Do you want your YouTube videos to get more views? Do you want them to rank higher in search results? If so, then you need to write effective YouTube descriptions.
In this blog post, we’ll give you some practical tips to help you write compelling and impactful descriptions for your YouTube videos.
So what are you waiting for? Start writing better YouTube descriptions today!
What is a YouTube description?
YouTube description is like a little summary or explanation of a video that you see below the video player on the YouTube website. It’s a text box where the video creator can share more information about the video, such as what it’s about, what viewers will learn or see, and any other important details. The description helps people understand what the video is all about before they watch it. It’s like a sneak peek or a written introduction to the video.
Why are YouTube descriptions important?
- Get more views: When people see a cool and informative description, they’re more likely to click on your video and watch it. So, a great description can help you get more views and grow your audience.
- Rank higher in searches: YouTube’s fancy search system looks at the words in your description to decide where your video shows up in search results. If you write an awesome description, your videos can appear higher on the list, which means more people can find them.
- Connect with your audience: A well-written description helps viewers understand who you are and what your video is all about. When people feel a connection, they’re more likely to subscribe to your channel and watch more of your awesome content. In a nutshell, YouTube descriptions are your secret weapon to get more views, rank higher in searches, and build strong relationships with your viewers. So, don’t forget to give your videos the love they deserve in those descriptions!
How to Write an Effective YouTube Description
1. Start with an exciting beginning
Begin your description with an interesting sentence or question that grabs people’s attention. This makes them curious and encourages them to read the whole description. Here’s an example:
Example: “Get ready for an amazing adventure in the Amazon rainforest! Imagine exploring the jungle, meeting wild animals, and discovering ancient ruins. Join us on this incredible journey!”
In this example, the description starts with an exciting statement that makes people curious. It tells them that the video is about an adventure in the Amazon rainforest and mentions interesting things like exploring the jungle, meeting wild animals, and discovering ancient ruins. By using fun and captivating language, it makes people want to keep reading and watch the video.
2. Include relevant keywords
Do some research and find words that are related to your video’s topic. These are called keywords. Including these keywords in your description helps YouTube understand what your video is about and improves its visibility in search results. Here’s an example:
Example: “In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create stunning watercolor paintings. Learn essential watercolor techniques, such as blending colors, creating textures, and mastering brush strokes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, our step-by-step guide will help you unleash your creativity. Watch now to discover the secrets of captivating watercolor art!”
In this example, the keywords related to the video’s topic are “watercolor paintings,” “watercolor techniques,” “blending colors,” “creating textures,” “brush strokes,” “beginner,” “experienced artist,” and “creativity.” By incorporating these keywords naturally into the description, you can improve the chances of your video appearing in relevant search results and attract viewers who are interested in watercolor painting tutorials.
3. Provide a brief and engaging summary
In just a few sentences, give viewers a clear idea of what your video is all about. Explain the main points, key takeaways, or exciting moments they can expect to see. Here’s an example of how you can do this:
Example: “Welcome to our channel! In this video, we take you on a thrilling journey to the heart of New York City. Explore iconic landmarks like Times Square, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. Get insider tips on the best local eateries and hidden gems. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply love the Big Apple, this video is your ultimate guide to experiencing the vibrant energy and captivating charm of NYC. Hit play and let the adventure begin!”
In this example, the summary provides an overview of the video’s content: exploring New York City’s famous landmarks, offering insider tips, and capturing the vibrant essence of the city. It creates a sense of excitement and entices viewers to click the play button to embark on the virtual journey.
4. Add time stamps for easy jumping:
Time stamps are like signposts in your video. They help viewers quickly jump to the parts they’re interested in, especially in longer videos. Break your video into sections and include timestamps in the description. Here’s an example:
Example:
- 0:00 – Introduction 1:23 – Exploring Times Square
- 5:45 – Statue of Liberty Tour
- 10:12 – Hidden Gems of Central Park
- 15:30 – Local Eateries Recommendations
- 20:15 – Conclusion and Farewell
In this example, the time stamps show different sections of the video. If someone wants to skip to the Statue of Liberty Tour, they can click on the time stamp “5:45” and go straight to that part. Time stamps make it easy for viewers to find what they want and have a better viewing experience.
