What started 10 years ago as a simple video sharing platform has now become one of the most powerful online media domains. Millions of users are active on this site every day and as per Alexa’s rank, YouTube is the third most popular website in the world today. People upload videos on their channels, and even download YouTube videos if they need to use it for some work or simply for viewing it offline. Who knew that this humble video sharing platform would become a key tool for marketers with which they are able to drive inbound traffic to their websites?
Leveraging the video search engine in YouTube is one thing, but to ensure that you content ranks on top of thousands of related videos is a challenge that needs more than just talent to pull off. It is quintessential that YouTube videos be optimized for coming up in the top search results. Without proper optimization, it would be very difficult for you to appeal to the users.
Check out the following tips for optimizing YouTube videos.
Be Original
It is needless to say that being original is the best and only way in which you would be able to stand out from the crowd. You don’t always have to create a video as the required information can be conveyed with the use of a presentation format supported by music or voice-over.
Keep the Video’s Length Between 2 and 4 Minutes
Unless it is a concert, shot play, movie or anything that is very interesting to watch, the average user will get bored pretty soon if the length of the video exceeds 4-5 minutes. The ideal length is between 2 and 4 minutes which is sufficient to put across your message.
Upload the Highest Possible Resolution
If you want to turn your videos into powerful marketing media, then it is important for the videos to be watermarked with your logo, company name, contact details, or just about anything that establishes a relation with you. You should include a watermark simply to lay claim over the content and prevent its misuse if someone were to download the YouTube video.
Add a Watermark
If you want to turn your videos into powerful marketing media, then it is important for the videos to be watermarked with your logo, company name, contact details, or just about anything that establishes a relation with you. You should include a watermark simply to lay claim over the content and prevent its misuse if someone were to download the YouTube video.
Use Captions and Subtitles
YouTube is a global platform and unless your video is filtered by regional restrictions, there is a good chance that people from around the world would view it. Providing captions and subtitles is a great way to ensure that the content of your video is communicated to people in different regions in their dialects. Not only would this make a good impression on such viewers, but it would also eliminate the possibility of misunderstanding or improper interpretation of the content.
Apply Basic SEO Concepts
YouTube functions as a general search engine, so the various aspects of SEO are applicable here as well. The search algorithm checks the title, the description, tags, number of views, the links, and ratings of the video. The way you engage users on your video’s page and the details provided there also account for the popularity of the video in terms of search engine rankings. By performing an SEO check on your video, you would be able to get the video ranked on YouTube as well as other search engines.
Consider Creating a Channel
A single video upload does not lead to a successful video campaign. Just like a blog, you need to keep adding fresh content periodically on your YouTube channel. With the addition of every new video, the users get to experience new information from you and they keep coming back which means you are able to retain users.
