If you’ve ever used tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ, you’ve probably come across keyword recommendations. But what exactly is a keyword on YouTube? And how does it differ from Google keywords?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The difference between Google and YouTube keywords
✅ Whether you should focus on trending topics or niche keywords
✅ How specific your keywords should be
✅ Whether keywords can help you get suggested or browse traffic
✅ How many keywords to use and where to place them
✅ What changes you can (and can’t) make after publishing a video
Let’s dive in.
Should You Differentiate Between Google and YouTube Keywords?
The short answer: No.
Google is no longer just a website search engine; it’s now a content search engine—and YouTube is a huge part of that. Google owns YouTube, and unlike other platforms, YouTube has a built-in search engine. That means optimizing your videos for YouTube also helps you rank on Google.
This is why YouTube is the best platform for searchable content. When someone searches for a topic on Google, your YouTube video can appear in the results—driving more traffic to your channel.
What Is a Keyword on YouTube?
Most people think of a keyword as a single word, but on YouTube, a keyword is actually a phrase—often called a keyword phrase or long-tail keyword.
For example:
❌ “Keyword” (too broad)
✅ “Can I hire someone to help me write a book?” (a keyword phrase)
✅ “Can AI help me write a book?”
These phrases are searchable questions that real people are typing into YouTube and Google.
A great way to find the right keywords is to use tools like SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool or YouTube’s autocomplete suggestions. Look for phrases that have consistent monthly searches, even if the volume is low. As long as a keyword gets at least 10 searches per month, it has value.
Trending Topics vs. Niche Keywords: Which Works Better?
If you’re hoping for a viral video, you might be tempted to chase trending topics. But unless you already have a large subscriber base, this rarely works.
Instead, focus on searchable content. A niche, specific keyword phrase (e.g., “Best books to help you become a better writer”) gives your video a higher chance of ranking.
Start with low-competition keywords and work your way up to higher-volume searches. This strategy helps your videos rank faster and builds momentum over time.
Can Keywords Help My Video Get Suggested?
In theory? Yes.
In practice? No.
YouTube categorizes views into different traffic sources:
📌 Search traffic – When someone finds your video by searching a keyword
📌 Suggested traffic – When YouTube recommends your video alongside another
📌 Browse traffic – When your video appears on users’ homepages
Some people suggest copying keywords from popular videos to show up in suggested traffic, but this strategy rarely works. YouTube’s algorithm for suggested videos is complex and behaviour-based, not just keyword-driven.
Focus on ranking in search first—this is the most reliable way to grow.
How Many Keywords Should You Use Per Video?
Just one.
Your keyword phrase (e.g., “Best books to help you become a better writer”) should:
✔️ Be in your video title
✔️ Be included in your video tags
✔️ Appear naturally in your description
Once your video is live, search for your keyword on YouTube. At first, your video might rank on page 2 or 3, but over time, as more people engage with it, it can climb to page 1.
If you target low-competition keywords, you can rank at the top almost immediately.
Can You Change Keywords After Uploading a Video?
Yes—but be careful.
If your video is not performing well, you can tweak the title, description, and tags.
But if your video is already ranking, making even a small change can reset its momentum.
There are four elements you should never change once a video is performing well:
1️⃣ Title
2️⃣ Description
3️⃣ Tags
4️⃣ Transcription
Even fixing a tiny typo in the description can kill your traffic overnight.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. Once, I had a video that was taking off, and I noticed a minor spelling mistake in the description. I corrected just one letter—and views immediately dropped to zero.
At 3 AM, desperate, I changed the misspelled word back to the incorrect version—and my views returned instantly. Lesson learned: if it’s working, don’t touch it.
Want to Dominate YouTube SEO?
I teach a 5-ingredient strategy to help your videos rank at the top of YouTube. If you want to learn how to:
✅ Find the best keywords for your niche
✅ Rank your videos higher in search results
✅ Get consistent views and leads from YouTube
Then watch my video: YouTube SEO – The Leaf Strategy 🔥
Go check it out now! 🚀
