YouTube Search Engine Ranking – a Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know how YouTube’s algorithms work in principle, let’s got through the process of optimizing your video content for search engines:

1. YouTube and Google Keyword Research: You probably already have a list of keywords for your business in your niche. With them in mind, go to YouTube and check out what search terms people use. The search suggestions that come up automatically work a treat here. Opt for long-tail keywords because they give you a better chance of ranking high. When you’ve chosen a few suitable keyphrases, go to Google and double-check that they also feature there. Choose the most relevant to your business and to the specific video you are ranking.
2. Insert the Keyword in the Title, Description, and Tags: It’s best to start your video title with your keywords. You also need to include them in the description of your video and create tags using them.
3. Choose a Striking Thumbnail Image: You can improve your click-through rate by more than 10% if you use an engaging image. Screenshot an image from your video or source a relevant image on an image sharing site.
4. Categorize Your Video: Help search engines rank your video by creating and using niche-relevant categories.
5. Widen Your Audience by Adding Subtitles and Closed Captions: Google ranks sites with subtitles and closed captions higher as they make video content accessible to the hard-of-hearing and people with a different mother-tongue.
6. Add Endscreens, Cards, and Calls-to-Action: Your video will drive more traffic to your site if you add an endscreen (short video), card (with link to a landing page), or a CTA to get viewer interaction.
7. Go HD: YouTube and Google rank quality videos higher.

These are basic YouTube search engine ranking tips. Leave a comment or questions below. As we specialize in providing YouTube SEO services, we’ll be glad to help.