How to Optimize Your Videos for SEO

Tips to Get Found on Google & YouTube 📹🔍

You’ve created the single greatest video of all time (which you couldn’t do without us — the greatest video production company of all time). But, after all that time and all that work — no one sees it. You feel all hope is lost. “What’s the point?"?” you cry to the heavens.

But then you remember that you made your video with us, and we know what must be done to get your content in front of the right audience. Video SEO is the key. With a few strategic moves, you can help your videos rank higher on both Google and YouTube—and drive traffic that converts. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Start with Keyword Research

Just like written content, videos should be built around what people are actually searching for.

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, YouTube’s autocomplete, or Ubersuggest.

• Focus on long-tail keywords with high intent (e.g., "how to create a brand video").

• Include these keywords naturally in your video title, description, and tags.

2. Craft an SEO-Friendly Title

Your video’s title is prime real estate.

• Include your main keyword early in the title.

• Make it clear, compelling, and clickable.

• Avoid clickbait—your title should match your content.

3. Write a Killer Description

Your video description should do more than summarize the video.

• Start with a strong hook and keyword-rich intro.

• Include links to your website, social channels, and related content.

• Use full sentences and include secondary keywords where relevant.

4. Use Relevant Tags

Tags help YouTube understand the context of your video.

• Add both broad and specific keywords.

• Include common misspellings or alternate phrasing.

• Don’t overstuff—keep it relevant.

5. Upload an Engaging Thumbnail

Your thumbnail is your first impression.

• Use high-contrast visuals and readable text.

• Show a face if possible—thumbnails with people perform better.

• Keep it consistent with your brand style.

6. Include Captions and Transcripts

Captions boost accessibility and give search engines more text to index.

• Upload a transcript or use YouTube’s captioning tool.

• Embed captions in your video if you're publishing outside of YouTube.

7. Add Video Schema Markup (For Your Website)

If you’re embedding your video on a web page, video schema can help it show up in rich search results.

• Add structured data (JSON-LD) to your page code.

• Include title, description, thumbnail URL, duration, and upload date.

8. Embed Strategically

Place your video on relevant pages that already get traffic—or optimize the page itself.

• Keep the video above the fold.

• Surround it with keyword-rich content and a clear CTA.

9. Encourage Engagement

Search engines love engagement.

• Ask viewers to like, comment, and subscribe.

• Promote the video across platforms to drive views and shares.

• The more watch time and interaction, the better your rankings.

Conclusion

Video SEO is half magic, half method. With the right optimization steps, your content can climb the rankings, attract new leads, and grow your brand’s visibility online.

And if you want to optimize EVERYTHING, then make your videos with us, Itchy Palm Pictures — the only video production company you’ll ever need.