Creating a great YouTube video is only half the battle — the other half is making sure people find it. One of the most overlooked tools in this process is the video description.
A well-written video description not only tells YouTube what your video is about, but also improves search rankings, watch time, and viewer engagement.
Let’s break down how to write the perfect YouTube video description step-by-step.
1. Start With a Strong Opening Line
The first 1–2 lines of your description are the most important. These are the only lines visible above the fold before the viewer clicks “Show more”.
Make sure to:
Hook the viewer with a summary of what they’ll learn
Use your main keyword in the first sentence
Encourage a viewer to keep watching
Example:
Want to rank your YouTube videos higher in 2025? In this video, I’ll show you 7 proven strategies to boost your YouTube SEO without using ads.
2. Include Relevant Keywords Naturally
YouTube scans your description for keywords to understand the content of your video.
Tips:
Use long-tail keywords related to your topic
Don’t overstuff — write in a natural tone
Mention related terms and synonyms
Tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ can help you find the best keywords for your video.
3. Add a Detailed Summary (100–200 words)
After the first line, give a complete overview of what the video covers. Think of this as a mini blog post.
Include:
Key points
Tools or resources mentioned
Value the viewer will get
This helps YouTube rank your video for a variety of search terms — not just your main keyword.
4. Use Timestamps to Structure Content
If your video is longer than 5 minutes, adding timestamps is highly recommended.
Example Format:
Benefits:
Viewers can jump to the part they want
Improves watch time and engagement
Helps YouTube understand your content better
5. Include Links and CTAs (Call to Actions)
Use the description to drive viewers to take the next step:
Subscribe link
Playlist links
Website or product page
Social media profiles
Example CTAs:
🔔 Subscribe for more tips: [Your Channel Link]
📺 Watch my SEO playlist: [Link]
💬 Comment below: What’s your biggest SEO challenge?
This boosts your channel’s ecosystem and helps build a loyal audience.
6. Add Hashtags (#)
Hashtags are searchable on YouTube and can help your video appear in related content.
Where to place:
Add 3–5 hashtags at the end of your description
Don’t overdo it — too many can look spammy
Example Hashtags:
#YouTubeSEO #YouTubeTips2025 #VideoMarketing
7. Format for Readability
Break your description into:
Short paragraphs
Bullet points or numbered lists
Emojis (optional) for visual interest
Remember, most viewers skim — make it easy to read.
8. Add Legal Disclaimers or Affiliate Notes
If you’re promoting products or including affiliate links, always disclose it in your description. It builds trust and keeps your content compliant.
Example:
Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
9. Reuse Description Templates
If your videos follow a similar structure, create a template and modify it for each video.
A good template might include:
A keyword-rich intro
A 3–5 line summary
Timestamps
Related links
Hashtags
A call to action
This saves time and keeps your branding consistent.
10. Update Older Descriptions
If you have old videos still getting views:
Update the descriptions with better keywords
Add links to newer content
Refresh timestamps or outdated links
YouTube rewards active management of your content.
Conclusion
A strong video description is more than just text under your video — it’s your chance to rank better, engage viewers, and grow your channel.
By following the steps above, you’ll not only help YouTube understand your content but also guide your viewers to become loyal subscribers.
So, don’t ignore the description box — use it strategically, and you’ll start seeing the difference in your channel’s performance.