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YouTube SEO
semrush tutorial
video optimisation
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semrush youtube
ARTICLE #80
How can you use Semrush for your YouTube channel?
YouTube SEO
semrush tutorial
video optimisation
keyword research
semrush youtube
YouTube SEO
semrush tutorial
video optimisation
keyword research
semrush youtube
Written by:
7 min read
Updated on: August 13, 2024
Samson Mosilily
Senior Regional Manager
African Market, Regional Management, Growth
Samson Mosilily
Senior Regional Manager
African Market, Regional Management, Growth
Trying to stand out on YouTube can feel like stepping onto a crowded stage. Over 2.49 billion monthly users tune in to watch everything from cooking demonstrations to gaming walkthroughs, which means a sea of content is just waiting to overshadow your brilliant ideas. So the real question is: how do you make sure viewers discover your channel before they scroll away?
The answer lies in SEO specifically, using Semrush to get your videos into prime positions on search engines. Here are a few handy tips on mastering Semrush for YouTube. Use these pointers as a toolkit. Rather than crossing your fingers for random traffic, it helps to lean on targeted strategies. That way, each new upload gains a shot at reaching the right audience and gathering more views and subscriptions.
Trying to stand out on YouTube can feel like stepping onto a crowded stage. Over 2.49 billion monthly users tune in to watch everything from cooking demonstrations to gaming walkthroughs, which means a sea of content is just waiting to overshadow your brilliant ideas. So the real question is: how do you make sure viewers discover your channel before they scroll away?
The answer lies in SEO specifically, using Semrush to get your videos into prime positions on search engines. Here are a few handy tips on mastering Semrush for YouTube. Use these pointers as a toolkit. Rather than crossing your fingers for random traffic, it helps to lean on targeted strategies. That way, each new upload gains a shot at reaching the right audience and gathering more views and subscriptions.
Understanding Semrush and its relevance to YouTube
Understanding Semrush and its relevance to YouTube
Semrush is an online marketing platform that supports a variety of tactics, from search engine optimisation to social media analysis. Originally known for helping websites rank on Google, Semrush has quickly become a favourite tool for Youtubers aiming to refine their content strategy. It covers everything from keyword research and competitor analysis to ongoing performance tracking.
Using it wisely can direct more eyes onto your videos and keep them there. After all, nothing beats consistent, meaningful engagement (that sweet spot where viewers keep coming back for more). Beyond these core functions, Semrush offers a suite of filters that help you identify trending terms, follow shifts in viewership, and tailor your content accordingly. When used as part of a cohesive strategy, it can amplify your voice in a marketplace saturated with creators.
Semrush is an online marketing platform that supports a variety of tactics, from search engine optimisation to social media analysis. Originally known for helping websites rank on Google, Semrush has quickly become a favourite tool for Youtubers aiming to refine their content strategy. It covers everything from keyword research and competitor analysis to ongoing performance tracking.
Using it wisely can direct more eyes onto your videos and keep them there. After all, nothing beats consistent, meaningful engagement (that sweet spot where viewers keep coming back for more). Beyond these core functions, Semrush offers a suite of filters that help you identify trending terms, follow shifts in viewership, and tailor your content accordingly. When used as part of a cohesive strategy, it can amplify your voice in a marketplace saturated with creators.
Why should you use Semrush for YouTube?
YouTube is enormous. It’s one of the largest platforms worldwide, boasting billions of searches each day. The algorithms can be tough to crack, but it helps to have the right resources in your corner. Here are a few reasons to consider Semrush for your channel: It offers ways to polish your approach and draw viewers.
Keyword research and SEO audit tools
Finding relevant keywords for videos is critical. Semrush offers features to pinpoint exactly which search terms people are typing and how difficult it is to rank for them. You can also audit your YouTube channel. The platform flags areas that need work like titles, descriptions, and tags making sure they follow recommended SEO standards. By focusing on both keyword opportunities and channel health, you improve the odds of appearing in relevant searches. This methodical approach keeps your content aligned with what viewers want.
Competitor observation and performance tracking
Semrush provides data on competitor channels, allowing you to see which keywords or content styles make them successful. It also tracks your own performance, so it’s easy to figure out what’s effective and what needs changing. This data-driven approach can increase your subscriber count over time. You can review engagement metrics, discover overall performance patterns, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Combine these insights with quality videos, and it’s a recipe for attracting loyal viewers who genuinely care about your content.
