YouTube Keyword Research: 2022 Guide For Creators

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! So, you're diving into the wild world of YouTube, huh? Awesome! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your channel, YouTube keyword research is absolutely crucial in 2022. Think of it as the secret sauce, the invisible hand that guides viewers to your videos. Without it, you're essentially shouting into the void. So, let's break down everything you need to know about finding the perfect keywords to skyrocket your views, subscribers, and overall channel success. We'll cover what keywords are, why they're important, and how to find them. Get ready to transform your YouTube game!

What Exactly ARE YouTube Keywords, Anyway?

Alright, let's start with the basics. YouTube keywords are simply the words or phrases that people type into the YouTube search bar when they're looking for videos. These are the terms users are using to find content, and they act as a bridge connecting your video with potential viewers. When you upload a video, you get to add a title, description, and tags. Keywords are integrated into all of these. They help YouTube understand what your video is about, so it can recommend it to the right people. Think of it like this: If you make a video about "how to bake a chocolate cake," your keywords might include "chocolate cake recipe," "easy chocolate cake," "best chocolate cake," or even just "chocolate cake." The more relevant your keywords are to your video's content, the better chance you have of being discovered. Using the right keywords increases the chances your video will rank higher in search results and appear in suggested videos. Without them, your video is lost in the vast expanse of YouTube! This also includes the use of hashtags. Hashtags are just like keywords, but are used in the description box of the video, and used to tag the video under a category to make it easier for people to find. Using hashtags correctly can also help viewers find your content more easily. Remember to keep the hashtags related to the content to maintain relevance, and to not overuse the hashtags, as it may be penalized by the Youtube algorithm.

Why Keywords Are the Lifeblood of Your YouTube Channel

Now, let's get into the why. Why is YouTube keyword research so darn important? Well, for a few key reasons:

  • Discoverability: Keywords are the foundation of YouTube's search algorithm. They help YouTube understand your video's topic and match it with relevant search queries. Without proper keyword optimization, your video is invisible to the vast majority of potential viewers. This makes it impossible for the channel to grow organically.
  • Targeted Traffic: By using specific keywords, you can attract viewers who are genuinely interested in your content. This means higher engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) and a more dedicated audience. Finding the right viewers that want to watch your content, will also help with the channel's algorithm as well. The more engagement you have from viewers, the more the algorithm will favor your content.
  • Competitive Advantage: Keyword research helps you understand what your competitors are doing and identify opportunities to stand out. By targeting less competitive keywords, you can increase your chances of ranking higher and gaining visibility. Standing out from the competition is tough, but can be done through the use of proper keywords.
  • Understanding Your Audience: Keyword research gives you valuable insights into what your audience is searching for and what kind of content they want to see. This helps you create videos that resonate with your viewers and keep them coming back for more.

So, basically, keywords are your ticket to YouTube success. Ignoring them is like trying to build a house without a foundation – it's just not going to work! You want to be on the cutting edge of what's going on on YouTube, so following keywords is a must.

How to Find the BEST YouTube Keywords: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, now for the fun part: actually finding those golden keywords. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you find the best keywords for your YouTube channel in 2022:

1. Brainstorming and Keyword Research Tools

First things first: Brainstorm! Think about your niche and the topics you want to cover. What questions would your target audience ask? What problems are they trying to solve? List out as many ideas as possible. Think about the types of videos you want to make, and what type of keywords would be best. Then, it's time to leverage some awesome tools. Here are some of the best YouTube keyword research tools:

  • YouTube Autocomplete: This is a goldmine! Simply start typing a search term into the YouTube search bar, and YouTube will suggest popular search queries. These suggestions are based on what people are actually searching for, giving you a sneak peek into real-world demand. Take advantage of what is already there!
  • Google Keyword Planner: If you have a Google Ads account, you can access the Google Keyword Planner. This tool gives you search volume data, competition levels, and related keyword ideas. This tool is very versatile, and can provide a lot of information on a lot of different aspects.
  • TubeBuddy and VidIQ: These are browser extensions specifically designed for YouTube. They provide a wealth of information about keywords, including search volume, competition, and SEO scores. They also offer valuable insights into your competitors' keywords. These tools are fantastic for helping with SEO.
  • Semrush and Ahrefs: These are more comprehensive SEO tools that offer detailed keyword research capabilities, competitor analysis, and backlink analysis. These are paid tools, but they can be incredibly powerful for serious content creators. If you are serious about your YouTube channel, these are a must.

2. Analyzing Your Competitors

Knowing your competition is essential. Find successful channels in your niche and analyze their keywords. What titles and descriptions are they using? What tags are they targeting? Use tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ to see their tags. This will give you valuable insights into what's working in your niche and help you identify opportunities to differentiate yourself.

3. Understanding Search Volume and Competition

When choosing keywords, consider search volume and competition. High search volume means more people are searching for that keyword, but it also means more competition. Low competition keywords are easier to rank for, but may not attract as many views. Aim for a balance. Use tools to see the volume and competition level for any certain keyword. You need to do the proper research, to make sure you have the right mix.

4. Long-Tail Keywords

Don't ignore long-tail keywords. These are longer, more specific phrases that people use when searching. They may have lower search volume, but they are often less competitive and attract highly targeted viewers. For example, instead of just "chocolate cake," try "easy chocolate cake recipe for beginners." The more specific you get, the better the results. Long-tail keywords will attract the right kind of viewers, and will help make the videos that much better.

5. Keyword Research Best Practices: Mastering the Art

Once you have your keyword ideas, it's time to implement some best practices.

  • Use keywords in your video title: Your title is the first thing people see, so make sure it includes your primary keyword.
  • Write a detailed description: Include your keywords naturally in your video description. Aim for at least 200-300 words and provide valuable information about your video. The more information, the better.
  • Utilize tags: Add relevant tags to your video. Use a mix of broad and specific keywords, as well as variations of your primary keywords. Tags are just as important as the title and description, so be sure not to ignore them.
  • Transcribe your video: Add a transcript to your video. This not only helps with accessibility but also provides YouTube with more context about your content, which can improve keyword relevance.
  • Monitor your analytics: Use YouTube Analytics to track your video's performance. See which keywords are driving the most views and engagement. This will help you refine your keyword strategy over time. Using Analytics will help improve the channel's performance.

The Real-World Application: Using Keywords in 2022

Okay, now let's get practical! How do you actually use all this keyword knowledge? Let's say you're creating a video about "how to make a smoothie." Here's a breakdown of how you might approach your keyword research and implementation:

  1. Brainstorm: Start by listing all the related terms you can think of: "smoothie recipe," "healthy smoothie," "green smoothie," "best smoothie blender," "smoothie for weight loss," etc.
  2. Use YouTube Autocomplete: Type "how to make a" into the search bar and see what suggestions pop up. This gives you ideas like "how to make a smoothie without a blender" or "how to make a smoothie for beginners."
  3. Research with Tools: Use TubeBuddy or VidIQ to analyze search volume, competition, and related keywords.
  4. Craft Your Title: Aim for something catchy and keyword-rich, like "Easy Smoothie Recipe for Beginners | Healthy Breakfast in Minutes!"
  5. Write Your Description: Include your primary keyword (