youtube-seo

name youtube-seo description When the user wants to optimize YouTube videos for search, create video descriptions, or improve channel visibility. Also use when the user mentions "YouTube SEO," "YouTube description," "YouTube tags," "YouTube thumbnail," "YouTube title," "YouTube channel," or "video SEO." For YouTube ads, use youtube-ads. metadata {"version":"1.1.1"} 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 Check for project context first: If .claude/project-context.md or .cursor/project-context.md exists, read Sections 6 (Keywords), 11 (Content Strategy). Identify: Video type : Tutorial, review, vlog, Shorts Target keyword : Primary and secondary 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 , OtterlyAI 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