How to Find Ranking Keywords for YouTube

Ranking your YouTube videos starts with targeting the right keywords. In this guide, you’ll learn proven strategies to find high-performing keywords that drive traffic and engagement.

Why YouTube Keywords Matter

Keywords help YouTube understand your content, making it easier for the algorithm to recommend your videos to the right audience. Without proper keyword research, your videos may get lost in the sea of content.

Best Tools to Find YouTube Keywords

Here are some of the top tools to uncover high-ranking keywords:

YouTube Autocomplete – Type a topic in YouTube’s search bar to see popular suggestions.
Google Trends – Identify trending topics and seasonal keywords.
TubeBuddy – A browser extension that provides keyword insights and competition scores.
VidIQ – Offers keyword suggestions, search volume, and competitor analysis.
Ahrefs Keywords Explorer – Great for finding long-tail keywords with low competition.

How to Research YouTube Keywords

Follow these steps to find the best keywords for your videos:

Brainstorm Seed Keywords – Start with broad topics related to your niche.
Use YouTube Search Suggestions – Analyze autocomplete results for variations.
Check Competitor Videos – See which keywords top-ranking videos are targeting.
Filter by Search Volume & Competition – Prioritize keywords with decent searches but low competition.
Optimize Your Video Metadata – Include keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags.

Long-Tail Keywords for Better Ranking

Long-tail keywords (3+ words) often have lower competition and higher conversion rates. Examples include:

"best budget gaming laptop 2024"
"how to make sourdough bread from scratch"
"quick ab workout for beginners at home"

Final Tips for YouTube SEO Success

To maximize your keyword strategy:

Use keywords naturally in your script.
Engage viewers to boost watch time (a key ranking factor).
Update old videos with new keywords to revive traffic.