Ultimate YouTube SEO Checklist for 2026

This checklist gives you a clear, repeatable process to follow before every upload — so your title, description, tags, thumbnails and watch time are all optimized for YouTube SEO.

1. Topic & keyword research

• In the Vid YT YouTube SEO dashboard, search for your main keyword.
• Pick low‑competition, high‑intent keywords (question style, how‑to, vs, best, etc.).
• Lock in one primary keyword plus 2–3 supporting keywords.

2. High-CTR title

• Place your primary keyword as close to the beginning of the title as possible.
• Use Vid YT's title generator to test 5–10 variations.
• Add a number, time promise or outcome (e.g. “in 7 days”, “without burnout”).

3. Description & tags

• Use the first two lines for a strong hook plus your primary keyword, written naturally.
• Outline the video structure in bullet points — you can also add timestamps.
• In tags, include close variations of your main keyword plus niche tags.

4. Thumbnail & CTR

• Keep thumbnail text to 3–4 words and avoid repeating the full title.
• Use faces, high‑contrast colours and a clear subject.
• Use Vid YT's thumbnail optimization tools to compare variants.

5. Watch time & retention

• Write a strong hook for the first 3–5 seconds (problem, bold claim, pattern interrupt).
• Remove dead segments from the script and add pattern changes every 20–30 seconds.
• End with a clear suggestion for the next video or playlist to watch.