- Jan 11, 2023
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One common mistake I see most newbies make when starting YouTube is not optimizing their channel SEO properly from the beginning.
They pick a random channel name, then make videos on completely different topics. Their thumbnails aren’t consistent, every video has a different style, and even the voice-over changes each time.
YouTube SEO works just like blog or website SEO. You need to optimize your entire channel so that when users search for something on YouTube, your videos and channel have a real chance to appear in the results.
To make it easier to understand, I’ll break it down into two parts: Channel SEO and Video SEO.
PART 1: YOUTUBE CHANNEL SEO
This part focuses on optimizing your entire channel — from your channel name, banner, and description — so that when people search for a keyword in your niche, your channel can rank or at least get two of your videos to show up on the first page.
1. Use main keyword in the channel name
Prioritize using your main keyword or something closely related in your channel name.
For example, if your keyword is “The Sleepy Scientist,” you can use that exact phrase as your channel name.
2. Optimize your channel description
This is where you can include secondary keywords or long-tail variations.
Keep it short (under 300 characters) and make sure it clearly describes your main topic and content direction.
3. Create a consistent visual identity
Your thumbnails, channel banner, profile picture, intros, and outros should all share the same color palette and fonts.
This helps build brand recognition and shows YouTube that your channel is consistent and professional.
4. Optimize playlists
5. Maintain a consistent upload schedule
YouTube favors channels that upload regularly.
If you can’t post daily, aim for 2–3 videos per week, consistency matters more than quantity.
And always prioritize quality over speed.
PART 2: YOUTUBE VIDEO SEO
This section covers three key stages: Before Uploading – During Upload – After Upload.
1. Before uploading
2. During upload
Optimize the key elements:
Focus on those with high search volume but low competition.
For thumbnails, make sure there’s a human element or interaction, don’t rely entirely on AI-generated images.
If you use AI visuals, polish them in Canva by adding text, overlays, and elements to make them feel more authentic.
3. After uploading
The first 24 hours after publishing are crucial for YouTube to decide whether to recommend your video.
During this period, try to boost engagement, likes, comments, shares, and re-posts on your social platforms can make a huge difference.
YouTube SEO is all about building consistency and discoverability.
No matter what niche you’re in, optimizing your channel right after creating it already puts you ahead of most beginners.
They pick a random channel name, then make videos on completely different topics. Their thumbnails aren’t consistent, every video has a different style, and even the voice-over changes each time.
YouTube SEO works just like blog or website SEO. You need to optimize your entire channel so that when users search for something on YouTube, your videos and channel have a real chance to appear in the results.
To make it easier to understand, I’ll break it down into two parts: Channel SEO and Video SEO.
PART 1: YOUTUBE CHANNEL SEO
This part focuses on optimizing your entire channel — from your channel name, banner, and description — so that when people search for a keyword in your niche, your channel can rank or at least get two of your videos to show up on the first page.
1. Use main keyword in the channel namePrioritize using your main keyword or something closely related in your channel name.
For example, if your keyword is “The Sleepy Scientist,” you can use that exact phrase as your channel name.
2. Optimize your channel description This is where you can include secondary keywords or long-tail variations.
Keep it short (under 300 characters) and make sure it clearly describes your main topic and content direction.
3. Create a consistent visual identity Your thumbnails, channel banner, profile picture, intros, and outros should all share the same color palette and fonts.
This helps build brand recognition and shows YouTube that your channel is consistent and professional.
4. Optimize playlists- Create playlists based on related keywords.
- Group similar videos into one playlist to help YouTube understand your channel theme and increase session watch time.
5. Maintain a consistent upload scheduleYouTube favors channels that upload regularly.
If you can’t post daily, aim for 2–3 videos per week, consistency matters more than quantity.
And always prioritize quality over speed.
PART 2: YOUTUBE VIDEO SEO
This section covers three key stages: Before Uploading – During Upload – After Upload.
1. Before uploading- Rename your video file using your main keyword.
- Then go to Properties → Details and fill in all fields in the Description section with relevant information and keywords.
- These metadata signals help YouTube understand your video even before it’s published.
2. During uploadOptimize the key elements:
- Title
- Description
- Tags & Hashtags
- Thumbnail
- Subtitles
Focus on those with high search volume but low competition.
For thumbnails, make sure there’s a human element or interaction, don’t rely entirely on AI-generated images.
If you use AI visuals, polish them in Canva by adding text, overlays, and elements to make them feel more authentic.
3. After uploadingThe first 24 hours after publishing are crucial for YouTube to decide whether to recommend your video.
During this period, try to boost engagement, likes, comments, shares, and re-posts on your social platforms can make a huge difference.
YouTube SEO is all about building consistency and discoverability.
No matter what niche you’re in, optimizing your channel right after creating it already puts you ahead of most beginners.
