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:

1. 1. Video type: Tutorial, review, vlog, Shorts
2. Target keyword: Primary and secondary
3. 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