How to SEO YouTube Shorts

by Fatih Kemal Oksuzoglu

How do you make sure your Shorts are seen by the right people? The answer lies in mastering SEO for YouTube Shorts.

Now, YouTube Shorts SEO might seem a little different than traditional SEO. But fear not! In this post, we'll break down some easy-to-understand tips to optimize your Shorts for maximum discoverability.

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Though it may seem irrelevant at first, scheduling your YouTube Shorts in advance for the best times to post on YouTube Shorts also contributes to its SEO. This is simply because it gives you a head start in terms of the views and engagement your Shorts initially receive, telling the search engine algorithms as well as the algorithm of YouTube itself that it's worth being found when searched with relevant keywords.
Though we'll be talking about it more later on in this article, you may already feel satisfied and want to jump into action. So here's your starting point:
YouTube Shorts Scheduler
Schedule Youtube shorts in advance with Circleboom. You can also share your shorts on Instagram, TikTok and other social media channels.
Circleboominfocircleboom.com

Understanding the Importance of SEO for YouTube Shorts

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of YouTube Shorts SEO, let’s understand why it matters.

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, helps your content rank higher in search results, making it more discoverable to your target audience. With the right SEO tactics, your YouTube Shorts can reach more viewers, increase engagement, and may even go viral!

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Who doesn't wanna go viral, right? So here are some tips specific to YouTube ⬇️
How to make a YouTube video that goes viral: 7 Practical Tips!
Are you wondering how to make a viral YouTube video for your brand? This guide unveils 7 powerful tips for crafting content that will amplify your brand’s reach.
Circleboom Blog - Social Media MarketingArif Akdogan

YouTube Shorts algorithm: Your key to YouTube Shorts SEO success

Unlike regular YouTube videos, Shorts rely more on capturing attention in the first few seconds and keeping the viewer watching.

It's important because, as indicated above, the more your videos get viewed, the more the algorithm makes your content discoverable for others. And this also includes popping them up among the relevant search results.

So you better do these:

  • Hook 'em in the first second: You have a split second to grab attention. Start your Short with something eye-catching, funny, or intriguing.
  • Tell a mini-story: Even in a short format, you can craft a compelling narrative. Use storytelling techniques to keep viewers engaged until the very end.
  • End with a call to action: Don't let viewers simply move on. Encourage them to like, comment, subscribe, or check out your main channel for more content. Engagement signals like likes, comments, and shares boost your video’s ranking.
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Understanding an entire algorithm is a whole other story. So, if you want more details, learn all about the YouTube Shorts algorithm here ⬇️
How does the YouTube Shorts algorithm work? (2024)
Discover how the 2024 YouTube Shorts algorithm works and learn strategies to maximize your reach and engagement. Stay ahead with our comprehensive guide.
Circleboom Blog - Social Media MarketingFuat Zarifoglu

Yes, catchy hooks and stunning content are crucial. But there's another hidden language YouTube's algorithm understands: Keywords.

The foundation of YouTube Shorts SEO: Keywords

Just like with any YouTube video, keywords are your key to SEO success. But with Shorts, the game gets a little faster. People are scrolling quickly, so you need to grab their attention instantly. Here's how to do it:

  • Find the right keywords: Start with keyword research to identify the phrases your target audience is searching for. Use third-party SEO tools for YouTube Shorts to find high-volume and low-competition keywords. Additionally, leverage AI-powered search engines like Ask AI to gain insights into trending keywords for your YouTube Shorts.
  • Long-tail keywords: Don’t overlook long-tail keywords. These are more specific and less competitive, making it easier for your content to rank. For example, "how to SEO YouTube Shorts for beginners" can attract a niche audience interested in your expertise.
  • Target trending topics: Hop on the bandwagon! Use tools like YouTube Trends or Google Trends to identify hot topics and create Shorts that tie into them. Include those trending keywords in your title and description.

