Free YouTube Keyword Volume Tools: Find The Best!

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Alright, guys, let's dive into the world of YouTube and how to really nail your keyword strategy without spending a dime. If you're trying to boost your views, subscribers, and overall channel growth, understanding keyword volume is absolutely crucial. So, what's the deal with free YouTube keyword volume tools, and which ones are worth your time? Let's break it down!

Why Keyword Volume Matters for YouTube

First off, why should you even care about keyword volume? Think of it this way: every search on YouTube starts with a keyword. When someone types in "best gaming mouse" or "easy vegan recipes," they're telling YouTube exactly what they want to see. If you want your videos to show up in those search results, you need to use the same keywords your audience is using.

Keyword volume tells you how many people are searching for a specific term each month. High-volume keywords mean more potential viewers, but also more competition. Low-volume keywords might not bring in as many views, but they can be easier to rank for. Finding that sweet spot is the key to a successful YouTube strategy.

Understanding keyword volume is essential for several reasons:

  • Discoverability: High-volume keywords increase the chances of your videos being found by a larger audience.
  • Relevance: Using relevant keywords ensures your content reaches viewers interested in your topic.
  • Competition: Analyzing keyword volume helps you assess the competition and find opportunities to rank higher.
  • Content Strategy: Keyword research informs your content strategy, guiding you to create videos that people are actively searching for.
  • SEO Optimization: Optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords improves your search engine optimization (SEO) on YouTube.

Ultimately, keyword volume helps you make data-driven decisions about your content. By understanding what your audience is searching for, you can create videos that meet their needs and increase your channel's visibility.

Top Free YouTube Keyword Volume Tools

Okay, let's get to the good stuff: the actual tools you can use to find those golden keywords. Here are some of the best free options out there:

1. Google Keyword Planner

While primarily designed for Google Ads, the Google Keyword Planner can also be a fantastic resource for YouTube keyword research. You'll need a Google account to use it, but it's completely free to sign up. The Keyword Planner helps you discover new keywords related to your business, analyze their search volume, and estimate the cost of running ads for those keywords. While the tool is geared towards advertisers, the data it provides can be invaluable for YouTube creators looking to optimize their content.

Here's how to use Google Keyword Planner for YouTube:

  1. Sign In: Log in to your Google Ads account or create a new one if you don't have one.
  2. Access Keyword Planner: Go to "Tools & Settings" and select "Keyword Planner."
  3. Discover New Keywords: Choose the "Discover new keywords" option.
  4. Enter Seed Keywords: Type in keywords related to your YouTube channel's topic. For example, if you run a cooking channel, you might enter keywords like "easy recipes," "quick meals," or "dinner ideas."
  5. Filter by Location and Language: Specify the target location and language of your audience.
  6. Get Results: Review the list of keyword suggestions, along with their average monthly search volume, competition, and other relevant metrics.
  7. Analyze and Refine: Identify keywords with high search volume and low competition. These are the keywords you'll want to target in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.

One of the key benefits of using Google Keyword Planner is its ability to provide accurate search volume data directly from Google. This can help you make informed decisions about which keywords to target and how to optimize your content for maximum visibility. Additionally, the tool offers insights into keyword trends, allowing you to identify seasonal or emerging topics that may be relevant to your audience.

2. YouTube Autocomplete

This one is super simple but incredibly effective. Start typing a keyword into the YouTube search bar, and watch what pops up. These are actual searches people are making, giving you real-time insights into popular topics.

YouTube Autocomplete, also known as YouTube Suggest, is a feature that predicts search queries as you type them into the search bar. It provides a list of suggested search terms based on what other users have searched for, offering valuable insights into popular topics and keywords. By leveraging YouTube Autocomplete, content creators can gain a better understanding of what their audience is interested in and tailor their content accordingly.

Here's how to make the most of YouTube Autocomplete:

  1. Start Typing: Begin typing a keyword or phrase related to your YouTube channel's topic into the search bar.
  2. Observe Suggestions: Pay attention to the list of suggested search terms that appear below the search bar.
  3. Identify Trends: Look for patterns and trends in the suggestions. Are there any recurring themes or specific topics that seem particularly popular?
  4. Expand Your Research: Use the suggestions as a starting point for further research. Explore related keywords and topics to gain a deeper understanding of your audience's interests.
  5. Create Targeted Content: Use the insights you've gathered to create content that directly addresses the needs and interests of your audience.

One of the key benefits of YouTube Autocomplete is its ability to provide real-time data on what people are searching for. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and create content that is both relevant and engaging. Additionally, the feature is completely free and easy to use, making it accessible to creators of all levels.

3. Keywords Everywhere

Keywords Everywhere is a handy browser extension that shows you search volume, CPC, and competition data right in the YouTube search results. It works with Chrome and Firefox, making it super accessible.

Keywords Everywhere is a browser extension that provides keyword research data directly within your search results. It displays search volume, cost-per-click (CPC), and competition data for keywords on various websites, including Google, YouTube, and other search engines. By using Keywords Everywhere, content creators can quickly and easily identify high-value keywords and optimize their content for better search engine rankings.

