6 Steps to Optimize YouTube Titles for Better SEO and Higher Rankings (plus Bonus ChatGPT Prompts)

Your YouTube title is the first thing viewers notice, and it can make all the difference between 10 views or 10,000. 

A solid title not only helps your video show up in search but also grabs attention, leading to more clicks, views, and subscribers. In this guide, you’ll learn six easy steps to make your titles stand out and get noticed. Plus, we've added some ChatGPT prompts to help you come up with killer titles that people can't help but click.

Let’s jump in and start turning those titles into real traffic!

Step 1: How to Find High-Value Keywords for YouTube SEO and Rank Higher

Keywords are the secret to getting your videos noticed on YouTube. 

Think of them as the GPS that guide YouTube’s algorithm to show your video to the right audience. If you use the right keywords, you’ll get more views, clicks, and engagement. But if your title doesn’t match what people are searching for, even the best content might get lost in the crowd.

For example, imagine someone searches for “how to grow tomatoes in pots.” If your video is titled “Tomatoes 101,” they might skip over it. Instead, using the exact phrase, “how to grow tomatoes in pots,” makes your video more relevant and clickable. 

That’s the power of high-value keywords—they align your content with what viewers want.

How To Find The Best Keywords For YouTube

Finding the right keywords doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Here are three simple strategies to uncover the best options for your video:

1. Check Google and YouTube Autocomplete: One of the easiest ways to find great keywords is by using Google’s and YouTube’s search bars. 

Just start typing your topic, and both platforms will suggest phrases based on what people are actively searching for. These suggestions come directly from real user queries, giving you a clear idea of what your audience wants. These ideas can help you write titles that grab attention and match what viewers are looking for.

2. Use Keyword Tools: Tools like TubeBuddy, VidIQ, or KeywordTool.io can show you:
   • Popular Keywords: Words and phrases that get searched frequently.
   • Low-Competition Terms: Keywords where there aren’t many other videos competing.
   • Long-Tail Keywords: Long phrases like “best plants for shady small gardens” that focus on specific niches.
3. Think Like Your Audience: Put yourself in your viewers’ shoes. If you wanted to find your video, what would you search for? Instead of broad terms like “Travel Hacks,” try something specific like “Best Travel Hacks for Cheap Flights.” These longer phrases match exactly what people type into the search bar. Another example: Instead of “Gardening Tips,” try “How to Grow Tomatoes in Cole Climates.” These specific titles make your video stand out.

Examples of Keyword Research in Action

Google autocomplete suggestions for "how to buy a house," highlighting common search queries like "with no money" and "with bad credit."

ChatGPT Prompt for Keyword Research

Need keyword ideas fast? Try this:

"I’m creating a YouTube video about [your topic]. Suggest 5 long-tail keywords with high search volume and low competition that people are searching for."

For example, if you input “home staging tips,” ChatGPT might suggest:

• “How to stage a home to sell quickly”
• “Best home staging tips for realtors”
• “Home staging ideas on a budget”

Step 2: Analyzing Competitor Titles to Improve YouTube SEO

When it comes to writing the perfect YouTube title, sometimes the best teacher is your competition. 

Looking at what’s already working in your niche can give you insights into what grabs attention and gets clicks. Competitor analysis shows you the exact words, formats, and strategies that are resonating with your audience, so you can tweak them to make your own titles stand out. It’s not just copying—it’s spotting patterns and finding ways to do it better. 

Here’s what you gain by analyzing competitor titles:

• Understanding Trends: You’ll quickly notice patterns, like certain keywords, phrases, or even title structures that keep appearing.
• Spotting Gaps: Sometimes competitors miss opportunities, like targeting specific audiences or answering unique questions. You can fill those gaps with your content.
• Improving Your SEO: By aligning your titles with high-performing keywords and formats, you increase the chances of ranking higher on YouTube.

How to Analyze Competitor YouTube Video Titles

Start by typing your main keyword into YouTube’s search bar. 

