derraleves

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Derral Eves

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UPLOAD CHECKLIST

1) Write a Search Friendly or Catchy / Compelling Title

Plan your title with the YouTube user experience in mind. Make it clear what the video is about and click worthy. Ask yourself… If it showed up in a search, would you click on it?
 
  • Lead with the most important keyword first then save generic keywords and branding at end.
  • For serial content, like Podcast, vlog numbers, add to the end of the title
  • YouTube titles can be 100 characters, but YouTube search shows just 70 characters
  • Don’t be deceptive (This will impact your video and your channel)
Power Tip: Do research before upload and name the file name for the video and thumbnail the same as the title. (For Example how-to-get-more-views-on-Youtube.mp4)
2) Write a Unique Description

Well-written descriptions with the right keywords can boost views and watch time because they help your video show up in search results. (5000 characters)
  • The first sentence reinforce important keywords. Rewrite your title in a different way using the same keywords found in the title!
  • Use the first few lines of text to explain what the video’s about using search-friendly keywords and natural language (use Tubebuddy Tag Explorer to identify popular keywords and their synonyms). Remember not to keyword stuff
  • Add Call to Actions links (i.e. Subscribe to my Channel, Check out other videos, Etc)
  • Add related video titles and a link to the playlist
  • Add extra information for viewers to click
Power Tip: Give an outline of the video and use time stamps (for example 04:32). Also, you can use hashtags that are searchable. Special note: YouTube will ignore all hashtags on a video if it has more than 15 hashtags.
3) Write Tags for your Video

Tags are descriptive keywords that will help people find your videos.

  • First tag should be your most important keyword (Same keyword in Title and first line of description).
  • Compound Tags – use multiple words or search phrase that describe a video. (e.g “How to Make a Video,” “Making Great Videos on YouTube”).Copy title and make it a compound tag.Use Tubebuddy to research and use other relevant keyword phrases
  • Use Specific Tags (One word that best describe the video)
  • Use Generic tags – use general words that describe the video
Power Tip: Use Tubebuddy Tag explorer Auto-suggested section – get the more searched search phrases on YouTube and Google.
4) Make a Click-Worthy Thumbnail

Create thumbnails that accurately describe your video so viewers know what they’re about to watch. Your thumbnail image should only make promises that your video can keep.

  • Make sure your thumbnail and title tell a cohesive and compelling story about your video.
  • Captivate viewers by adding an element of intrigue, empathy, or other emotion.
  • Create vibrant, eye-catching images by Adjust the contrast, brightness, and saturation levels.
  • Use high-resolution images 1280×720 pixels saved as 2MB or smaller
Power Tip: A/B test those thumbnails. Use TubeBuddy A/B Testing. A well-planned A/B testing strategy can improve the performance of your channel almost immediately, so don’t overlook this valuable strategy.
5) Add Video Credits

Highlight your video stars, writers or other collaborators. But more importantly create a powerful link between YouTube Channels.
  • Add a role and identify the collaborator by typing in their YouTube username or by adding the channel URL
Note: Credits are currently available to channels with at least 5,000 subscribers. Also, Credits will appear below your video description once your video has been set to “public” or “unlisted” status and the creators that you have credited have approved your credits.
6) Monetize/Advanced settings

To help maximize your ad revenue, you can enable some or all ad formats on your channel. Remember, advertiser like brand-safe videos.

  • Select some or all ad formats
  • Under Advanced Setting – Add Video Location, Language and Recording Date
Power Tip: For longer form videos, you can add mid-roll or insert ad breaks at natural pauses between scenes for the best viewing experience.
7) Add End Screen Elements to Video

End screens are a part of the video that show during the last 5-20 seconds of a video.
  • Add best video for viewer element
  • Add subscribe element
  • Add a playlist that best fits the video
Power Tip: Encourage viewers to click using calls to action for different end screen elements. Consider timing different end screen elements to appear at different times.
8) Add Info Cards to Video

Cards are preformatted notifications that appear on desktop and mobile which you can set up to promote your brand and other videos on your channel.
  • Feature other relevant videos on your channel or another video you like on YouTube in both video cards.
  • Direct viewers to more information like content on your associated website, your merchandise or crowdfunding campaign, or other websites important for your channel.
  • As needed, highlight collaborators by adding channel cards
  • When appropriate, ask questions or get feedback using poll cards.
Power Tip: Have a info card be set 3-5 second before the average person leaves the video. If this is an unknown, use your channel average.
9) Add to a Single Playlist

Playlists make it easy for viewers to sit back and watch multiple videos of yours with minimal effort which increases views and watch time for your channel.
  • Add video to only one relevant playlist upon upload. If you have an official series playlist, make sure it goes there.
10) Add Subtitles and Closed Captions

Adding closed captions is another proven way to make your videos searchable
  • Upload the transcription of the video
11) Change Privacy Setting to Public and Add Custom Message

  • Change from private to public.
  • Add custom message that will grab people’s attention.
  • Make you you auto-share on twitter and G+
  • Publish
Power Tip: If uploading HD (1080p -4K), make sure you click video link on the left before publishing. Once the tab opens with the video click the gear icon and quality. Make sure you see all quality types before publishing.
12) Amplify Your Video: Engage and Promote

Use social media to improve your content’s discoverability and interact with your audience on multiple platforms.
  • Interact (like & comment) with people who comment on the video.
  • Share your video on other social platforms, forums, groups, etc.
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Snapcat
    • Imgur
    • Reddit
  • Send out email to your list
  • Share it with your friends and family
  • Publish
Power Tip: Create a social army (community) of loyal fans. Foster those relationships on social media. Treating your most active community members like VIPs is a great way to build lasting relationships and protectors of your brand. Have a special place where your top fans can meet and discuss items. Activate them to help you promote your videos.