Free YouTube Keyword Search Volume: Find Keywords Now!
Hey guys! Finding the right keywords for your YouTube videos is super important if you want to get more views and subscribers. But let's be real, a lot of the tools that give you keyword search volume data can be pretty expensive. So, what if I told you there are ways to find this info without spending a dime? Yep, you heard that right! Let's dive into some free methods to uncover those valuable YouTube keywords and boost your channel's performance.
Why Keyword Search Volume Matters for YouTube
Okay, before we jump into the "how," let's quickly talk about the "why." Keyword search volume is basically how many people are searching for a specific keyword or phrase on YouTube (or Google, for that matter). Knowing this number can help you understand:
- Popularity: Is anyone even searching for this topic?
- Competition: How many other videos are already targeting this keyword?
- Opportunity: Can you create content that stands out and ranks well?
Imagine creating a video about underwater basket weaving, only to find out that, like, five people in the world are interested in it. Knowing the search volume beforehand can save you a ton of time and effort! So, letโs get started to find out the best keyword for your youtube videos.
Free Methods to Find YouTube Keyword Search Volume
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Here are some free methods you can use to sniff out those valuable YouTube keywords:
1. YouTube's Autocomplete
This is probably the easiest and most straightforward method. When you start typing something into the YouTube search bar, YouTube automatically suggests related searches. This is a goldmine of information! Why? Because YouTube is showing you what people are actually searching for.
How to use it:
- Go to YouTube and start typing in a broad keyword related to your video topic. For example, if you're planning a video about "coffee brewing," start typing that in.
- Pay attention to the suggestions that pop up. These are popular searches that people are making right now.
- Make a list of these suggestions. These are potential keywords you can target.
- Refine your searches. Try different variations of your main keyword to uncover even more suggestions. For example, try "coffee brewing methods," "coffee brewing at home," or "best coffee brewing techniques."
Why it works:
YouTube's autocomplete is based on real-time search data. It's showing you what people are actively looking for, so you know these keywords have some level of search volume. It's like peeking into the minds of your audience!
2. Google Trends
While Google Trends doesn't give you exact search volume numbers, it's an amazing tool for understanding trends and comparing the relative popularity of different keywords over time. You can see if a keyword is trending upwards, downwards, or staying steady. This can help you identify evergreen topics (those that are consistently popular) and trending topics (those that are hot right now but might fade away quickly).
How to use it:
- Go to Google Trends (https://trends.google.com/trends/).
- Enter your keyword(s) into the search bar.
- Adjust the filters. You can filter by region (to see trends in specific countries), time range (to see trends over the past day, week, month, year, etc.), and category (to narrow down the results).
- Analyze the data. Look for keywords that are consistently popular or showing an upward trend.
- Compare keywords. Enter multiple keywords to see which ones are more popular than others.
Why it works:
Google Trends gives you a broader perspective on keyword popularity. It helps you understand the context behind the search volume. Is this a fleeting trend, or a long-term interest? This is crucial information for planning your content strategy.
3. Google Keyword Planner (with a Catch)
Okay, so Google Keyword Planner is technically a tool for advertisers, but you can still use it to get some free keyword data, even if you're not running ads. The catch? You'll only see approximate search volume ranges, not exact numbers, unless you're actively paying for ads. But hey, something is better than nothing, right?
How to use it:
- Create a Google Ads account (you don't need to run any ads).
- Go to the Google Keyword Planner.
- Choose "Discover new keywords."
- Enter your keyword(s) into the search bar.
- Click "Get Results."
- Review the keyword suggestions and their approximate search volume ranges. For example, you might see a range of "100-1K" searches per month.
Why it works (sort of):
Even though you're not getting exact numbers, the search volume ranges can still give you a general idea of keyword popularity. Plus, Google Keyword Planner also suggests related keywords that you might not have thought of.
4. Keywords Everywhere (Free Version)
Keywords Everywhere used to be a completely free tool that showed search volume data directly in Google search results. Now, they have a paid version, but they still offer a free version that can be helpful.
How to use it:
- Install the Keywords Everywhere browser extension (available for Chrome and Firefox).
- Search for your keyword on Google or YouTube.
- Keywords Everywhere will show you related keywords and some basic data (although the free version is limited).
Why it works (to some extent):
The free version of Keywords Everywhere can give you some quick insights into related keywords. While it doesn't provide the same level of detail as the paid version, it's still a useful tool to have in your arsenal.
5. TubeBuddy's Free Tools
TubeBuddy is a popular YouTube SEO tool, and they offer a range of free tools that can help you with keyword research. While their more advanced features require a paid subscription, their free tools can still provide valuable insights.
How to use it:
- Install the TubeBuddy browser extension.
- Use their free keyword research tools to explore related keywords and analyze video tags.
Why it works:
TubeBuddy's free tools can give you a quick overview of keyword competition and help you identify potential keyword opportunities. It's a great way to get started with YouTube SEO.
Tips for Choosing the Right Keywords
Okay, you've found a bunch of keywords. Now what? Here are some tips for choosing the right keywords for your videos:
- Balance Search Volume and Competition: Aim for keywords with a decent search volume but not too much competition. It's better to rank for a keyword with 500 searches per month than to get buried on page 10 for a keyword with 10,000 searches per month.
- Target Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that people search for. For example, instead of just "coffee brewing," target "how to brew pour over coffee at home." These keywords tend to have lower search volume but also lower competition.
- Think Like Your Audience: What questions are your viewers asking? What problems are they trying to solve? Use these questions and problems to guide your keyword research.
- Analyze Your Competitors: What keywords are your competitors targeting? What keywords are their videos ranking for? Use this information to identify potential keyword opportunities for your own videos.
- Test and Track: Don't be afraid to experiment with different keywords. Use YouTube Analytics to track the performance of your videos and see which keywords are driving the most views and engagement.
Level Up Your YouTube Game
Finding the right keywords is just one piece of the YouTube puzzle. To really succeed on YouTube, you also need to:
- Create High-Quality Content: Focus on creating videos that are informative, entertaining, and engaging. Your viewers should get value from watching your videos.
- Optimize Your Video Titles and Descriptions: Use your target keywords in your video titles and descriptions. Make sure your titles are compelling and your descriptions are detailed.
- Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails: Your thumbnails are the first thing people see when they're browsing YouTube. Make sure your thumbnails are visually appealing and accurately represent your videos.
- Promote Your Videos: Share your videos on social media, embed them on your website, and reach out to other YouTubers for collaborations.
- Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and create a community around your channel.
By combining effective keyword research with these other strategies, you'll be well on your way to growing your YouTube channel and reaching a wider audience. So get out there and start creating awesome content!