YouTube SEO for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Getting More Views

Before you learn what YouTube SEO is, it is important to take a few steps back and understand what SEO is.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the set of strategies for optimizing the user experience to improve a page’s positioning on search engines.

What is YouTube SEO?

Search engines exist in many other places on the internet. When you access a website, for example, there is usually a search feature there that finds internal content. On social media sites, there is also an internal search engine.

This also happens on YouTube, which offers its own search system so that users can easily find the channels and videos they are looking for.

And the platform has a lot of weight among internet searchers: a 2017 study showed that YouTube had a higher number of searches than Yahoo! and Bing, for example.

YouTube SEO is a specialized form of SEO focused on optimizing your YouTube channel and videos to rank higher in YouTube’s search results. Since YouTube is the second-largest search engine globally, learning how to optimize your content here can massively boost your channel’s visibility and growth.

How Does YouTube SEO Work?

YouTube was purchased by Google, meaning it adopts the same search intelligence as Google Search and has the same purpose: to offer the best search experience to users.

When a user types a search term on YouTube, the platform’s algorithm scans all available channels and videos to deliver the most relevant results in order of importance.

To determine the best results for each person, YouTube’s algorithm considers several factors, including search and browsing histories—just like Google—to personalize search results. However, for content creators, other ranking factors come into play.

Because Google owns YouTube, the two platforms are integrated. When someone searches on Google, a carousel of video content—including YouTube videos—appears in the search results, meaning YouTube SEO can also help videos gain visibility beyond the platform itself.

Key YouTube Ranking Factors:

YouTube’s search algorithm is similar to Google’s in that it evaluates multiple elements to rank videos. These include:

Video Titles and Video Descriptions: Titles and descriptions should be clear, concise, and accurately reflect the video’s content. Also, when you include relevant target keywords, it will increase discoverability.

Video Tags: Tags help categorize videos so that users searching for specific topics can find them easily. A mix of broad and specific tags works best.

Video Metadata: Metadata includes information such as video length, upload date, and view count, which help YouTube understand and rank videos.

Watch Time: The longer viewers watch a video, the better it will rank in search results.

Engagement: Likes, comments, shares, and other interactions boost rankings by signaling to YouTube that the video is valuable and relevant.

Having a clear understanding of these ranking factors will help you build an effective YouTube SEO Strategy. 

Effective YouTube SEO Tips

1. Conduct Keyword Research First

Just like traditional SEO for blog posts and websites, keyword research is essential for YouTube videos. Since YouTube is a search engine (the second largest after Google), optimizing your video for the right keywords can help it rank on both YouTube’s search results and Google’s SERP (Search Engine Results Page).

How to Find the Best Keywords for Your Video?

In this guide to YouTube SEO for Beginners, we will share a few ways you can find the best keywords.

Method 1: Use YouTube’s Search Bar Autocomplete

When you start typing a keyword in the YouTube search bar, YouTube suggests popular searches that people are actively looking for. 

These autocomplete suggestions are excellent because they reflect real user queries, meaning they already have search demand. So, when you target those keywords, you have a higher chance of getting more views for the videos.

Method 2: Analyze Competitor Videos

You can find a popular video in your niche with lots of views. Look at the video’s title, description, and hashtags. These are likely optimized around strong keywords.

For example, when you search for the “Motivation” niche, you can find the videos with the most views.

Also, you can visit authoritative YouTube channels in your industry and check their most popular videos (sort their videos by popularity). The keywords they use in their top-performing content are likely valuable for your own video strategy.

Method 3: Find Hidden Video Tags

YouTube doesn’t display video tags publicly, but you can still find them. Here is how to do it. Right-click on a YouTube video page and select View Page Source, then search for the term “keywords” to see the tags.

Alternatively, use the VidIQ Chrome extension, which reveals video tags directly on the page.

Method 4: Check Your YouTube Analytics

In YouTube Studio, navigate to Analytics > Traffic Sources > YouTube Search to see what search terms users typed in to find your videos.

