YouTube Keyword Research In 2021: Find Top Keywords

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YouTube Keyword Research in 2021: Find Top Keywords

Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of YouTube keyword research for 2021. If you're looking to boost your video views, get more subscribers, and generally crush it on YouTube, understanding and implementing the right keywords is absolutely essential. Think of keywords as the breadcrumbs that lead viewers to your awesome content. We're going to break down how to find those breadcrumbs and make sure your videos are discoverable. So, grab your metaphorical detective hat, and let's get started!

Why YouTube Keyword Research Matters

Okay, so you might be wondering, "Why all the fuss about keywords?" Well, let's put it this way: YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, right after Google. And just like Google, YouTube uses algorithms to determine which videos to show to users based on their search queries. These algorithms analyze various factors, including video titles, descriptions, tags, and, you guessed it, keywords.

By focusing on effective YouTube keywords, you're essentially optimizing your videos to rank higher in search results. This means more visibility, more clicks, and ultimately, more viewers. It’s like setting up a treasure hunt where the treasure is your content, and the clues are the keywords. The better the clues, the more likely people are to find your treasure! Plus, understanding what your audience is searching for helps you create content that they actually want to watch. It's a win-win!

Think of it this way, if you are making a video about "how to bake a chocolate cake", but your title and description only say "delicious dessert recipe", you are missing out on a huge opportunity to attract viewers who are specifically searching for "chocolate cake" tutorials. Effective keyword research bridges this gap, connecting your content with the right audience. Ignoring keyword research is like opening a shop in the middle of the desert and hoping people will stumble upon it. Sure, it might happen, but it's not the most efficient strategy.

Understanding YouTube's Algorithm

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of finding keywords, it's helpful to understand a little bit about how YouTube's algorithm works. The YouTube algorithm is a complex system that aims to show viewers the videos they're most likely to enjoy and keep watching. While the exact details of the algorithm are a closely guarded secret, we know that it considers several factors, including:

  • Relevance: How closely your video matches the user's search query.
  • Engagement: Metrics like watch time, likes, comments, and shares.
  • Video Performance: Historical data about how your videos have performed over time.
  • User History: What the viewer has watched in the past.

Keywords play a crucial role in determining the relevance of your video. By incorporating relevant keywords into your video titles, descriptions, and tags, you're signaling to YouTube that your video is a good match for specific search queries. However, it's important to remember that keywords are just one piece of the puzzle. You also need to create high-quality, engaging content that keeps viewers watching. Think of it as a balancing act – you need both great keywords and great content to succeed.

Tools for YouTube Keyword Research

Alright, let's get to the fun part: finding those magical keywords! Luckily, there are a ton of tools available to help you with YouTube keyword research. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. YouTube Suggest

This is the simplest and most straightforward tool you can use. Just start typing a keyword into the YouTube search bar, and YouTube will automatically suggest related search terms. These suggestions are based on what people are actually searching for on YouTube, so they can be a goldmine of keyword ideas. For example, if you type in "how to cook", YouTube might suggest "how to cook rice", "how to cook chicken", or "how to cook pasta". Make a note of any suggestions that are relevant to your video topic.

2. Google Keyword Planner

While primarily designed for Google Ads, the Google Keyword Planner can also be a valuable tool for YouTube keyword research. Simply enter a keyword related to your video topic, and the Keyword Planner will provide data on search volume, competition, and related keywords. This can help you identify high-potential keywords with a decent amount of search traffic but relatively low competition. To access the Google Keyword Planner, you'll need to have a Google Ads account.

3. TubeBuddy

TubeBuddy is a powerful browser extension that offers a wide range of tools for YouTube keyword research and video optimization. With TubeBuddy, you can analyze your competitors' keywords, track your video rankings, and generate keyword ideas. It also provides valuable insights into search volume, competition, and keyword relevance. While TubeBuddy offers a free version, the paid version unlocks even more features and data.

4. VidIQ

Similar to TubeBuddy, VidIQ is another popular browser extension that provides a wealth of data and tools for YouTube keyword research. VidIQ helps you identify trending keywords, analyze your competitors' videos, and optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags. It also offers features like keyword scoring and competitor analysis, making it easier to find and target the most relevant keywords for your videos.

How to Find the Best YouTube Keywords

Okay, so you've got your tools ready. Now, let's talk about how to actually find the best YouTube keywords. Here's a step-by-step process you can follow:

Step 1: Brainstorming

Start by brainstorming a list of keywords related to your video topic. Think about what people might search for when looking for videos like yours. For example, if you're making a video about how to build a birdhouse, your initial list of keywords might include:

  • Birdhouse
  • Build a birdhouse
  • DIY birdhouse
  • How to make a birdhouse
  • Birdhouse tutorial

Step 2: Expand Your List

Once you have your initial list, use the tools mentioned above (YouTube Suggest, Google Keyword Planner, TubeBuddy, VidIQ) to expand your list with related keywords. Look for long-tail keywords (longer, more specific phrases) that might have lower competition. For example, instead of just "birdhouse", you might add "easy birdhouse plans for beginners" or "how to build a birdhouse from recycled materials".

Step 3: Analyze the Competition

Next, analyze the competition for each of your keywords. Search for each keyword on YouTube and see which videos are ranking at the top. Pay attention to the video titles, descriptions, and tags. This will give you an idea of what kind of content is already out there and how you can differentiate your video.

Step 4: Check Search Volume and Competition

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, TubeBuddy, or VidIQ to check the search volume and competition for each of your keywords. Look for keywords with a decent amount of search traffic but relatively low competition. These are the keywords that will give you the best chance of ranking high in search results.

Step 5: Choose Your Keywords

Based on your research, choose a primary keyword (the main keyword you want to target) and several secondary keywords (related keywords that you can use to support your primary keyword). Incorporate these keywords into your video title, description, and tags.

Optimizing Your Video with Keywords

Now that you've found your keywords, it's time to optimize your video. Here's how:

1. Video Title

Include your primary keyword in your video title, ideally at the beginning. Make sure your title is clear, concise, and engaging. For example, instead of just "Birdhouse Tutorial", you might use "Easy DIY Birdhouse Tutorial for Beginners [Step-by-Step]".

2. Video Description

Write a detailed and keyword-rich description for your video. Include your primary keyword and several secondary keywords throughout the description. Aim for a description that is at least 200-300 words long. The first few lines of your description are particularly important, as they are what viewers will see before they click "show more".

3. Video Tags

Add relevant tags to your video. Include your primary keyword and several secondary keywords as tags. Use a mix of broad and specific tags. For example, if your video is about "easy DIY birdhouse tutorial for beginners", your tags might include:

  • Birdhouse
  • DIY birdhouse
  • Build a birdhouse
  • How to make a birdhouse
  • Birdhouse tutorial
  • Easy birdhouse plans
  • Beginner birdhouse project

4. Closed Captions

Adding closed captions to your video can also help with SEO. YouTube can analyze the text in your captions and use it to understand the content of your video. Plus, closed captions make your video more accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Keywords

Keyword research is not a one-time task. You should regularly monitor your video's performance and adjust your keywords as needed. Pay attention to metrics like watch time, views, and subscriber growth. If you're not seeing the results you want, try experimenting with different keywords or optimizing your video in other ways.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to YouTube keyword research for 2021. By understanding the importance of keywords, using the right tools, and optimizing your videos effectively, you can significantly increase your video's visibility and attract more viewers. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance between relevant keywords and engaging content. Now, go forth and conquer YouTube! Happy creating!