Best SEO Tools for YouTube to Boost Views and Rankings

I’ve been around the digital marketing scene for a solid decade, and I’ve learned a few things about YouTube optimization: it’s not rocket science, but it’s not just about uploading a video and calling it a day.

YouTube SEO requires skill, and the right tools can make a significant difference. Below, I’m going to share my now top-eleven list of YouTube SEO tools that have helped me (and many others) cut through the noise and rank higher in search results.

Along the way, I’ll offer real-life tips so you can get the most out of each tool.

Here is an overview of the tools I picked for this list:

Note: We have also made a list of the best SEO tools, if you want the overview.

Why YouTube SEO Tools Matter

I like to say that YouTube SEO is 80% strategy, 20% hustle. You can create awesome content with the perfect narrative, and it might still end up buried under thousands of other similar videos.

The fix? Optimize your metadata, fine-tune your keywords, and make sure you’re giving the algorithm exactly what it needs. Tools help remove the guesswork. They:

• Provide data-driven insights (like which keywords to use or which tags competitors are using).
• Show you what’s working and what’s failing with real-time analytics.
• Help you research trending topics, track performance, and streamline your entire workflow.

Most importantly, they save time. Let’s face it, if you’re busy shooting and editing, you don’t want to spend hours on SEO. Tools let you knock out most of the busywork in minutes. Let me walk you through my top picks.

1. SEO.AI

First up is a tool I’m admittedly biased about because I work at SEO.AI. But trust me, I’d still mention it anyway because I genuinely believe it’s one of the best options out there.

Key Features

• Ranked #1 Platform for AI SEO: SEO.AI is built from the ground up to help you write and optimize content that appeals both to viewers on YouTube and to search engines like Google.
• AI Writing and Optimization: The AI SEO assistant can help craft optimized video descriptions, titles, and even entire scripts to ensure you’re hitting the right keywords.
• Data-Driven Insights: Similar to a skilled human SEO analyst, the system identifies exactly what you need to include—right down to the semantic elements—for higher discoverability and click-throughs.
• Seamless Integration: Whether you’re focusing on YouTube or a website, SEO.AI integrates with data sources (like Google Search Console) and platforms (like WordPress or Shopify) to keep all your optimization in one place.

If you’re serious about YouTube SEO but also want to streamline how you handle broader SEO tasks (like product feed optimization, internal linking, or meta tags), SEO.AI is a powerful ally. You can try it free anytime and see for yourself.

2. TubeBuddy

Yes, let’s move on to another big one. TubeBuddy is a browser extension and mobile app that has been on my must-have list for years.

Key Features

• Keyword Explorer: Pop in a topic and it gives you suggested tags, search volumes, and competition metrics.
• Video A/B Testing: Test different thumbnails, titles, and descriptions to see which version connects better.
• Tag Suggestions: Helps quickly identify what tags could boost your ranking.

3. VidIQ

Another heavy hitter when it comes to YouTube SEO is VidIQ. Many creators switch between TubeBuddy and VidIQ to see which one fits best. Here’s my view:

Key Features

• Real-time Stats Bar: Tracks view counts, subscribers, and watch time as it happens.
• Keyword Score & Opportunities: Assigns a score to keywords, highlighting how competitive they are along with search volume.
• Competitor Tools: Analyze channels with similar content and compare performance metrics.

4. Google Trends

Now onto something free and from Google itself. Google Trends isn’t solely for YouTube, but it offers excellent ideas for content.

Why I Use Google Trends

1. Find Trending Topics: Check if a search term’s popularity is steady, growing, or declining.
2. Compare Keywords: Look at several topics side by side to see what might work better with your audience.
3. Seasonality Insights: Identify seasonal keywords for different times of the year—useful for timely videos.

5. Keyword Tool (keywordtool.io)

Keyword Tool is a versatile platform for SEO across multiple search engines, including YouTube. One of the main reasons I value it is its simplicity.

Main Benefits

• Long-Tail Keyword Research: It suggests keywords beyond the obvious, capturing more specific queries people type into YouTube.
• International Audience Focus: Supports various languages, which is useful if you have a global audience.
• Hashtag Suggestions: Offers relevant hashtags to help your content get noticed.

6. Morningfame

I came across Morningfame a few years back and was impressed by its data-focused approach. It’s built around benchmarks and daily stats.

Standout Features

• Channel Analytics Dashboard: Displays daily engagement stats, watch time, and growth trends.
• Video Publishing Guidance: Offers step-by-step tips to better optimize your video’s metadata.
• Progress Tracking: Provides visual “report cards” that rate your channel in real time.

7. Google Ads Keyword Planner

Although primarily designed for Google Ads campaigns, Google Ads Keyword Planner serves as a strong ally for YouTube SEO too. Google’s data is trustworthy, and YouTube uses similar search algorithms in many cases.

What It Can Do

• Find Broad & Specific Keywords: Enter a broad keyword, and it offers dozens or even hundreds of variations with volume estimates.
• Pinpoint Regional Data: Focus on specific geographic areas if your audience is region-based.
• Seasonal Forecasting: See if certain keywords might get a boost or drop based on past trends.

8. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a giant in the SEO field. While many use it for Google search optimization, it also offers a handy YouTube Keyword Tool within a larger suite.

