How to choose the best keywords to increase your YouTube channel views

How to choose the best keywords to increase your YouTube channel views

In the ever-evolving world of digital content, discoverability is everything. With millions of videos uploaded every day, selecting the right keywords is the foundation for achieving visibility, engagement, and long-term success on YouTube. In this guide, we uncover the most effective strategies to find and optimize high-impact YouTube keywords to dramatically increase your channel views.

Understanding the Role of Keywords in YouTube SEO

YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine. Like Google, it relies on search intent and keyword relevance to surface content. When we implement the correct keyword strategy, we align our videos with user queries, making it easier for potential viewers to discover and watch them.

Start With a Clear Content Focus

Before we dive into tools and techniques, we must first define our channel niche and content goals. Identify:

• Target audience demographics

• Topic expertise

• Content formats (tutorials, vlogs, reviews, etc.)

• Competitive advantages

Clear content direction leads to intent-driven keyword choices, ensuring we don’t just chase volume, but pursue relevant traffic.

Brainstorming Primary Keywords Based on Intent

Begin by identifying seed keywords—broad terms that describe your video. Examples include:

• “Makeup tutorial”

• “Fitness for beginners”

• “iPhone camera tips”

• “How to start a blog”

Next, refine these into intent-driven phrases. Ask:

• What would someone type if they needed this video?

• What exact problem does this video solve?

• What language would the viewer use?

Examples:

• “How to do a smoky eye for beginners”

• “Best 10-minute workout at home no equipment”

• “iPhone 14 camera hacks you didn’t know”

• “Step-by-step blogging tutorial for 2025”

This is where we lay the groundwork for targeted keyword research.

Use YouTube Autocomplete to Identify Real Queries

Leverage YouTube’s autocomplete feature in the search bar. Type your seed keyword and observe the suggested long-tail phrases. These are actual user searches.

Example:

Typing “how to lose weight” may suggest:

• “How to lose weight fast”

• “How to lose weight in a week”

• “How to lose weight without exercise”

Document every variant that applies to your content. This method provides searcher-focused ideas that align perfectly with audience needs.

Deep Dive with Keyword Research Tools

We elevate our research with specialized tools that reveal:

• Search volume

• Competition level

• Related keywords

• Click-through rate predictions

Top tools to use:

1. TubeBuddy Keyword Explorer

• Reveals search volume, competition, and optimization strength

• Provides related keyword suggestions

• Displays YouTube SERP results

2. VidIQ Keyword Tool

• In-depth search score analytics

• Shows top trending keywords

• Highlights keyword opportunities based on video performance

3. Google Trends (YouTube Search Filter)

• Compares keyword interest over time

• Validates trending search terms

• Offers geo-targeted data

4. Ahrefs or SEMrush (YouTube Search Filters)

• Advanced metrics like keyword difficulty

• Helps identify content gaps

• Competitor keyword performance insights

Combine data from all sources to create a high-impact keyword bank.

Analyze Competitor Channels

Study top-performing videos in your niche. Ask:

• What keywords appear in their titles, descriptions, and tags?

• What keywords are used repeatedly across the channel?

• Which videos have the highest views vs. subscriber count?

Tools like VidIQ and TubeBuddy allow you to extract tag data and rank performance. Look for low-competition, high-traffic terms they might be ranking for and reverse-engineer their keyword strategies.

Long-Tail Keywords: The Hidden Goldmine

Long-tail keywords are phrases with three or more words. These have:

• Lower competition

• Higher intent

• More targeted traffic

Examples:

• Short-tail: “cooking tips”

• Long-tail: “quick healthy cooking tips for beginners”

Why they work:

• Easier to rank for

• Align with specific user intent

• Higher watch time due to relevance

We recommend optimizing every video around at least one strong long-tail keyword.

Keyword Placement: Optimization Checklist

Choosing the right keywords is just the beginning. Strategic placement is essential.

1. Video Title

Include the primary keyword at the beginning of the title.

Example:

“How to Bake a Chocolate Cake – Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners”

2. Description

Use your main keyword naturally in the first 100 characters, and sprinkle related phrases throughout.