Look at the top 5–10 results and focus on the titles of the videos that come up first. These are YouTube’s favorites—titles that are clearly working well.

As you go through these videos, take notes on:

• Common Keywords: Which words or phrases keep appearing?
• Title Formats: Are there certain formats, like "How-to" guides or “Top 10” lists that dominate?
• Tone and Length: Do the titles feel formal, conversational, or direct? Are they short and snappy or more detailed?

Finally, think about the gaps. Are there questions your competitors aren’t answering? Maybe their titles are too generic, and you could be more specific or highlight a unique benefit.

Searching for "How to Buy a House with No Money" shows titles like "Buy A House With No Money Down And Bad Credit".

Ask yourself:

• Is there a question that hasn’t been fully answered? For example, if you’re a fitness coach, many YouTube video titles don’t address beginner fears like, “What if I can’t stick to it?” Your title could be, “Workouts for Beginners You Can Actually Stick To.”
• Could you make the title more specific? For a tech reviewer, instead of “Top Laptops for Students,” you could focus on affordability: “Best Budget Laptops for Students.”
• Are there keywords missing that your video could target? Cooking YouTube channels often skip keywords like “one-pot” or “ingredients.” Your title could be, “Quick One-Pot Dinner Recipes with Just 5 Ingredients.”

ChatGPT Prompt:"I’ve collected 10 competitor YouTube titles for the topic '[your keyword or niche].' Analyze these titles and provide insights on:

1. Common keywords: Which words or phrases frequently appear?
2. Title formats: Are there trends like 'How-to,' 'Top 10,' or other structures?
3. Tone and length: Are the titles formal, conversational, direct? Are they short and punchy or more descriptive?
4. Gaps: Are there questions competitors aren’t answering, or opportunities to target specific audiences?
5. Suggestions: Provide 5 improved or unique title ideas based on your analysis, incorporating high-value keywords and benefit-driven phrases."

Step 3: Write Benefit-Driven YouTube Titles to Improve Click-Through Rates

When someone scrolls through YouTube, they’re not just looking for videos—they’re searching for answers, solutions, or inspiration. 

A benefit-driven title tells viewers exactly what they’ll gain by watching your video. Clear titles that promise a specific result improve click-through rates (CTR) and help your video stand out in search results.

For example, a vague title like “Saving Money Tips” doesn’t tell viewers why they should click.

On the other hand, a benefit-driven title like “Save $1000 a Month with These Simple Money-Saving Tips” promises a clear, tangible outcome, making it more enticing. When your title focuses on the specific benefits your video delivers, it doesn’t just attract clicks—it also aligns with your audience’s needs and helps optimize your video for SEO.

This YouTube title shows viewers they can buy a home with just $1,000, making the benefit clear.

How to Craft Benefit-Driven Titles

1. Focus on the Outcome: The best titles highlight a specific result that viewers can visualize. 

Whether it’s saving time, money, or effort, your title should make it clear what your audience will achieve or gain by watching. This makes your content feel valuable and actionable.

When crafting your title, ask yourself: What measurable result or specific outcome can I promise that will resonate with my audience? 

The more specific and tangible your title, the more compelling it becomes. Including real numbers, measurable results, or timeframes can make the benefit feel immediate and achievable.

2. Avoid Vague Language: Vague titles leave viewers guessing—and when they’re unsure of what they’ll gain, they’re less likely to click. 

A clear, descriptive title leaves no doubt about the value of your content and helps it stand out in crowded search results. Instead of using generic terms like “Tips” or “Ideas,” be specific. Include details such as numbers, timeframes, or unique features to make the title more engaging. 

3. Highlight the Transformation: People don’t just want to watch a video—they want to experience change. 

A great title shows the transformation viewers will experience after watching your video. Whether they’ll master a skill, solve a problem, or achieve a goal, your title should make the result clear and exciting.