5. Include additional resources and links
If you talk about useful websites, articles, tools, or social media profiles in your video, it’s a good idea to include them in the description. This gives viewers more information and resources to explore. Here’s an example:
Example: “Want to learn more about digital marketing? Here are some helpful things for you:
- Check out this easy guide on SEO techniques: [Link to SEO guide]
- Read our blog for the latest digital marketing tips: [Link to blog]
- Try these cool tools to improve your social media game: [Link to social media tools]
- Follow us on Twitter [@yourprofile] for daily marketing tips and insights!
In this example, the description provides a link to an easy guide on SEO, a blog for more tips, and some cool tools for social media. It also invites viewers to follow on Twitter for even more marketing advice. By including these helpful things, you give viewers the chance to learn more and get involved with your digital marketing content.
6. Call to action
Finish your description with a strong call to action. Encourage viewers to engage with your content by subscribing, liking, commenting, or sharing the video. This helps build a community and encourages more interaction. Here’s an example:
Example: “If you found this video helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more digital marketing tips and tricks. Give it a thumbs up if you liked it, and leave a comment below with your thoughts or any questions you have. Feel free to share this video with your friends or colleagues who might find it valuable. Together, let’s master the world of digital marketing!”
In this example, the description invites viewers to take action by subscribing, liking, commenting, and sharing. It emphasizes the value of joining the channel’s community and encourages viewers to spread the word to others who may benefit. By including this call to action, you create an opportunity for increased engagement and growth for your digital marketing content.
7. Make your video accessible to more people
Make your video more accessible by adding closed captions or a transcript. This helps people who are deaf or have trouble hearing to understand your video. It also helps search engines like Google to better understand and find your video. Let me give you an example:
Example: “We’ve made this video accessible to everyone by adding closed captions. You can turn them on by clicking the CC button and read along with the words below. This helps people who can’t hear well to enjoy our video, and it also helps search engines find our content. We care about including everyone and appreciate your support!”
In this example, we’re telling viewers that we have included closed captions and inviting them to use them. We also explain why accessibility is important for both people who are deaf or hard of hearing and for search engine optimization. By showing our commitment to inclusivity, we show respect for all viewers and their needs.
8. Make it easy on the eyes
Format your description to be visually appealing and easy to read. Break it into paragraphs or bullet points to make it scannable. Use formatting options like bold or italic text to emphasize important information or keywords. However, be mindful not to go overboard with excessive formatting. Here’s an example:
Example:
- Introduction: Welcome to our digital marketing tutorial!
- Section 1: Understanding SEO
- What is SEO?
- Importance of keyword research
- On-page optimization techniques
- Section 2: Social Media Strategies
- Engaging with your audience
- Leveraging social Media ads
- Influencer partnerships
- Section 3: Email Marketing
- Building an email list
- Crafting effective campaigns
- Analyzing email metrics
- Conclusion: Take your digital marketing skills to the next level!
In this example, the description is organized into clear sections using bullet points. Each section focuses on a specific topic related to digital marketing. This formatting makes it easier for viewers to navigate and find the information they’re interested in. Remember, readability is key, so keep the formatting clean and avoid excessive use of bold or italic text.
Conclusion
YouTube descriptions are like short explanations or summaries of your videos. They are important because they help you get more views, rank better in searches, and connect with your audience.
To write a good YouTube description, start with an interesting beginning to catch people’s attention. Use keywords that are related to your video’s topic. Give a quick and exciting summary of what viewers can expect. Add timestamps so viewers can jump to specific parts of the video. Include helpful links and resources. End with a clear call to action, encouraging viewers to subscribe, like, comment, or share your video. Make your video accessible by adding captions or a transcript. And make your description easy to read by using paragraphs or bullet points.
By following these tips and writing engaging YouTube descriptions, you can get more people to watch your videos, improve your search rankings, and build a stronger connection with your audience. So, start using these strategies and see your YouTube channel grow!