To get started with Keywords Everywhere:

  1. Install the Extension: Download and install the Keywords Everywhere browser extension for Chrome or Firefox.
  2. Create an Account: Sign up for a free or paid account to access the tool's full range of features.
  3. Perform a Search: Conduct a search on Google, YouTube, or another supported website.
  4. View Keyword Data: Keywords Everywhere will display keyword data, such as search volume, CPC, and competition, directly within the search results.
  5. Analyze and Refine: Use the data to identify keywords with high search volume and low competition. These are the keywords you'll want to target in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.

One of the key benefits of Keywords Everywhere is its ability to provide keyword data in real-time, without the need to switch between different tools or websites. This can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality content. Additionally, the extension offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the data to your specific needs and preferences.

4. TubeBuddy

TubeBuddy is a powerful suite of tools specifically designed for YouTube creators. While it has paid plans, the free version offers valuable keyword research features, including keyword suggestions and competition analysis.

TubeBuddy is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help YouTube creators optimize their channels, grow their audience, and manage their content more effectively. It offers a range of features, including keyword research, video SEO, competitor analysis, and social media promotion. By using TubeBuddy, creators can gain valuable insights into their channel's performance and make data-driven decisions to improve their results.

Here's how to leverage TubeBuddy for YouTube growth:

  1. Install the Extension: Download and install the TubeBuddy browser extension for Chrome or Firefox.
  2. Connect Your Channel: Connect your YouTube channel to TubeBuddy to access its full range of features.
  3. Perform Keyword Research: Use TubeBuddy's keyword research tools to identify high-value keywords for your videos.
  4. Optimize Your Videos: Use TubeBuddy's video SEO tools to optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags for better search engine rankings.
  5. Analyze Your Competitors: Use TubeBuddy's competitor analysis tools to track the performance of your competitors and identify opportunities to stand out.

One of the key benefits of TubeBuddy is its ability to provide a comprehensive set of tools in one convenient platform. This can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality content. Additionally, TubeBuddy offers a range of educational resources and support materials to help you get the most out of the tool.

How to Use These Tools Effectively

Okay, so you've got your tools. Now what? Here’s how to make the most of them:

1. Brainstorm and Gather Seed Keywords

Start by brainstorming a list of keywords related to your channel's topic. Think about what your audience is interested in and what they might search for on YouTube. These initial keywords will serve as a starting point for your research.

Seed keywords are the foundation of your keyword research strategy. These are the initial terms and phrases that you enter into keyword research tools to generate a list of related keywords. The quality of your seed keywords will directly impact the quality of your research, so it's important to choose them carefully.

To brainstorm seed keywords, consider the following:

  • Your Niche: What is the main topic of your YouTube channel?
  • Your Audience: What are your viewers interested in?
  • Your Content: What types of videos do you create?

Once you have a list of seed keywords, you can use keyword research tools to expand your research and identify additional keywords that may be relevant to your channel.

2. Analyze Keyword Volume and Competition

Use the tools mentioned above to analyze the search volume and competition for your keywords. Look for keywords with high search volume and low competition. These are the keywords that offer the greatest potential for your videos to rank higher in search results.

When analyzing keyword volume and competition, consider the following:

  • Search Volume: How many people are searching for this keyword each month?
  • Competition: How difficult is it to rank for this keyword?
  • Relevance: How relevant is this keyword to your channel and your audience?

By carefully analyzing these factors, you can identify the keywords that are most likely to drive traffic to your videos and help you grow your channel.

3. Refine Your Keyword List

Based on your analysis, refine your keyword list to focus on the most promising keywords. Remove any keywords that are too competitive or irrelevant. Add new keywords that you discovered during your research.

Refining your keyword list is an ongoing process. As you create new videos and analyze your channel's performance, you may need to adjust your keyword strategy to stay ahead of the curve. By continuously refining your keyword list, you can ensure that you're targeting the right keywords and maximizing your chances of success on YouTube.

4. Optimize Your Video Titles, Descriptions, and Tags

Use your target keywords to optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Make sure to include your keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing. The goal is to create content that is both informative and optimized for search engines.

Optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags is essential for improving your search engine rankings and driving traffic to your videos. Here are some tips for optimizing your video content:

  • Titles: Use your target keywords in your video titles. Keep your titles concise and attention-grabbing.
  • Descriptions: Write detailed and informative descriptions that include your target keywords. Provide context and information about your video.
  • Tags: Use a variety of relevant tags to help YouTube understand what your video is about.

By optimizing your video content, you can increase the chances of your videos being found by viewers who are searching for your topic.

Pro Tips for YouTube Keyword Research

Alright, here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to help you crush it:

  • Long-Tail Keywords: Don't just focus on broad keywords. Long-tail keywords (longer, more specific phrases) often have less competition and can attract a highly targeted audience. For example, instead of "cooking," try "easy vegan dinner recipes for beginners."
  • Analyze Competitors: See what keywords your competitors are using. Tools like TubeBuddy can help you spy on their tags and descriptions.
  • Stay Updated: Keyword trends change over time. Regularly revisit your keyword research and adjust your strategy as needed.
  • Use a Mix of Keywords: Don't just focus on high-volume keywords. A mix of high-volume and low-volume keywords can help you attract a broader audience.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right keywords is essential for YouTube success, and you don't need to break the bank to do it. These free tools can give you a solid foundation for your keyword strategy. So, get out there, do your research, and start optimizing your videos for maximum visibility! You got this!