YouTube SEO: Fastest Way to Rank YouTube Videos [Updated]

by | Jun 5, 2023 | Digital Marketing, Social Media | 0 comments

YouTube SEO: Fastest Way to Rank YouTube Videos [Updated]

Google definitely comes to mind when you think of SEO.

Given that Google is the most potent search engine available, it is simple to understand why.

Google is by no means the sole search engine, though.

I’ll even state on the record that there are search engines that are more potent than Google. (Gasp!) No, not as large. Not as common. However, you can increase your search presence and conversions if you use more search engines.

The truth is that less well-known search engines serve particular purposes. You can reach an audience on Bing SEO, for instance, that you can’t reach on Google.

You are doing a disservice to your company if you overlook other search engines.

Today, I want to discuss about YouTube and YouTube SEO in particular.

Although it may sound strange, you can think of YouTube as a search engine.

It is a search engine specifically for videos.

The central search field on each page serves as the foundation for the entire website. It resembles the outcomes of a Google video search.

YouTube has its own SEO best practises because it is a search engine unto itself.

Similar to how you want your website to rank highly, you too want your videos to rank well on YouTube.

It could take some getting used to because YouTube SEO differs slightly from traditional SEO.

I’ve compiled a list of strategies that will provide you the YouTube visibility you require to make things simpler for you.

Table of Contents

1. Choose relevant video keywords to boost your YouTube SEO

The keywords that show up on search engines like Google or Bing are slightly different from those that appear on YouTube.

For instance, you’ll frequently come across YouTube phrases that begin with “how to.”

Brian Dean advises using Google to look up various terms related to your industry. Afterward, check to see if any keywords return video results.

For instance, if you look for “how to make apple pie,” a tonne of video results will appear, and at least one of them comes from YouTube.

To find out how many monthly searches such terms receive, use Ubersuggest.

First, enter your keyword and then click “Search.”

Second step: select “Keyword Ideas” from the left sidebar.

Review Keyword Results in Step #3

You are offered 296 keywords to choose from for this specific search, one of which being the term you entered. In addition to a keyword list, there includes information for:

  • Volume: The number of monthly Google searches the keyword receives.
  • Cost per click: The term’s typical cost per click for Google Ads.
  • PD: Paid difficulty, or estimated paid search competition.
  • SD: Search difficulty, or estimated organic search competitiveness.

Your chosen video keywords ought to receive several hundred monthly searches as a general rule. For instance, you can use the filter tool to limit your results if you determine that you want terms with at least 800 searches:

Even though you’re down to just six keywords, you know that you’re concentrating on those that receive a significant volume of monthly searches.

You should conduct keyword research for YouTube SEO in the same way that you would for standard SEO.

2. Improve the title of your video

Do you know how to make your headlines for written material constantly be optimised? Likewise with YouTube.

In addition to addressing a problem, your video title should also contain your focus keyword.

Roberto Blake’s video’s title makes it clear what advantages you’ll receive:

Your YouTube SEO will appreciate your efforts if you use clear titles.

3. Make Your YouTube Tags Better

One of the best SEO advantages offered by YouTube is tagging.

You can add pertinent keywords to your tags to increase the number of views for your videos.

Use keywords that are incredibly pertinent to your issue.

Utilising LSI keywords that are connected to your core keyword at this time is ideal.

Use only a few tags. It only takes 10 to 12.

4. Request comments from others

The number of comments on your videos indicates to YouTube how well-liked they are.

Similar to Google, YouTube gives popular content priority. One measure YouTube uses to determine what users like the best is comments.

To create a discussion, it’s a good idea to end your video with a question.

5. Inspire Others to Subscribe

On YouTube, subscribing is a big deal.

It is one of the criteria the algorithms on YouTube use to rank videos.

When someone subscribes, they will regularly see your content rather than just once when they like or comment on a video.

That’s a significant element for YouTube that indicates the value you offer.

Pro tip: A lot of YouTubers request subscribers, likes, and comments all at once. However, if one of those indicators is your top priority, concentrate on boosting subscriptions.

6. Increase the Production Value

The topic of this post is YouTube SEO. But it has a significant quality component, just like any SEO strategy.

I’ve already stated that user optimisation is fundamentally SEO. I’ll now give you some advice on how to improve video quality, which will improve search performance.

Although I understand that not everyone can afford a professional-level studio setup, this does not require that your video quality suffer.

The majority of us have cellphones that can record video, so that’s sufficient to get started.

Seriously, all you really need is an iPhone or an Android device.

If you wish to improve the calibre of your films, you can do so by making a few little modifications and investments:

A professional-looking video can be made with a little bit of stability.

Insert a backdrop

If all you can manage is to spread your bedsheets out across a bookcase, no big deal.

Or, for less than $50, you can purchase one of these on Amazon.

Correct the Lighting

You don’t need anything extravagant or special. All you need are a few lamps or lights focused solely on the video’s subject.

A simple expenditure of $50 to $75 will allow you to buy some good lighting.

However, as I mentioned, you may also use regular home lamps if you have any sitting around.

