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YouTube Video Description

What is a YouTube Video Description?

A YouTube description provides insights into either a YouTube channel or a specific video. There are two types: channel descriptions and video descriptions. A channel description details what the channel is about, including its genre, what viewers can expect, the video publishing schedule, social media and website links, and any important news.

 

A video description, found below each video, gives a brief overview of the video's content, relevant keywords, links to resources mentioned in the video, affiliate links, and a prompt for viewers to subscribe.

Why Are YouTube Video Descriptions Important?

YouTube descriptions are critical because they help both YouTube's algorithm and viewers understand the content and context of a video. Well-optimized descriptions can significantly boost a video's search rankings and visibility on the platform

What’s the Difference Between a YouTube Channel Description and a Video Description?

The main difference lies in their focus and content.

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Channel Descriptions

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Channel descriptions are about the overall channel, its theme, and what viewers can expect. They provide a general overview of the channel's content and its unique appeal.

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YouTube Video Descriptions

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In contrast, video descriptions are specific to each video, detailing what the video is about. They include relevant links and prompts, offering viewers additional context and resources related to the video's content.

What Should Be Included in a YouTube Video Description?

Video chapters should include the following:​

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  • Keywords and SEO: Include 1-2 relevant keywords, repeated 2-3 times, to aid in search visibility. The first 2-3 sentences should focus on these keywords as they are most visible in search results and impact click-through rates​​​​​​​.

  • Length and Content: Aim for over 200 words, ensuring the description is thorough and informative. This helps YouTube's algorithm understand and rank the video better​​.

  • Related Keywords: Include related terms to give additional context and improve ranking for those terms in searches​.

  • Originality: Each video should have a unique description to enhance findability and distinctiveness​​.

  • Video Chapters: Including chapters improves the user experience and allows search engines to understand different parts of the video.

  • Hashtags: YouTube rewards videos that include hashtags and even highlight the first three hashtags found in the video description.

  • Links to Other Videos: Link to similar videos to encourage users to explore additional content on your channel.

  • Links to Your Website: Encourage users to visit your website buy products and more!

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