youtube-seo

Files (1)

• SKILL.md

SKILL.md (first lines)

# Platforms: YouTube SEO

Guides YouTube video and channel optimization for search and discovery. **Google now prioritizes YouTube video results** in search; YouTube + Reddit comprise ~78% of social media citations in AI Overviews. Title, description, and thumbnail form an interconnected system; channels using systematic keyword strategies see 156% longer view durations, 89% better CTR, and 312% higher search discovery. Use this skill when optimizing videos for YouTube search, Google search, and AI citation. For website-embedded video SEO, see **video-optimization**.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Initial Assessment

**Project context:** Read root `contextus.md` when present and load only the modules relevant to this task. Without Contextus, use available project material or user-provided facts and ask for missing information; do not create a parallel context system.

Identify:
1. **Video type**: Tutorial, review, vlog, Shorts
2. **Target keyword**: Primary and secondary
3. **Audience**: Subscribers vs casual viewers

## Video Titles

| Rule | Guideline |
|------|-----------|
| **Length** | Under 60 characters; mobile may show partial |
| **Keyword** | Primary keyword in first 5–55 characters |
| **Structure** | Social proof/authority + emotional trigger + primary keyword |
| **Style** | Conversational; avoid keyword stuffing |
| **Avoid** | ALL CAPS except emphasis |

## Video Descriptions

| Rule | Guideline |
|------|-----------|
| **First 2–3 sentences** | Primary and secondary keywords naturally; meta description under 160 chars |
| **Links** | Website, store, relevant resources |
| **Readability** | Natural flow; help search understand topic |

## Tags

- Help YouTube understand content; titles and descriptions matter more
- Use relevant tags; avoid over-optimization

## Thumbnails

90% of best-performing videos use custom thumbnails.

| Rule | Guideline |
|------|-----------|
| **Contrast** | High contrast; readable fonts; bold colors |
| **Composition** | Rule of thirds; simple, uncluttered |
| **Audience** | Consider subscribers vs casual viewers |
| **Test** | What works evolves; test styles |

## Title + Description + Thumbnail

Reinforce the same core message across all three; target different algorithm aspects.

## Output Format

- **Title** options (under 60 chars)
- **Description** (first 160 chars + full)
- **Tags** (relevant set)
- **Thumbnail** guidance (elements, text, composition)

## YouTube in Google Search & GEO

| Context | Implication |
|---------|-------------|
| **Google prioritization** | YouTube is core search infrastructure; 48.6B monthly visits; video results favored in main SERP, video mode, Discover |
| **AI Overviews** | YouTube citations surged 25.21% since Jan 2025; instructional (+35.6%), visual demos (+32.5%); long-form (94%) dominates |
| **GEO** | YouTube + Reddit = ~78% of social media citations; optimize for AI citation. See **generative-engine-optimization** |

[Search Engine Land](https://searchengineland.com/youtube-seo-ai-overviews-467253), [OtterlyAI](https://otterly.ai/blog/the-youtube-citation-study-2026/)

## Related Skills

- **video-marketing**: Video script, hook, structure
- **video-optimization**: Website video SEO; VideoObject; video sitemap; embed optimization
- **youtube-ads**: YouTube paid ads (TrueView, Bumper)
- **content-marketing**: Video as content format
- **parasite-seo**: YouTube as high-authority platform
- **generative-engine-optimization**: GEO strategy; YouTube as distribution for AI citation

From kostja94/marketing-skills, MIT.

More from kostja94/marketing-skills