Tags to Use on YouTube
YouTube tags aren't as potent as they once were, but they are still a significant component of YouTube SEO. If you're wondering what tags to put on YouTube to get more views and grow your channel, this guide contains everything you need to know — from best practices and keyword techniques to tools that simplify the process of getting the correct tags.
✅ What Are YouTube Tags?
YouTube tags are words or phrases that describe your video content. They help YouTube understand what your video is about and serve it to the right people — especially if your video title or topic is ambiguous.
Tags aren't the most crucial SEO factor (titles, descriptions, and thumbnails hold more weight), but they do help YouTube's algorithm in certain cases.
Why Are Tags Still Important in 2025?
- Improved Discoverability: Tags come in handy when your title is misspelled or when your video touches on a trending subject with several name variations.
- Define Content Theme: For new channels, tags can help establish your niche and help YouTube classify your content.
- Rank for Long-Tail Keywords: Tags help rank for keyword variations of your target keyword.
- Boost Suggested Video Placement: Including related tags enhances the possibility of appearing in the sidebar or "Up Next" recommendations.
What Tags Do I Use on YouTube?
Use these 3 kinds of tags:
1. Primary Keyword Tags
These are your focus keywords. They are identical to your video's topic, title, and what individuals are searching for.
Example:
For a video titled "How to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies", use tags like:
- how to bake cookies
- chocolate chip cookies recipe
- baking for beginners
2. Related Keyword Tags
These include variations, synonyms, and relevant phrases that help broaden your reach.
Example:
- easy cookie recipes
- homemade cookie tutorial
- baking tips and tricks
3. Common Misspellings or Alternate Names
This helps YouTube recognize your video when users make typos or use different terminology.
Example:
- choc chip cookies
- choclate cookies
- how to bake choco chip
Tag Best Practices
- Use 5–15 applicable tags – Don't go overboard; quality, not quantity.
- Lead with your most significant keywords – YouTube weighs the first tags more heavily.
- Avoid clickbait and unrelated tags – YouTube will penalize unrelated tags.
- Reflect your title and description – Tags need to reinforce your video's metadata.
- Use keyword research tools – Discover what your audience is actually looking for.
Best Tools to Find YouTube Tags
- TubeBuddy – Shows keyword score and tag suggestions by volume and competition.
- VidIQ – Offers SEO scores, tag analytics, and competitor tags.
- KeywordTool.io (YouTube filter) – Offers YouTube-specific keyword suggestions.
- YouTube Search Auto-Suggest – Enter a keyword in the YouTube search field to find popular tags.
- Google Trends (YouTube Search filter) – Compare the popularity of different tag terms over time.
Pro Tip: Take a Look at Your Competitors
One of the easiest ways of finding good tags is by analyzing the trending videos in your niche. With the help of browser extensions like TubeBuddy or VidIQ, you can see which tags high-performing creators in your niche are using and adapt them to your content (without copying blindly).
Things to Avoid
- Including unrelated tags just to gain views
- Keyword stuffing or repeatedly using the same tag in different variations
- Failing to use long-tail keywords
- Only using generic, competitive keywords (e.g., "music" or "vlog")
Final Thoughts: Optimize, Don't Spam
The right YouTube tags won't guarantee viral success, but they will make it easier to improve the likelihood of ranking, especially if you're a smaller creator. Think of tags as one among many SEO techniques that include an optimized title, descriptive description, catchy thumbnail, and good audience interaction.
Bonus: YouTube Tag Template to Get Started
Primary keyword Related keyword 1 Related keyword 2 Long-tail keyword Video category or niche Common misspelling Synonym or alternate phrase Location (if applicable) Trending hashtag (if applicable)
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Conclusion
When asking yourself "What tags do I use on YouTube?" remember that it isn't manipulating the system — you're helping the platform and your viewers find your content. Pick smart, applicable tags that suit your video's theme, and be sure to evolve your SEO strategy as trends change.
Let the algorithm work with you, not against you.