Stop Guessing! This YouTube SEO Checklist Has Everything You Need to Beat the Algorithm

You tube SEO Checklist (Copy + Paste Ready) 📌 

Here is a clear, complete, high-impact YouTube SEO checklist you can use before uploading every video. It’s practical, optimized for growth, and easy to follow.

Optimize before uploading, during upload, and immediately after publishing.

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✅ PRE-UPLOAD OPTIMIZATION

1. Keyword Research

Identify 1 main keyword (the core topic of your video).

Find 3–5 secondary/supporting keywords.

Use tools like:

YouTube search bar autocomplete

Google Trends

TubeBuddy / VidIQ (if available)

Competitor video titles

2. Content Structure for Retention

Strong hook in first 3–5 seconds

Fast, clear pacing

No long intros

Deliver value early

Add pattern interruptions every 7–12 seconds

End with a strong CTA to watch another video

3. Technical Preparation

Script includes repeated natural phrases of your main keyword

B-roll or visuals placed for watch-time

Filename includes your keyword (e.g., hanukkah-story-for-kids.mp4)

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✅ OPTIMIZE DURING UPLOAD

4. SEO-Optimized Title

Include the main keyword close to the beginning

Keep it between 50–60 characters

Make it clear + curiosity-driven

Example format:

Main keyword + compelling benefit

5. High-CTR Thumbnail

Bright colors + contrast

Close-up faces when possible

Bold, readable text

Emotion or intrigue

Clear concept + minimal clutter

6. Description That Boosts Rankings

Include:

First 1–2 sentences containing your main keyword

A short summary of the video (include secondary keywords naturally)

Any links or CTAs

Timestamps (optional but helpful)

Related video links to increase session time

7. Tags for Discoverability

Use:

Main keyword

Variations & long-tail versions

Relevant niche terms

Misspellings or common alternative phrases

8. Upload to a Relevant Playlist

Playlists help YouTube understand your topic

Name playlists using keywords

Add your video to at least 1–2 optimized playlists

9. Add Cards & End Screens

Link to related videos

Keep viewers on your channel longer (session time boost)

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✅ AFTER PUBLISHING (FIRST 24 HOURS)

10. Add a Strong Pinned Comment

Encourage viewers to:

Watch another video

Subscribe

Engage in conversation

Include your keyword naturally

11. Like Your Own Video & Pin Your Comment

This boosts early engagement signals

12. Share on Social Platforms

Pinterest

Facebook Groups

Instagram

TikTok

Email list

YouTube sees this as positive external traffic.

13. Monitor Analytics in the First 2–6 Hours

Check:

CTR (aim for 5%–10%+)

Average View Duration

Retention graph

Suggested video performance

If CTR is low, update the thumbnail or title immediately.

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✅ LONG-TERM SEO BOOSTS

14. Improve CTR Over Time

Test new thumbnails

Test new titles

Use A/B testing tools if available

15. Increase Watch Time Across Your Channel

Add more videos to playlists

Interlink videos using end screens

Create related content clusters

16. Refresh Old Videos

Rewrite descriptions

Add timestamps

Update tags

Add new thumbnails

Link them in new uploads

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