youtube-seo
kostja94/marketing-skills
Optimize YouTube videos for search discovery with SEO-driven titles, descriptions, tags, and thumbnails.
What is youtube-seo?
YouTube SEO skill guides optimization of video titles, descriptions, tags, and thumbnails to improve search visibility on YouTube and Google. Use this when creating or improving video metadata, targeting keywords, or aiming to increase discoverability and watch time.
- Generate SEO-optimized titles under 60 characters with primary keywords in the first 5–55 characters
- Write descriptions with natural keyword placement in the first 2–3 sentences and meta-friendly summaries under 160 characters
- Recommend relevant tags that reinforce content without over-optimization
- Provide custom thumbnail guidance emphasizing contrast, composition, and audience alignment
- Align title, description, and thumbnail messaging to reinforce core message across algorithm signals
- Optimize for both YouTube search and Google search results, including AI Overviews
How to install youtube-seo
npx skills add https://github.com/kostja94/marketing-skills --skill youtube-seoHow to use youtube-seo
- 1.Identify your video type (tutorial, review, vlog, Shorts) and target primary and secondary keywords
- 2.Provide the skill with video topic, current title (if any), and target audience context
- 3.Review generated title options under 60 characters and select one with keyword in first 5–55 characters
- 4.Use the full description template, placing primary and secondary keywords naturally in the first 2–3 sentences
- 5.Apply recommended tags that reinforce content relevance without keyword stuffing
- 6.Implement thumbnail guidance using high contrast, rule-of-thirds composition, and bold colors
Use cases
- Creating metadata for a tutorial video to rank for instructional keywords in Google search
- Rewriting a vlog description to improve CTR and watch duration through better keyword placement
- Designing thumbnail elements and text for higher click-through rates on casual viewers
- Optimizing a product review title and tags to appear in YouTube search and Google video results
- Improving channel visibility by systematically applying keyword strategy across multiple videos
- Content creators and YouTubers seeking higher search rankings
- Marketing professionals optimizing video content for discovery
- SEO specialists targeting YouTube and Google video results
- Product reviewers and tutorial creators aiming for AI Overview citations
youtube-seo FAQ
Under 60 characters; mobile displays may truncate longer titles. Place your primary keyword within the first 5–55 characters for best results.
The first 2–3 sentences should naturally include your primary and secondary keywords and form a meta description under 160 characters. This is what appears in search results.
No. Titles and descriptions are more important for search ranking. Tags help YouTube understand content but should be used strategically without over-optimization.
Google now prioritizes YouTube video results in its main search results and AI Overviews. YouTube videos receive 48.6B monthly visits and comprise ~78% of social media citations in AI Overviews.
Yes. 90% of best-performing videos use custom thumbnails. Focus on high contrast, readable fonts, bold colors, and rule-of-thirds composition.
Full instructions (SKILL.md)
Source of truth, from kostja94/marketing-skills.
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." For YouTube ads, use youtube-ads. metadata: version: 1.1.1
Platforms: YouTube SEO
Guides YouTube video and channel optimization for search and discovery. Google now prioritizes YouTube video results in search; YouTube + Reddit comprise ~78% of social media citations in AI Overviews. 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, Google search, and AI citation. For website-embedded video SEO, see video-optimization.
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
Project context: Read root contextus.md when present and load only the modules relevant to this task. Without Contextus, use available project material or user-provided facts and ask for missing information; do not create a parallel context system.
Identify:
- Video type: Tutorial, review, vlog, Shorts
- Target keyword: Primary and secondary
- 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)
YouTube in Google Search & GEO
| Context | Implication |
|---|---|
| Google prioritization | YouTube is core search infrastructure; 48.6B monthly visits; video results favored in main SERP, video mode, Discover |
| AI Overviews | YouTube citations surged 25.21% since Jan 2025; instructional (+35.6%), visual demos (+32.5%); long-form (94%) dominates |
| GEO | YouTube + Reddit = ~78% of social media citations; optimize for AI citation. See generative-engine-optimization |
Related Skills
- video-marketing: Video script, hook, structure
- video-optimization: Website video SEO; VideoObject; video sitemap; embed optimization
- youtube-ads: YouTube paid ads (TrueView, Bumper)
- content-marketing: Video as content format
- parasite-seo: YouTube as high-authority platform
- generative-engine-optimization: GEO strategy; YouTube as distribution for AI citation
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