Pros of Ahrefs

• Detailed Keyword Metrics: Beyond search volume, it shows click-through rates, difficulty scores, and more.
• Competitor Insight: Check what competitors rank for, both on YouTube and in web searches.
• Solid Backlink Data: Even though it’s not a direct YouTube feature, it’s great for assessing your content’s overall online visibility.

9. SEMrush

Like Ahrefs, SEMrush is mainly a full-scale SEO tool. It has a specialized Video Advertising feature and a Keyword Magic Tool that covers YouTube search terms too.

What Makes SEMrush Stand Out

• Complete Channel Audits: Find and fix issues in your video’s metadata.
• Video Advertising Insights: Useful if you’re running both YouTube ads and organic campaigns at the same time.
• Topic Research: Identify topics on YouTube that have sufficient search volume to be worth your production time.

10. YTCockpit

Let’s talk about a less well-known but highly focused tool: YTCockpit. This platform is dedicated to YouTube keyword analysis.

What I Like Most

• Clean Interface: Enter a keyword, and you get search volumes, monthly trend data, and competition levels.
• Competitor Snapshot: Quickly see who is ranking highly and view a breakdown of their stats.
• Filter Options: Sort by channels, search volume thresholds, or a competitor’s authority.

11. Social Blade

Social Blade is the place to turn when you need overall channel analytics. While it isn’t strictly for keyword research, it’s excellent for competitive insights.

Key Points

• Performance Metrics: Offers estimated earnings, subscriber growth rates, and video views.
• Channel Rankings: Compare your channel’s performance with others or see how different categories stack up.
• Trends & Projections: Get a sense of how quickly your channel or a competitor’s channel might grow over time.

Comparing The Tools

Sometimes picking the right tool means seeing a quick, side-by-side comparison. Here’s a mini-table with approximate monthly pricing and whether there’s a free plan:

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Prices can change, so it’s a good idea to check before making any decisions.

Crafting a Killer YouTube SEO Strategy With These Tools

Now that you know what tools are available, here’s how I use them together to build a solid plan. This is my basic checklist:

1. Topic Brainstorming
   • Start with Google Trends to see what’s popular.
   • Check Social Blade to confirm if creators in your niche are showing actual audience growth.
2. Keyword Research
   • Use TubeBuddy or VidIQ for YouTube-specific keywords.
   • Cross-check with Keyword Tool or Ahrefs for different angles.
3. Competition Analysis
   • Use VidIQ’s competitor tracker or TubeBuddy’s competitor search.
   • Look at how top performers set up their titles, descriptions, and tags.
4. Optimization
   • Create your title and tags using Morningfame or YTCockpit to strike a balance between search volume and competition.
   • Test your thumbnail with the A/B testing features in TubeBuddy.
5. Performance Tracking
   • Watch daily stats with Morningfame or VidIQ.
   • For deeper insights, keep a record of your data in SEMrush or Ahrefs to see how everything connects.
6. Refine & Repeat
   • After several weeks, review your process:
     • Are you ranking for the chosen keywords?
     • Are viewers engaged throughout the video?
     • Can adjustments be made to the title, description, or even video length?

The best part is that once you have this process down, increasing your output becomes natural.

A Personal Example

I remember creating a video about “Advanced Lightroom Editing Techniques.” I thought it would be easy to rank for because of my subscriber base, but the video stayed on page two of YouTube’s search results. Then, I used VidIQ to review competitor videos and noticed a popular phrase I had missed: “Lightroom Editing Tips for Stunning Portraits.”

I updated the title and worked the phrase into the description, video script, and pinned comment. Within a week, the video moved up to the first page, and watch time increased by 30%. That shows how choosing the right keyword combined with regular adjustments can really improve performance.

Quick Tips on Video SEO (Beyond Tools)

I also want to mention that even though tools do a lot of the work, you still need to follow good practices:

• Use timestamps in the description. YouTube now gives more visibility to videos that use chapters.
• Create engaging thumbnails. Even if you rank well, a poor thumbnail can keep people from clicking.
• Prompt engagement by asking for comments or likes early on. These interactions signal to YouTube that your video is relevant.
• Review audience retention graphs often. If viewers drop off at a certain point, consider changing your style in future videos.
• And here’s a tip that’s often overlooked: if a video performs well, consider turning the topic into a series. This helps create a group of related content that YouTube is likely to recommend.

FAQ

What are the best SEO tools for YouTube?

The best SEO tools for YouTube include TubeBuddy, VidIQ, and Morningfame. These tools help optimize video content, analyze performance, and improve search rankings on the platform.

How can TubeBuddy help with YouTube SEO?

TubeBuddy offers features like keyword research, tag suggestions, and video analytics. It helps creators optimize their videos for better visibility and engagement on YouTube.

What makes VidIQ a valuable tool for YouTube creators?

VidIQ provides insights into video performance, competitor analysis, and keyword optimization. It assists creators in enhancing their content strategy and increasing their channel's reach.

Is Morningfame suitable for beginners in YouTube SEO?

Yes, Morningfame is user-friendly and offers a step-by-step approach to improving video SEO. It provides personalized recommendations and analytics to help beginners grow their channels effectively.

Can these tools be used together for better results?

Absolutely, using TubeBuddy, VidIQ, and Morningfame together can provide a comprehensive approach to YouTube SEO. Each tool offers unique features that complement one another, enhancing overall video performance.