This report helps you discover existing keywords that already bring traffic to your channel, so you can create more content around them.

By using these methods, you’ll ensure that your videos are optimized for terms that real users are searching for, increasing your chances of ranking higher and getting more views. 🚀

2. Choose Keywords with Good Reach Potential

Now, you already have a good list of keywords. So, how do you pick the best keywords out of them for your videos? Of course, you might want to choose the most searched words.

That makes sense: popular keywords attract more people. However, they also come with high competition, often from big brands and influencers, making it harder for your video to rank.

Instead of targeting broad, competitive keywords, focus on long-tail keywords: longer phrases (three words or more). They represent a more specific search intent. These keywords might have a lower search volume, but they attract highly targeted viewers who are more likely to watch, engage, and subscribe.

Broad keywords (short-tail) are highly competitive and often dominated by big brands. Long-tail keywords are more specific, less competitive, and have a higher chance of ranking for smaller or newer channels.

For Example,

• Broad keyword: “Fitness workout” (has high competition)
• Long-tail keyword: “15-minute home workout for beginners” (less competition, more specific)

Use tools like Google Trends, YouTube Search Suggest, VidIQ, or TubeBuddy to find long-tail keywords with good search volume but lower competition.

3. Publish a High-Retention Video

If you want your videos to rank higher on YouTube, you need to keep people watching for as long as possible. This is measured by Audience Retention, which refers to the percentage of your video that viewers watch before clicking away.

Why is Audience Retention a HUGE Ranking Factor?

🔹 YouTube has confirmed that Audience Retention plays a major role in how videos rank.

🔹 The longer people stay on YouTube, the more ads they see, and YouTube makes more money.

🔹 If your video keeps viewers engaged, YouTube rewards you by ranking your video higher and suggesting it to more people.

Luckily, you don’t need fancy cameras or editing skills to create a high-retention video. Instead, focus on these key factors:

1️⃣ Hook Viewers in the First 10 Seconds:

If viewers don’t get hooked within the first few seconds, they’ll leave. Make the beginning of your video exciting and engaging.

✅ Ways to Hook Viewers:

• Ask a question → “Want to lose weight fast without dieting?”
• Make a bold statement → “Most YouTubers fail because they make THIS mistake.”
• Show the result first → If it’s a tutorial, show the result before explaining.

2️⃣ Get to the Point FAST

🚫 Don’t waste time with a long intro.

🚫 Don’t say, ‘Hey guys, welcome back to my channel…’ for 20 seconds.

✅ Instead, jump into the content so people don’t click away.

3️⃣ Keep the Video Moving (Avoid Boring Parts!)

If your video has long, boring sections, viewers will leave. Keep it fast-paced and engaging by:

✅ Using quick cuts & edits (every 5-10 seconds)

✅ Adding text, graphics, or animations to keep things visually interesting

✅ Using different camera angles (even just zooming in & out helps!)

4️⃣ Break the Video into Sections (Keep Viewers Hooked!)

People love organized content. If your video is long, break it into clear sections so viewers stay engaged.

🔹 Example: Video Title: “How to Lose Weight in 30 Days”

📌 Step 1: Diet Plan (0:00 – 2:30)

📌 Step 2: Best Exercises (2:31 – 5:00)

📌 Step 3: Lifestyle Changes (5:01 – 7:00)

💡 Pro Tip: Use timestamps in the description so viewers can jump to different sections!

5️⃣ End with a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

Instead of saying “Thanks for watching,” guide viewers to another video to increase watch time.

✅ Example CTA:

• “If you found this helpful, check out my next video on [related topic]!”
• “Watch this next to learn the best exercises for weight loss!” (Then link your next video)

Why Does This Work? YouTube sees that people are watching multiple videos from you, which boosts your ranking!

4. Create a Good Video Title

Your video title is one of the most important ranking factors on YouTube. A well-optimized title helps YouTube understand your content and makes your video more clickable for viewers.

Why Does Your Title Matter for SEO and Ranking?

