Instructions for Bringing Youtube Videos to the Top of Search

Have you ever wondered why some YouTube videos become instant sensations, while others quietly float away in the sea of ​​content? In an age where users are increasingly overwhelmed by the amount of information, getting your videos to the top of search results is not only an art but also a science. In this article, Sadesign will bring you the secrets, strategies and tips to help your YouTube videos not only be seen but also loved, thereby attracting millions of views.

1. Rename video file with a specific keyword

When starting the process of optimizing your videos for YouTube, one of the first important steps is to rename your video file with a specific keyword. Using SEO tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs will help you identify the keywords that best match the content of your video. Once you have a keyword, make sure you put it at the beginning of your file name before uploading to YouTube.

YouTube can't "see" your video to determine its relevance to your target keywords. Therefore, renaming your video file helps YouTube better understand what your video is about. Plus, this filename will be associated with all of your code and other information, making it easier to optimize.

Naming your video files properly not only improves searchability, but also helps make a good first impression. A clear and relevant file name will grab attention and encourage viewers to click on your video.

2. In the video title, incorporate keywords naturally

Your video title is the deciding factor in whether or not someone will click on your video. Therefore, it needs to be catchy, clear, and concise. While your keywords are essential in the title, it is important that the title is closely related to the needs and desires of the viewer. This will not only help your video get found, but also keep viewers interested.

Keep your title short, around 60 characters, to avoid being truncated in search results. A good title should not only include keywords, but also convey the value your video brings to viewers. Think about how people search for information and tailor your title accordingly.

When you incorporate keywords naturally into your title, it not only makes your video more discoverable, but it also increases viewer engagement with your video. A compelling title will make it impossible for viewers to resist clicking on your video.

3. Improve your video description

Video descriptions are an important element that helps viewers better understand the content of your video. If you choose to write a long description, remember that YouTube only displays the first two or three lines of text, which is about 100 characters. Therefore, you should put important information, such as CTAs (calls to action) or necessary links, at the beginning of the description.

An optimized description not only provides information to viewers, but also helps your video appear in suggested video bars. This is a potential source of increased views, as many users often watch suggested videos after watching the first video. Use keywords naturally in the description to maximize searchability.

Don’t forget that your video description is also a place for you to share additional information like links to your website, social media, or other videos on your channel. Not only does this keep viewers engaged longer, it also gives them a chance to learn more about you and the content you produce.

4. Use topic-related keywords for video tags

Tags are a useful tool that helps YouTube and viewers understand the content of your video. According to YouTube, tags can help identify the topic and context of your video, which can improve visibility. Use keywords related to the topic of your video to increase your chances of being found.

Using tags not only makes it easier for viewers to find your videos, but it also helps YouTube associate your videos with similar videos. This can expand your reach, help your videos appear in other video suggestions, and increase your views organically.

When choosing tags, consider the primary and secondary keywords that users might search for. Avoid overusing tags, as this can be confusing for both viewers and YouTube. A good set of tags will help your videos be more easily categorized and found in relevant searches.

5. Organize videos into categories

Once your video has been uploaded to YouTube, categorizing it into the appropriate categories is an important step in the optimization process. Under “Advanced Settings,” you can assign a category to your video. This not only helps YouTube better understand what your video is about, but also makes it easier for your video to appear in relevant playlists. When your video is categorized correctly, it has the potential to reach a larger audience and attract more viewers.

To determine the right category for your videos, consider specific questions. Who are the successful creators in that category? What do they stand out for? What do viewers of similar channels have in common? Learning about your competitors will help you shape your content strategy more effectively.

Also, pay attention to the common characteristics of videos in the same category. Video length, format, and presentation style can influence how viewers consume content. By understanding these factors, you can optimize your videos to better suit your audience’s needs and interests.

6. Upload thumbnails that match the content of your video

Thumbnails are one of the first things that grab users’ attention when they scroll through search results. The thumbnail, along with the video title, gives viewers a clue as to what your video is about. Therefore, an attractive thumbnail can have a big impact on the click-through rate and views your video receives.

While YouTube provides automatic thumbnails, you should create your own thumbnail for your video. YouTube recommends using images with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels (16:9 ratio) and a file size of no more than 2MB. The image format can be jpg, gif, bmp, or png. A high-quality thumbnail will make a good impression and encourage viewers to click on the video.

In addition to ensuring image quality, make sure your thumbnail accurately reflects the content of your video. A misleading thumbnail can lead to a high bounce rate, which is bad for your video’s YouTube ranking. Be creative and experiment with different designs to find the style that works best for your channel.

7. Use SRT file to add subtitles

Subtitles can be a powerful tool for YouTube search optimization. Adding subtitles not only helps viewers better understand the content of your video, but also emphasizes important keywords. To add subtitles, you need to upload a timed text transcript file or you can enter the subtitle text directly and YouTube will automatically sync it with the video.

Using SRT files improves the accessibility of your videos, especially for people with hearing disabilities or those who don't speak your native language. Additionally, videos with subtitles tend to have longer viewing times, which can improve your video's ranking on YouTube.

To add subtitles, simply go to your video manager, find the video you want to edit, and select “Subtitles / CC.” Here, you can customize and adjust the subtitles to match the content of the video. Make sure that the subtitles are clearly presented and easy to read, providing the best viewing experience for your viewers.

