Video SEO Cheatsheet

📌 Title Optimization

Include primary keyword in first 60 characters

Use numbers: "5 Ways", "10 Tips", "3 Mistakes"

Power words: Ultimate, Easy, Secret, Best, Free

Title length: 60-70 characters max

CTR boosters: "How to", "Review", "Tutorial", "vs"

How to Review Tutorial vs 2026 Best Ultimate Easy

📝 Description Template

In this video, I'll show you [main topic]. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more [niche] tips: [link] 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 0:30 - [Section 1] 2:15 - [Section 2] 4:30 - [Section 3] 🔗 RESOURCES: • [Resource 1] - [link] • [Resource 2] - [link] 📧 BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email] #hashtag1 #hashtag2 #hashtag3

First 150 characters appear in search results

Include primary keyword in first sentence

Add links to related videos (keep viewers on your channel)

🏷️ Tags Strategy

Tag Type	Example	Purpose
Broad	fitness, workout	Wide reach
Specific	home workout for beginners	Targeted search
Long-tail	10 minute abs workout no equipment	Low competition
Branded	AI-VTOOL, yourchannelname	Brand recognition

Use all 500 characters available

Mix broad + specific + long-tail tags

Check competitor tags with tools

#️⃣ Hashtags by Niche

Fitness:
#fitness #workout #gym #fitnessmotivation #fit #training #health #exercise

Tech:
#tech #technology #gadgets #techreview #unboxing #smartphone #ai

Cooking:
#cooking #food #recipe #easyrecipes #homecooking #chef #yummy

Travel:
#travel #wanderlust #adventure #travelphotography #explore #vacation

Use 3-5 hashtags max (YouTube recommends 3)

Place hashtags in description, not title

⚙️ YouTube Algorithm Factors

CTR (Click-Through Rate) - Thumbnail + Title

Watch Time - Keep them watching longer

Retention - First 30 seconds are crucial

Engagement - Likes, comments, shares

Session Time - Do they watch more videos?

✅ Pre-Upload Checklist

✓ Keyword in title

✓ Compelling thumbnail

✓ Description with keyword

✓ Timestamps added

✓ 3-5 hashtags

✓ Tags optimized

✓ End screen + cards

✓ Captions/Subtitles