• YouTube uses your title to index and rank your video.
• A good title should match what people are searching for to appear higher in search results.

More clicks = higher rankings → If your title is compelling, more people will click, and YouTube will promote your video to even more viewers.

How to Write a High-Performing Video Title?

1️⃣ Include Your Target Keyword

Your title must contain the keyword people are searching for.

🔹 Bad Example:

❌ “How I Lost Weight” (too vague, no keyword)

🔹 Good Example:

✅ “How to Lose Weight Fast (10 Proven Tips for Beginners)”

2️⃣ Keep Your Title Short & Concise

Long titles get cut off in search results. The best length is 50-60 characters.

🔹 Example:

✅ “Best Home Workouts for Beginners (No Equipment)”

❌ “The Best Ever Home Workouts You Can Do Without Any Equipment to Get in Shape Fast” (too long!)

3️⃣ Make It Click-Worthy (But Not Clickbait!)

Your title should spark curiosity or emotion but don’t mislead viewers.

✅ Use power words like:

• “Easy” → “Easy DIY Home Decor Ideas”
• “Best” → “Best Budget Laptops for 2024”
• “Ultimate” → “The Ultimate Guide to Growing on YouTube”
• “Fast” → “How to Lose Belly Fat Fast (No Gym Needed)”

4️⃣ Add Brackets or Parentheses for Extra Attention

Brackets increase clicks by making titles stand out.

🔹 Example:

✅ “Instagram Growth Hacks (2024 Update)”

✅ “Healthy Breakfast Recipes [Quick & Easy]”

5️⃣ Use Numbers to Make Titles More Specific

Titles with numbers perform better because they look structured and clear.

🔹 Example:

✅ “7 Proven Ways to Make Money Online”

✅ “Top 10 Travel Destinations in 2024”

5. Write Good Video Descriptions

Your video description is more than just a summary—it’s a powerful tool to help your video get found and watched! Let’s explore how to craft one that works.

Why Are Video Descriptions Important?

• YouTube’s algorithm scans your description to understand the content of your video. Using relevant keywords here boosts your chances of ranking.
• The first few lines of your description appear in search results and on social media. A compelling start can persuade viewers to click and watch.
• An engaging description can encourage viewers to take action—like subscribing, commenting, or clicking on a link.

How to Write a Perfect Video Description?

1. Start Strong (First 150 Characters Matter!)

The first 150 characters are crucial because they show up in search results. Make them informative and enticing.

For example,

“Learn Five easy home workout routines to stay fit without a gym! Perfect for beginners looking to get in shape fast.”

👉 Why this works:

• Informative: Tells what the video offers
• Enticing: Phrases like “easy” and “get in shape fast” grab attention

2. Expand with More Detail (500-1000 Characters)

Use this section to describe the video content more thoroughly. Include keywords naturally, and explain the value viewers will get.

For example,

“In this video, I’ll guide you through 5 simple home workout routines that require no equipment! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to maintain your fitness, these exercises will help you build strength and burn calories. Stick around till the end for bonus tips on staying motivated and tracking your progress!”

👉 Why this works:

• Keywords: “home workout routines,” “no equipment,” “for beginners”
• Value: Mentions bonus tips, making viewers curious to watch till the end

3. Include a Call to Action (CTA)

Encourage viewers to engage with your channel.

For example,

“If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe for more fitness tips! Have a question or a suggestion? Drop a comment below!”

4. Use Timestamps for Easy Navigation

Timestamps help viewers find what they need quickly, especially in longer videos.

5. Keyword Optimized Description

Mention related and important keywords throughout the description. Don’t stuff, but make sure they’re naturally included.

6. Include Keywords in the Video File Name

Did you know YouTube SEO starts even before you upload your video? One often-overlooked trick is renaming your video file to include relevant keywords.

Before YouTube even processes your video, it scans the file name. If your file name is just random numbers (e.g., VID_94809805.mp4), YouTube doesn’t get any useful info about your content.

