As with its parent company Google, YouTube utilizes keywords to ensure the relevance of its videos to user searches. Within YouTube, these keywords often manifest as tags, which are optional but beneficial for content discoverability.YouTube video tags, or simply tags, are descriptive keywords that can enhance a video’s context and visibility. There are two main categories of tags to consider when optimizing your content:
Video tags
Channel tags
Video tagsUpon uploading a video to YouTube, you are given the opportunity to add up to 500 characters worth of tags. These tags, distinct from those used in titles and descriptions, play a subtle role in YouTube’s SEO.Overuse of tags in titles or descriptions can lead to video removal, so it’s crucial to use them appropriately.Channel tagsChannel tags help YouTube categorize the overall content of your channel. Located in your channel settings, these tags should reflect the primary themes of your videos.When creating individual video tags, ensure they are specific to the content of the video, enhancing the relevance and discoverability of your content.Despite their importance, tags are a minor factor in YouTube’s search algorithm. They do not significantly impact SEO but can complement your overall keyword strategy.Focus on creating compelling titles and descriptions, but don’t hesitate to include relevant tags during your keyword research process.When conducting keyword research, choose terms that align with your video’s content. Avoid irrelevant keywords, as they can dilute the message of your video.Utilize YouTube’s search predictions and dedicated keyword tools to identify popular search terms. Tools like VidIQ and Tube Buddy offer valuable insights into competitor tags and ranking potential.Remember to maintain a list of keywords, limit the number of tags to five to eight relevant terms, and leverage competitor tags for inspiration.For a deeper dive into YouTube SEO, consider seeking assistance from SEO experts who can help optimize your channel and drive engagement.
