best free keyword research tool for youtube

As of my last update in January 2022, several free keyword research tools can be useful for YouTube. Here are a few options:

YouTube Autosuggest: This is one of the simplest yet effective ways to get keyword ideas. Start typing a keyword related to your niche into the YouTube search bar, and YouTube will automatically suggest popular search queries.

Google Trends: While not specifically a YouTube tool, Google Trends can provide insights into the popularity of different search terms over time. You can filter by YouTube Search to see trends specific to the platform.

Keyword Tool: Keyword Tool offers a free version that generates keyword ideas based on what users are searching for on YouTube. While the free version has limitations, it can still provide valuable insights.

TubeBuddy: TubeBuddy is a browser extension that offers various tools to optimize your YouTube channel, including keyword research. While it has a paid version, there is also a free version with basic functionality.

vidIQ: Similar to TubeBuddy, vidIQ offers a browser extension with keyword research tools. While it also has a paid version, the free version provides some useful features.

Google Keyword Planner: Although primarily designed for Google Ads, the Keyword Planner can still provide insights into search volume and competition for keywords related to YouTube content.

YouTube Autosuggest

YouTube Autosuggest is a feature within the YouTube search bar that provides suggestions for search queries as you type. These suggestions are based on popular and relevant searches made by users on the platform. Here's how you can use YouTube Autosuggest for keyword research:

Start typing a keyword or phrase related to your niche or topic into the YouTube search bar.

As you type, YouTube will automatically suggest search queries based on what other users are searching for.

Pay attention to the suggestions that appear. These can give you insights into popular topics and keywords related to your niche.

Take note of the suggestions that are relevant to your content and consider incorporating them into your video titles, descriptions, and tags.

You can also explore related searches at the bottom of the search results page for additional keyword ideas.

Google Trends

Google Trends is a powerful tool provided by Google that allows users to explore the popularity of search terms and topics over time and across different regions. While it's not specifically designed for YouTube, it can still be a valuable resource for keyword research. Here's how you can use Google Trends for YouTube keyword research:

Explore Trending Topics: Start by entering keywords or topics related to your niche or industry into the Google Trends search bar. You can compare the search interest of different keywords or topics to see which ones are trending or gaining popularity over time.

Refine by YouTube Search: After entering your initial keyword or topic, you can filter the results by selecting "YouTube Search" from the dropdown menu. This will show you the search interest specifically within YouTube.

Identify Seasonal Trends: Use Google Trends to identify seasonal trends or recurring patterns in search interest for specific keywords. This can help you plan your content strategy and optimize your videos for relevant topics throughout the year.

Compare Multiple Keywords: Compare the search interest of multiple keywords or phrases to see which ones are more popular or have a higher search volume on YouTube. This can help you prioritize your keyword targeting and focus on topics that are more likely to resonate with your audience.

Explore Related Queries and Topics: Scroll down to the bottom of the Google Trends page to view related queries and topics. This can provide additional keyword ideas and insights into what users are searching for related to your primary keyword.

Keyword Tool

Keyword Tool is an online platform that provides keyword suggestions for various search engines and platforms, including YouTube. It generates keyword ideas based on what users are searching for on YouTube, helping content creators discover relevant topics and optimize their videos for better visibility and engagement.

Here's how you can use Keyword Tool for YouTube keyword research:

Visit the Keyword Tool Website: Go to the Keyword Tool website (keywordtool.io) and select the "YouTube" option from the dropdown menu at the top of the page.

Enter Your Seed Keyword: Enter a seed keyword or phrase related to your niche or topic into the search bar and click "Search."

Explore Keyword Suggestions: Keyword Tool will generate a list of keyword suggestions based on the seed keyword you entered. These suggestions are based on actual user searches on YouTube and can provide valuable insights into popular topics and search queries within your niche.

Filter and Refine Results: Use the filters provided by Keyword Tool to refine your keyword suggestions based on criteria such as search volume, competition, and word count. This can help you prioritize keywords that are most relevant and valuable for your content.

Export or Copy Keywords: Once you've found relevant keyword suggestions, you can export them as a CSV file or copy them to your clipboard for further analysis or integration into your video titles, descriptions, and tags.

Keyword Tool offers both free and paid versions, with the free version providing basic functionality and limited access to keyword suggestions. The paid version unlocks additional features and more comprehensive keyword data.

