YouTube SEO Checklist

Your complete guide to optimizing YouTube videos. Check off each item as you complete it and track your progress.

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Title Optimization

0/5
Title is 40-60 characters
Optimal length ensures your full title displays in search results without being cut off.
Main keyword is at the beginning
Front-loading your target keyword improves SEO and catches viewer attention.
Title creates curiosity or promises value
Use power words, numbers, or questions to encourage clicks.
💡 Try: "How to...", "X Best...", "The Truth About..."
No clickbait or misleading claims
Ensure your title accurately represents your content to avoid viewer disappointment.
Title is unique and not duplicated
Avoid using the exact same title as other popular videos in your niche.

Description Optimization

0/6
Description is at least 200 words
Longer descriptions give YouTube more context about your video content.
Main keyword in first 2-3 sentences
The first 150 characters appear in search results - make them count!
Timestamps/chapters included
Timestamps improve viewer experience and can appear in search results as key moments.
💡 Format: "0:00 - Introduction"
Relevant links added
Include links to your website, social media, related videos, and resources.
3-5 relevant hashtags at end
Hashtags help categorize your content and improve discoverability.
Call-to-action included
Ask viewers to subscribe, like, comment, or visit your website.

Tags & Keywords

0/4
10-20 relevant tags added
Use a mix of broad and specific tags that accurately describe your content.
Primary keyword as first tag
The first tag carries the most weight - make it your main target keyword.
Mix of short and long-tail keywords
Include both broad terms and specific phrases for maximum discoverability.
No irrelevant or misleading tags
Only use tags that accurately describe your video content.

Thumbnail Optimization

0/5
Custom thumbnail uploaded (not auto-generated)
Custom thumbnails get significantly more clicks than auto-generated ones.
Resolution is 1280x720 (16:9 aspect ratio)
This is the optimal resolution for YouTube thumbnails.
Text is large and readable on mobile
Most views come from mobile - ensure text is visible at small sizes.
High contrast colors used
Bright, contrasting colors stand out in YouTube's interface.
Consistent with your brand/channel style
Maintain visual consistency to build brand recognition.

Engagement Optimization

0/4
End screen added with subscribe/video CTAs
End screens in the last 20 seconds encourage viewers to take action.
Info cards added at relevant moments
Cards can link to related videos, playlists, or external sites.
Pinned comment ready for engagement
Prepare a pinned comment with a question or additional info.
Video added to relevant playlist(s)
Playlists improve watch time and video discoverability.

SEO Checklist FAQ

Not necessarily. Some items may not apply to every video. Focus on the items marked as high priority first, then work through the others as time allows. Even completing 70-80% of the checklist will give your video a significant SEO advantage.

Yes! Your checklist progress is saved to your browser's local storage. When you return to this page, your checked items will be remembered. You can also export your progress or reset it completely using the buttons at the bottom.

Absolutely! Many items on this checklist can be updated for published videos. Title, description, tags, end screens, and cards can all be edited anytime. Going back to optimize older videos is a great way to give them a second chance at ranking.

Title, thumbnail, and the first 48 hours of engagement have the biggest impact. A compelling title and thumbnail drive clicks, while early engagement signals to YouTube that your video is worth recommending. Tags and description help YouTube understand your content context.