Keyword research is the foundation of YouTube SEO. If you want people to discover your videos—not just your subscribers—you must match what your audience is searching for with what you create. Here’s a complete guide for 2025 and beyond!
What Are YouTube Keywords?
- Keywords are phrases real people type into YouTube and Google when searching for content.
- They help YouTube understand your video’s topic and relevance.
- Relevant keywords boost your chance of ranking in search and suggested videos.
How to Find Winning Keywords
- Use YouTube Search Auto-Suggest: Start typing your topic into the search bar. YouTube will automatically suggest popular, high-traffic phrases.
- Browse Top Videos in Your Niche: What keywords are in their titles and tags? Use tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ.
- Check Google Trends: Filter for “YouTube Search” to compare keyword popularity over time.
Where to Use Your Keywords
- Title: Place your primary keyword near the start (see best title practices).
- Description: Weave keywords naturally throughout (read video description tips).
- Tags: Add variations, longer forms, and related topics (learn more: YouTube tags explained).
Pro Keyword Research Tips
- Go niche! Targeting less competitive keywords gives smaller channels a better chance to rank.
- Mix evergreen and trending keywords for lasting and instant results.
- Optimize for your viewers (solve their problems) and for YouTube (give the algorithm context).
Want personalized keyword research?
Get a custom keyword report for your channel from the team at SooperBlooper! Request your audit.
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