---
name: youtube-seo
description: When the user wants to optimize YouTube videos for search, create video descriptions, or improve channel visibility. Also use when the user mentions "YouTube SEO," "YouTube description," "YouTube tags," "YouTube thumbnail," "YouTube title," "YouTube channel," or "video SEO." For YouTube ads, use youtube-ads.
  Use when: The executive requests execution of this domain.
  Skip when: The task is outside the scope of this module.
metadata:
  version: 1.1.1
---


> [!IMPORTANT]
> **GFV-Adapted Skill** — This skill runs within the GetFresh Ventures infrastructure. Follow these conventions.

### GFV Infrastructure Integration

**Credentials** — Never use `.env` files. All secrets live in macOS Keychain:
```bash
security find-generic-password -s "<service>" -a "<account>" -w
```
Check `~/Documents/Code/gfv-brain/scripts/pil_config.py` for service mappings.

**Data Sources** — Before querying external APIs, check PIL first:
- `search_pil` / `smart_search` / `vector_search` MCP tools (491K+ embeddings, 81K entities)
- Supabase tables: `entity_embeddings`, `ont_entities`, `ont_facts`
- Local SQLite: WhatsApp (59K msgs), Slack (2.5K msgs), `gfv_memory.db`

**Output** — Save results to `~/Documents/Code/gfv-brain/` or PIL via Supabase. Never send external messages (email, Slack, WhatsApp) without the Executive's explicit "send it" approval.

**Active Clients**:
- **GetFresh Ventures** — Venture studio: getfreshventures.com

---


# Platforms: YouTube SEO

Guides YouTube video and channel optimization for search and discovery. **Google now prioritizes YouTube video results** in search; YouTube + Reddit comprise ~78% of social media citations in AI Overviews. Title, description, and thumbnail form an interconnected system; channels using systematic keyword strategies see 156% longer view durations, 89% better CTR, and 312% higher search discovery. Use this skill when optimizing videos for YouTube search, Google search, and AI citation. For website-embedded video SEO, see **video-optimization**.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Initial Assessment

**Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read Sections 6 (Keywords), 11 (Content Strategy).

Identify:
1. **Video type**: Tutorial, review, vlog, Shorts
2. **Target keyword**: Primary and secondary
3. **Audience**: Subscribers vs casual viewers

## Video Titles

| Rule | Guideline |
|------|-----------|
| **Length** | Under 60 characters; mobile may show partial |
| **Keyword** | Primary keyword in first 5–55 characters |
| **Structure** | Social proof/authority + emotional trigger + primary keyword |
| **Style** | Conversational; avoid keyword stuffing |
| **Avoid** | ALL CAPS except emphasis |

## Video Descriptions

| Rule | Guideline |
|------|-----------|
| **First 2–3 sentences** | Primary and secondary keywords naturally; meta description under 160 chars |
| **Links** | Website, store, relevant resources |
| **Readability** | Natural flow; help search understand topic |

## Tags

- Help YouTube understand content; titles and descriptions matter more
- Use relevant tags; avoid over-optimization

## Thumbnails

90% of best-performing videos use custom thumbnails.

| Rule | Guideline |
|------|-----------|
| **Contrast** | High contrast; readable fonts; bold colors |
| **Composition** | Rule of thirds; simple, uncluttered |
| **Audience** | Consider subscribers vs casual viewers |
| **Test** | What works evolves; test styles |

## Title + Description + Thumbnail

Reinforce the same core message across all three; target different algorithm aspects.

## Output Format

- **Title** options (under 60 chars)
- **Description** (first 160 chars + full)
- **Tags** (relevant set)
- **Thumbnail** guidance (elements, text, composition)

## YouTube in Google Search & GEO

| Context | Implication |
|---------|-------------|
| **Google prioritization** | YouTube is core search infrastructure; 48.6B monthly visits; video results favored in main SERP, video mode, Discover |
| **AI Overviews** | YouTube citations surged 25.21% since Jan 2025; instructional (+35.6%), visual demos (+32.5%); long-form (94%) dominates |
| **GEO** | YouTube + Reddit = ~78% of social media citations; optimize for AI citation. See **generative-engine-optimization** |

[Search Engine Land](https://searchengineland.com/youtube-seo-ai-overviews-467253), [OtterlyAI](https://otterly.ai/blog/the-youtube-citation-study-2026/)

## Related Skills

- **video-marketing**: Video script, hook, structure
- **video-optimization**: Website video SEO; VideoObject; video sitemap; embed optimization
- **youtube-ads**: YouTube paid ads (TrueView, Bumper)
- **content-marketing**: Video as content format
- **parasite-seo**: YouTube as high-authority platform
- **generative-engine-optimization**: GEO strategy; YouTube as distribution for AI citation



## When to Trigger
- When requested by the Executive.
- When the task aligns with the core competency of this skill.

## When to Skip
- When the data or answers already exist in the PIL memory bus.
- When the task requires physical intervention or manual approval before drafting.

## GFV Integration
**Credentials** — Never use `.env` files. All secrets live in macOS Keychain:
`security find-generic-password -s "<service>" -a "<account>" -w`
**Data Sources** — Before querying external APIs, check PIL first (`search_pil`, `gfv_memory.db`).
**Output** — Save results to `~/Documents/Code/gfv-brain/`. Never send external messages without the Executive`s explicit "send it" approval.

## Anti-Patterns
- **Summarizing instead of resolving**: Do not just summarize what needs to be done. Do the work.
- **Bypassing the Gate**: Do not execute risky actions without human-in-the-loop validation.

## References
- **GFV Standard**: GetFresh Ventures Growth by Design CEO AI Kit Architecture

<verification_gate>
# Delivery Gate

STOP AND VERIFY BEFORE DECLARING THIS TASK COMPLETE.

1. Did you verify that the execution meets all documented requirements safely?
2. Ensure you have not bypassed any "requires_human_approval" constraints.
</verification_gate>

<!-- Original Community Author: kostja94 -->

---

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>
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