Purchase a microphone

Once more, you don’t need a huge budget.

This $900 microphone does not necessarily need to be purchased.

However, you might be able to spend $5 or $10 for a microphone.

You can get much better audio quality than your phone’s built-in microphone using even a cheap microphone.

With a $100–$150 expenditure, you can start producing high-caliber videos that can compete with some of the most popular YouTube channels.

7. Produce a Captivating Thumbnail

Although YouTube doesn’t directly use your video thumbnail as a ranking element, it still has a significant impact on your SEO.

A strong thumbnail increases clicks, which improves SEO.

Make sure your thumbnail stands out and clearly describes the subject of your movie.

Don’t neglect this stage because many viewers will watch videos just by looking at the thumbnails.

8. Add Closed Captions

This clever YouTube SEO trick will offer you a significant advantage.

You may be aware that closed captions are supported for YouTube videos.

The following captions display when you toggle this option:

These are designed for hearing-impaired or deaf individuals, but they also offer an unexpected SEO advantage.

Search engines can crawl closed captions!

Thus, enabling closed captions will give your SEO a good boost.

Although it’s not flawless, YouTube does offer automated captioning.

You have the option to change those captions or add your own. Make sure the captions are accurate at all costs.

9. Change the Filename to Boost YouTube SEO

It’s crucial to perform this method even though it might not have a significant influence on your SEO.

Renaming your raw file to reflect your title or focus keyword is the idea.

As an illustration, your file’s default name might be “20170613.mp4”

However, if you rename it with your subject keyword (for example, “how_to_use_hello_bar.mp4”), YouTube will know what the topic of your video is.

Links to both your channel and your videos are necessary for the greatest YouTube SEO.

These inbound connections to your channel essentially signal to YouTube that you are an authority in your field.

As I walk you through the process of obtaining links in the next steps, keep this in mind.

11. Post on social networks

The idea is straightforward and possibly a bit obvious in this case.

However, it’s a crucial aspect.

The web of today is social. Since YouTube is a social platform, you should distribute your videos on all of them to increase its visibility and SEO.

Post to Facebook

Even though this one should go without saying, I must.

Sharing your video on Facebook should be one of your initial actions.

Facebook may generate a tonne of traffic, especially if your description is interesting.

The most crucial information regarding YouTube videos on Facebook is provided below.

Facebook “may be your best option for video advertising,” claims research from Moz.

Why is that so? It is really a numbers game.

YouTube videos shared on Facebook receive fewer impressions than Facebook native videos.

They receive longer watched times as well.

Does this, however, imply that you shouldn’t post YouTube videos on Facebook?

Of course not.

The largest video platform on the planet is still YouTube.

Cross-posting your YouTube videos wherever you can is still the best and most practical way to get the most exposure.

Post to Twitter

Spread the word to increase the number of people who see your films.

According to a study by Twitter, “Video on Twitter drives engagement.”

Yes, Twitter’s native videos are effective. However, there are many more YouTube shares on Twitter than there are uploaded native Twitter videos.

Tweeted videos will receive a lot of views and engagement.

Tweet those videos, then!

Post to LinkedIn

Compared to other social media platforms, I’ve discovered that LinkedIn users are typically more engaged.

And it’s much better if your video content has a business theme.

Utilising video on LinkedIn is a powerful strategy to expand and strengthen your corporate page or personal profile.

For instance, Shama Hyder has a video on her LinkedIn profile.

The video, which is plainly from YouTube, improves YouTube views and enhances LinkedIn engagement.

(Excluding SlideShare) The only significant social media network without a native video component is LinkedIn.

This leaves YouTube as your only viable alternative for distributing videos on LinkedIn.

Post on Quora

One of the best locations to share your videos is on Quora.

Why? People use Quora expressly to find in-depth knowledge that can help them with their difficulties.

Don’t be hesitant to promote your videos and/or channel, however you shouldn’t be spammy about it.

More than just the number of views you will receive on social media networks, sharing has a bigger total worth.

Sharing on social networks will help you increase your social presence and create links to your channel. Win-win situation.

12. Send Your List an Email

One of the most successful marketing strategies is the email list.

In a matter of seconds, you may send an email to thousands of recipients, and within a few hours, your material will be viewed by countless people.

You will receive more views as a result, which is essential for effective YouTube SEO.

13. Embedding your video will improve your YouTube SEO

Your videos should be embedded for two reasons.

The first benefit is that more people will see your video. Your video can be embedded anywhere, although I suggest blog postings.

Additionally, it will boost user engagement. This is a direct outcome of increasing the number of viewers for your video.

14. Use stolen keyword concepts to boost YouTube SEO

You won’t be an authority in YouTube SEO from the beginning.

Therefore, it makes sense to observe what your rivals are doing.

You can discover that other companies in your niche use particular keywords.

Try incorporating those keywords into your own videos, and monitor how performance changes. By adopting this one straightforward method, your movies can receive a lot more shares.

15. Commence your description using your primary keyword

Here is a quick tip directly from YouTube.

