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YouTube SEO
semrush tutorial
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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:
5 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.
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.
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).
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).
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:
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—titles, descriptions, and tags—making sure they follow recommended SEO standards.
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 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.
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:
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—titles, descriptions, and tags—making sure they follow recommended SEO standards.
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 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.
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 very important in YouTube SEO since they make it easier to find your video content. Using the relevant keywords will increase the possibility that your videos will appear in search results, get more views and have better engagement. Effective keyword research lets you know what potential viewers are looking for and allows you to create video content according to their interests.
Using the Semrush keyword magic tool
Semrush's Keyword Magic Tool can become a real lifesaver when it comes to finding relevant keywords for your content on YouTube. Here is a step-by-step process for using it.
Log in to your Semrush account and open the Keyword Magic Tool, which is located in the keyword overview.
Then enter a general keyword you want to analyse in the search bar. This keyword that you enter will be your seed keyword, such as "easy recipes" if you are making cooking videos.
Filter your results by search volume, keyword difficulty, and other metrics to find the most valuable keywords for your channel.
This tool will provide you with a list of related keywords and phrases. You can look for long-tail keywords in this list. They usually have less competition and attract more targeted viewers.
You can also save the most relevant keywords for easy reference when you need to create your video content.
Finding high-volume keywords
How can you use Semrush to find high-volume and low-competition keywords? After identifying potential keywords, use Semrush's keyword overview tool to get an idea of their search volume and competition level. Then, identify keywords with a high search volume but low competition. This way, you can create content that is more likely to attract viewers.
You can also use the “Trends” feature to determine whether interest in specific keywords is falling or growing. This will help you stay ahead and create content that resonates with the latest requirements.
Integrating keywords
After choosing useful keywords, it is important to integrate them effectively into your YouTube content. So here are some tips on how you can add your keywords in the best way.
Include your main keywords in the video title. It helps both YouTube and viewers to know what your video is about. Create detailed descriptions that integrate your keywords naturally. This is good for SEO and provides more context for the viewer about your video. Add relevant tags, including your keywords. Tags will give YouTube a better chance to categorise your content and make it more discoverable.
Keywords are very important in YouTube SEO since they make it easier to find your video content. Using the relevant keywords will increase the possibility that your videos will appear in search results, get more views and have better engagement. Effective keyword research lets you know what potential viewers are looking for and allows you to create video content according to their interests.
Using the Semrush keyword magic tool
Semrush's Keyword Magic Tool can become a real lifesaver when it comes to finding relevant keywords for your content on YouTube. Here is a step-by-step process for using it.
Log in to your Semrush account and open the Keyword Magic Tool, which is located in the keyword overview.
Then enter a general keyword you want to analyse in the search bar. This keyword that you enter will be your seed keyword, such as "easy recipes" if you are making cooking videos.
Filter your results by search volume, keyword difficulty, and other metrics to find the most valuable keywords for your channel.
This tool will provide you with a list of related keywords and phrases. You can look for long-tail keywords in this list. They usually have less competition and attract more targeted viewers.
You can also save the most relevant keywords for easy reference when you need to create your video content.
Finding high-volume keywords
How can you use Semrush to find high-volume and low-competition keywords? After identifying potential keywords, use Semrush's keyword overview tool to get an idea of their search volume and competition level. Then, identify keywords with a high search volume but low competition. This way, you can create content that is more likely to attract viewers.
You can also use the “Trends” feature to determine whether interest in specific keywords is falling or growing. This will help you stay ahead and create content that resonates with the latest requirements.
Integrating keywords
After choosing useful keywords, it is important to integrate them effectively into your YouTube content. So here are some tips on how you can add your keywords in the best way.
Include your main keywords in the video title. It helps both YouTube and viewers to know what your video is about. Create detailed descriptions that integrate your keywords naturally. This is good for SEO and provides more context for the viewer about your video. Add relevant tags, including your keywords. Tags will give YouTube a better chance to categorise your content and make it more discoverable.
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.
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.
2. Use the Site Audit tool
This feature crawls your channel (similar to how it would for a website) and detects SEO-related issues. Semrush then presents a “health score,” reflecting how well your channel titles, tags, and descriptions align with best practices.
3. Review the findings
Problems are typically sorted as errors, warnings, or notices. Address errors first—things like missing tags or broken links can significantly impact your rankings.
4. Refine and adjust
Based on the audit, refine or rewrite video titles, descriptions, and tags. Each change can inch you closer to prime visibility in search results.
By analysing your competitors
The next big step is to keep an eye on other channels that produce similar content:
Identify key competitors: Search keywords you aim to rank for and note which channels consistently appear.
Use the Domain Overview tool: Enter a competitor’s YouTube channel URL to uncover data on their keyword rankings and traffic.
Compare and contrast: Study their top videos—titles, descriptions, and metrics—to spot patterns. Maybe they use specific phrases that resonate well or have a particular style that keeps viewers engaged.
Pinpoint opportunities: Compare your channel’s content with theirs to see where you excel and what gaps might be limiting your reach. Sometimes small tweaks in your video approach can lead to big gains.
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. All these details help keep your channel fresh and your growth steady.
Semrush can do more than hand you a few keywords. It also flags technical issues that weaken your overall channel visibility.
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.
2. Use the Site Audit tool
This feature crawls your channel (similar to how it would for a website) and detects SEO-related issues. Semrush then presents a “health score,” reflecting how well your channel titles, tags, and descriptions align with best practices.
3. Review the findings
Problems are typically sorted as errors, warnings, or notices. Address errors first—things like missing tags or broken links can significantly impact your rankings.
4. Refine and adjust
Based on the audit, refine or rewrite video titles, descriptions, and tags. Each change can inch you closer to prime visibility in search results.
By analysing your competitors
The next big step is to keep an eye on other channels that produce similar content:
Identify key competitors: Search keywords you aim to rank for and note which channels consistently appear.
Use the Domain Overview tool: Enter a competitor’s YouTube channel URL to uncover data on their keyword rankings and traffic.
Compare and contrast: Study their top videos—titles, descriptions, and metrics—to spot patterns. Maybe they use specific phrases that resonate well or have a particular style that keeps viewers engaged.
Pinpoint opportunities: Compare your channel’s content with theirs to see where you excel and what gaps might be limiting your reach. Sometimes small tweaks in your video approach can lead to big gains.
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. All these details help keep your channel fresh and your growth steady.
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, letting you unearth the best keywords, fix technical problems, and keep an eye on competitor moves.
Algorithms might shift here and there, but sticking to data-driven 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 well worth the effort. Once you combine skilful research with compelling videos, your channel has a fighting chance at attracting loyal viewers—and keeping them around for the long run.
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, letting you unearth the best keywords, fix technical problems, and keep an eye on competitor moves.
Algorithms might shift here and there, but sticking to data-driven 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 well worth the effort. Once you combine skilful research with compelling videos, your channel has a fighting chance at attracting loyal viewers—and keeping them around for the long run.
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Work with us
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We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
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Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
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Click to copy
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Copyright © 2024 FOR®