But if you rename it with a descriptive keyword, YouTube gets a stronger understanding of your video’s topic.

How to Optimize Your File Name?

✅ Bad Example: VID_123456.mp4

✅ Good Example: how-to-do-youtube-seo.mp4

This small tweak reinforces your video’s keyword relevance, giving you a slight SEO advantage right from the start! 

7. Add Tags to the Video

Tags play an important role in YouTube SEO by helping the platform understand the content of your video. They contribute to how YouTube indexes your video and suggests it as a related video to viewers watching similar content.

Why do Tags Matter?

• Improve discoverability: Tags help your video appear in search results and recommendations.
• Provide context: They give YouTube additional clues about your video’s topic.
• Increase ranking potential: Using relevant tags can help your video rank for multiple related search terms.

Best Practices for Using Tags:

1. Start with Your Main Keyword

Your first tag should be the primary keyword that best describes your video.

Ex: If your video is about beginner yoga poses, your first tag should be “beginner yoga poses”.

2. Include Related Keywords

Use variations and synonyms of your main topic to increase the chances of appearing in different searches.

Example:

• beginner yoga poses
• yoga for beginners
• easy yoga exercises
• morning yoga routine

3. Use a Mix of Broad and Specific Tags

• Broad tags cover general topics, helping YouTube group your video with similar content (e.g., “yoga,” “home workout”).
• Specific tags focus on niche topics that directly relate to your video (e.g., “yoga poses for flexibility”).

4. Avoid Overloading with Tags

Adding too many tags can dilute their impact. A good practice is to use 5-10 relevant tags instead of stuffing unnecessary ones.

Tags alone won’t make a video rank, but when used correctly alongside a strong title, description, and engagement strategy, they contribute to better visibility on YouTube.

8. Increase CTR in Search Results

Click-Through Rate (CTR) is the percentage of users who click on your video after seeing it in search results or recommendations. A high CTR tells YouTube that your video is relevant to the search query, increasing its chances of ranking higher.

Why CTR Matters?

• A higher CTR signals to YouTube that your video is engaging and relevant.
• More clicks mean more views, which can lead to higher watch time and better rankings.
• A strong CTR helps your video appear in suggested and recommended sections.

How to Improve Your Video’s CTR?

1. Craft an Engaging Title

• Use clear, concise language that directly reflects what the viewer is looking for.
• Add your main keyword naturally.
• Consider adding a compelling hook (e.g., “Best Home Workouts – No Equipment Needed!”).

2. Design an Eye-Catching Thumbnail

• Use high-quality images with bold, readable text.
• Choose contrasting colors to make the thumbnail stand out.
• Avoid too much clutter—keep it simple and visually striking.

3. Write a Strong First Line in the Description

• The first 150 characters appear in search results, so make them engaging.
• Example: “Want to get fit at home? Here are five easy workouts that anyone can do!”

4. Use Compelling Video Tags

• Include keywords and variations that users are likely to search for.

5. Leverage YouTube Cards and End Screens

• Encourage viewers to watch more of your content, increasing session time.

Even a great video won’t perform well if no one clicks on it. Optimizing your title, thumbnail, and description can significantly boost your CTR and improve your video’s overall ranking.

9. Create Custom Thumbnails for Your Videos

Your video thumbnail is the first thing viewers notice, and it plays a crucial role in whether they click on your video. A compelling thumbnail can significantly boost your click-through rate (CTR), leading to more views, higher watch time, and better rankings on both YouTube and search engines.

Why Custom Thumbnails Matter?

Increase Click-Through Rate (CTR): A well-designed thumbnail grabs attention and encourages clicks.

Stand Out from the Competition: Custom thumbnails help your video stand out in search results and suggested videos.

Boost Engagement and Watch Time: More clicks lead to higher watch times, which YouTube rewards with better rankings.

Best Practices for Creating Custom Thumbnails:

Use High-Quality Images – Avoid blurry or pixelated visuals.

Add Text Overlays – Highlight key points or emotions in bold, readable fonts.

