YouTube Keyword Search Volume: Find Keywords FAST!
Alright, guys! Ever wondered how to really nail your YouTube SEO? It all starts with understanding YouTube keyword search volume. Knowing what people are searching for is half the battle. If you're not tapping into the right keywords, your awesome content might just be floating in the digital void. So, let's dive into how you can uncover those golden keywords and boost your YouTube game!
Why Keyword Search Volume Matters on YouTube
First off, why should you even care about keyword search volume? Simple. It's the heartbeat of YouTube SEO. Think of it this way: you've created this amazing video, but nobody's watching. Why? Because you haven't optimized it for what people are actually searching for. Understanding search volume helps you create content that people are actively looking for, driving more views, subscribers, and watch time.
Keywords with high search volume indicate popular topics, but they're also highly competitive. Keywords with low search volume might be easier to rank for, but they won't bring in as much traffic. Your goal is to find that sweet spot – keywords that have a decent search volume and aren't dominated by huge channels. This is where keyword research becomes your best friend. By targeting the right keywords, you increase your chances of appearing in search results and suggested videos, which leads to more organic growth.
Furthermore, understanding keyword search volume allows you to tailor your content to match viewer intent. If you know the specific questions people are asking, you can create videos that directly answer those questions. This not only improves your search ranking but also keeps viewers engaged, as they find exactly what they're looking for. So, before you even think about filming your next video, take the time to research your keywords and understand their potential impact.
Free Ways to Check YouTube Keyword Search Volume
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. You don't always need to break the bank to find valuable keyword data. Here are some free methods to get you started:
1. YouTube Suggest
YouTube Suggest is like your personal keyword guru, and it's totally free! Start typing a broad keyword related to your video idea into the YouTube search bar. YouTube will automatically suggest related search terms. These suggestions are based on what people are actively searching for, giving you immediate insight into popular keywords. For example, if you're planning a video about 'beginner guitar lessons,' start typing that in, and you might see suggestions like 'beginner guitar lessons for kids,' 'beginner guitar lessons acoustic,' or 'beginner guitar lessons online.'
This method is incredibly useful for identifying long-tail keywords – longer, more specific phrases that people use when they're looking for something specific. Long-tail keywords often have lower competition and can be easier to rank for. Keep a running list of these suggestions and use them to brainstorm video topics and optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags. The more relevant and specific your keywords, the better your chances of attracting the right audience.
Additionally, pay attention to the order in which YouTube presents these suggestions. The terms that appear higher in the list are generally more popular. This gives you a quick and easy way to prioritize your keywords. YouTube Suggest is a dynamic tool, constantly updating based on current search trends, so make it a regular part of your keyword research process.
2. Google Trends
Google Trends is another powerhouse free tool that can provide valuable insights into keyword popularity over time. While it doesn't give you exact search volumes, it shows you the relative interest in a particular keyword or topic. Enter your keyword into Google Trends and see how its popularity has changed over the past year, five years, or even longer. This can help you identify trending topics and seasonal keywords.
One of the most useful features of Google Trends is its ability to compare multiple keywords side by side. This allows you to see which keywords are more popular and which ones are declining in interest. You can also filter your results by region, which is especially helpful if you're targeting a specific audience. For example, if you're creating content about 'best hiking trails,' you can see which regions have the most interest in hiking and tailor your content accordingly.
Google Trends also provides related queries and topics, which can help you discover new keyword ideas and content opportunities. These related queries are often long-tail keywords that can be highly valuable for your YouTube SEO. By analyzing these trends, you can create content that is not only relevant but also timely, increasing your chances of attracting viewers and gaining traction on YouTube.
3. YouTube Analytics
If you already have a YouTube channel, your YouTube Analytics dashboard is a goldmine of information. It shows you which keywords people are using to find your videos. Go to the 'Traffic Source: YouTube Search' report to see the exact search terms that are driving traffic to your channel. This data is incredibly valuable because it's based on real user behavior on your channel.
By analyzing these search terms, you can identify which keywords are working well and which ones are not. You can then optimize your existing videos by incorporating these high-performing keywords into your titles, descriptions, and tags. Additionally, you can use this data to inform your future content strategy, creating videos that target the keywords that are already attracting viewers to your channel.
Furthermore, YouTube Analytics can help you understand the demographics and interests of your audience. This information can be used to refine your keyword research and create content that resonates with your target audience. For example, if you notice that a significant portion of your viewers are interested in 'beginner cooking recipes,' you can create more videos on that topic and optimize them for related keywords.
Paid Tools for In-Depth Keyword Research
If you're serious about YouTube SEO, investing in a paid keyword research tool can be a game-changer. These tools provide more detailed data and advanced features that can help you uncover hidden keyword opportunities. Here are a couple of popular options:
1. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a comprehensive SEO tool that offers a range of features for keyword research, competitor analysis, and backlink analysis. Its Keyword Explorer tool allows you to find keyword ideas, analyze search volume, and assess keyword difficulty. Ahrefs also provides detailed data on click-through rates, cost-per-click, and other metrics that can help you make informed decisions about your keyword strategy.
One of the most valuable features of Ahrefs is its ability to analyze your competitors' YouTube channels. You can see which keywords they're ranking for, which videos are driving the most traffic, and which backlinks they've acquired. This information can be used to identify opportunities to outrank your competitors and attract more viewers to your channel.
Ahrefs also offers a YouTube Keyword Tool, which is specifically designed for YouTube SEO. This tool allows you to find keyword ideas related to your niche, analyze their search volume, and assess their competition. It also provides data on the number of clicks each keyword generates, which can help you prioritize your efforts and focus on the keywords that are most likely to drive traffic to your channel.
2. TubeBuddy
TubeBuddy is a popular YouTube SEO tool that offers a range of features for keyword research, video optimization, and channel management. Its Keyword Explorer tool allows you to find keyword ideas, analyze search volume, and assess keyword competition directly within YouTube. TubeBuddy also provides real-time feedback on your video titles, descriptions, and tags, helping you optimize your content for search.
One of the most useful features of TubeBuddy is its ability to analyze your competitors' videos. You can see which keywords they're using, which tags they've added, and how well their videos are performing. This information can be used to identify opportunities to improve your own videos and outrank your competitors.
TubeBuddy also offers a range of other features, such as thumbnail generator, video link promotion tools, and comment moderation tools. These features can help you streamline your YouTube workflow and save time on channel management. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set, TubeBuddy is a valuable tool for any YouTube creator looking to grow their channel.
Tips for Using Keyword Search Volume Data
Alright, so you've got all this keyword data. Now what? Here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Focus on Long-Tail Keywords: These are more specific and often have less competition.
- Analyze the Competition: See what other videos are ranking for your target keywords and how you can create better content.
- Optimize Titles and Descriptions: Include your target keywords naturally in your video titles and descriptions.
- Use Relevant Tags: Add tags that are closely related to your video topic.
- Monitor Your Analytics: Track your video performance and adjust your keyword strategy as needed.
By following these tips and continuously refining your keyword strategy, you can significantly improve your YouTube SEO and attract more viewers to your channel. Remember, keyword research is an ongoing process, so stay updated on the latest trends and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Checking YouTube keyword search volume doesn't have to be a mystery. Whether you're using free tools like YouTube Suggest and Google Trends or investing in paid tools like Ahrefs and TubeBuddy, the key is to stay informed and adaptable. By understanding what your audience is searching for and optimizing your content accordingly, you can unlock the full potential of your YouTube channel and achieve your goals. Now go out there and conquer YouTube, guys!