• Include synonyms and semantic variations

• Write a clear summary of the video

• Add timestamps and links when necessary

3. Tags

Add your:

• Main keyword

• Secondary variations

• Channel-relevant tags

Tags are less critical now, but still contribute to metadata context.

4. Captions and Subtitles

Upload a .srt file or edit auto-generated captions to include your keywords naturally. YouTube crawls captions to understand content depth.

5. File Name and Thumbnail Alt Text

Name your video file with the main keyword before uploading.

Example:

how-to-make-homemade-bread.mp4

Though not visible to users, this step adds SEO signals.

Optimize for Both YouTube and Google Search

Some YouTube videos rank on Google as well. To enhance cross-platform visibility:

• Target informational queries (how-to, tutorials, reviews)

• Optimize video titles and descriptions with search snippets in mind

• Embed rich descriptions, include external links, and use schema markup on blogs or websites linking to your videos

Google often favors videos with clear intent-matching metadata, making this strategy vital.

Create Keyword Clusters to Boost Watch Time and Session Duration

Instead of targeting one-off keywords, group related terms into content clusters.

Example keyword cluster for “Fitness”:

• “10-minute full body workout”

• “Home workout no equipment”

• “Fat burning cardio for beginners”

• “Stretching exercises after workout”

Create a playlist or series using these keywords. This boosts:

• Video suggestions

• Channel authority in niche

• Average watch session duration

YouTube rewards longer session time with higher visibility.

Monitor, Test, and Adjust Over Time

Keyword success isn’t set in stone. We must track performance metrics and adapt.

Key metrics to track:

• Click-through rate (CTR)

• Watch time

• Average view duration

• Audience retention

• Search impressions vs. clicks

Use YouTube Analytics and TubeBuddy A/B testing tools to experiment with:

• Title variations

• Keyword swaps

• Thumbnail designs

Keep a monthly log of performance changes tied to keyword edits. This ensures continuous optimization.

Build Keyword Authority Within Your Niche

As we publish more keyword-optimized content, YouTube starts associating our channel with those keyword themes.

To build authority:

• Create consistent content around target keyword clusters

• Use branded thumbnails and series naming conventions

• Link videos internally using cards, end screens, and playlists

• Respond to comments with contextual keywords

This trains YouTube’s algorithm to recommend our content for high-value searches within our niche.

Leverage Community and User Suggestions for Keyword Expansion

Audience engagement can reveal untapped keyword opportunities. Monitor:

• Comment questions

• Community post replies

• DMs and feedback

Turn common viewer concerns into keyword-rich videos.

Example:

If multiple viewers ask, “Can you make a video on vegan breakfast recipes?”, target:

• “Easy vegan breakfast ideas”

• “Vegan breakfast recipes under 10 minutes”

• “High protein vegan breakfast for weight loss”

This strategy ensures that our keyword targeting is audience-driven and demand-based.

Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Focus on Natural Language

Effective keyword usage should enhance clarity, not clutter content. Prioritize:

• Natural phrasing

• Semantic relevance

• Topic authority

Overusing keywords in titles or descriptions leads to lower CTR and watch time, which can harm performance. Always write for humans first, algorithms second.

Capitalize on Trending Keywords in Your Niche

Stay ahead by monitoring trends in real time:

• Use Google Trends with YouTube filter

• Subscribe to industry newsletters

• Follow competitor releases

• Monitor seasonal patterns

Create timely content around trending keywords before they peak. Early publishing gives your video a first-mover advantage in rankings.

 Mastering Keyword Selection for Sustainable YouTube Growth

Choosing the best keywords isn’t a one-time task—it’s a continuous, data-driven process. By:

• Focusing on viewer intent

• Leveraging keyword research tools

• Optimizing video metadata strategically

• Monitoring and adapting regularly

…we position our content to be discovered, recommended, and ranked consistently.

When executed properly, keyword optimization becomes a powerful growth engine that fuels higher visibility, longer watch times, and explosive channel growth.