Key Takeaways
- Learn 17 effective techniques to optimize YouTube video descriptions for increased viewership and engagement.
- Understand the importance of keyword research and placement for improved search visibility and discoverability.
- Gain insights into audience preferences and trending search terms to tailor descriptions for maximum impact.
Imagine you’re scrolling through YouTube, looking for a video to watch. You come across a video with an intriguing title, but the description is a complete snoozefest. Do you click on it? Probably not.
A good YouTube description can make all the difference in whether or not someone clicks on your video. It’s your chance to sell your video and convince people to give it a watch. But what makes a good YouTube description? Here are 17 tips to help you write descriptions that will get people clicking:
1. Be specific
Your description should give viewers a clear idea of what your video is about. Don’t be vague or general. For example, instead of writing “My new video is about cooking,” write “My new video is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect chocolate chip cookies.”
2. Do keyword research
When people search for videos on YouTube, they use keywords. So it’s important to include relevant keywords in your description so that your video shows up in search results. To find relevant keywords, use a keyword research tool like Google Keyword Planner or YouTube’s own keyword suggestion tool.
3. Use searchable keywords
Not all keywords are created equal. Some keywords are more popular than others, and they’re more likely to help your video rank in search results. When choosing keywords, focus on those that are relevant to your video and that have a high search volume.
4. Learn how to use keywords effectively
Once you’ve chosen your keywords, you need to use them effectively in your description. Don’t just stuff them in there randomly. Instead, use them naturally throughout your description, including in the title, the first few sentences, and the tags.
5. Know where to use your keywords
Not all parts of your description are equally important for SEO. The most important part is the first 100 characters, which is what shows up in search results. So make sure to include your most important keywords in this section.
6. Identify keywords that your audience is searching for
The best way to find keywords that your audience is searching for is to look at the search terms that people are using to find your videos. You can do this by going to YouTube Analytics and clicking on the “Traffic Sources” tab. Then, click on the “Search” tab to see a list of the keywords that people have used to find your videos.
7. Identify videos that your audience is watching
Another way to find keywords that your audience is searching for is to look at the videos that they’re watching. You can do this by going to YouTube Analytics and clicking on the “Audience” tab. Then, click on the “Watch Time” tab to see a list of the videos that your audience has watched.
8. Provide value
Your description should provide value to viewers. It should give them a reason to watch your video. For example, you could include a list of the benefits of watching your video, or you could offer a freebie or discount to viewers who watch your video.
9. Include important information above the fold to improve click-through rate
The “fold” is the point at which a viewer has to scroll down to see more of your description. Make sure to include your most important information above the fold so that viewers can see it without having to scroll down.
10. Avoid clickbait
Clickbait is content that is designed to get people to click on it, even if it’s not actually interesting or valuable. Don’t use clickbait in your descriptions. It will only hurt your channel in the long run.
11. Use a call to action
Tell viewers what you want them to do after watching your video. Do you want them to subscribe to your channel? Leave a comment? Visit your website? Make sure to include a clear call to action in your description.
12. Write for humans
Don’t write your descriptions for robots. Write them for humans. Use natural language and avoid using jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.
13. Don’t spend too much time on tags
Tags are not as important as they used to be. So don’t spend too much time trying to come up with the perfect tags. Just use a few relevant keywords that describe your video.
14. Chapter your video
If your video is long, consider adding chapters to it. This will make it easier for viewers to find the parts of your video that they’re most interested in.
15. Insert links in your YouTube descriptions
You can insert links in your YouTube descriptions to direct viewers to your website, your social media profiles, or other videos on your channel.
16. Save time with default descriptions
If you’re short on time, you can use YouTube’s default descriptions. These descriptions are automatically generated based on the title and tags of your video.
17. Test your descriptions on multiple devices
Make sure your descriptions look good on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Bonus: Here are some additional tips for writing effective YouTube descriptions:
- Use humor to make your descriptions more engaging.
- Use storytelling to connect with your audience on a personal level.
- Use strong verbs to make your descriptions more action-oriented.
- Use numbers to make your descriptions more specific and credible.
- Use quotes to add credibility to your descriptions.
Conclusion: Writing effective YouTube descriptions is essential for getting people to watch your videos. By following these tips, you can write descriptions that will make your videos more discoverable, engaging, and persuasive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the ideal length for a YouTube description?
The ideal length for a YouTube description is between 150 and 250 characters.
How many keywords should I use in my YouTube description?
You should use between 3 and 5 keywords in your YouTube description.
Where should I place my keywords in my YouTube description?
You should place your keywords in the title, the first few sentences, and the tags of your YouTube description.
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