TubeBuddy

TubeBuddy is a browser extension designed to help YouTube creators manage and optimize their channels more effectively. It offers a variety of tools and features to streamline tasks such as keyword research, video optimization, analytics, and channel management. Here's how you can use TubeBuddy for YouTube keyword research:

Install the TubeBuddy Extension: First, install the TubeBuddy browser extension. TubeBuddy is available as an extension for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and others.

Access Keyword Explorer: Once installed, you'll find the TubeBuddy interface integrated into your YouTube dashboard. Navigate to the Keyword Explorer tool within TubeBuddy.

Enter Your Seed Keyword: Start by entering a seed keyword or phrase related to your video topic into the Keyword Explorer tool.

Explore Keyword Suggestions: TubeBuddy will generate a list of keyword suggestions based on your seed keyword. These suggestions are accompanied by useful metrics such as search volume, competition, and overall keyword score, which can help you evaluate the potential effectiveness of each keyword.

Analyze Competition and Search Volume: TubeBuddy provides insights into the competition level for each keyword, indicating how difficult it may be to rank for that keyword. It also shows search volume data, allowing you to prioritize keywords with higher search demand.

Utilize Keyword Score: TubeBuddy assigns a keyword score to each suggestion, indicating its overall potential effectiveness. This score is based on factors such as search volume, competition, and relevance, helping you identify the most promising keywords for your content.

Integrate Keywords into Your Videos: Once you've identified relevant keywords, you can incorporate them into various aspects of your video optimization, including titles, descriptions, tags, and even video content itself, to improve visibility and discoverability.

TubeBuddy offers both free and paid versions, with the free version providing access to basic features and limited keyword research capabilities. The paid versions unlock additional tools and functionality, including more advanced keyword research tools and analytics.

vidIQ

vidIQ is a comprehensive YouTube marketing and analytics tool designed to help content creators grow their channels. It offers a range of features including keyword research, video optimization, analytics, competitor analysis, and more. Here's how you can use vidIQ for YouTube keyword research:

Install the vidIQ Extension: Begin by installing the vidIQ browser extension. Like TubeBuddy, vidIQ is available as an extension for popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and others.

Access Keyword Research Tool: Once installed, you'll find the vidIQ interface integrated into your YouTube dashboard. Navigate to the keyword research tool within vidIQ.

Enter Your Seed Keyword: Start by entering a seed keyword or phrase related to your video topic into the keyword research tool.

Explore Keyword Suggestions: vidIQ will generate a list of keyword suggestions based on your seed keyword. These suggestions are accompanied by metrics such as search volume, competition level, and overall keyword score.

Analyze Competition and Search Volume: Similar to TubeBuddy, vidIQ provides insights into the competition level for each keyword, as well as search volume data. This information helps you assess the potential effectiveness of each keyword.

Utilize Keyword Score and Trending Score: vidIQ assigns a keyword score to each suggestion, indicating its potential effectiveness. Additionally, it provides a trending score, indicating the current popularity of the keyword. These scores help you prioritize keywords for your content strategy.

Integrate Keywords into Your Videos: Once you've identified relevant keywords, you can incorporate them into various aspects of your video optimization, including titles, descriptions, tags, and even video content itself.

vidIQ offers both free and paid versions, with the free version providing access to basic features and limited keyword research capabilities. The paid versions unlock additional tools and functionality, including more advanced keyword research tools and analytics.

Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a tool provided within Google Ads that is primarily designed for advertisers to research keywords for their advertising campaigns. While it's not specifically tailored for YouTube, it can still be a valuable resource for YouTube keyword research. Here's how you can use Google Keyword Planner for YouTube keyword research:

Access Google Keyword Planner: Sign in to your Google Ads account and navigate to the Keyword Planner tool. If you don't have a Google Ads account, you'll need to create one, but you don't necessarily have to start any advertising campaigns to use the Keyword Planner.

Enter Your Seed Keywords: Start by entering seed keywords or phrases related to your video topic or niche into the Keyword Planner. You can also enter the URL of a YouTube video or channel to generate keyword ideas.

View Keyword Suggestions: Google Keyword Planner will generate a list of keyword suggestions based on your seed keywords. These suggestions include metrics such as average monthly searches, competition level, and suggested bid prices.

Filter and Refine Results: Use the various filters and options provided by Google Keyword Planner to refine your keyword suggestions based on criteria such as search volume, competition, and relevance. This can help you identify keywords that are most relevant and valuable for your content.

Analyze Search Volume and Competition: Evaluate the search volume and competition level for each keyword to gauge its potential effectiveness. Look for keywords with sufficient search volume and manageable competition that align with your content strategy.

