a store but forgetting to put up a sign – no one will know you're there!

Keywords come in different forms. There are primary keywords, which are the main topics of your video, and secondary keywords, which are related terms that add context. For example, if your primary keyword is "yoga for beginners," a secondary keyword could be "yoga poses for flexibility." Using a mix of both helps you reach a broader audience and cover all the bases. Plus, don't forget about those long-tail keywords – longer, more specific phrases that people use when they're trying to find something very specific. These can be incredibly valuable because they often have less competition and can attract a highly targeted audience. For instance, instead of just "yoga," a long-tail keyword might be "yoga for beginners over 50 with bad knees." See the difference? Getting specific can really pay off.

Why are YouTube Keywords Important?

Okay, so now that we know what YouTube keywords are, let's talk about why they're so darn important. The main reason is simple: visibility. Without the right keywords, your videos are going to get lost in the sea of content that is YouTube. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but in this case, the haystack is millions of hours of video content uploaded every single day. Keywords help YouTube's algorithm understand what your video is about, which means it can show your video to the right people. And when the right people see your video, they're more likely to watch it, like it, subscribe to your channel, and share it with their friends.

Another key reason why keywords matter is SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Yes, SEO isn't just for websites; it's crucial for YouTube too. When you optimize your videos with relevant keywords, you're essentially telling YouTube and Google (which owns YouTube) that your video is a valuable resource for a specific topic. This can help your video rank higher in search results, both on YouTube and on Google itself. Imagine someone searching for "best hiking trails near me" on Google, and your video about local hiking trails pops up. That's the power of SEO and well-chosen keywords!

Keywords also help you target your audience more effectively. By using specific keywords that your ideal viewers are searching for, you can attract a more engaged audience who are genuinely interested in what you have to say. This leads to higher watch times, better engagement, and ultimately, a more successful YouTube channel. For example, if you're creating content for gamers, using keywords like "Fortnite tips and tricks," "Minecraft tutorials," or "best gaming PC build" can help you reach the right audience. On the flip side, if you're into beauty and makeup, keywords like "how to apply eyeshadow," "best skincare routine for acne," or "makeup tutorials for beginners" will be your best friends.

How to Find the Best Keywords for YouTube

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: How do you actually find the best keywords for your YouTube videos? There are several tools and techniques you can use to uncover the keywords that will help you boost your views and grow your channel. Here are some tried-and-true methods:

1. YouTube's Autocomplete Feature

One of the easiest and most effective ways to find keywords is by using YouTube's own autocomplete feature. Simply start typing a topic into the YouTube search bar, and YouTube will suggest related searches based on what people are actually looking for. This is a goldmine of keyword ideas because it shows you exactly what viewers are searching for in real-time. For example, if you start typing "how to cook," YouTube might suggest "how to cook rice," "how to cook chicken," or "how to cook eggs." These suggestions are based on actual search data, so you know they're relevant and popular.

2. Google Keyword Planner

If you want to take your keyword research to the next level, Google Keyword Planner is your go-to tool. This free tool (you'll need a Google Ads account, but you don't have to run ads to use it) allows you to research keywords, analyze their search volume, and see how competitive they are. Just enter a keyword related to your video topic, and Google Keyword Planner will give you a list of related keywords, along with data on their average monthly searches and competition level. Look for keywords with a good balance of high search volume and low to medium competition – these are the sweet spots that can help you rank your videos without getting lost in the crowd.

3. TubeBuddy and VidIQ

For serious YouTubers, tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ are indispensable. These are browser extensions and web apps that provide a wealth of data and insights to help you optimize your videos for search. They can show you keyword rankings, competitor data, video analytics, and much more. With TubeBuddy and VidIQ, you can easily research keywords, track your video's performance, and identify opportunities to improve your SEO. While they do come with a price tag (they offer both free and paid plans), the investment can be well worth it if you're serious about growing your YouTube channel.

4. Analyze Your Competitors

Another great way to find keywords is by analyzing what your competitors are doing. Check out the titles, descriptions, and tags of their most popular videos to see what keywords they're using. You can also use tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ to see the keywords that your competitors are ranking for. Keep in mind that you don't want to copy your competitors exactly – instead, use their keywords as inspiration to find similar keywords that you can use to optimize your own videos. Look for gaps in their keyword strategy and try to fill them with your own content.

5. Use Keyword Research Tools

Beyond Google Keyword Planner, TubeBuddy, and VidIQ, there are several other keyword research tools that can help you find the best keywords for your videos. Some popular options include Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz Keyword Explorer. These tools offer a range of features, such as keyword research, competitor analysis, and rank tracking. While they can be more expensive than other options, they provide a wealth of data and insights that can help you take your YouTube SEO to the next level.

Optimizing Your Videos with Keywords

Okay, so you've done your keyword research and you've got a list of awesome keywords. Now what? It's time to put those keywords to work and optimize your videos for search. Here's how to do it:

1. Video Titles

Your video title is one of the most important factors in YouTube SEO. It's the first thing that viewers see, and it tells them what your video is about. Make sure to include your primary keyword in your video title, and try to make it as engaging and click-worthy as possible. Keep your titles concise (under 60 characters) and avoid using clickbait or misleading titles, as this can hurt your video's performance in the long run.

2. Video Descriptions

Your video description is another key area for keyword optimization. Use this space to provide a detailed overview of your video, including your primary and secondary keywords. Write a compelling description that tells viewers what they can expect to learn or gain from watching your video. Aim for at least 200-300 words, and include relevant links to other videos, playlists, or resources.

3. Video Tags

Video tags are keywords that you add to your video to help YouTube understand what your video is about. Use a mix of primary, secondary, and long-tail keywords, and be as specific as possible. Don't stuff your tags with irrelevant keywords, as this can actually hurt your video's performance. Aim for around 5-10 tags per video.

4. Closed Captions and Subtitles

Adding closed captions and subtitles to your videos not only makes them more accessible to a wider audience, but it can also improve your SEO. YouTube uses the text in your captions and subtitles to understand what your video is about, so make sure to include your keywords in your captions. You can either create your own captions or use YouTube's auto-generated captions and then edit them for accuracy.

5. Thumbnail Optimization

While not directly related to keywords, your video thumbnail is another important factor in attracting viewers. Create eye-catching thumbnails that accurately represent your video and include text that reinforces your keywords. Use bright colors, clear images, and a consistent branding style to make your thumbnails stand out.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to YouTube keywords. By understanding what keywords are, why they matter, and how to find and use them effectively, you can take your YouTube channel to the next level. Remember, keyword research is an ongoing process, so keep experimenting with different keywords and strategies to see what works best for you. With a little effort and a lot of persistence, you can unlock the power of YouTube keywords and start attracting more viewers, subscribers, and engagement to your channel. Happy YouTubing!