How To Add Keywords To Your YouTube Channel

If you’re trying to grow your YouTube channel, then you’ve probably heard of “keywords” and how important they are for getting your videos noticed. But how exactly do you add keywords to your YouTube channel, and why does it matter?

YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, with over 2 billion logged-in monthly users. That’s a lot of people watching, searching, and clicking.

So, if you want your videos to stand out, using the right keywords is essential. Keywords help YouTube understand what your content is about and match it with people who are searching for that kind of content. This is how you make sure your videos show up in searches and attract more views.

But the question is, how do you choose the right keywords, and where exactly should you add them to your YouTube channel? It’s not just about stuffing your titles with random words. You’ve got to be strategic about it.

Don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through it. Whether you’re a new YouTuber just getting started or someone who’s been at it for a while and wants to take their channel to the next level, this guide will help.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to use keywords on your YouTube channel to improve your search rankings, get more views, and ultimately grow your audience. So, let’s dive in and explore how to use keywords the right way!

Why Keywords Matter on YouTube

First things first—let’s talk about why keywords are important on YouTube. YouTube works similarly to Google in that it uses a search algorithm to recommend videos to users. The more relevant your video is to the search query, the better your chances are of appearing in search results.

Think of keywords as the bridge that connects your video to the people who are actively searching for the kind of content you’re creating.

For example, if you make makeup tutorials, you’d want to use keywords like “easy makeup tutorial,” “smokey eye makeup,” or “how to apply foundation.” These keywords match what people are typing into the search bar.

If you use the right keywords in your video’s title, description, and tags, YouTube can recommend your content to more people.

In short, keywords are crucial for making sure your videos get seen. They improve your search visibility and increase your chances of showing up in recommended videos. Without them, you could be missing out on views and subscribers.

How Do I Add Keywords to My YouTube Channel?

Now that we know why keywords matter, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to add them to your channel.

It’s easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make sure your channel is optimized for search.

1. Do Keyword Research

Before you can add keywords to your channel, you need to figure out which ones to use. This is where keyword research comes in.

You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner, TubeBuddy, or VidIQ to find popular keywords related to your niche.

• Google Keyword Planner: This tool can help you find keywords that people are searching for. You can get ideas based on topics related to your videos.
• TubeBuddy & VidIQ: These are both YouTube-specific tools that provide keyword suggestions based on your video’s topic. They also tell you how competitive a keyword is, which can help you decide which ones to target.

When doing keyword research, focus on long-tail keywords (phrases that are longer and more specific) because they tend to have less competition.

For example, “best beginner makeup tutorial” is a long-tail keyword, while “makeup tutorial” is broad and highly competitive.

2. Add Keywords to Your Channel Description

Your YouTube channel description is one of the most important places to add keywords. This is where you tell both YouTube and your audience what your channel is all about.

When you add relevant keywords to your description, it helps YouTube understand what type of content you create, making it more likely to recommend your videos.

For example, if you have a travel vlog channel, you might write something like:

“Welcome to my travel channel where I share my adventures across the globe! From city guides to travel tips and reviews of the best hotels and restaurants, you’ll find everything you need for your next trip. I focus on budget-friendly travel and hidden gems you won’t find in mainstream guides!”

Notice how words like “travel,” “budget-friendly,” “city guides,” and “hotels” are used? These are all keywords that tell YouTube what your channel is about and help people who are interested in those topics find your videos.

3. Use Keywords in Your Video Titles

Video titles are one of the first things people notice when browsing YouTube. That’s why it’s important to include keywords in your titles—so your video shows up in relevant searches.

When writing your title, try to include your main keyword at the beginning. For example:

• Instead of “My Favorite Makeup Products,” use “Top 5 Budget-Friendly Makeup Products for Beginners.”
• Instead of “How to Bake a Cake,” try “How to Bake a Cake from Scratch – Easy Recipe for Beginners.”

Using specific keywords in the title will help your video get discovered by people who are looking for exactly what you’re offering.

4. Add Keywords to Your Video Descriptions

Just like your channel description, your video description is another opportunity to add keywords. When you write your video description, make sure to include the main keyword and a few related terms. However, don’t stuff the description with keywords—make sure it still reads naturally for your audience.

For example:

“In today’s video, I’m sharing my top 5 budget-friendly makeup products for beginners. These products are perfect for anyone just starting out with makeup. I’ll also give you tips on how to apply makeup for a flawless look.”

This description includes keywords like “budget-friendly makeup,” “beginner makeup products,” and “makeup tips,” all of which help YouTube understand the content of the video.

5. Use Tags to Add More Keywords

Tags are another place where you can add keywords to your video. Tags help YouTube categorize your video and understand the topics covered. You can add a mix of broad and specific keywords, including variations of your main keyword.

For example, for a video on makeup tutorials, you might use tags like:

• “makeup tutorial”
• “easy makeup”
• “beginner makeup tutorial”
• “how to apply makeup”
• “makeup for beginners”

These tags help YouTube’s algorithm understand your video’s topic and connect it with similar videos, increasing the chances that it will be recommended.

6. Optimize Your Channel’s Playlists

Don’t forget about playlists! Organize your videos into playlists based on themes or topics. Make sure to use keywords in your playlist titles and descriptions. This will help your videos show up in related playlist suggestions, which can boost your visibility.

For instance, if you have a series of videos on makeup tutorials, create a playlist called “Easy Makeup Tutorials for Beginners.” This tells YouTube that your playlist (and the videos within it) are about a specific topic, helping people who are interested in makeup find your content more easily.

FAQs

Q: How many keywords should I use?

There’s no exact number, but I recommend using 3-5 main keywords for each video. For channel keywords, try to focus on the ones that best represent your overall content.

Q: Can I use the same keywords for all my videos?

Yes, but try to mix it up a little. If you always use the same keywords, your videos may end up competing with each other. It’s a good idea to find variations of your main keywords to target different search terms.

Q: Does keyword stuffing help with ranking?

No, keyword stuffing (using too many keywords in a way that doesn’t sound natural) can actually hurt your rankings. YouTube values quality over quantity, so make sure your descriptions and titles make sense and are user-friendly.

Conclusion.

Now that you know how to add keywords to your YouTube channel, it’s time to put it into practice. Using the right keywords is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help your videos get found and grow your channel.

With a little effort and smart keyword strategy, you’ll start seeing better search rankings and more views.

What keywords will you add to your channel today to start getting noticed?