Discover estimated monthly search volumes for YouTube keywords. See competition levels, find related keywords, and identify the best times to target your keywords.
Learn why search volume matters for your YouTube SEO strategy.
How search volume translates to actual video views.
Not all search volume is created equal - competition matters.
Timing your content can maximize your search visibility.
Professional techniques to find high-value keywords.
Look for keywords with 1K-50K monthly searches, few quality videos ranking, and clear viewer intent (they know what they want). These keywords give new channels the best chance to rank and grow.
Type any keyword or phrase you want to research. Be specific - longer keywords often have better targeting opportunities.
Choose your target region to see localized search volume data. Global shows worldwide estimates.
Get search volume estimates, competition analysis, related keywords, and timing recommendations.
YouTube doesn't publicly share exact search volume data, so all tools provide estimates based on various data sources. Our estimates use search trend analysis and keyword intelligence to provide directional guidance. Use these numbers to compare relative keyword popularity rather than as absolute values. The competition analysis and related keywords are often more actionable than exact volume numbers.
For new channels, target keywords with 1,000-10,000 monthly searches. These have enough volume to drive meaningful traffic but less competition than high-volume terms. Established channels can target 10K-100K volume keywords. Avoid extremely low volume (under 500) unless you're in a very specific niche, and be cautious of very high volume (500K+) unless you have significant channel authority.
Search your keyword on YouTube and analyze the results. Look at: 1) Channel sizes of top 10 results - are they all huge channels or is there diversity? 2) View counts on ranking videos - can you compete? 3) Video quality - are they professional or amateur? 4) Video ages - are they recent or old? If you see smaller channels ranking with moderate view counts and older videos, competition is likely lower.
A balanced approach works best. Target a mix of both: use low-volume, low-competition keywords to build authority and get consistent small traffic, while also creating content for higher-volume keywords to capture larger audiences. Think of it as a pyramid - many low-competition videos as your base, fewer medium-competition videos in the middle, and occasional high-competition videos at the top.
Search volume fluctuates constantly based on trends, seasons, and events. Evergreen topics like "how to tie a tie" have stable volume year-round. Seasonal topics like "Halloween costumes" spike annually. Trending topics can appear and disappear within days. Check volume periodically and be ready to create timely content when you spot rising trends in your niche.
Related keywords are variations and associated terms that people also search for. They matter because: 1) They reveal additional content opportunities. 2) You can include them in titles, descriptions, and tags to rank for multiple keywords. 3) They help you understand the topic's full scope. 4) Lower-volume related keywords often have less competition than the main term.
It varies significantly based on competition and channel authority. Low competition keywords: Can rank within days to 2 weeks. Medium competition: Typically 2-8 weeks. High competition: Can take months, or may require significant views/engagement to break through. New channels should focus on low competition to build momentum. Each ranking video builds your channel's authority for future videos.
Yes, significantly. YouTube is primarily a video platform, so searches skew toward visual, tutorial, entertainment, and review content. A keyword might have high Google volume but low YouTube volume if it's not video-friendly (like "stock price"). Conversely, "how to" and entertainment queries often have higher relative volume on YouTube. Always check YouTube-specific data for video content.
Search volume is the total number of times a keyword is searched monthly - it represents potential audience. Views are actual video plays. Only a fraction of search volume becomes your views because: not all searches result in clicks, your video competes with others, your ranking position affects visibility, and your CTR determines clicks. High search volume creates opportunity; execution determines actual views.
Target one primary keyword and 2-5 related secondary keywords per video. Your primary keyword should be in your title, description start, and tags. Secondary keywords can appear in description body and tags. Don't try to stuff unrelated keywords - YouTube's algorithm understands context and relevance. A focused video ranks better than one trying to cover everything.
Several methods: 1) Look at their popular videos' titles and descriptions. 2) Use browser extensions that reveal video tags. 3) Search keywords in your niche and note which competitors appear. 4) Check their video descriptions for keyword patterns. 5) Look at the topics of their most successful content. Document what works for them, then find angles they've missed.
Signs of low competition: 1) Fewer than 10,000 videos when you search. 2) Small channels (under 10K subs) ranking on page one. 3) Videos with under 10K views in top results. 4) Old videos (2+ years) still ranking well. 5) Poor quality content ranking. 6) Videos not specifically targeting the keyword ranking. If you can make better content than what's ranking, you have a good opportunity.
Absolutely yes. Long-tail keywords (3+ words) typically have lower search volume but also lower competition and higher viewer intent. Someone searching "how to bake chocolate chip cookies from scratch" knows exactly what they want versus just "baking." These viewers are more likely to watch longer and engage. Build your channel with long-tail keywords before targeting broader terms.
Complete your keyword research with our other SEO tools.