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."
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.
Check for project context first: If .claude/project-context.md or .cursor/project-context.md exists, read Sections 6 (Keywords), 11 (Content Strategy).
Identify:
| 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 |
| 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 |
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 |
Reinforce the same core message across all three; target different algorithm aspects.
| 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 |