Choose Contrasting Colors – Bright colors make your thumbnail pop against YouTube’s interface.

Show Facial Expressions – Thumbnails with human faces and emotions tend to attract more clicks.

Stay Consistent with Branding – Use a similar style across your videos to build recognition.

While YouTube automatically generates thumbnail options, these are often random, out-of-context frames that don’t capture the essence of your video. Instead, uploading a custom-designed thumbnail (available for verified accounts) gives you full control over how your content appears.

A great thumbnail can make the difference between getting noticed or being ignored, so invest time in creating visually engaging and relevant thumbnails for your videos.

10. Promote Your Channel and Videos

Once you’ve created great content, it’s time to promote your videos to increase views, engagement, and subscribers. Here are some effective ways to promote your YouTube channel and videos:

1. Embed Your Videos in Blog Posts

Embedding your videos in blog posts can serve as a content enhancer, providing value to your readers while promoting your videos. Here’s how to do it:

Write posts that relate to your videos. For example, if you have a cooking channel, you could write blog posts that include recipes, tips, or kitchen hacks, and embed a video tutorial on how to prepare the dish.

Don’t just place the video in your post randomly—make it part of your content. Provide context or reference the video in your writing so readers feel it’s a helpful addition to their learning experience.

Blog posts can rank on search engines, bringing in more organic traffic. By embedding a video, you’re also helping the video get more visibility.

2. Mention Your Video on Q&A Sites (Quora, Reddit, etc.)

Q&A platforms like Quora and Reddit are great for sharing your expertise and pointing users to your videos. Here’s how you can leverage them:

• Find Relevant Questions: Search for questions related to your video topic. For example, if your video is about “how to manage time effectively,” you can find users asking about productivity tips or time management strategies.
• Provide Value First: Instead of just posting a link to your video, provide a helpful, detailed answer. Then, mention your video as an additional resource. Ensure it genuinely adds value and doesn’t come off as spammy.
• Participate Actively: Engage in ongoing discussions or answer multiple related questions to build your credibility and attract attention to your videos.

3. Share on Social Media

Social media is one of the most powerful tools to promote your YouTube videos. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Post on Multiple Platforms: Don’t limit your promotion to just YouTube. Share your videos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, and any other social network where your target audience spends time.

• For Instagram, share clips as stories or feed posts, and link to the full video in your bio.
• On TikTok, you can repurpose short snippets from your videos to engage users and encourage them to watch the full version on YouTube.

Use Hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to increase discoverability. Use relevant, trending hashtags related to your video topic.

Engage Your Audience: Interact with your followers—respond to comments, share their posts, or run polls to get them involved. Encourage your followers to share your videos or tag others who might find the content interesting.

4. Collaborate with Other YouTubers

Collaborations are a great way to tap into new audiences. Here’s why they’re effective:

• Tap Into Their Audience: By collaborating with a YouTuber who shares a similar niche, you can introduce your channel to their audience, who are more likely to enjoy your content.
• Cross-Promote: You can create joint videos or feature each other in your content. For example, a fitness channel might collaborate with a nutrition channel to create a combined workout and meal plan.
• Run Giveaways or Challenges: Collaborations can also include fun giveaways or challenges. These promotions engage both your and your collaborator’s followers and encourage them to check out both channels.

5. Email Newsletters

If you have an email list, this can be a highly effective way to keep your audience engaged and drive traffic to your videos.

• Regular Updates: Include your latest videos in your newsletter, along with a short, compelling description or teaser of what the video is about. You can also provide exclusive content or sneak peeks in the email.
• Call to Action (CTA): Include strong CTAs, like “Click here to watch the full video,” or “Subscribe to the channel for more tips.”
• Segment Your Audience: If you have different audience groups (e.g., new subscribers vs. engaged followers), tailor the emails to their interests, suggesting videos they’re most likely to enjoy.

Promotion is about getting your content in front of the right audience. Focus on providing value through engaging content, and use a combination of strategies to drive traffic, increase visibility, and build your YouTube community.