The procedure of the YouTube algorithm can actually be described very simply. Because the video platform only wants to show users relevant videos and therefore sorts out unimportant videos. But this simple principle makes it difficult to appear at the top of YouTube because there are sometimes millions of search results for every topic. The following article, therefore, explains six simple tricks for YouTube SEO optimization in order to place your own videos well and increase your reach through YouTube optimization.
YouTube is not only the world’s most successful video platform with almost two billion registered users per month but thanks to the enormous search volume it has also positioned itself as the second largest search engine behind Google. That’s why it’s worth considering the following YouTube optimization ranking factors to quickly improve a channel’s YouTube SEO optimization:
1. YouTube SEO Tip: Channel watch time
For the YouTube algorithm to rank the relevance of an individual video higher, the entire channel must have high watch time and many subscribers. However, the playback time does not only mean the minutes viewed. Because the total time for YouTube optimization is the product of the number of views and the average playback time. Therefore, it makes sense to make the first 15 seconds of a video informative and entertaining to engage viewers and best prepare them for the content ahead. Also, other marketing channels can help in YouTube SEO optimization as they increase the overall view count and thus the watch time of the channel. This includes, for example, e-mail marketing for SEO for YouTube with a link to the video or integration on your own website.
2. YouTube SEO Tip: Use good keywords in the title and description
If you want to be at the top with YouTube SEO optimization, you should identify meaningful keywords or search terms and use them consistently. It is worth using the suggestions of the Google search or looking for suitable keywords with other SEO tools. Once this keyword is finally determined, it can be placed prominently in the title and should also appear in the description. It is important that for many topics often not a single keyword exists, but a so-called long tail, which users type in exactly the same way into the YouTube search bar. For example, when it comes to furniture restoration, the ideal keyword could be “just restore the kitchen cabinet yourself”. However, the title with the YouTube optimization keyword must not exceed 100 characters in length, as only then will it be visible in full in the search results.
3. YouTube SEO Tip: YouTube SEO Optimization Thumbnail
The term thumbnail means the preview image of a YouTube video. The user sees this image before he even clicks on a video since it can already be seen in the search results. Therefore, the selection of the thumbnail is considered a crucial success factor. Because only if a preview image arouses the viewer’s interest will the number of clicks on the YouTube video also increase.
In general, YouTube always suggests a thumbnail for every upload. But this thumbnail rarely matches the content offered, which is why a separate image is always ideal for YouTube SEO optimization. Important: The video platform only allows your own thumbnails for YouTube SEO optimization if the channel has been verified beforehand. YouTube offers simple instructions for this in the profile settings.
4. YouTube SEO Tip: Appropriate SEO tags for YouTube videos
In order to be able to recognize in which area a YouTube video is to be classified, YouTube uses the so-called tags. However, these keywords can also be used for YouTube SEO optimization, since each user defines them themselves when uploading. This also increases the chances of being at the top of YouTube with the right SEO tags. For example, if you upload a recipe video, you should also use cooking, baking, recipes, dish name and other tags.
However, about ten keywords that are as precise as possible are sufficient for YouTube optimization overall, otherwise, the individual tags will lose relevance. For example, frequent misspellings can also contribute to YouTube optimization if, for example, “Baget” is used as a tag instead of “Baguette”.
5. YouTube SEO Tip: Insert subtitles manually
YouTube is an international video platform, which is why subtitles are automatically available for every video. But the automatically generated subtitles are mostly incorrect and cannot be evaluated correctly by the YouTube algorithm. That’s why it’s worth adding the appropriate subtitles later when optimizing YouTube SEO. Because the selected keywords can be used there again, which also improves the chances of a good ranking. In addition, this measure of YouTube optimization also facilitates access to other international target groups. Because these correct subtitles are then translated by YouTube worldwide, which can help with SEO for YouTube.
6. YouTube SEO Tip: Get viewers involved
Nowadays it is no longer enough to simply upload a video and then forget about it. Because the YouTube algorithm analyzes the interaction around the video and thus also the comment area. That’s why it always makes sense to call for interaction as part of YouTube SEO optimization. This means viewers should answer a question about the video or give their opinion in the comments. In addition, this interaction is also worthwhile to promote overall YouTube optimization through links. Because if you already mention additional content and other videos in the video, you can increase the total playback time of the channel.
How many keywords are there for SEO optimization?
Because the keywords on YouTube, i.e. the so-called tags, are so relevant, many channel operators focus on them. This means that as many keywords as possible are used on YouTube and created for the videos. And in general, YouTube doesn’t set a limit on the number of tags that can be added to a video. Because there is only a character limit of 500. But just because there are 500 characters, there shouldn’t be a lot of tags on a YouTube video, because it negatively affects the algorithm. It is better to focus on concise keywords and to observe the competition and current trends.
In which language do I have to create my general terms and conditions?
The answer to this question depends on the language across the site and the targeting. Because if the website and the offer focus on the German market, the terms and conditions should be in German. However, if the online shop can be accessed in other languages, the GTC must also exist for these languages. However, it is important to pay attention to the country-specific requirements when translating. This means that there are different international regulations when creating general terms and conditions. It is therefore safer to contact a lawyer than to generate and publish the terms and conditions with a translation program.
Conclusion on YouTube SEO Optimization
If you want your video to be at the top of YouTube and generate as many clicks as possible, the ranking factors mentioned for YouTube SEO optimization are crucial. However, it is not enough to see YouTube as an independent platform. Because the networking of the various platforms ultimately ensures more attention. That’s why it makes sense to share your YouTube video across different social media channels. This gives the YouTube algorithm a high level of relevance and at the same time increases the likelihood of reaching many new subscribers through YouTube optimization.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about YouTube SEO optimization
Why should I do YouTube SEO Optimization?
YouTube is not only the world’s most successful video platform with almost two billion registered users per month but thanks to the enormous search volume it has also positioned itself as the second largest search engine behind Google. That’s why it’s worth improving the channel quickly with YouTube SEO optimization.
What can I do for YouTube SEO optimization?
If you want to be at the top with YouTube SEO optimization, you should identify meaningful keywords or search terms and use them consistently. It is worth using the suggestions of the Google search or looking for suitable keywords with other SEO tools.
What Role Do Viewers Play in YouTube SEO Optimization?
The YouTube algorithm analyzes the interaction around the video and thus also the comment area. It, therefore, makes sense to always call for interaction as part of YouTube SEO optimization. This means viewers should answer a question about the video or give their opinion in the comments.
