Episode 17 of 21
How to Add Keywords to Your YouTube Channel
Set up channel-level keywords to help YouTube understand your content and recommend it properly.
How to Add Keywords to Your YouTube Channel
Channel keywords tell YouTube what your channel is broadly about. They help YouTube recommend your content to the right audience.
What Are Channel Keywords?
Channel keywords are tags set at the channel level (not video level). They help YouTube understand your overall niche and associate your channel with relevant topics.
How to Add Channel Keywords
- Go to YouTube Studio → Settings (gear icon)
- Click "Channel" → "Basic info"
- Find the "Keywords" field
- Enter your channel keywords, separated by commas
- Click "Save"
Choosing the Right Keywords
| Category | Example Keywords |
|---|---|
| Channel name | Your channel name, your name |
| Broad niche | "web development", "cooking", "fitness" |
| Specific topics | "React tutorial", "meal prep", "HIIT workout" |
| Competitors | Similar channel names (use carefully) |
Best Practices
- Use 5-7 keywords — don't overdo it
- Mix broad and specific terms
- Use multi-word phrases in quotes:
"youtube seo" - Include your channel name and brand
- Update keywords as your channel focus evolves
Finding Channel Keywords
- Look at your top-performing videos — what topics do they cover?
- Check competitor channels' source code for their keywords
- Use YouTube Search autocomplete for your niche
Do Channel Keywords Really Matter?
Channel keywords have a small but real impact:
- They help YouTube understand your channel's topic
- They can improve your channel's appearance in suggested channels
- They're one piece of the overall SEO puzzle
Key Takeaways
- Add 5-7 channel keywords in YouTube Studio Settings
- Include your channel name, niche, and specific topics
- Small but real SEO impact — set them and update periodically