YouTube is enormous. It’s one of the largest platforms worldwide, boasting billions of searches each day. The algorithms can be tough to crack, but it helps to have the right resources in your corner. Here are a few reasons to consider Semrush for your channel: It offers ways to polish your approach and draw viewers.
Keyword research and SEO audit tools
Finding relevant keywords for videos is critical. Semrush offers features to pinpoint exactly which search terms people are typing and how difficult it is to rank for them. You can also audit your YouTube channel. The platform flags areas that need work like titles, descriptions, and tags making sure they follow recommended SEO standards. By focusing on both keyword opportunities and channel health, you improve the odds of appearing in relevant searches. This methodical approach keeps your content aligned with what viewers want.
Competitor observation and performance tracking
Semrush provides data on competitor channels, allowing you to see which keywords or content styles make them successful. It also tracks your own performance, so it’s easy to figure out what’s effective and what needs changing. This data-driven approach can increase your subscriber count over time. You can review engagement metrics, discover overall performance patterns, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Combine these insights with quality videos, and it’s a recipe for attracting loyal viewers who genuinely care about your content.
How to use Semrush for keyword research on YouTube?
Keywords are the linchpin of YouTube SEO. By targeting the right ones, you boost the chances your videos appear in relevant searches. Focusing on well-chosen terms can drive more clicks and keep your channel in the spotlight. That’s where Semrush steps in to streamline your process. Below is a rundown on researching keywords through Semrush.
The Keyword Magic Tool is a powerful way to brainstorm potential topics and phrases. It organises suggestions into lists, giving you a clear sense of what audiences are searching for. Rather than guessing which subjects might trend, you can rely on real data to shape your content ideas. It’s a helpful approach to creative planning.
Open the tool:Go into your Semrush account and find the Keyword Magic Tool, usually located in the Keyword Analytics section. It’s a central hub that uncovers countless term variations, perfect for jump-starting your research.
Enter a seed keyword: Type a broad term—sometimes called a seed keyword into the search bar. For instance, “easy recipes” if you create cooking videos. This starting point guides Semrush in generating a list of possibilities.
Filter and explore: Narrow your results by search volume, keyword difficulty, or related metrics. This helps you spot gems that are relevant to your channel. Filtering keeps you from wasting time on phrases with potential.
Look for long-tail keywords: Terms with lower competition can sometimes attract a more targeted audience. For instance, “easy vegan breakfast recipes” could match a niche group of viewers. Focusing on specifics yields more engaged subscribers.
Save favourites: Keep track of promising keywords in Semrush so you can refer to them every time you plan new content. This approach saves you from repeatedly revisiting the same searches and speeds up planning.
Finding high-volume keywords
Once you have a handful of potential keywords, switch to the Keyword Overview feature in Semrush. This allows you to gauge search volume (how often people search for a term) and competition (how many others are trying to rank for it). Target keywords with high search volume but low competition, as these can pull in more viewers without placing you in a fierce battle against mega-channels.
Keeping an eye on any “Trends” data also helps you notice if interest in specific terms is climbing or falling. Staying one step ahead gives you a better chance of hooking viewers with the right content. Reviewing these metrics keeps your content plan grounded in reality, so you’re less likely to waste effort on fading trends.
Integrating keywords
It’s not enough to collect keywords; placement matters. If you scatter them randomly, neither YouTube’s algorithm nor potential viewers will get the right signals. Incorporate them in spots where context is clear, so your channel feels informative rather than forced. Intentional usage also prevents keyword stuffing, which can dilute your message instead of strengthening it.
Video Titles: Put your primary keyword in the title to immediately signal relevance to YouTube’s algorithm and potential viewers. This direct approach often boosts click-through rates, because viewers instantly recognise they’ve found what they need.
Descriptions: Write a detailed summary that uses keywords in a way that feels natural, not forced. Viewers appreciate the clarity. Consider breaking up long paragraphs to make your text more skimmable, improving user experience overall.
Tags: Add relevant tags, including your newly discovered keywords. Accurate tagging helps YouTube categorise your content. Don’t flood this area with random phrases. Focus on terms that truly connect with your video’s message and audience.
Keywords are the linchpin of YouTube SEO. By targeting the right ones, you boost the chances your videos appear in relevant searches. Focusing on well-chosen terms can drive more clicks and keep your channel in the spotlight. That’s where Semrush steps in to streamline your process. Below is a rundown on researching keywords through Semrush.