8. Add cards and end screens to your YouTube channel to increase viewership

Cards and end screens are two useful tools that can help increase engagement and keep viewers on your YouTube channel. Cards are small messages that appear during videos to promote other videos, channels, or external links. They can help viewers easily discover other content you offer and increase video view rates.

End screens appear at the end of your videos and allow you to encourage viewers to take a specific action, like subscribing to your channel or watching another video. This is a great opportunity to showcase related videos and keep viewers on your channel longer. You can add up to four interactive elements to your end screens, optimizing this space to increase viewership.

To add cards and end screens, simply go to your video manager and follow the instructions. Make sure to design these elements in a way that is engaging and easy to access. Using cards and end screens wisely will give your videos more opportunities to attract new viewers and retain existing ones.

8. End Screens

Adding end screens to YouTube videos is an effective strategy for increasing viewership. End screens appear after a video ends and allow you to introduce other videos, encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel, or lead them to external links. The main advantage of end screens is that they display more visual information, making them more engaging for viewers.

It’s important to note that YouTube is constantly testing new features, including end screens, to improve the user experience. As a result, it’s possible that end screens may not appear even if you set them up. When considering using cards or end screens, consider these factors to ensure you’re optimizing your videos for the best results.

Setting up end screens can be time-consuming, but the results are worth it. With viewers spending more time on YouTube, optimizing for end screens can help you increase your reach and keep viewers on your site longer.

9. Increase your reach by including hashtags (#)

Hashtags are a new tool on YouTube that allows you to add relevant terms to your content. They appear above your video title, making it easy for viewers to click through and discover similar videos. Using hashtags can help your videos reach a more relevant audience.

However, you should be careful not to overuse hashtags. YouTube's algorithm is very sophisticated and is constantly looking for spammy elements. If you use too many hashtags, your video is likely to be "flagged". It's best to choose two to three tags that you think accurately describe the content of your video, thereby increasing your searchability.

Using hashtags properly not only increases your visibility, but also creates opportunities for viewers to discover more related content from your channel. When viewers can easily find your videos, your viewership and engagement will increase significantly.

10. Create playlists based on the general theme of your videos

When adding videos to your content library, organizing them into playlists based on a common theme is an effective optimization strategy. Playlists help YouTube understand what your videos are about and make it easy for viewers to move from one video to another. This not only increases your view count, but also improves your video’s search ranking.

When building your playlist, pay attention to the keywords you want to optimize for. Using relevant keywords in your playlist title and description will make it easier for viewers to find your content. An optimized playlist will attract a larger audience because it provides viewers with a coherent and cohesive experience.

Additionally, playlists help keep viewers on your channel longer. When viewers see related videos in a playlist, they tend to continue watching, which increases your video's watch time, which is beneficial for your video's ranking on YouTube.

11. Pin featured comments on your videos (if desired)

Pinning a featured comment on your video can be a smart strategy to increase viewer engagement. A single pinned comment can generate hundreds of responses, helping to create a lively discussion under the video. This not only increases engagement, but also improves your video's ability to rank in YouTube's algorithm.

When you pin a comment, make sure it is interesting and relevant to the video. The comment could be a question that encourages viewers to share their opinion or feelings about the video content. An engaging comment will create an opportunity for viewers to participate and promote positive interactions.

Additionally, pinning comments helps create a welcoming space and encourages viewers to return to your videos in the future. When viewers feel that their opinions are valued, they are more likely to engage and stay with your channel over the long term.

12. Optimize video upload time

The time you post your videos can have a significant impact on viewership and engagement. Choosing the right time to post your videos can help you maximize your reach. Research shows that users are more active during peak hours, such as evenings or weekends. By posting your videos during these times, you can get more viewers as soon as your videos are released.

Monitor your channel analytics to determine when your viewers are most active. YouTube Analytics provides insights into when your audience is online. Based on this data, you can schedule your videos for optimal performance.

Additionally, giving viewers a heads up about when your video will be released can also help build anticipation. Use social media channels or send email notifications to remind viewers about your upcoming video.

13. Create quality and valuable content

Quality content is key to the success of your videos on YouTube. Viewers will return to your channel if they find value in the content you provide. This could be useful information, detailed instructions, or engaging entertainment. Invest time and effort into creating quality videos that are rich and engaging.

Also, pay attention to the presentation and editing of the video. A well-edited video with eye-catching images and clear sound will make a better impression on viewers. Make sure you have a clear script and practice professional filming techniques to improve the quality of the video.

Finally, always listen to your audience. Their input can help you improve your content in the future. By nurturing and developing content based on your audience’s needs, you’ll build a loyal and growing community.

14. Encourage viewer interaction

Encouraging viewers to interact with your videos is a great way to increase engagement and views. Ask questions in your videos and invite viewers to leave comments. This not only creates engagement, but also helps your videos get more comments, which improves their chances of ranking on YouTube.

You can also encourage viewers to like and share your videos. A simple call to action like “Like if you found this video helpful” can create positive engagement. When viewers feel like they can contribute to the content, they’re more likely to participate.

Finally, consider running contests or giveaways to engage viewers. Having an attractive prize will give viewers more incentive to engage with your videos. Not only will this create excitement, it will also help you expand your reach and attract new viewers.

15. Conclusion

Getting your YouTube videos to the top of search results is not easy, but with the strategies and tips above, you can create engaging content and attract a large audience. Experiment, learn from your own experiences, and keep improving your video making skills. Good luck on your journey to becoming a prominent YouTuber!