Explore Keyword Variations and Trends: Google Keyword Planner also provides insights into keyword variations and trends over time. Pay attention to seasonal trends and variations in search volume to optimize your content accordingly.

Integrate Keywords into Your Videos: Once you've identified relevant keywords, incorporate them into various aspects of your video optimization, including titles, descriptions, tags, and even video content itself, to improve visibility and discoverability.

Google keyword research tool

As of my last update in January 2022, Google's primary keyword research tool is the Google Keyword Planner, which is part of the Google Ads platform. While it's designed for advertisers, it can still be used effectively for general keyword research, including for YouTube.

Here's how you can use Google Keyword Planner for keyword research:

Access Google Keyword Planner: Sign in to your Google Ads account (or create one if you don't have one already). Then navigate to the Keyword Planner tool under the "Tools & Settings" menu.

Enter Your Seed Keywords: Start by entering one or more seed keywords or phrases related to your YouTube content into the Keyword Planner. You can also input your YouTube video URL to generate keyword ideas.

Explore Keyword Suggestions: Google Keyword Planner will generate a list of keyword suggestions based on your seed keywords. These suggestions will include metrics such as average monthly searches, competition level, and suggested bid prices (for advertisers).

Refine Your Keyword List: Use the various filters and options available in the Keyword Planner to refine your keyword suggestions based on criteria such as search volume, competition, and relevance to your content.

Analyze Keyword Metrics: Evaluate the metrics provided for each keyword, such as search volume and competition level. Look for keywords with a good balance of search volume and manageable competition.

Identify Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords (more specific, less common search queries) can be valuable for targeting niche audiences. Look for long-tail keyword opportunities in the Keyword Planner.

Integrate Keywords into Your YouTube Content: Once you've identified relevant keywords, incorporate them strategically into your YouTube video titles, descriptions, tags, and even the video content itself to improve discoverability and SEO.

google keyword planner for youtube

While Google Keyword Planner is primarily designed for advertisers to research keywords for Google Ads campaigns, including search and display ads, it can still provide valuable insights for YouTube keyword research. Here's how you can use Google Keyword Planner for YouTube keyword research:

Access Google Keyword Planner: Sign in to your Google Ads account or create one if you don't have one already. Then navigate to the Keyword Planner tool under the "Tools & Settings" menu.

Start with Broad Keywords: Enter broad keywords or phrases related to your YouTube content into the Keyword Planner. These could be topics, themes, or general terms that describe your videos.

Filter for YouTube Search: After entering your seed keywords, you can filter the results to show data specifically for YouTube search. This will help you tailor your keyword research specifically for YouTube content.

Explore Keyword Suggestions: Google Keyword Planner will generate keyword suggestions based on your seed keywords. These suggestions will include metrics such as average monthly searches and competition level. Look for keywords relevant to your content that have a decent search volume.

Analyze Keyword Metrics: Evaluate the metrics provided for each keyword, such as average monthly searches and competition level. Focus on keywords that have a good balance between search volume and competition.

Consider Long-Tail Keywords: Look for long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific phrases, as they can often have less competition and be more targeted to your audience.

Integrate Keywords into Your YouTube Content: Once you've identified relevant keywords, strategically incorporate them into your YouTube video titles, descriptions, tags, and even the video content itself. This will help improve the discoverability and SEO of your videos on YouTube.

YouTube channel keywords copy

If you're looking to copy the keywords from another YouTube channel, here's a general guide on how to do so:

Open the YouTube Channel: Visit the YouTube channel from which you want to copy the keywords.

View Page Source: Right-click anywhere on the webpage and select "View Page Source" or "Inspect" from the context menu. This will open the browser's developer tools, showing you the HTML source code of the webpage.

Search for Keywords: In the HTML source code, use the search function (usually accessible by pressing Ctrl + F or Command + F) to search for relevant keywords. Keywords are often included in the metadata of a YouTube channel's webpage and may be found within the <meta> tags.

Copy Keywords: Once you've located the keywords in the HTML source code, copy them to your clipboard. Make sure to copy only the keywords themselves and not any surrounding HTML code.

Organize Keywords: After copying the keywords, organize them in a format that suits your needs. You may want to paste them into a text document or spreadsheet for easier reference and analysis.

Analyze Keywords: Take some time to analyze the copied keywords. Consider their relevance to your content, search volume, competition, and potential for driving traffic to your channel.

Incorporate Keywords: Finally, incorporate the relevant keywords into your YouTube channel's metadata, including your channel description, video titles, video descriptions, and tags. Remember to use keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing, as this can negatively impact your channel's visibility and search rankings.