Use Keywords Relevant to Your Topic

Include keywords that accurately describe the content of your video in the title. This helps viewers understand what the video is about and aids in search discoverability. Put the most important keywords at the beginning of the title.

​

Keep Titles Concise and Under 60 Characters

Shorter titles around 60 characters or less ensure the full title is visible on most devices without getting truncated. Aim for 5-7 words max.

​

Incorporate Numbers or Trigger Words

Using numbers (e.g. "5 Tips for...") or trigger words like "How to", "Best", "Ultimate" etc. can make titles more compelling and clickable.

​

Avoid Clickbait or Misleading Titles

Don't use sensationalized, unrealistic or misleading titles just to get clicks. This goes against YouTube's policies and can hurt your metrics if viewers don't watch through.

​

Align Titles with Thumbnails

Make sure your title and thumbnail complement each other and accurately represent the video content for a cohesive message.

​

Study Successful Titles in Your Niche

Look at popular videos in your topic area for title inspiration and trends that seem to be performing well with your target audience.The key is writing titles that are accurate, attention-grabbing, and optimized for both humans and YouTube's search algorithm. Concise, keyword-rich titles with a compelling hook tend to drive more views.

​

How to optimize YouTube titles for SEO

​

Include Your Target Keyword

The title is the most important metadata for YouTube SEO, so include your main target keyword or phrase in the title. Put the keyword towards the beginning of the title as YouTube puts more weight on words at the start.

​

Use Keyword Variations

In addition to the main keyword, try to work in related keywords, synonyms, and natural language variations that people may search for on the same topic.

​

Keep Titles Concise and Descriptive

Aim for around 5-7 words and 60 characters max so the full title displays in results. Make titles clear and accurately descriptive of the video content.

​

Incorporate Engaging Words/Phrases

Use numbers, adjectives like "best", "ultimate", etc. to make titles more compelling and clickable. But avoid clickbait or overly sensational language.

​

Match User Search Intent

Study what people are actually searching for related to your topic using keyword research tools. Then craft titles that directly match that intent.

​

Analyze Top-Ranking Titles

Look at the titles of the current top videos for your target keywords and identify common themes, word choices, structures etc. that are performing well.The key is creating titles that are accurate, descriptive, use the right keywords, and entice clicks - all while avoiding clickbait tactics that can hurt your video's discoverability. Consistently optimizing titles is crucial for getting your videos found more easily in YouTube's search results.

​

How to use power words in YouTube titles to improve SEO

​

Use Emotional Power Words

Incorporate emotionally-charged power words like "amazing", "surprising", "unbelievable", "mind-blowing" etc. into your titles. These tend to be more attention-grabbing and can increase click-through rates from search results.

​

Leverage Curiosity Power Words

Words like "secret", "weird", "strange", "unexpected" etc. can pique curiosity and compel viewers to click on your video to find out more.

​

Utilize Superlative Power Words

Superlatives like "best", "ultimate", "top", "greatest" position your content as high-quality and authoritative on the topic.

​

Sprinkle in Instructional Power Words

For how-to videos, use words like "tips", "tricks", "hacks", "tutorial" to indicate the video will teach the viewer something useful.

​

Place Power Words Early in Titles

Put your most compelling power words towards the beginning of the title, as YouTube puts more weight on words at the start for ranking purposes.The key is using power words judiciously and ensuring your title accurately represents the content. Overusing power words or making misleading claims can backfire and hurt your video's metrics. A good power word title grabs attention while setting realistic expectations for what the viewer will get.Combining this with your main target keywords can make your titles more clickable in YouTube's search results, improving discoverability and view counts over time

​