youtube-seo

# Platforms: YouTube SEO Guides YouTube video and channel optimization for search and discovery. **Google now prioritizes YouTube video results** in search; YouTube + Reddit comprise ~78% of social media citations in AI Overviews. Title, description, and thumbnail form an interconnected system; channels using systematic keyword strategies see 156% longer view durations, 89% better CTR, and 312% higher search discovery. Use this skill when optimizing videos for YouTube search, Google search, and AI citation. For website-embedded video SEO, see **video-optimization**. **When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output. ## Initial Assessment **Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read Sections 6 (Keywords), 11 (Content Strategy). Identify: 1. **Video type**: Tutorial, review, vlog, Shorts 2. **Target keyword**: Primary and secondary 3. **Audience**: Subscribers vs casual viewers ## Video Titles | Rule | Guideline | |------|-----------| | **Length** | Under 60 characters; mobile may show partial | | **Keyword** | Primary keyword in first 5–55 characters | | **Structure** | Social proof/authority + emotional trigger + primary keyword | | **Style** | Conversational; avoid keyword stuffing | | **Avoid** | ALL CAPS except emphasis | ## Video Descriptions | Rule | Guideline | |------|-----------| | **First 2–3 sentences** | Primary and secondary keywords naturally; meta description under 160 chars | | **Links** | Website, store, relevant resources | | **Readability** | Natural flow; help search understand topic | ## Tags - Help YouTube understand content; titles and descriptions matter more - Use relevant tags; avoid over-optimization ## Thumbnails 90% of best-performing videos use custom thumbnails. | Rule | Guideline | |------|-----------| | **Contrast** | High contrast; readable fonts; bold colors | | **Composition** | Rule of thirds; simple, uncluttered | | **Audience** | Consider subscribers vs casual viewers | | **Test** | What works evolves; test styles | ## Title + Description + Thumbnail Reinforce the same core message across all three; target different algorithm aspects. ## Output Format - **Title** options (under 60 chars) - **Description** (first 160 chars + full) - **Tags** (relevant set) - **Thumbnail** guidance (elements, text, composition) ## YouTube in Google Search & GEO | Context | Implication | |---------|-------------| | **Google prioritization** | YouTube is core search infrastructure; 48.6B monthly visits; video results favored in main SERP, video mode, Discover | | **AI Overviews** | YouTube citations surged 25.21% since Jan 2025; instructional (+35.6%), visual demos (+32.5%); long-form (94%) dominates | | **GEO** | YouTube + Reddit = ~78% of social media citations; optimize for AI citation. See **generative-engine-optimization** | [Search Engine Land](https://searchengineland.com/youtube-seo-ai-overviews-467253), [OtterlyAI](https://otterly.ai/blog/the-youtube-citation-study-2026/) ## Related Skills - **video-marketing**: Video script, hook, structure - **video-optimization**: Website video SEO; VideoObject; video sitemap; embed optimization - **youtube-ads**: YouTube paid ads (TrueView, Bumper) - **content-marketing**: Video as content format - **parasite-seo**: YouTube as high-authority platform - **generative-engine-optimization**: GEO strategy; YouTube as distribution for AI citation