Ranking YouTube videos in 2024 require strategies similar to those used in previous years. However, some new enhancement strategies can be added to improve your video performance on the platform.

For example, optimizing metadata is crucial to allow Google and YouTube to crawl and understand your content more effectively. But what if we tell you there is a shortcut to optimize metadata quicker?

Below, we’ve rounded up some essential YouTube SEO practices to help you rank videos on search engines. These tips can be helpful for content creators and digital marketers seeking to elevate their video metrics performance. 

#1. Stay Away from Saturated Keywords

In order to win top ranks on search engines, consider staying away from saturated keywords. Typically, these are short and general keywords used by many other creators. So it’s challenging to win the competition.

Opt for micro long-tailed keywords with lesser traffic. Incorporating these keywords helps your content to compete strongly on search engines. You can address specific pain points, add locations, or mention tools to create micro keywords.

#2. Invest in Educational Content

Educational content takes center stage on YouTube, mainly if you aim to create longer videos. Make your videos valuable and helpful to viewers, such as product reviews, tutorials, comparisons, etc. 

If possible, provide live or illustrated demonstrations to engage viewers. This strategy can enhance video visuals and make it more fun to watch. Moreover, keep your content concise and easy to understand to avoid high bounce rates. 

#3. Improve Video Visuals

As previously mentioned, video visuals are keys to engaging viewers. There are many ways to improve the quality of your video, including using a top-tier camera, adding motion graphics, and incorporating transitions.

Other elements like text overlays and illustrations can make your video more compelling. Remember to also make your thumbnails eye-catching to audiences. Add text and figures that imply what your content is about.

#4. Stay Consistent

Another key point in ranking YouTube videos is to maintain consistency. Stick to your content plan and schedule your content ahead so you won’t miss important dates. Aim to post regularly every week for maximum results.

Also, stay consistent in your content. Ensure that your videos incorporate your expertise and experience to provide authentic points of view. Consistent topics around a specific niche can also help you build brand identity.

Moreover, if you incorporate a logo or other visual elements, make sure to use them consistently. For example, consistently using color schemes and illustration styles can make your brand or content memorable.

#5. Add Captions or Subtitles

Make your videos accessible to international viewers. To make this happen, add closed captions or subtitles to your videos. Don’t worry. There are automated captioning tools available online that you can use for free, such as SubtitleBee and Flixier.

YouTube also provides automated captioning. However, please keep in mind that auto-generated captions may not be 100% accurate. So, human editing is necessary to minimize typos and errors. 

Captions and subtitles are not only helpful to viewers. Many believe that these elements also strengthen YouTube SEO. Making your video accessible to global audiences and optimizing it for search engines can help you secure top ranks.

#6. Use a Robust YouTube Tool 

If you have a lot of stuff on your plate, we recommend using a robust YouTube tool. For instance, TubeBuddy and VidIQ are popular tools to help you manage YouTube marketing more effectively.

You can generate potential keywords, manage content, and discover YouTube trends on a single platform. They can also help you generate metadata automatically and optimize them for search engines so you can save countless hours. 

Takeaway

Those are some tips and strategies to help you rank videos on YouTube in 2024. Another last tip is to find the best time to post your videos and leverage the community page to create buzz before sharing your content.
Analyze key metrics provided in analytics to enhance your overall marketing strategies. We also recommend looking for audience feedback to improve your video content and visuals further in the future.

Author Bio

Andre Oentoro is one of the co-founders of Milkwhale, an internationally acknowledged infographic production agency. He helps businesses increase visibility.