YouTube Video Optimization
According to Statista, YouTube had over two billion monthly users as of May 2019.
And every passing minute, nearly 500 hours of videos were being uploaded onto the platform.
Moreover, as per Omnicore, there are roughly 50 million users that are creating content on YouTube.
The data clearly shows that while there is a lot of potential for marketers to
benefit from this video sharing platform due to its incredible reach,
there is as well the worry of high penetration and low entry barriers
which results in high competition.
Since each second, multiple videos are
uploaded to YouTube chances of your video being disappeared are as high as the sky.
Thus, marketers, vloggers, and content creators, all are focused to find tricks that ensure high visibility of their videos – to improve the engagement process.
More than content, what you need today is effective optimization techniques. Here are some:
Keyword Integration is your key to optimization:
Keyword integration is an important and proven SEO technique used to optimize all kinds of digital content. You need to include relevant keywords in the content of your video for effective results.
Though, sourcing the right keywords is a tricky task.
Instead of random picking of the keywords, you will have to carry out some thorough research, for instance,
analyze your competitor’s videos, auto-complete search results,
and integrate tools such as VidIQ, TubeBuddy and KeywordTool.io, and so on.
Finding out the proper keywords can be a time-consuming task, so sit tight!
Add Metadata:
It may look like an unnecessary hassle to add extra information when uploading a video, but believe me when I say; Metadata is not something to be taken lightly. Adding the required data is one great way to improve your video’s SEO value and relevance.
Metadata that is imperative to add includes the following:
Video title
The video title is the first piece of content that any viewer sees.
If you want to engage YouTube’s diverse users to view your video out of the hundreds of others, then you better need to roll up your sleeves.
The first thing you need is catchy titles that can pull the crowd.
Make sure your title is keyword-specific so that viewers know exactly what they are signing up for when clicking your video.
Being upfront will always help you in keeping your bounce rate to a minimum.
And don’t forget to employ two keywords in your title, and make sure your title includes the specific niche in which it is falling.
This way, it will become easier for YouTube algorithms to identify as well as recommend your video to many people.
Meta description
The Meta description is vital for search engines to identify and correctly classify the content in their search results.
This is not just relevant for blogs or webpages but is important for YouTube videos as well.
The Meta description can be seen directly beneath the title of the video on SERPs.
It is a brief 160 characters description in which you need to effectively describe your video by incorporating precise and relevant keywords.
Video tags
Adding appropriate tags to your videos ensures better and effective YouTube rankings.
Video tags help the platform categorize and recommend your video to all viewers.
According to YouTube’s Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan, 70% of viewers watch what is recommended to them by YouTube’s recommendation algorithm.
Thus, always choose wisely your tags. Also, include your picked keywords in the tags too, along with your brand name.
Append the transcript:
A transcript is the word-for-word documentation of everything said and done in the video.
You can skillfully leverage your transcript by placing appropriate keywords in it that will elevate the SEO value of your content.
Transcripts can also act like your blog posts. Embed your video and post the transcript as its written content, and see the magic!
Other tactics:
Apart from the major ones we have discussed above,
there are a few other SEO optimization techniques too that can enhance the reach and viewership of your YouTube channel and videos.
Using white-hat tactics in your video marketing strategy can help you not only build trust and loyal following but much more.
Eye-catching thumbnail graphic
Thumbnails are the second most important aspects of your video that can garner many clicks.
Not only should the thumbnail graphic of your video be aesthetically pleasing and attractive,
but it should also communicate the essence of the video. Any video with a thumbnail that goes against its content or too much clutter will be instantly skipped by viewers.
When decoding your video’s thumbnail graphic, it is better to create two to three different styles before jumping to the final one.
Also,
stay up-to-date with the current YouTube trends so that your content doesn’t appear outdated.
You can also use other things such as a shot of your face, play with different fonts and sizes for maximum readability, and elegantly use color psychology.
Keep in mind graphics are used to boost your brand image and the content idea, so utilize it accordingly.
Content share-ability
Always add call-to-action at the end of your video and ask your viewers to share their thoughts in the comments section.
This will not only boost your viewership but will also help you create more relevant content.
YouTube has integrated share buttons for viewers’ convenience now.
Bring your viewers’ attention to those buttons by adding a call to action request at the end of your video.
New video content
Keep adding new videos to your channel to stay fresh among the audience.
If possible, start a completely new video series and regularly add new episodes; since the more content,
you add the more prominent your channel will be.
Create a proper content strategy with a feasible upload calendar to avoid going MIA on YouTube.
Implementing these strategies can help you optimize your YouTube video content for various things such as better SEO, greater reach, viewership base, and conversions.
The more the video reaches to various people, the more views and engagement you will have, and that’s the bottom line.