YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world after Google, and with more than 2.7 billion monthly users, it offers massive potential for content creators, brands, and marketers. But to get discovered, you need more than just great videos—you need the right keywords.
If you’re wondering what keywords to use on YouTube to increase visibility, gain subscribers, and boost engagement, this guide has you covered. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your SEO strategy, let’s break it down.
Before we dive into which keywords to use, let’s first understand why keywords are crucial on YouTube:
● Discoverability: YouTube uses keywords to categorize and suggest your videos.
● Search Rankings: Properly optimized keywords help your content rank higher in search results.
● User Intent Matching: Keywords help match your content to what people are actively searching for.
● Channel Growth: Better keywords mean more views, which lead to more subscribers over time.
In short, keywords are how YouTube knows what your video is about and who might be interested in watching it.
Using the right keywords is half the battle; knowing where to place them is just as important:
1. Video Title – Place your primary keyword as close to the beginning as possible.
2. Video Description – Use your keywords naturally in the first 1–2 sentences and throughout.
3. Tags – These help YouTube understand the context of your video. Add both broad and specific tags.
4. Transcript/Subtitles – YouTube crawls video transcripts. Keywords spoken in the video improve searchability.
5. Filename of Your Video – Before uploading, name your file something like how-to-edit-videos.mp4.
6. Hashtags – Use a few relevant hashtags in your description to boost discoverability.
Choosing the best keywords isn’t about guessing; it’s about research. Here are a few data-backed ways to identify what keywords to use on YouTube:
Start typing a topic in the YouTube search bar. The auto-suggestions are based on real user searches. For example, typing “how to cook” might show “how to cook pasta” or “how to cook quinoa.” These are great starting points for video ideas and keyword targeting.
Several tools can help you find trending and high-performing keywords:
●TubeBuddy – Offers browser extensions for keyword research, competition scores, and optimization tips.
Visit: https://www.tubebuddy.com/
●vidIQ – An SEO suite built for YouTube. Great for identifying top-performing keywords in your niche.
Visit: https://vidiq.com/
●Google Trends (YouTube filter) – Helps compare keyword popularity over time and across regions.
Try it here: https://trends.google.com/trends
Search for topics similar to yours and look at top-ranking videos. Check their titles, tags (using tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ), and how they structure their descriptions. This can give you clues into what’s already working in your niche.
Your own community is a goldmine for keyword ideas. Pay attention to how viewers phrase questions or comments—they often use natural language and search terms that can be great keywords.
Let’s talk about what kind of keywords are best suited for YouTube:
These are general and highly competitive. Example: fitness, cooking, marketing.
● Pros: High search volume.
● Cons: Hard to rank for unless you have a large channel.
These are more specific and easier to rank for. Example: how to lose weight at home for beginners.
● Pros: Better targeting, higher intent.
● Cons: Lower volume, but better conversion.
Include your brand or channel name. Example: Infinutus marketing tips.
● Helps build brand recognition.
● Important for channel authority.
These speak directly to a well-defined audience. Example: seo tips for handmade jewelry business.
● Ideal for growing a loyal community.
Now that you know what keywords to use on YouTube, here are some best practices:
1. Don’t Stuff Keywords – Use keywords naturally in your title and description. Overuse can hurt your video’s performance.
2. Mix High and Low Competition Keywords – Target a few high-volume terms and a few easier-to-rank-for keywords.
3. Update Old Videos – Refresh metadata on older content with better keywords.
4. Use Keywords in Playlists – Optimize playlists using searchable terms for increased watch time.
5. Track and Adjust – Use YouTube Analytics to monitor video performance and adjust keyword strategies accordingly.
If your video is about “Instagram algorithm tips 2025,” here’s how you could optimize:
● Title: Instagram Algorithm Tips 2025 – Beat the Changes This Year
● Description: Discover the top Instagram algorithm tips for 2025. Whether you’re a creator or brand, these insights will help you grow faster.
● Tags: instagram algorithm 2025, social media tips, grow instagram followers, digital marketing
When used strategically, keywords can make or break your YouTube success. Start with research, be intentional with placement, and always aim to serve the viewer’s search intent.
Keywords are not just SEO tools—they’re the language of your audience. Learn to speak it fluently, and you’ll see growth not just in views, but in community and credibility.
If you need help with YouTube SEO or want a tailored keyword strategy for your brand, get in touch with Infinutus—we specialize in audience-driven digital marketing strategies that deliver results.
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