A Guide to Crafting the Perfect YouTube Title
Your YouTube title is like your headline - it's got to grab attention, spark curiosity, and make people want to click. A well-crafted title not only gets your video noticed by the right people but also boosts brand discoverability, watch time, and even your overall channel growth. In this guide, we will break down what makes a good YouTube title in 5 steps to make sure your titles are working hard for you.
How to write a good YouTube title
A high-performing YouTube title should follow a simple but powerful formula. It should be optimised for search, create intrigue for viewers, and work with your thumbnail and overall brand feel. So let’s take a look at what makes a good YouTube title:
1. Front-Load the Title with Relevant Keywords
YouTube is a search engine at its core (the second biggest, in fact), and your title is part of your video’s metadata. Optimising it with the right keywords can significantly improve your visibility and make your content favourable to the YouTube Algorithm.
Do your keyword research, using tools like Semrush or Google Keyword Planner. Place the most important keywords at the beginning of your title to capture search intent and improve click-through rates.
This is especially important for brands looking to establish authority and improve discoverability in competitive industries. Include high-intent keywords relevant to your niche to help boost your brand’s presence and discovery on YouTube and Google search search, as well as suggested videos.
2. Avoid Misleading Clickbait Title
We get it, tempting people to click is the goal. But try not to mislead your audience. While clickbait-style titles may generate short-term spikes in views, it can harm your channel’s trust and retention in the long run. Instead, be compelling but honest about your video’s content, and focus on authenticity to build long-term brand discovery and loyalty with relevant audiences.
3. Keep It Between 40-70 Characters
YouTube titles should be concise yet descriptive. Think short, snappy, and to the point! Titles that are too long will get cut off in search results, while overly short ones may lack context. So how long should a YouTube title be? Aim for a sweet spot of 40-70 characters for easy readability.
When creating your YouTube title, you should also consider where your brand's content is shared and how it will appear, from search to social media and embedded videos on your website.
4. Ensure Your Thumbnail and Title Work Together
Your title and thumbnail should complement each other rather than duplicate the same message. If your thumbnail already shows one idea, use the title to add context or intrigue.
And remember, a consistent visual and textual identity strengthens brand recall and recognition and can help improve your click-through rate (CTR).
5. Maintain a Standardised Format
If you’re a business using YouTube for marketing, a structured format not only builds recognition but also makes your content easier to categorise. So brand consistency is key!
Establish a structured format for your YouTube titles that can make your content easily identifiable. Consider adding your brand name at the end and following a consistent structure.
Final Thoughts
Think of your YouTube title as the hook that reels in your audience. When done right, it’ll help you rank better in not only YouTube search results but also Google, get more clicks, and keep viewers coming back for more. By implementing these best practices will set you up for success, you will build brand authority and increase discoverability on YouTube with more relevant audiences.
Need expert help optimising your YouTube content strategy? Get in touch - we’d love to help!
