Want to grow your YouTube channel and get more views on your videos? Here’s the secret: YouTube SEO. By optimizing your videos with the right keywords and strategies, you can make them easier to discover—not just for search engines, but for your target audience, too. And when your content lands in front of the right people? That’s when the magic happens.
Let’s break down how you can use SEO to make ANY video go viral, step by step.
What Is YouTube SEO (and Why Does It Matter)?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is all about making your content more discoverable. On YouTube, this means:
- Optimizing your video with relevant keywords so it ranks higher in search results.
- Helping the YouTube algorithm understand your video’s topic so it can recommend it to the right viewers.
Without SEO, your videos risk getting lost in the ocean of YouTube content. With it? Your videos have a far better chance of showing up in search results, home feeds, and suggested videos.
8 Ways to Optimize Your Video with Keywords
Here are the eight key areas where you need to include your keywords to supercharge your video’s visibility:
1. Title
Your video’s title is one of the first things viewers (and the YouTube algorithm) see. Use your main keyword here, but make sure the title is still engaging and curiosity-inducing.
Example: If your video is about YouTube Shorts, a great title might be: “If Your Shorts Get Under 1,000 Views, Do This” — the keyword “Shorts” is naturally included and grabs attention.
2. Thumbnail
Yes, even your thumbnail can include keywords! Incorporating a keyword visually reinforces your video’s topic for viewers and the algorithm. For instance, a bold, clear “Shorts” on the thumbnail complements the title and description.
3. File Name
Before you upload your video, name the file using your main keyword. For example: youtube-shorts-tips.mp4. While this is a smaller ranking factor, every bit of optimization counts!
4. Description
The description box is prime real estate for keywords. Here’s how to do it right:
- Naturally include your keyword multiple times.
- Write a concise summary of your video’s content.
- Add relevant links and timestamps to make the description helpful and engaging.
Pro Tip: Avoid keyword stuffing—it’s better to focus on quality over quantity.
5. Hashtags
Hashtags help categorize your video and make it easier to find. Use 3–8 relevant hashtags, starting with your primary keywords (e.g., #YouTubeShorts or #ViralShorts).
6. Tags
Although tags are less impactful than they used to be, they’re still worth including. Use tools like Rapidtags.io to generate a list of relevant tags. Simply paste your video title, and it’ll create a set of optimized tags for you.
7. Subtitles/Transcripts
Review and edit YouTube’s automatic captions to make sure your keywords are accurate. Misinterpreted or misspelled words in captions can confuse the algorithm. Correcting these errors ensures your video’s topic is clear and well-represented.
8. Video Content
Finally, mention your keywords naturally within the video itself. YouTube’s algorithm analyzes audio, so the more you say your keywords, the stronger the connection between your content and the search terms becomes.
SEO in Action: A Real-Life Example
In one of my recent videos, I focused on YouTube Shorts and applied these SEO strategies. By including the keyword “Shorts” in the title, thumbnail, file name, description, hashtags, tags, captions, and video script, the video got over 260,000 views. The keyword integration helped the algorithm understand and promote it to the right audience.
Bonus: Using AI Tools to Streamline Your Workflow
Optimizing your videos doesn’t have to take hours. AI tools like Nexus Clips can make the process faster and easier by:
- Repurposing horizontal videos into vertical shorts.
- Adding automated subtitle animations.
- Leveraging facial recognition for smoother editing.
Efficiency meets effectiveness when you combine AI tools with solid SEO principles.
Final Tips for SEO Success
- Be consistent: Apply SEO to every video. The more optimized content you create, the better your overall channel will perform.
- Avoid shortcuts: Keyword stuffing and spammy tactics will hurt your content in the long run. Keep it natural and audience-focused.
- Track and refine: Regularly review your SEO strategy and adjust based on what works for your channel.
SEO isn’t just about getting views—it’s about connecting your videos with the right audience. By mastering these strategies, you’ll not only grow your channel but also create content that truly resonates.
Theory of YouTube 