The Keyword Magic Tool is a powerful way to brainstorm potential topics and phrases. It organises suggestions into lists, giving you a clear sense of what audiences are searching for. Rather than guessing which subjects might trend, you can rely on real data to shape your content ideas. It’s a helpful approach to creative planning.
Open the tool:Go into your Semrush account and find the Keyword Magic Tool, usually located in the Keyword Analytics section. It’s a central hub that uncovers countless term variations, perfect for jump-starting your research.
Enter a seed keyword: Type a broad term—sometimes called a seed keyword into the search bar. For instance, “easy recipes” if you create cooking videos. This starting point guides Semrush in generating a list of possibilities.
Filter and explore: Narrow your results by search volume, keyword difficulty, or related metrics. This helps you spot gems that are relevant to your channel. Filtering keeps you from wasting time on phrases with potential.
Look for long-tail keywords: Terms with lower competition can sometimes attract a more targeted audience. For instance, “easy vegan breakfast recipes” could match a niche group of viewers. Focusing on specifics yields more engaged subscribers.
Save favourites: Keep track of promising keywords in Semrush so you can refer to them every time you plan new content. This approach saves you from repeatedly revisiting the same searches and speeds up planning.
Finding high-volume keywords
Once you have a handful of potential keywords, switch to the Keyword Overview feature in Semrush. This allows you to gauge search volume (how often people search for a term) and competition (how many others are trying to rank for it). Target keywords with high search volume but low competition, as these can pull in more viewers without placing you in a fierce battle against mega-channels.
Keeping an eye on any “Trends” data also helps you notice if interest in specific terms is climbing or falling. Staying one step ahead gives you a better chance of hooking viewers with the right content. Reviewing these metrics keeps your content plan grounded in reality, so you’re less likely to waste effort on fading trends.
Integrating keywords
It’s not enough to collect keywords; placement matters. If you scatter them randomly, neither YouTube’s algorithm nor potential viewers will get the right signals. Incorporate them in spots where context is clear, so your channel feels informative rather than forced. Intentional usage also prevents keyword stuffing, which can dilute your message instead of strengthening it.
Video Titles: Put your primary keyword in the title to immediately signal relevance to YouTube’s algorithm and potential viewers. This direct approach often boosts click-through rates, because viewers instantly recognise they’ve found what they need.
Descriptions: Write a detailed summary that uses keywords in a way that feels natural, not forced. Viewers appreciate the clarity. Consider breaking up long paragraphs to make your text more skimmable, improving user experience overall.
Tags: Add relevant tags, including your newly discovered keywords. Accurate tagging helps YouTube categorise your content. Don’t flood this area with random phrases. Focus on terms that truly connect with your video’s message and audience.
How to use Semrush to improve YouTube SEO?
Semrush can do more than hand you a few keywords. It also flags technical issues that weaken your overall channel visibility. This approach mirrors a full-scale website audit, except it’s tailored for video content. Spotting broken links, unclear descriptions, or suboptimal titles early makes a difference when aiming for higher rankings and stronger viewer retention.
Performing a site audit for your YouTube channel
SEO audit is like clearing out a messy cupboard: it might not be the most glamorous job, but it reveals what’s hiding beneath the clutter. Semrush helps by catching missing tags, overlooked descriptions, and other trouble spots that affect your visibility. Simply create a project in Semrush, let the audit tool scan your channel, and then address each issue it flags—prioritising the most urgent fixes first. Over time, this systematic approach leads to stronger rankings and happier viewers.
1. Create a new project
Once you’re logged in, go to the “Projects” area and start a fresh project for your YouTube channel. Enter your channel’s URL when prompted. This step tells Semrush where to focus its audit. By segmenting your channel under a unique project, you keep data neatly organised and can quickly revisit important metrics or issues. It’s the baseline for a tidy, effective audit process.
2. Use the Site Audit tool
The Site Audit tool crawls your channel data (similar to how it would for a traditional website), identifying SEO-related gaps. Semrush then presents a “health score” to show how your titles, tags, and descriptions measure up against best practices. It alerts you to any critical errors in elements that could directly reduce visibility. Harnessing this resource ensures you’re not missing simple tweaks that could make your content more discoverable.
