youtube-seo v1.0.0A

Immutable. This exact content is served forever at /api/v1/blob/96a03e8d448086bb.

---
name: youtube-seo
description: When the user wants to optimize YouTube videos for search, create video descriptions, or improve channel visibility. Also use when the user mentions "YouTube SEO," "YouTube description," "YouTube tags," "YouTube thumbnail," "YouTube title," "YouTube channel," or "video SEO."
metadata:
  version: 1.0.0
---

# Platforms: YouTube SEO

Guides YouTube video and channel optimization for search and discovery. 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 and recommendations.

**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 product marketing context first:** If `.claude/product-marketing-context.md` or `.cursor/product-marketing-context.md` exists, read Sections 6 (Keywords), 11 (Content Strategy).

Identify:
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)

## Related Skills

- **video-marketing**: Video script, hook, structure
- **youtube-ads**: YouTube paid ads (TrueView, Bumper)
- **content-marketing-strategy**: Video as content format
- **parasite-seo**: YouTube as high-authority platform