Using action-oriented words like “Achieve,” “Boost,” “Transform,” or “Master” can emphasize the outcome and make your video feel more valuable.

ChatGPT Prompt:"I’m creating a YouTube video about [your topic]. Based on this topic, analyze and suggest 5 benefit-driven titles that will:

1. Clearly showcase what viewers will achieve, learn, or gain by watching the video.
2. Use specific numbers, measurable results, or timeframes to make the benefit tangible and immediate.
3. Include engaging, action-oriented language such as 'Master,' 'Achieve,' 'Boost,' or 'Save' to emphasize the transformation.
4. Align with popular title formats like 'How-to,' lists (e.g., '5 Tips'), or solutions (e.g., 'Fix Your [Problem] in 3 Steps').
5. Avoid vague or generic terms and instead focus on unique, compelling benefits that stand out in search results."

Step 4: Use Numbers in Titles to Boost CTR

Eye-tracking research shows that numbers in titles grab attention and make people more likely to click.

Numbers make content feel organized and actionable. When viewers see a title like “7 Tips for Better Sleep” instead of “How to Sleep Better,” they instantly know what to expect and feel assured the content will be concise and helpful.

Numbers also enhance the credibility of your video. A title such as “5 Steps to Save Money” suggests a structured and intentional approach, which appeals to audiences seeking practical advice. 

Odd numbers often perform even better than even ones because they feel more authentic and less “packaged.” However, even numbers can work well when paired with professional or formal topics.

Using numbers like '7 Tips' helps make your title pop out and shows viewers exactly what they’ll get from your video.

How to Use Numbers Effectively in YouTube Titles

Incorporating numbers into your titles is about more than just slapping a digit in front. It requires thoughtful integration to ensure your title remains engaging, relevant, and optimized for SEO. Here are key strategies:

1. Combine Numbers with Primary Keywords: For maximum SEO impact, pair numbers with your primary keyword. For instance, if your keyword is “budget travel tips,” a strong title would be: “7 Budget Travel Tips to Save $1000 on Your Next Trip.” This combination ensures your title ranks well while remaining engaging.

2. Use Numbers to Spark Curiosity: Pair numbers with intriguing descriptors like “secrets,” “hacks,” or “strategies” to pique curiosity. Titles such as “5 Side Hustle Strategies To Earn $100k Fast” or “3 Perfect Pasta Secrets Only Professional Chefs Know” compel viewers to click because they want to uncover valuable insights they might not already know.

3. Use Negative Lists for a Unique Angle: Positive lists like “5 Tips” are effective, but negative lists—featuring words like “lies,” “mistakes,” or “myths”—can stand out even more. Titles such as “3 YouTube Channel Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Started” or “5 Dave Ramsey Budget Lies That Are Costing You Money” create urgency and curiosity, encouraging clicks.

ChatGPT Prompt: "I’m creating a YouTube video about [your topic]. Help me craft 5 engaging titles that:

1. Include a number to structure the content (e.g., steps, tips, or lists).
2. Pair the number with my primary keyword for better SEO.
3. Highlight a clear benefit or outcome to attract clicks.
4. Use either a positive (e.g., tips) or negative (e.g., mistakes) approach to stand out."

Step 5: Include Timeliness or Specificity to Stand Out

YouTube viewers are constantly looking for content that feels fresh, relevant, and tailored to their specific needs. 

Titles that incorporate timely elements, like the current year or seasonal references, show your video is up-to-date and aligned with current trends. Adding specificity—whether targeting a particular audience, location, or scenario—enhances your video's appeal and ensures it resonates with viewers searching for personalized solutions.

A title like “Top Fitness Tips” may feel generic, but “Top Fitness Tips for Beginners in 2025” makes your content feel timely and relatable. These elements not only boost click-through rates (CTR) but also signal relevance to YouTube’s algorithm, improving your video’s ranking..

Ali Abdaal regularly uses '2025' in his titles to make them feel timely and relevant to viewers looking for fresh content.