3. Review the findings
After the scan, Semrush categorises issues as errors, warnings, or notices. Errors often carry the biggest impact, such as missing tags or excessively short descriptions. Warnings highlight areas that might hurt performance if left unchecked. Notices are minor but still worth addressing if you have time. Going through these reports can feel meticulous, yet each fix removes a potential roadblock between your channel and the audience you want.
4. Refine and adjust
Once you’ve tackled the list, update video titles, descriptions, tags, and any linked resources accordingly. For instance, you might discover that your older videos lack modern SEO essentials. Correcting these details raises the overall quality of your channel in YouTube’s eyes. Over time, incremental changes add up to stronger rankings and improved watch times, especially when combined with consistent uploads and engaging video topics.
By analysing your competitors
The next big step is to keep an eye on other channels that produce similar content. Semrush helps you go beyond guesswork by providing real metrics on what rivals are doing and how well it’s working. Observing trends and tactics elsewhere can spark ideas for your channel or highlight areas where you could improve.
Identify key competitors: Search keywords you aim to rank for and note which channels pop up regularly. These are your main competitors. Their content might hint at best practices or overlooked segments you can address.
Use the Domain Overview tool: Enter a competitor’s YouTube channel URL to uncover data on their keyword rankings, traffic, and more. This snapshot offers insight into which topics gain traction and how they optimise their video details.
Compare and contrast: Study their top videos everything from titles to descriptions to spot patterns. Some channels rely on specific keyword groups or certain thumbnail styles. Recognising these elements helps you adapt proven ideas to fit your own niche.
Pinpoint opportunities: Match up your channel’s content with theirs to identify gaps. Maybe you’re missing out on trending subjects or not leveraging a format that viewers appreciate. Making small adjustments can yield measurable gains in reach.
Tracking your performance
Consistent monitoring is key. Semrush has position-tracking tools that follow how your keywords rank and detect any big changes. Some creators set up alerts that ping them when rankings shift or when new trends emerge. These details keep your channel fresh and progress steady. By refining titles, updating tags, and exploring newly discovered keywords, you ensure each release remains relevant. Pay attention to watch time and viewer feedback, too, technical fixes alone won’t sustain an audience if the content doesn’t resonate.
Semrush can do more than hand you a few keywords. It also flags technical issues that weaken your overall channel visibility. This approach mirrors a full-scale website audit, except it’s tailored for video content. Spotting broken links, unclear descriptions, or suboptimal titles early makes a difference when aiming for higher rankings and stronger viewer retention.
Performing a site audit for your YouTube channel
SEO audit is like clearing out a messy cupboard: it might not be the most glamorous job, but it reveals what’s hiding beneath the clutter. Semrush helps by catching missing tags, overlooked descriptions, and other trouble spots that affect your visibility. Simply create a project in Semrush, let the audit tool scan your channel, and then address each issue it flags—prioritising the most urgent fixes first. Over time, this systematic approach leads to stronger rankings and happier viewers.
1. Create a new project
Once you’re logged in, go to the “Projects” area and start a fresh project for your YouTube channel. Enter your channel’s URL when prompted. This step tells Semrush where to focus its audit. By segmenting your channel under a unique project, you keep data neatly organised and can quickly revisit important metrics or issues. It’s the baseline for a tidy, effective audit process.
2. Use the Site Audit tool
The Site Audit tool crawls your channel data (similar to how it would for a traditional website), identifying SEO-related gaps. Semrush then presents a “health score” to show how your titles, tags, and descriptions measure up against best practices. It alerts you to any critical errors in elements that could directly reduce visibility. Harnessing this resource ensures you’re not missing simple tweaks that could make your content more discoverable.
3. Review the findings
After the scan, Semrush categorises issues as errors, warnings, or notices. Errors often carry the biggest impact, such as missing tags or excessively short descriptions. Warnings highlight areas that might hurt performance if left unchecked. Notices are minor but still worth addressing if you have time. Going through these reports can feel meticulous, yet each fix removes a potential roadblock between your channel and the audience you want.
4. Refine and adjust
Once you’ve tackled the list, update video titles, descriptions, tags, and any linked resources accordingly. For instance, you might discover that your older videos lack modern SEO essentials. Correcting these details raises the overall quality of your channel in YouTube’s eyes. Over time, incremental changes add up to stronger rankings and improved watch times, especially when combined with consistent uploads and engaging video topics.