Use your focus keyword as early as you can in your video descriptions without seeming forced.

Your term will be quickly spotted and crawled by the YouTube bot. As a result, your keyword can rank higher as a result.

16. Conduct keyword research on YouTube

Let’s expand on our discussion of video keywords for a moment.

I said earlier that you can find video keywords using Google.

Although it is a useful technique, another approach to locate excellent keywords is by using YouTube itself.

I really like to use the auto-generated popular keyword feature of YouTube’s search box.

The search bar will provide numerous recommendations when I begin typing a phrase like “content marketing”:

That’s how video keyword research goes, huh?

It makes perfect sense to incorporate these words and phrases in your own films because they are actual search terms.

17. Longer Watch Period

What does “watch time?” mean?

It’s how long people actually view your videos that counts.

This is a significant factor in YouTube ranking. People clearly like what you’re doing if they spend a lot of time watching your films.

I’ll touch on a few of the techniques to lengthen your watch time in the points that follow.

18. Examine the Watch Time Report

You can use the helpful reports provided by YouTube to determine how well your videos are performing.

The watch time report allows you to monitor how long viewers are watching each of your videos.

Go to YouTube Studio to see the report.

Go to Analytics in the menu on the left and then search for Watch Time.

You may use this report to monitor changes in your users’ involvement. Investigate the potential causes if your watch time fluctuates or decreases.

19. Review your audience’s report on repeat visitors

Additionally, you should be aware of the percentage of your audience who enjoys it enough to stick around for a while.

You may see a number of useful indicators in the audience returning viewer report, such as the average watch time and your best-performing films.

By clicking on a particular video’s name, you can also get audience retention statistics for that particular video.

You can watch the video and watch your progress second by second.

20. Increase YouTube SEO by Using Engagement Reports

More reports are needed? Engagement reports are the perfect solution I can offer you.

You may assess your overall success using any of the engagement reports that YouTube gives.

You should read each report frequently because they are each valuable in their own way.

For instance, the Subscribers report displays the number of new or lost subscribers.

The average percentage of each video that is viewed indicates how much of each video is seen.

These indicators are ideal for enhancing your YouTube SEO and paying close attention to every little aspect of your performance.

21. Increase Suspense for Better YouTube SEO

Consider changing the way you make your videos if you’re still having difficulties boosting watch time and keeping users engaged.

One effective trick is to give your video a little tension at the beginning.

It’s not necessary to end on a dramatic cliffhanger, but there must be a conflict.

I frequently accomplish this by presenting a startling statistic.

Asking a question is an additional choice. The well-known YouTube channel Vsauce frequently does this.

Check out this video’s opening:

You are compelled to keep watching the video to find out more.

How you go about it doesn’t really matter, but you want them to keep watching. One of the finest ways to do it is to provide a little suspense.

22. Making YouTube Playlists

Not just your viewers can benefit from playlists’ power.

Creating playlists with lots of keywords can improve your YouTube SEO and increase search traffic.

Look through this playlist. Practical, no?

One of those simple yet effective strategies to lengthen viewers’ attention spans and retention is the use of playlists.

This is a hard strategy, but if used correctly, it can yield impressive results.

It’s challenging because you should try to collaborate with YouTube channels that enhance rather than directly compete with yours.

You risk losing viewers to the competition if you choose a station with the exact same audience as yours.

Find a YouTube channel that is dedicated to beverages if yours is a food-related one. Find a sales channel if you already have a marketing channel.

You see what I mean.

See if other channels will feature you by submitting some requests. You should have no trouble getting featured as long as you give free something worthwhile.

Don’t forget to obtain a connection to your channel, too! Even requesting an annotation is possible.

24. Have an Interview

Another great way to get featured is to land an interview on a YouTube channel.

While some YouTube channels focus on conducting interviews, others do so frequently.

Influencers are frequently featured on the Levelling Up channel, where I co-host Marketing School with Eric Siu.

Doing interviews, like this one on Evan Carmichael’s channel, has contributed to the growth of my own brand.

Evan’s YouTube channel has 726k followers, which puts me in front of a potential audience that I might not otherwise reach.

25. Determine the ideal video length

What is the ideal length for a YouTube video? is a question you’ve probably asked yourself at some time.

Here, there is no solitary correct response.

According to Minimatters, the top ten YouTube videos are 4 minutes, 20 seconds long on average.

That might not be ideal for the kind of videos you’re producing, though. Furthermore, rather than merely concentrating on YouTube SEO recommended practises, you should consider what users want.

Viewers of TED presentations would feel cheated if they were so brief.

Therefore, it depends on the type of material you produce. Use a longer video if it warrants depth.

Nevertheless, avoid producing excessively long or brief videos for no apparent reason.

26. Improve Your YouTube Content

I had to offer one bit of advise to wrap up the list.

There is no SEO trick that can keep users coming back for more. You alone are responsible for your content.

Make sure your material is superior to everyone else’s because it will ultimately form the basis of all of your YouTube SEO. Check out this guide on video marketing for suggestions on how to improve your material.

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