Check YouTube Search Volume: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to really nail your YouTube game? It all starts with understanding what people are searching for. Checking the search volume for different keywords can give you the ultimate edge. This guide will walk you through why it's crucial and how to do it like a pro.

Why Checking YouTube Search Volume Matters

Understanding YouTube search volume is super important for a few key reasons. First off, it tells you exactly what your audience is interested in. Instead of just guessing what kind of videos to make, you get cold, hard data about what people are actually searching for. This means you can create content that people actually want to watch, which can seriously boost your views and watch time.

Another big reason is that it helps you optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Think of it like this: if you know that a lot of people are searching for "best gaming setup 2024," you can use that exact phrase in your video title and description. This makes it way easier for YouTube's algorithm to understand what your video is about, which increases the chances of it showing up in search results. Plus, you can use related keywords in your tags to cast an even wider net.

Checking search volume also helps you identify trends and gaps in the market. Maybe there's a particular topic that's super popular right now but doesn't have a lot of high-quality videos covering it. That's your chance to jump in and become the go-to source for that topic. It's all about spotting those opportunities and capitalizing on them. Beyond just finding popular topics, it also helps you avoid wasting time on videos that nobody is searching for. There's nothing worse than spending hours creating a video that gets only a handful of views. By doing your research upfront, you can make sure your efforts are focused on content that will actually get seen.

And let's not forget about competition. Knowing the search volume for a keyword also gives you an idea of how competitive it is. If a keyword has a super high search volume but also a ton of videos targeting it, it might be tough to rank. In that case, you might want to look for long-tail keywords – which are longer, more specific phrases – that have lower search volume but also less competition. For example, instead of "gaming laptop," you could target "best gaming laptop under $1500 for Fortnite."

Finally, checking search volume can help you refine your content strategy over time. By tracking which keywords are performing well and which aren't, you can adjust your approach and focus on the topics that are resonating with your audience. It's all about learning from your data and continuously improving your content.

Tools to Check YouTube Search Volume

Okay, so now you know why it's important, let's dive into how to actually check YouTube search volume. There are several tools out there that can help you do this, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

1. Google Keyword Planner

First up is Google Keyword Planner. While it's primarily designed for Google Ads, it can still be a super useful tool for YouTube. To use it, you'll need a Google Ads account, but don't worry, you don't have to run any actual ads. Once you're in, you can enter a keyword and see its average monthly search volume, as well as related keywords. Keep in mind that the search volume data is for Google search, not specifically for YouTube, but it can still give you a good idea of overall interest in a topic.

The real advantage of Google Keyword Planner is that it's free (as long as you don't run ads) and it's directly from Google, so you know the data is reliable. Plus, it offers a ton of other features, like keyword suggestions and competition analysis, which can be helpful for planning your content strategy.

2. Ahrefs

Next, we have Ahrefs. This is a powerful SEO tool that offers a bunch of features specifically for YouTube, including a keyword research tool. With Ahrefs, you can enter a keyword and see its search volume on YouTube, as well as related keywords, click-through rates, and more. It also shows you the top-ranking videos for that keyword, so you can get an idea of what kind of content is already out there.

Ahrefs is a paid tool, but it's definitely worth the investment if you're serious about YouTube. The data is super accurate and detailed, and it offers a ton of advanced features that can help you optimize your videos for search. For example, it can show you which keywords your competitors are ranking for, so you can target those same keywords.

3. TubeBuddy

Then there's TubeBuddy, which is a browser extension that integrates directly with YouTube. It offers a ton of features, including a keyword research tool that shows you the search volume and competition for different keywords. One of the coolest things about TubeBuddy is that it shows you this data right on the YouTube platform, so you don't have to switch back and forth between different tools.

TubeBuddy also offers a bunch of other helpful features, like video SEO tools, thumbnail generators, and social media promotion tools. It's a paid tool, but it offers a free plan with limited features, so you can try it out before you commit. The paid plans are definitely worth it if you're looking to take your YouTube channel to the next level.

4. VidIQ

Don't forget VidIQ, which is similar to TubeBuddy in that it's a browser extension that integrates with YouTube. It offers a keyword research tool that shows you the search volume, competition, and related keywords for different topics. VidIQ also gives you a score for each keyword, which tells you how easy or difficult it will be to rank for that keyword.

Like TubeBuddy, VidIQ offers a bunch of other helpful features, like video analytics, competitor analysis, and trend alerts. It's a paid tool, but it offers a free plan with limited features, so you can try it out before you commit. The paid plans are great for serious YouTubers who want to get an edge over the competition.

5. Semrush

Last but not least, Semrush is a top-tier SEO tool that provides extensive data on keyword search volumes across various platforms, including YouTube. Semrush offers detailed insights into keyword trends, related keywords, and competitive analysis, enabling you to fine-tune your content strategy effectively. Its YouTube keyword research tool allows you to analyze specific keywords, revealing their search volume, the level of competition, and even examples of top-performing videos for each keyword. This helps in identifying valuable opportunities for content creation and optimization.

Semrush stands out due to its ability to provide a holistic view of the search landscape, allowing users to understand not only YouTube-specific metrics but also how keywords perform on Google and other platforms. This comprehensive perspective is invaluable for creating content that resonates across multiple channels and maximizes reach. While Semrush is a paid tool, the depth of data and advanced features make it a worthwhile investment for businesses and creators dedicated to growing their YouTube presence through data-driven strategies.

How to Use These Tools Effectively

Okay, so you've got your tools, now what? Let's talk about how to use them effectively to get the most out of your keyword research. Here are a few tips:

1. Start with Brainstorming

Before you even open any of these tools, take some time to brainstorm a list of topics that you want to cover on your channel. Think about what your audience is interested in, what kind of videos you enjoy making, and what topics are relevant to your niche. Write down as many ideas as you can think of – no idea is too crazy at this stage!

2. Enter Your Keywords

Once you have a list of topics, start entering them into your keyword research tool of choice. Pay attention to the search volume for each keyword, as well as any related keywords that the tool suggests. Look for keywords that have a decent search volume but aren't too competitive. These are the sweet spots that will give you the best chance of ranking well.

3. Analyze the Competition

For each keyword that you're interested in, take a look at the top-ranking videos. What kind of content are they creating? How are they optimizing their titles, descriptions, and tags? What can you do to create even better content that will outrank them? This is where you need to get creative and think outside the box.

4. Look for Long-Tail Keywords

Don't just focus on broad, general keywords. Look for long-tail keywords that are more specific and targeted. These keywords may have lower search volume, but they also have less competition, which means you have a better chance of ranking for them. Plus, people who search for long-tail keywords are often further along in the buying process, so they're more likely to convert into subscribers or customers.

5. Track Your Results

Once you've created and uploaded your videos, track your results to see how they're performing. Pay attention to your views, watch time, and subscriber growth. Which keywords are driving the most traffic to your videos? Which videos are performing the best? Use this data to refine your content strategy and focus on the topics that are resonating with your audience.

Conclusion

Checking YouTube search volume is essential if you want to grow your channel and reach a wider audience. By using the right tools and following these tips, you can find the best keywords to target and create content that people actually want to watch. So get out there and start researching – your YouTube success awaits!