SEO YouTube 2025: a guide for new creators
Index
Introduction
What changed in YouTube's algorithm in 2025
Search vs. referrals: different strategies
Key tools for creators with little equipment
How to find keywords you can compete with
Attention-grabbing thumbnails and titles
How to generate engagement without relying on the algorithm
Synthesis
Introduction
YouTube remains a powerful channel for connecting with audiences interested in valuable, educational or entertaining content. While competing in 2025 is a challenge, especially for new creators looking to position themselves, growth does not depend on thousands of subscribers, but on a solid strategy. This guide is designed to walk through the basics of YouTube SEO adapted to today's challenges, offering a realistic approach, useful tools and practical recommendations to help you build your channel step by step.
What changed in YouTube's algorithm in 2025
YouTube's algorithm prioritizes content that responds well to search intent and keeps the user watching videos within the platform. Some key signals that take relevance this year:
Display time proportional to video duration
Rapid interaction in the first 24 hours
Clicks on cards, end screens and internal suggestions
Click-through rate (CTR) from the thumbnail and title
Classic technical SEO (such as tags or keywords in the description) is still useful, but weighs much less against user behavioral signals.
Search vs. referrals: different strategies
When starting out, it's tempting to want to appear on the homepage or in recommended videos, but the most affordable thing for smaller channels is to optimize for search. People still use YouTube as a search engine, and that's where there are more opportunities to rank.
How to position yourself in search:
Identifies keywords with low competition but clear intent
Use these terms in the title, description and file of the video.
Make sure the content solves the problem within the first few minutes
Include subtitles and structure the script as if it were a mini spoken blog.
How to approach the recommended ones:
Create thematic series to generate more sessions per user
Post shorts with thematic links to long content
Choose titles that arouse curiosity without falling into clickbait.
Encourage the user to watch more than one of your videos in the same session.
Key tools for creators with little equipment
Key tools for creators with little equipment
Even if you don't have the budget for an editing or marketing team, you can make use of tools that facilitate the process and give you real insights.
TubeBuddy: title suggestions, tags, competitor analysis
VidIQ: SEO score per video, content ideas, similar channel analysis
KeywordTool.io: search terms from YouTube autocomplete
ThumbsUp.tv: thumbnail preview on different devices
ChatGPT + Canva: ideal combination for scripting, content structure and thumbnail design
These tools do not replace your judgment, but they do allow you to produce faster and more accurately.
How to find keywords you can compete with
One of the keys to SEO on YouTube is to pick your battles well. You're not going to rank for generic terms like "Google Ads", but you will rank for searches like:
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Use YouTube's search bar to explore real phrases. If you see results with few views, poorly crafted thumbnails or outdated titles, there is a real opportunity to rank there.
Attention-grabbingthumbnails and titles
The thumbnail is the first visual filter. If it doesn't grab attention, there's no click. In 2025, effective thumbnails combine clear design, large text and an emotional element.
Effective titles usually have:
Keywords visible at startup
A clear benefit or consequence
Elements of urgency, common mistake or novelty
How to generate engagement without relying on the algorithm
Creating community is what sustains the channel in the long term. Interaction signals (comments, likes, shares) help, but above all they are the basis of a loyal audience.
Finish each video with a specific question
Display on screen comments from previous videos
Use polls in the Community tab to engage your audience
Publicly thank those who comment on or recommend your videos.
Even if you have few subscribers, these types of gestures build trust and increase organic views.
Synthesis
In an ecosystem as competitive as YouTube, uploading videos is not enough: you need a solid, coherent strategy adapted to your audience. At Adsual we work with creators who want to grow their channel without empty formulas or depending on the algorithm.
If you want to rank your videos, increase your organic views and build a real community around your content, we can help you design a YouTube SEO plan that works from day one. Whether you're just starting out or want to professionalize your current channel, we give you the tools, the approach and the support to make it happen.
Do you need help getting clients?
Book a video call where we will answer your questions and help you , free of charge, to plan the strategy that will most benefit your company.
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