By vsfur · Updated

YouTube SEO Basics: How to Rank Videos in 2025

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Understand Viewer Intent

Every query has a job: learn, compare, fix, or buy. Match your angle to that job and your CTR + retention improve together.

Research with vidIQ

1. Type your topic; check keyword score (volume vs competition).
2. Collect 5 related phrases to use naturally in the script and description.
3. Study top-ranking results and note title/thumbnail patterns.

Package for Clicks

• Promise a result; avoid vague “tips”.
• Front‑load strong words in the title for mobile.
• Thumbnail = one focal point, 1–3 words, high contrast.

Retention Is SEO

YouTube rewards videos people watch. Open with the payoff, set a roadmap, trim filler, and add pattern breaks every 15–25s.

On‑Page Checklist

• Main phrase in title, first 100 chars of description, and spoken once early.
• 3–5 relevant tags; avoid stuffing.
• Use chapters to clarify structure.

Related: YouTube SEO Basics: Ranking Videos Fast