How to Add Timeliness and Specificity to Your Titles

Making your titles more precise doesn’t have to be complicated. Use the following strategies to ensure your titles stand out:

1. Use the Current Year: Including the year in your title signals that your content is fresh and up-to-date. This is especially effective for topics like trends, reviews, or guides. For example, instead of writing “Top Social Media Marketing Tips,” make it more timely with “Top Social Media Marketing Tips for 2025.”

2. Incorporate Seasonal Relevance: For content tied to a specific time of year, adding terms like “Spring,” “Summer,” or “Winter” can instantly boost relevance. For instance, instead of “Easy Gardening Tips,” use “Easy Spring Gardening Tips to Revive Your Garden.”

3. Target Specific Audiences: Adding audience-specific phrases like “for Beginners,” “for Families,” or “for Small Businesses” makes your title feel tailored and personal. An example: replace “How to Plan a Vacation” with “How to Plan a Budget Vacation for Families.”

4. Focus on Regional or Localized Content: Mentioning specific regions or locations, like “in [City/State],” can make your title more appealing to local audiences. Instead of “Best Hiking Trails,” a more localized version would be “Best Hiking Trails in Northern California for Adventure Seekers.”

ChatGPT Prompt: "I’m creating a YouTube video about [your topic]. Help me write 5 engaging titles that:

1. Include the current year to make the content feel up-to-date.
2. Add specificity by targeting a particular audience (e.g., beginners, families, or professionals).
3. Incorporate seasonal relevance or regional focus to boost relatability.
4. Highlight a clear benefit or unique angle to encourage clicks."

Step 6: Advanced Ways to Optimize for Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Click-through rate (CTR) is crucial for YouTube success. 

A high CTR signals to YouTube’s algorithm that your video is engaging and relevant to viewers, prompting it to rank higher and suggest your video to more users. The more clicks your video receives, the more exposure it gains.

But optimizing for CTR isn’t just about appeasing the algorithm. A well-crafted title attracts the right audience—people who are genuinely interested in your content and more likely to engage, subscribe, or share. In the crowded YouTube space, optimizing for CTR helps your video rise above the noise and stand out to viewers who matter most.

How to Optimize Titles for CTR

Creating titles that drive clicks isn't about clickbait—it’s about understanding the psychology behind why people click. By using proven strategies, you can craft titles that not only grab attention but also resonate with your target audience and are optimized for SEO.

1. Address Pain Points Directly: Titles that solve a specific problem resonate strongly with viewers. By front-loading the pain point, you immediately show how your content will help them. Instead of saying “Stretching Tips for Back Pain,” use “Back Pain Relief with 5 Simple Stretches That Actually Work.”

2. Tap Into FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Using urgency or exclusivity motivates viewers to act quickly. Combine keywords with phrases like “Don’t Miss” or “Before It’s Too Late” to create a sense of urgency. Instead of saying “Social Media Trends,” use “Learn 5 Must-Know Social Media Trends for 2025 (Before You Fall Behind). 

3. Ask Questions to Spark Engagement: Questions grab attention by addressing the viewer directly, making the content feel tailored to their needs. Incorporate keywords early while framing them as questions to increase clicks. For example, instead of saying “Beginner Fitness Tips,” use “Are You Making These 5 Common Beginner Fitness Mistakes?”

Addressing pain points, like accidentally going to the airport with a banned item, can make your YouTube title more clickable.

ChatGPT Prompt: I’m creating a YouTube video about [your topic]. Help me craft 5 CTR-optimized titles that:

• Address pain points directly by solving a specific problem for the viewer.
• Tap into FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) by creating urgency or exclusivity.
• Ask questions that spark engagement and make the viewer feel personally addressed.

Now that you’ve got the tools to create killer YouTube titles, it’s time to put them into action. With these tips, you’ll grab attention, get more clicks, and grow your channel. Keep testing, tweaking, and refining—you’re on your way to turning your titles into a powerful growth tool.