How YouTube Search Works

Like Google’s search engine, search on YouTube strives to surface the most relevant results according to keyword queries. Videos are ranked based on a variety of factors including how well the title, description, and video content match the viewer’s query. Beyond that, we look at which videos have driven the most engagement for a query, and make sure it’s easy for viewers to find those. Search results are not a list of the most-viewed videos for a given query.

Tips:

• See what words people use to find your channel in the YouTube Analytics Traffic Sources report by clicking in the ‘YouTube Search’ box.

• Consider incorporating the most relevant search terms for each of your new videos. You can add them as titles and descriptions -- as long as they’re accurate (and not excessive).

• Consider implementing YouTube’s Translation tools to reach an international audience.

• Brainstorm new video ideas by looking at search results for popular and less competitive queries. Identify opportunities to serve an audience that isn’t already well-served.

• Remember to check the ‘trending’ tab for topics that appeal to you or may be specific to your niche.

MYTH: "My videos have fully optimized titles and descriptions. Why don’t they rank higher?"

TRUTH: Search considers many signals, including the watch time of a particular video for a particular query.

[wowsuchhandle]

IT DOESN'T. STOP THROWING IN SUGGESTED UNRELATED VIDEOS IN MY SEARCH RESULTS.

[alexanderslee]

Perhaps in 2017 this was relevant, but now in 2022 YouTube search results are polluted with "People also watched, " "For you, " and "Previously watched."

[jarooe]

Can you make an updated video to explain why either half my results are completely irrelevant or what I'm looking for doesn't show up at all?

[FahmiBeauty]

YouTube community help center is great for teaching and we are learning. Thank you so much. I became very glad to find your great channel for helping.

[penthouseslamianyc]

We live in an amazing time to be able to connect with our desired clientele more quickly. Respectfully, Scott

[akiAlex]

It`s REALLY easy.

Youtube need money ->
Big channels bring money ->
Youtube advertise (search is ads too) Big Channels to get more money!

It's as simple as that.

If by willing of some kind of miracle you managed to break through the barrier and become a big channel, lucky you, you now matter for youtube, and luck ( or BIG investment) is the key part.

And as long as youtube has enough buffer with big channels to accumulate profit, nothing will change.
If buffer runs out, they will open the border for some users to refill it and then all over again.

Circle of Life.

[awebmate]

How Youtube search works: IT DOESNT!!!

[traviswyly]

I appreciate this series of videos to learn more in depth about how Youtube works and how users can better utilize it.

[FunGameToys]

We used description and tags but sorry your system not work.

[Sir-Kay]

There are "search video" which helps attract people searching for something, usually "How To" videos but, there are audience who aren't searching for things, the videos just get recommended to them, these kinds of videos are favored by Youtube.

[ICERLN]

right, so, to get popular you need to be popular. To get the job I need experience... are we not seeing the problem?

[polashvlogsbd]

Thank you so much YouTube Creators. I learned a lot of things about this video.

[souphow-to-soup]

Really work very hard to learn from Youtube, as to grow Bigger and Better. Thank you, Youtube.

[JoyRoute]

Finding this playlist very helpful. Thank you.

[metoowahl]

This May be awkward...
But I would like to thank YouTube.
When I searching for something I was looking for, it was here.
And when I found what I was looking for you added more.
It didn't matter if it was music or videos and it didn't matter what subject it was about.
You made it possible when I at my worst and I was looking for entertainment and gave me a lot to think about.
Thanks for your site and I appreciate it.

[score_more]

Making a Playlist out of this series so I can come back to it as well as feed it to my audience!

[RunNGunPhoto]

*Some absolutely crucial search advice that i'll be suing on my channel, Thank you!*

[SassMuffinGaming]

Thank you for making these videos, they seem really helpful! I was doubtful that adding meaningful descriptions actually did anything.

[ohyum]

Have to say YTCA, that first search at 0:19 was on POINT!

[Claudiuyoro]

Informative video! Thanks! Also, nice music :D