Mastering the art of YouTube Shorts SEO beyond keywords

While keywords are king, they're not the only ruler in the kingdom. Here's how to truly optimize your Shorts for SEO:

  • Texts captivate: Captions, titles, and descriptions are SEO gold. Craft short, punchy titles that pique curiosity and accurately reflect your content. And use keywords in your descriptions to give the algorithm a clearer picture of your Short.
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Need a helping hand with your texts to make them YouTube Shorts SEO friendly? Here's your AI tool for that ⬇️
Social Media Post Generator| Auto-Generated Social Media Content
Are you looking for a service to auto-generate social media content and post it automatically? Let’s find out how to generate social media posts with Circleboom!
Circleboominfocircleboom.com

  • Thumbnail magic: Your thumbnail is the tiny billboard that screams, "Click me!" Make it visually appealing and relevant to your Short's content. While thumbnails don’t directly impact SEO, they significantly affect click-through rates (CTR), which is a key ranking factor.
  • Correct use of hashtags: Use relevant hashtags within the captions to categorize your Shorts and make them discoverable. Include a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags, but don't go overboard.
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How many hashtags should you use? Where to place them? What are the correct hashtags? The following tool helps you with all! ⬇️
Social Media Hashtag Generator| Enrich Your Social Posts
Do you want to enrich your social media posts with a hashtag finder? Let’s discover the best hashtags for your social media posts with Circleboom’s Social Media Hashtag Generator!
Circleboominfocircleboom.com

  • Using tags effectively: Tags (not hashtags, but your video tags) are crucial for categorizing your video and improving discoverability. Use a mix of broad and specific tags. Include your main keyword, related terms, and even tags from popular Shorts in your niche.
  • Leveraging YouTube Analytics: Use YouTube Analytics to track the performance of your Shorts. Pay attention to metrics like watch time, average view duration, and CTR. These insights help you understand what’s working and where you need to improve.
  • Cliche but true - consistency is key: Consistency helps build a loyal audience and improves your channel’s overall performance. Stick to a regular posting schedule for your Shorts and continually refine your SEO strategy based on performance data.
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Using third-party tools may also come in handy when following a structured content calendar. See all about such tools down below to help you decide upon that ⬇️
The Benefits of Using Social Media Scheduling Tools
If you’re a business owner, social media manager, or anyone else responsible for managing a social media presence, you know how time-consuming and overwhelming it can be to keep up with your accounts. This is where social media scheduling tools come in.
Circleboom Blog - Social Media MarketingAltug Altug

Pro-level YouTube Shorts SEO tips

Enough with the basics. Now, let's elevate your Shorts SEO game with some ninja moves:

  • Optimize for all devices: Remember, people watch Shorts on desktops and mobiles. Ensure your content is clear and engaging on both.
  • Think like a searcher: What terms would people use to find content like yours? Brainstorm relevant keywords and sprinkle them naturally throughout your Shorts.
  • Optimize your file name: Don't underestimate the power of a good file name! Include your target keyword at the beginning of your Shorts file name. This helps YouTube understand your content better.
  • Cross-promote: Don't just create Shorts and hope for the best. Promote them across your other social media channels and within your main YouTube content. Make an Instagram reel out of them, for example. The more eyes you get on your Shorts, the better your chance of ranking higher in search results. In other words, the more places your Shorts are seen, the more views and engagement you’ll get, which positively impacts your SEO.
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Are you a bit skeptical about cross-posting? Then this article is just for you ⬇️
Is cross posting on social media a good idea?
The task of creating content and sharing it across several social media sites is known as cross-posting. But, is cross posting on social media is really a good idea?
Circleboom Blog - Social Media MarketingKevin O. Frank

Conclusion

Mastering SEO for YouTube Shorts is essential for standing out in a crowded digital space. By understanding and implementing these advanced strategies, you can enhance your Shorts' visibility, attract more viewers, and grow your channel. Remember, SEO is a continuous process – keep experimenting, analyzing, and optimizing to stay ahead of the competition. Happy creating!

P.S. YouTube’s algorithm and best practices are constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and adjust your strategy accordingly. Join forums, follow industry blogs, and attend webinars to keep your knowledge fresh.