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