By vsfur · Updated · 8–10 min read

YouTube SEO Basics: Ranking Videos Fast

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Understand Intent First

Every query has a job: learn, compare, fix, buy. Match your angle to that job and your CTR/retention will jump.

Research with vidIQ

1. Type your topic and check keyword score (volume vs competition).
2. Collect 5 related phrases to use naturally in your script and description.
3. Study top results: note title structures and thumbnail styles that earn clicks.

Package for Clicks

• Promise a result; avoid vague “tips”.
• Put the strongest words first — they’re visible on mobile.
• Design a clear thumbnail with a single idea and strong contrast.

Retention = Real SEO

YouTube ranks videos people watch . Open with the payoff, set a roadmap, and remove filler. Review the first drop in retention and fix it next time.

On-Page Basics (Still Matter)

• Use the main phrase in title, first 100 characters of description, and spoken once early.
• Add 3–5 relevant tags; avoid stuffing.
• Chapters help viewers (and search) understand structure.

Checklist

• 1 topic = 1 clear promise
• 5 title variants, pick the strongest
• Thumbnail: 1 focal point, 1–3 words
• Hook shows result in 10–20s
• Review CTR & retention after 48–72h