YouTube tags are a crucial element of video optimization, helping the platform’s algorithm understand what your content is about and improving your chances of reaching the right audience. However, many creators make common mistakes with YouTube tags that limit their video’s potential. In this article, we’ll break down these mistakes and answer the frequently asked question: how many tags should I use on YouTube?
1. Using Too Many or Too Few Tags
One of the most common questions content creators ask is, “How many tags should I use on YouTube?” Ideally, YouTube allows up to 500 characters for tags, but that doesn’t mean you should max it out. Overstuffing your video with tags or, conversely, using too few tags, can harm your video’s performance. A balanced approach is key.
Solution: Aim for 5 to 15 tags that are highly relevant to your content. Rather than adding dozens of loosely related tags, focus on keywords that directly connect with your video’s subject matter. Make sure each tag is thoughtfully selected to improve discoverability, rather than simply boosting numbers.
2. Using Irrelevant Tags
Another common mistake is using tags that aren’t truly related to your content in an attempt to increase views. This tactic might seem like a good way to attract a wider audience, but it can backfire. YouTube’s algorithm is designed to match users with the content they’re searching for, and misleading tags can result in your video being shown to the wrong audience, which increases bounce rates and decreases watch time.
Solution: Stick to tags that accurately represent your video’s content. If your video is about “vegan meal prep,” don’t add tags like “funny cat videos” just because those videos are trending. Keeping your tags relevant ensures that your video reaches the right viewers, who are more likely to engage with your content.
3. Ignoring Long-Tail Keywords
Many YouTube creators focus on short, highly competitive tags like “vlog” or “tutorial,” thinking these will help their videos gain traction. While these tags can be useful, they’re often too broad, making it harder for your video to stand out in a crowded field. This is where long-tail keywords—specific phrases with lower competition—come in handy.
Solution: Incorporate long-tail keywords into your tag strategy. These tags are more detailed and specific, such as “beginner yoga poses for flexibility” instead of just “yoga.” Long-tail keywords not only have lower competition but also attract a more targeted audience, increasing the likelihood of higher engagement.
4. Failing to Update Tags Over Time
Another mistake is neglecting to revisit and update your tags as your channel evolves or as trends shift. What worked for your older videos may not be as effective today. YouTube trends and audience behavior change frequently, and failing to optimize your tags can lead to missed opportunities for traffic.
Solution: Regularly review your video tags, especially for evergreen content. If a new trend or keyword becomes popular within your niche, update your tags to reflect these changes. Keeping your tags fresh ensures that your content remains relevant in search results.
5. Neglecting YouTube’s Suggested Tags
Many creators overlook YouTube’s own suggestions when adding tags to their videos. YouTube provides a list of suggested tags based on the content you’re uploading, which can be a goldmine of relevant keywords. Ignoring these suggestions can lead to missed optimization opportunities.
Solution: Use YouTube’s auto-suggest feature when entering tags. These suggestions are generated based on actual user search queries, so they can help align your video with what people are actively looking for. Incorporating suggested tags can significantly improve the chances of your video being discovered.
6. Relying Solely on Tags for SEO
While tags are important for YouTube SEO, many creators make the mistake of thinking that tags alone will guarantee success. The reality is that tags are just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors like the video title, description, thumbnails, and engagement also play a crucial role in your video’s ranking.
Solution: Optimize all aspects of your video, not just the tags. Ensure that your video title includes the main keyword, the description provides a clear overview of the content, and the thumbnail is eye-catching. Tags should complement the overall SEO strategy, not replace it.
7. Keyword Stuffing
Keyword stuffing refers to cramming as many keywords into your tags as possible, hoping to rank for a wider range of searches. While this might seem like a clever idea, YouTube’s algorithm can detect this tactic and may penalize your video by reducing its visibility in search results.
Solution: Focus on quality over quantity. Use a natural and logical set of keywords that represent your video’s content. It’s better to rank well for a handful of carefully selected tags than to rank poorly for a larger number of unrelated ones.
Conclusion
Tags are an essential part of YouTube SEO, but they must be used wisely to be effective. Avoid the common mistakes mentioned above to ensure that your video reaches the right audience and performs well in search results. So, how many tags should I use on YouTube? The optimal range is around 5 to 15 well-thought-out, relevant tags. By focusing on relevance, avoiding keyword stuffing, and keeping your tags updated, you’ll increase your chances of success on YouTube.
