This post may contain paid and/or affiliate links. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy.

Did you know that over 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute?

If you want to stand out amongst the crowd then you need to be doing things correctly to show up in front of the right audience. You are probably constantly hearing ALL about search engine optimization or SEO.

SEO is how algorithms choose who to show your videos to. Here is a guide on how to use SEO the CORRECT way on YouTube.

Stop Using YouTube Tags – Do This Instead

YouTube success isn’t just about tags. Many creators focus too much on these, thinking they’re the key to ranking higher and getting more views. But tags are only a small part of the picture.

There are bigger factors that can help your videos take off. Your title and thumbnail play a huge role in grabbing viewers’ attention. A catchy title with one relevant keyword and a bright, eye-catching thumbnail can make people want to click.

Your video description is also important – it helps both viewers and YouTube understand what your content is about. Writing a good description with relevant keywords can boost your video’s chances of being recommended.

Key Takeaways

• Tags have limited impact on video performance
• Titles and thumbnails are crucial for attracting viewers
• Well-written descriptions help YouTube understand and recommend your content

The Truth About YouTube Tags

Dispelling Common Myths

YouTube tags aren’t as important as many people think. They play a small role in helping your videos get found. Many creators spend too much time on tags, hoping they’ll boost views. But this often doesn’t work.

Tags don’t make your videos magically appear at the top of search results. YouTube’s system is smarter than that. It looks for videos that match what viewers want to see. Using random popular words as tags won’t help. It can even hurt your channel if the tags don’t match your content.

How YouTube Really Uses Tags

YouTube’s system uses tags in two main ways:

1. To catch common misspellings
2. To understand keywords viewers might search for

Only use tags that truly fit your video’s content. Don’t try to trick the system with unrelated tags. This can backfire and make your videos harder to find.

Remember, tags are just a small piece of the puzzle. Other factors matter much more:

• Titles: Keep them short (under 60 characters) and interesting. Use one main keyword.
• Thumbnails: Use bright colours and clear text. Show faces if possible.
• Descriptions: Write a clear summary in the first line. Include relevant keywords.

Smart Tag Strategies

Using Tags for Common Errors and Specific Searches

Tags can help your videos show up when people make spelling mistakes or use specific words. Focus on words your viewers might search for. Don’t use random popular tags that have nothing to do with your video. This can hurt your channel and make it harder for people to find your content.

Only use tags that match what your video is really about. If you use the wrong tags, people might click away quickly when they see your video isn’t what they wanted. This tells YouTube not to show your video for those tags anymore.

Making Sure Tags Are Accurate and Relevant

Pick tags that truly reflect your video’s content. Don’t try to trick the system with unrelated tags. YouTube is smart and wants to show viewers exactly what they’re looking for.

Remember, tags play a small part in helping people find your videos. The most important thing is to make videos people want to watch. No matter how good your tags are, if your content isn’t interesting, it won’t get views.

To get more views:

1. Create eye-catching titles (60 characters or less)
2. Make bright, clear thumbnails
3. Write good video descriptions

Focus on these things first. They have a bigger impact on your video’s success than tags alone.

Going Beyond Tags

Making Videos Your Audience Wants

Tags aren’t the key to YouTube’s success. Focus on creating videos people want to watch. This means understanding what your viewers are looking for and delivering it. Don’t stuff your tags with random popular words. Use tags for common misspellings and relevant keywords that match your content. But remember, tags play a small role in helping viewers find your videos.

The Power of Titles and Thumbnails

Your title and thumbnail are crucial. They’re what viewers see first when scrolling through YouTube. Make your title interesting and include one relevant keyword. Keep it under 60 characters. Avoid clickbait – your video must deliver what the title promises.

For thumbnails:

• Use bright colours to stand out
• Add short text that hints at your content
• Include your face if possible

Top creators often change titles and thumbnails if a video isn’t performing well. They know these elements can greatly impact views.

Your video description is also important. It helps viewers and YouTube understand your content. In the first line, briefly describe your video and include keywords. Then add a call to action. Give a short overview of your video and channel. Add timestamps to help viewers find specific parts.

Creating Catchy Headlines

Using Key Search Terms

Make your video titles stand out by including one relevant keyword. Focus on crafting a title that viewers want to click on, not just stuffing it with keywords. Keep it short and sweet – aim for 60 characters or less. Your title should pack a punch and grab attention quickly.

Steering Clear of Misleading Titles

Give viewers a clear idea of what to expect from your video. Be careful not to promise something your content doesn’t deliver. If your title is misleading, viewers may leave quickly or dislike the video. This signals to YouTube that people aren’t enjoying it, which can hurt your rankings.

Short and Clear Titles

Stick to concise titles of 60 characters or less. You want your title to be punchy and to the point. Long, keyword-stuffed titles that reach the 100-character limit often look unappealing and viewers may scroll past them. Keep it brief to make your title more clickable and effective.

Creating Eye-Catching Thumbnails

Using Bold Colors

Make your thumbnails pop with bright, vivid colours. Pick shades that stand out from other videos on the page. This helps grab viewers’ attention as they scroll through their feeds.

Picking the Right Words

Add a few keywords to your thumbnail. Keep text short and punchy. Use phrases that hint at what’s inside your video without giving everything away. This sparks curiosity and makes people want to click.

Showing Faces

Include photos of people in your thumbnails when you can. Viewers connect with human faces and expressions. This personal touch can make your video more appealing. Try to use clear, high-quality images that match your video’s topic.

Making Your Video Descriptions Better

Using the Top Part Wisely

Put the most important info at the top of your description. Write a short sentence that tells what your video is about. Use keywords in this first line. This helps YouTube know what your video covers and shows viewers it’s for them.

Writing a Quick Video Summary

Add a brief overview of your video content. Don’t give away everything, but share enough to get people interested. Tell a bit about yourself and your channel. Explain why viewers should watch more of your videos.

Adding Time Markers to Boost Viewing

Put timestamps in your description. This lets viewers jump to the parts they care about most. It makes your video more user-friendly. It can keep people watching longer.