YouTube SEO.
Learn what YouTube SEO means in modern search and SEO.
Optimising YouTube videos and channel to rank in YouTube search results, the Suggested Videos feed, and Google video results.
YouTube SEO focuses specifically on optimising content for visibility within YouTube's platform: the world's second-largest search engine with over 3 billion searches per month. YouTube ranks videos based on relevance, engagement, and watch time signals, with the algorithm optimising to keep viewers watching as long as possible.
YouTube Ranking Factors
Primary YouTube ranking factors: Click-Through Rate (CTR) from search results and suggested videos, determined by thumbnail quality and title; Watch Time (total minutes watched, not just percentage); Audience Retention (percentage of video watched, higher is better); Engagement Rate (likes, comments, shares as a percentage of views); Keywords (in title, description, and tags, for discoverability); and Channel Authority (history of consistently performing videos).
YouTube SEO Optimisation Tactics
Practical YouTube SEO tactics: conduct keyword research using YouTube's autocomplete, TubeBuddy, or vidIQ; include the target keyword in the video title (front-loaded); write detailed descriptions (at least 250 words) with the target keyword in the first two lines; add relevant tags; create custom thumbnails with faces and text; add chapters (timestamps) to improve session time and satisfaction; publish video transcripts in the description; and use YouTube Cards and End Screens to drive related video viewing.
Articles about YouTube SEO
Read more on the Aergos blog.
Google Launches Two Curated SEO Learning Playlists on YouTube
Google Search Central released two structured YouTube playlists on October 6, 2026, covering Search fundamentals for beginners and Technical SEO for developers. The move is a direct response to the difficulty of finding a sequential learning path across hundreds of existing videos. Here's what's inside and what it means for your team.
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DIY SEO in 2026: What You Can Realistically Do Yourself (and When to Get Help)
You can absolutely do your own SEO in 2026. But there are parts of it that will eat your time, stall your growth, and quietly cost you more than hiring help would have. Here's an honest look at what's DIY-able, what's not, and a simple weekly routine to keep you moving.
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Google Ranking Volatility Spikes Again Around August 5th and 6th
Google search ranking volatility surged into August 5th and 6th, with SEO community chatter heating up significantly over a 24-hour window. No official confirmation from Google yet, but third-party tracking tools and publisher reports tell a clear story. Here's what's happening and what to do about it.
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Google Search Volatility Surges August 1–3 With No Confirmed Update
Google search rankings started shuffling on August 1st and haven't stopped. Third-party tracking tools are spiking and the SEO community is buzzing, but Google hasn't confirmed a thing. Here's what's happening and what it means for your site.
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Core Web Vitals in 2025: What Actually Affects Your Rankings
Core Web Vitals aren't going away, but a lot of what gets written about them is either outdated or overcomplicated. Here's what Google actually weighs in 2025, explained in plain English, with real fixes you can action today.
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Google Gemini Now Generates Personalized Images Using Your Photos and Gmail
Google has expanded its Personal Intelligence feature in the Gemini app, letting eligible U.S. users generate deeply personalized images for free using context pulled from Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search. The update connects Personal Intelligence with Nano Banana and Google Photos, so users can prompt simple requests like 'design my dream house' without manually explaining their preferences. Here's what it means for your content strategy.
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