Did you know YouTube is more than just a video-sharing site—it’s the world’s #2 most visited website (and technically the second-largest search engine) after only Google itself?

Every single day, viewers stream over 1 billion hours of video on the platform. And with 63–70% of that watch time happening on mobile devices, it’s clear that YouTube is where people turn for content on the go. In fact, more than 2.5 billion users worldwide access YouTube each month, making it a powerful channel for brands that want to grow visibility, engage audiences, and strengthen their video and social SEO strategies.

If your brand isn’t yet creating and posting YouTube videos, you’re missing an enormous opportunity. Not only is video more engaging and memorable than purely written content, but the number of consumers expecting brands to show up with a strong YouTube presence has never been higher. Plus, the barriers to entry in establishing yourself on the platform have never been lower, whether you’re producing long-form tutorials or quick, catchy YouTube Shorts.

But here’s the catch: simply uploading videos isn’t enough. With competition increasing and YouTube’s algorithm prioritizing watch time, engagement, and discoverability, optimization is key. Here are seven tips to boost your YouTube search engine optimization and make sure your target audience can actually find and watch your content.

 

Tip #1: Hook Viewers in the First 15 Seconds

First impressions matter, and keeping your videos short and to the point is key for a variety of reasons (not least of which is the fact that there is just so much video content already out there).

That’s why the first 15 seconds of a video are critical to convincing viewers to stick around, regardless of whether it’s a YouTube Short or a longer-form video. Start with value right away: answer a question, tease the solution to a problem, or share something surprising. If you can demonstrate value to the viewer within these first 15 seconds, you will increase the chances they will stay to watch the entire video (and others on your channel).

 

Tip #2: Optimize Every Detail

Don’t forget to pay attention to the small details when optimizing your YouTube videos—SEO is all about technical details after all. One of the best “behind the scenes” ways to help your video stand out is to fill out every available field when you upload. Remember to:

  • Write a detailed description with YouTube search optimization
  • Choose the most relevant video category.
  • Add hashtags (#Shorts, #HowTo, #IndustryTopic) according to platform best practices (3-5 is the sweet spot, so choose them wisely!)
  • Use end screens and cards to guide viewers to more of your content.

When it comes to formatting your metadata specifically, follow these guidelines:

  • Titles: Allowed up to 100 characters, but aim for under 70 so they display fully in search results.
  • Descriptions: Up to 5,000 characters, with only the first ~150 showing above the fold—so lead with a keyword-rich, engaging first line.
  • Tags: Less influential now than in the past, but still helpful in reinforcing context and handling alternate spellings.

These small but strategic steps send strong signals to YouTube’s algorithm and help your videos surface in search results.

 

Tip #3: Use Accurate Closed Captions

Did you know that accessibility and SEO can go hand in hand? While YouTube auto-generates captions, they aren’t always perfect. Uploading your own ensures accuracy and improves keyword relevance. Captions make your videos more inclusive, while also providing additional text for YouTube’s search engine to crawl.

 

Tip #4: Leverage Playlists for Better Watch Time

Playlists help organize your channel and increase session duration—an important ranking factor for video SEO. Group related videos into playlists (e.g., tutorials, product demos, thought leadership).

While you’re organizing, don’t forget to:

 

Tip #5: Create Scroll-Stopping Thumbnails

A compelling thumbnail can make or break your click-through rate. Instead of relying on YouTube’s auto-generated options, upload a custom thumbnail with:

  • High-contrast visuals
  • Readable text overlays
  • A design style consistent with your brand

Think of thumbnails as your video’s billboard. They should grab attention and clearly signal what the video is about.

 

Tip #6: Track Analytics and Refresh as Needed

Publishing is just the start. After uploading and optimizing a YouTube video, it is imperative to monitor performance. YouTube Studio offers powerful insights into watch time, traffic sources, and audience retention. Use this data to see where viewers drop off and adjust accordingly.

Optimization is an ongoing process, so it can be incredibly worthwhile to update older videos with fresh titles, tags, thumbnails, or descriptions, especially if a video is not getting views. Even minor tweaks can help a video resurface in YouTube search results.

 

Tip #7: Drive Subscriptions and Engagement

Building a loyal audience on YouTube takes more than one-off views—it’s about encouraging people to come back for more. Subscriptions are a key signal of trust and interest, and when viewers choose to follow your channel, they’re far more likely to watch your future content. To strengthen that connection, go beyond simply asking for subscribers. Invite your audience to engage:

  • Remind them to turn on notifications so they don’t miss new videos.
  • Respond to comments and questions to show there’s a real person behind the channel.
  • Share your videos across your other social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) and embed them on your website to increase visibility.
  • Add your channel link to email signatures and marketing campaigns to encourage cross-channel growth.

 

Ready to Boost Your Brand with YouTube?

At GRIT, we help brands create video strategies that get results. From YouTube SEO and channel setup to full-scale content strategy, we know how to dig deeper and make your videos work harder.

Want to learn how to optimize YouTube videos for SEO and grow your channel? Let’s talk.