YouTube keyword research is not about finding the highest-volume keywords — it’s about finding keywords where your channel can realistically rank and where the audience your video attracts is actually valuable. A keyword with 10,000 monthly searches that your channel has zero chance of ranking for is worthless. A keyword with 1,000 searches where you can reach the top 5 results builds real compounding traffic.
This guide covers the practical keyword research process for YouTube — finding topics, evaluating competition, and choosing what to make. For how keywords fit into the algorithm, see How the YouTube Algorithm Works in 2026.
The Two Types of YouTube Traffic — And Why It Matters for Keyword Research
| Traffic Type | Source | Best Keywords | How to Optimise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search traffic | People searching YouTube or Google | Specific how-to phrases, question-based queries, comparison terms | Include keyword in title, first 125 chars of description, and speak it in the first 60 seconds |
| Browse / home page traffic | YouTube’s recommendation algorithm | Topics with broad appeal and high emotional engagement | Strong thumbnail + title CTR — keyword matters less than click motivation |
The most durable YouTube growth strategy combines both: keyword-targeted content for consistent search traffic, plus high-CTR engaging content for algorithmic distribution. See YouTube Growth Strategy That Actually Works.
Step-by-Step YouTube Keyword Research Process
- Start with your audience’s pain points. What does your target viewer type into YouTube when they are frustrated, stuck, or looking for help? These are your seed keywords. For a YouTube consulting channel: ‘how to grow my YouTube channel’, ‘why isn’t my channel growing’, ‘youtube algorithm’.
- Use YouTube autocomplete to expand. Type each seed keyword into YouTube search and note every autocomplete suggestion. These are real searches sorted by frequency. Each autocomplete suggestion is a potential video topic.
- Check search volume and competition with vidIQ or TubeBuddy. vidIQ’s keyword research tool shows estimated search volume and competition score. TubeBuddy’s keyword explorer gives a weighted Keyword Score. For new channels: target keywords with competition score below 50.
- Check the existing results. Search your target keyword on YouTube. If the top results all come from channels with 500K+ subscribers, a new channel will struggle to rank regardless of optimisation. Look for keywords where smaller channels appear in the top 5 — this indicates ranking opportunity.
- Evaluate search intent. Watch the top 3 videos for your keyword. What format are they? Tutorial, list, case study, reaction? The algorithm has learnt what format satisfies this query. Match it or improve on it — do not ignore it.
- Check Google’s video carousel. Search your keyword on Google. If YouTube videos appear in the results (a video carousel), this keyword also drives Google traffic to YouTube — it has double the reach of a YouTube-only keyword.
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The 3 Keyword Categories Every Channel Needs
| Category | Characteristics | Example (YouTube niche) | How to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search volume, low competition | Good monthly searches, channel can realistically rank | ‘why youtube views drop after first 24 hours’ | Your foundation — consistent evergreen search traffic |
| High competition, high volume | Major keywords in your niche — you may not rank immediately but need to be in the game | ‘how to grow a youtube channel’ | Make your best version now, re-optimise when channel authority grows |
| Buyer intent keywords | Lower volume but audience is ready to act (buy a tool, book a call, hire someone) | ‘best youtube analytics tool uk’, ‘hire youtube consultant uk’ | Highest conversion rate — prioritise these if monetisation is a goal |
Free vs Paid Keyword Research — What You Actually Need
| Method | Cost | What It Gives You | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Autocomplete | Free | Real search terms people are actively typing — very reliable signal | Start here. Always. |
| vidIQ Free Plan | Free | Keyword volume and competition score overlay directly in YouTube search results | Best free tool available — install this today |
| TubeBuddy Pro | ~£4/month | Keyword Score, A/B thumbnail testing, tag explorer, competitor analysis | Worth the cost — pays for itself with one better-performing video |
| Google Keyword Planner | Free (needs Google Ads account) | Search volume data from Google — useful for YouTube/Google crossover keywords | Good supplementary tool for confirming volume |
How to Choose Between Competing Keywords
When you have multiple keyword options for the same topic, choose based on this priority order:
- Keywords where the existing top results are from channels smaller than or similar to yours
- Keywords that appear in YouTube autocomplete (confirming real search behaviour)
- Keywords that also trigger a Google video carousel (double traffic potential)
- Keywords that match buyer intent if your goal is affiliate income or consulting leads
- Keywords with the highest volume you can realistically rank for — high volume on a keyword you won’t rank for is worthless
WORK WITH ALAN SPICER
Want a keyword research session for your specific channel and niche?
YouTube Certified Expert · 500+ channels audited · UK-based consultant
RELATED READING
Sources: vidIQ keyword research documentation · TubeBuddy keyword explorer documentation · YouTube Creator Academy: search ranking factors · Google Search documentation: video rich results
