🔍 YouTube SEO Checklist
Complete before publishing to maximize your ranking potential
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📝 Video Information
1️⃣ Pre-Research
Identified target keyword with search volume data
Analyzed top 5 ranking videos for this keyword
Checked keyword competition level (Low/Medium/High)
Identified 3-5 related keywords to include naturally
Verified search intent matches my content
2️⃣ Title Optimization
Keyword appears in first 50 characters
Title is 50-70 characters
Title includes number, year, or specific benefit
Title creates curiosity without clickbait
Title matches actual video content
3️⃣ Description Optimization
Keyword in first 2 sentences (first 150 characters)
Description is at least 200 words
Included 3-5 related keywords naturally
Added timestamps for key sections
Included relevant links (social, website, affiliates)
Added 3-5 relevant hashtags
Included call-to-action
4️⃣ Tags (8-12 tags)
Primary keyword as first tag (exact match)
2-3 long-tail variations of primary keyword
3-4 related topic tags
2-3 channel/brand tags
No duplicate or spammy tags
5️⃣ Thumbnail Optimization
Size: 1280x720px, under 2MB, PNG or JPG
Text readable on mobile (5-7 words max, large font)
High contrast (bright text on dark or vice versa)
Face visible with clear emotion (if applicable)
Thumbnail complements title (doesn't repeat it)
Consistent branding (colors, fonts, style)
Stands out from competitors
6️⃣ Video File Optimization
File name includes keyword
Video quality is 1080p or higher
Audio is clear and normalized
Exported in MP4 format (H.264 codec)
7️⃣ Captions & Accessibility
Uploaded custom captions or reviewed auto-generated
Keyword appears naturally in spoken dialogue
Captions are properly timed and readable
8️⃣ Cards & End Screens
Added at least 1 card linking to related video
End screen configured (last 5-20 seconds)
End screen includes: subscribe + related video + playlist
Cards/end screens don't interrupt key moments
9️⃣ Playlists & Organization
Video added to relevant playlist
Playlist title includes target keyword
Playlist description optimized with keywords
🔟 Publishing Settings
Category selected
Video language set correctly
Recording date and location added (if applicable)
License and distribution rights confirmed
Comments enabled
Age restriction reviewed
1️⃣1️⃣ Post-Publish (First 24-48 Hours)
Shared on social media
Posted in relevant communities (no spam)
Emailed newsletter subscribers
Responded to first 10 comments
Pinned top comment asking question
Created community post teasing video
1️⃣2️⃣ Analytics Tracking (After 7 Days)
Checked CTR (Target: 4-10%)
Checked AVD (Target: 50%+)
Identified drop-off points
Reviewed traffic sources
Checked search terms bringing traffic
Adjusted title/thumbnail if CTR below 4%
📊 Success Metrics (7 Days)
CTR (Click-Through Rate)
Good = 4-10% | Great = 10%+
AVD (Average View Duration)
Good = 40-50% | Great = 50%+
Engagement Rate
Good = 2%+ | Great = 5%+
Search Traffic %
Good = 20%+ | Great = 40%+
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