Strategies to Check Keyword Competition for YouTube

Optimizing your YouTube videos for specific keywords is crucial for gaining visibility and boosting engagement. One key aspect of this process is assessing keyword competition. This article outlines various methods and tools you can use to check the keyword competition on YouTube effectively.

Using YouTube’s Built-in Search Bar

The first and most straightforward method is to use YouTube's built-in search bar. Here’s how you can do it:

Open a new incognito browser window to ensure no tracking data from your regular browsing affects the results. Enter your target keyword in the YouTube search bar. Analyze the top-ranking videos. Pay special attention to their views, likes, and comments. Low engagement (less than 50k views, channels with fewer than 5k subscribers) indicates a low search volume and possibly easier competition to rank for. High engagement (more than 50k views, channels with over 5k subscribers) suggests a highly competitive keyword, even though the channel may be older.

Utilizing YouTube Keyword Planner

Google's Keyword Planner is primarily designed for Google Ads, but it can still provide valuable insights for your YouTube content. To use it effectively:

Login to your Google Ads account (even if you're not currently running ads). Enter your target keyword in the Keyword Planner. The tool will provide you with data on search volume and competition. Focus on keywords with moderate competition and high search volume. These are often the most feasible to rank for.

YouTube Analytics to Assess Video Performance

If you already have videos on your channel, using YouTube Analytics can provide valuable insights into the performance of your content. Consider the following:

Examine the performance of your existing videos that target specific keywords. Evaluate success in terms of views, watch time, and engagement. Identify trends and areas for improvement in your video optimization efforts.

Third-Party Tools for YouTube Keyword Research

Various tools specialize in providing in-depth keyword research and optimization for YouTube. Here are some popular options:

Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Other SEO Tools

Enter your target keyword in these tools, and they will provide data on search volume, competition, and related keywords. These tools offer more extensive data, which can be particularly useful for sophisticated optimization strategies.

TubeBuddy and vidIQ

These VSEO tools are specifically designed for YouTube and offer detailed keyword competition analysis. They also provide additional features such as optimization suggestions and performance tracking.

Combining Various Insights for Comprehensive Optimization

To get a comprehensive understanding of keyword competition and optimize your YouTube strategy, combine insights from multiple sources:

YouTube’s built-in search bar for quick and easy analysis. Google's Keyword Planner for broader market insights. YouTube Analytics for data on your existing content performance. Third-party tools for more in-depth keyword research and optimization.

By leveraging these methods and tools, you can make informed decisions about which keywords to target, how to improve your video content, and how to optimize your performance. This will ultimately lead to better visibility, engagement, and, ultimately, success on YouTube.