When you’re optimizing your YouTube videos, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. SEO scores, keyword ranking, and tools like VidIQ or TubeBuddy all promise to help you improve your video performance. But do these scores actually help you achieve your goals? In this post, we’ll explore the truth behind YouTube SEO scores, why they might not matter as much as you think, and what you should be focusing on instead.
The SEO Score Dilemma: Does It Really Matter?
You’ve probably heard about VidIQ’s SEO score, right? I’ve used it myself. For example, I filmed a video titled “How to Discipline a Child That Lies and Steals” and uploaded it just a week ago. The VidIQ Chrome extension gives it a 32/100 score. Despite that, it’s already received 800 views and is ranking at the top of YouTube for that search term.
So, how is it possible that my SEO score is low but the video is performing well?
Another tool I use is TubeBuddy, which gave me a score of 50/100 for the same video. Again, it doesn’t make sense. The video is doing well, ranking high, and attracting views, but the SEO score doesn’t align with the results.
Other Examples
I’ve worked with clients like Jason Schroeder, a construction project management expert. He filmed a video called “How to Become a Construction Project Manager,” and his video is also ranking at the top of YouTube for that search term. Yet, TubeBuddy gave it a score of just 51/100. Jason’s channel isn’t a giant with millions of subscribers, so why would his score be low while the video performs well?
Another client, Saen Higgin, filmed a video on “How to Buy Tax Liens Over the Counter.” TubeBuddy gave it a score of 63/100, but the video has already gained 12,000 views. It seems like this SEO score system isn’t giving us the full picture.
So, What Really Matters?
Rather than obsessing over SEO scores, I recommend focusing on what really matters: results. The best way to track your success is through YouTube Analytics. You can go into YouTube’s Creator Studio and check the Advanced Analytics section to see how your videos are performing over time.
For example, in my own analytics, I compared the 90-day view count of videos from search traffic. In the last 90 days, the number of views from search increased from 79,000 to 87,000. That shows real growth—whether I had a 65% SEO score or a 20% score, the key takeaway is that my videos are ranking higher, and I’m getting more views from search.
Creating Your Own Scoring System
Here’s another approach I’ve developed. For a client, Noel Randall, I created a custom spreadsheet to track her rankings over time. Rather than relying on VidIQ or TubeBuddy’s scores, I assign a value to the rank position. For example, if Noel’s video is in the top three, I give it a score of “Yes” (worth 1 point). If it’s farther down, I assign a “Starting” score (0.25 points). Over time, I can see if she’s moving up in rankings.
By tracking her progress in this way, we’ve seen growth from a score of 3 to 15.75 over a few months. This system lets me know we’re making improvements—something I can’t get from VidIQ or TubeBuddy’s generic SEO score.
Conclusion
SEO scores from tools like VidIQ and TubeBuddy can be useful, but they don’t tell the whole story. Instead of focusing solely on these numbers, check your analytics to see how your videos are actually performing. Track metrics like views, search traffic, and ranking over time, and create your own system to gauge progress. That’s the best way to know if your YouTube strategy is working.
If you’re interested in learning more, I’ve created a full YouTube SEO course that dives deeper into these strategies. Check out the video YouTube SEO: The Full Course for 2025 for more tips on optimizing your videos for long-term success.