By analysing your competitors
The next big step is to keep an eye on other channels that produce similar content. Semrush helps you go beyond guesswork by providing real metrics on what rivals are doing and how well it’s working. Observing trends and tactics elsewhere can spark ideas for your channel or highlight areas where you could improve.
Identify key competitors: Search keywords you aim to rank for and note which channels pop up regularly. These are your main competitors. Their content might hint at best practices or overlooked segments you can address.
Use the Domain Overview tool: Enter a competitor’s YouTube channel URL to uncover data on their keyword rankings, traffic, and more. This snapshot offers insight into which topics gain traction and how they optimise their video details.
Compare and contrast: Study their top videos everything from titles to descriptions to spot patterns. Some channels rely on specific keyword groups or certain thumbnail styles. Recognising these elements helps you adapt proven ideas to fit your own niche.
Pinpoint opportunities: Match up your channel’s content with theirs to identify gaps. Maybe you’re missing out on trending subjects or not leveraging a format that viewers appreciate. Making small adjustments can yield measurable gains in reach.
Tracking your performance
Consistent monitoring is key. Semrush has position-tracking tools that follow how your keywords rank and detect any big changes. Some creators set up alerts that ping them when rankings shift or when new trends emerge. These details keep your channel fresh and progress steady. By refining titles, updating tags, and exploring newly discovered keywords, you ensure each release remains relevant. Pay attention to watch time and viewer feedback, too, technical fixes alone won’t sustain an audience if the content doesn’t resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my YouTube video descriptions?
Regular reviews can boost relevance, particularly if your focus keywords or subject interests evolve. Small updates—such as rephrasing descriptions or adding fresh details—help keep each video up to date.
Can I use Semrush for other social media platforms?
Yes. Its features extend to multiple social media platforms, not limited to YouTube alone. You can use Semrush to assess competitor performance, schedule content, and monitor engagement metrics across channels.
What is the right length of video for YouTube SEO?
There isn’t a single magic number. Some studies suggest that videos around 7–15 minutes often hold attention, but quality matters far more than duration. Anything that maintains viewer interest and meets their expectations is a win.
Conclusion
Growing a YouTube channel often comes down to strategic SEO, consistent posting, and genuine audience connection. Semrush can smooth out many of those processes, helping you discover the best keywords, fix technical problems, and keep an eye on competitor moves. Algorithms might shift here and there, but sticking to data-led decisions and well-structured content generally leads to stronger results over time. If you’re serious about standing out in a competitive field, Semrush is a worthy investment. Pair skilful research with compelling videos, and your channel has a shot at drawing loyal viewers and keeping them around.
Take advantage of Semrush’s performance metrics to fine-tune your uploads, experiment with new ideas, and refine your approach. Over time, each improvement can snowball, pushing your channel even further in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my YouTube video descriptions?
Regular reviews can boost relevance, particularly if your focus keywords or subject interests evolve. Small updates—such as rephrasing descriptions or adding fresh details—help keep each video up to date.
Can I use Semrush for other social media platforms?
Yes. Its features extend to multiple social media platforms, not limited to YouTube alone. You can use Semrush to assess competitor performance, schedule content, and monitor engagement metrics across channels.
What is the right length of video for YouTube SEO?
There isn’t a single magic number. Some studies suggest that videos around 7–15 minutes often hold attention, but quality matters far more than duration. Anything that maintains viewer interest and meets their expectations is a win.
Conclusion
Growing a YouTube channel often comes down to strategic SEO, consistent posting, and genuine audience connection. Semrush can smooth out many of those processes, helping you discover the best keywords, fix technical problems, and keep an eye on competitor moves. Algorithms might shift here and there, but sticking to data-led decisions and well-structured content generally leads to stronger results over time. If you’re serious about standing out in a competitive field, Semrush is a worthy investment. Pair skilful research with compelling videos, and your channel has a shot at drawing loyal viewers and keeping them around.
Take advantage of Semrush’s performance metrics to fine-tune your uploads, experiment with new ideas, and refine your approach. Over time, each improvement can snowball, pushing your channel even further in the right direction.
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Work with us
Click to copy
work@for.co
- FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
info@for.fi
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
kyiv@for.co
Click to copy
Lagos, NG
lagos@for.ng
Copyright © 2024 FOR®
Work with us
Click to copy
work@for.co
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
hel@for.co
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
kyiv@for.co
Click to copy
Lagos, NG
lagos@for.ng
Copyright © 2024 FOR®