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Keyword Research for YouTube

Reveals the search terms viewers use on YouTube so you can choose video topics and optimise titles, descriptions, and tags around real demand.

If you have ever picked a keyword with high volume but still failed to rank, you already know that search demand alone does not guarantee visibility.

Key points

  • Start with a broad seed topic and expand using YouTube autocomplete and related queries.
  • Validate both search demand and ranking potential before committing to a topic.
  • Prioritise one primary keyword per video with a few tightly related supporting terms.
  • Include the exact target keyword in the title and repeat it naturally in the description.

A keyword with volume but no ranking potential

A beauty channel researched 'makeup tutorial' with 50,000 monthly searches. They created a generic video, but the top results were from established channels with millions of subscribers. The video received fewer than 200 views in three months. Meanwhile, a youtube seo approach targeting long tail keywords like 'easy makeup tutorial for beginners over 40' had only 800 searches but ranked on page one and drove steady traffic.

Three situations where keyword research changes your decision

  • Low volume, high intent A keyword with only 200 searches per month can still drive conversions if the intent is transactional or specific. Prioritise these over broad keywords youtube terms with weak intent.
  • High volume, strong competition A term like 'vlog' may have millions of searches, but top results come from channels with millions of subscribers. Your video has little chance unless you target a niche sub-topic and check keyword difficulty.
  • Seasonal spikes Keywords like 'Christmas gift ideas' surge in November. Researching seasonality with Google Trends lets you plan content months ahead and capture the peak demand window.

Three ways keyword research goes wrong

  • Chasing volume alone Selecting a keyword solely by monthly search count ignores competition and channel authority. You may end up with a video that never appears in search results.
  • Ignoring search intent A keyword like 'how to bake bread' implies tutorial intent. If your video is a product review, viewers will leave quickly, hurting engagement signals.
  • Overloading tags Packing tags with loosely related phrases dilutes relevance. Modern YouTube guidance emphasises titles and descriptions more than tags for ranking.

Common questions

What are the best keywords for a YouTube channel?

There is no universal list; the best keywords depend on your niche, audience, and content. Use keyword research to find terms with real search demand and manageable competition.

How can I do keyword research for YouTube for free?

Use YouTube autocomplete, the alphabet trick, and Google Trends set to YouTube Search. These methods cost nothing and provide real search data.

Sources

  1. YouTube Help / Creator Academy Official guidance on video optimisation and keyword use.
  2. YouTube Creator Academy Courses covering keyword research and content strategy.
  3. Google Trends Set to YouTube Search to evaluate seasonal and rising topics.
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