How to Use Semrush for YouTube SEO: The Ultimate Guide 2025

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Creating a video is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you optimize it for YouTube’s search that’s when your growth truly takes off.

In 2025, YouTube stands as the world’s second-largest search engine, right after Google, with over 2.7 billion active users every month.

For creators, brands, and marketers, this is a vast ocean of opportunity to reach highly engaged audiences. But with over 800 million videos vying for attention, how can your content possibly stand out?

This is where Semrush enters the picture. Known primarily as a powerful SEO platform for websites, Semrush also offers robust tools to elevate your YouTube SEO, if you know how to use them right.

In this guide, you’ll uncover how to use Semrush for YouTube SEO, attract more views, and dominate your niche organically. No gimmicks, just proven strategies.

Why YouTube SEO Is Essential in 2025

YouTube’s algorithm has grown smarter. It no longer relies solely on keywords. Instead, it prioritizes viewer intent, engagement signals like watch time and comments, and how contextually relevant your video is to what people want to watch. Videos that hit this sweet spot rise higher in search results and get more clicks.

Research from Backlinko shows videos with exact keyword matches in their titles enjoy a 31% higher click-through rate (CTR). Simply put: optimizing your content intelligently isn’t optional, it’s a must.

What Makes Semrush a Game-Changer for YouTube SEO?

Semrush isn’t just another SEO tool. It’s a comprehensive platform that gives you YouTube-specific insights most creators miss.

While competitors focus on basic metrics, Semrush delivers:

• Keyword Analytics for YouTube: A dedicated tool showing real YouTube search volumes, competitive rates, and trending keywords updated daily
• Rank Tracker for YouTube: Monitor your video rankings for up to 200 keywords and track performance over time
• Cross-platform insights: See which keywords trigger video results in Google search, doubling your traffic potential
• Competitor intelligence: Analyze what’s working for top channels in your niche
• Content gap analysis: Find topics your competitors missed

Unlike generic keyword tools, Semrush understands the unique dynamics of video search. It shows you not just what people search for, but how difficult it is to rank and which videos currently dominate.

Ready to unlock these powerful advantages? Here’s a step-by-step approach to mastering Semrush for YouTube SEO.

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How to Use Semrush for YouTube SEO: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access Keyword Analytics for YouTube

Your journey starts with Semrush’s most powerful YouTube tool.

1. Log into your Semrush account

2. Navigate to “Apps” in the main menu 

3. Find “Keyword Analytics for YouTube” and click “Go to app” 

4. Select “Get started” under “Keywords Research”

This tool is your command center for YouTube keyword research. Unlike Google-focused tools, it pulls data directly from YouTube searches.

Step 2: Discover High-Impact YouTube Keywords

Now comes the exciting part, finding keywords your audience actually searches for.

• Enter a broad topic related to your niche (e.g., “meditation” for a wellness channel) 
• Select your target country 
• Choose your timeframe: Last day, week, or month

You’ll see a comprehensive table showing:

• Search volume (exact YouTube searches)
• Competitive rate (0-100 score indicating ranking difficulty)
• Related keywords
• Top-ranking videos

Pro tip: Start with keywords having 1,000+ monthly searches and competitive rates below 70. These offer the best balance of traffic potential and ranking opportunity.

Step 3: Uncover Fast-Growing Trends

Timing matters in video creation. Semrush helps you catch trends before they peak.

• Click the “Fast-Growing” tab 
• Look for keywords with 100 %+ growth rates 
• Note the search volume changes

These trending topics give you first-mover advantage. Create videos for rising keywords before competition floods in.

Example: If “iPhone 16 camera tips” shows 500% growth, you know Apple users are hungry for this content right now.

Step 4: Analyze Top-Performing Videos

Success leaves clues. Let’s decode what makes videos rank.

• Click “Most viewed videos” tab
• Study the titles, view counts, and channels
• Click any video to see its ranking keywords

Look for patterns:

• Title structures that work
• Video lengths that perform
• Publishing frequencies of successful channels

This intelligence shapes your content strategy.

Step 5: Find Keywords That Also Rank in Google

Here’s where Semrush truly shines in cross-platform optimization.

1. Open Keyword Magic Tool

2. Enter your target keyword. Click “Advanced filters” > “SERP Features”

3. Select “Video,” “Featured video,” and “Video carousel.”

These keywords can drive traffic from both YouTube and Google. It’s like hitting two targets with one arrow.

Studies show 40% of Google searches display video results. That’s massive additional exposure for your content.

Step 6: Analyze Your Competition

Understanding competitors reveals opportunities.

While Semrush can’t directly analyze YouTube channels, here’s a clever workaround:

• 1. Find your competitor’s website (usually in their channel description) 
• 2. Enter it in Semrush’s Domain Overview 
• 3. Check their top organic keywords 
• 4. Look for video-related terms they rank for

Cross-reference these insights with their YouTube content. You’ll spot gaps you can fill.

Step 7: Build Topic Clusters with the Topic Research Tool

Single videos rarely succeed. You need content ecosystems.

• 1. Open Topic Research tool 
• 2. Enter your main topic 
• 3. Explore the mind map of related subtopics 
• 4. Note questions people ask

Use these insights to create a video series or playlists. For example, a “Yoga for Beginners” cluster might include:

• Morning Yoga Routines
• Yoga for Flexibility
• Desk Yoga Exercises
• Yoga Equipment Guide

Clusters keep viewers watching longer, boosting your channel authority.

Step 8: Optimize Your Video Metadata

Keywords without proper implementation are useless. Here’s how to use them effectively.

For Titles:

• Place your main keyword in the first 60 characters
• Make it compelling and clickable
• Include numbers when relevant (e.g., “5 Ways to…”)

Example: Instead of “Meditation Tutorial,” use “5-Minute Morning Meditation for Beginners – Reduce Stress Fast”

For Descriptions:

• Use your main keyword in the first sentence
• Include 2-3 related keywords naturally
• Write at least 200 words
• Add timestamps for a better user experience

For Tags:

• Include your exact keyword
• Add variations and related terms
• Use 5-10 relevant tags
• Mix broad and specific tags

Step 9: Create Compelling Thumbnails

Semrush data reveals which keywords attract clicks. Now make thumbnails that deliver.

Best practices based on top-performing videos:

• Use contrasting colors
• Include text overlay with keywords
• Show human faces when possible
• Maintain consistent branding

Your thumbnail is your billboard. Make it impossible to ignore.

Step 10: Set Up Rank Tracking

Publishing isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of optimization.

1. Access Rank Tracker for YouTube (via Semrush Apps). Add your channel URL 

2. Input target keywords (up to 200) 

Monitor weekly to spot:

• Ranking improvements
• Sudden drops (algorithm changes)
• Competitor movements

Use this data to update underperforming videos and replicate successful strategies.

Bonus: Track Your YouTube Rankings with Semrush Rank Tracker

Semrush’s Rank Tracker for YouTube (powered by Tubics) transforms how you monitor success.

Key features that make it indispensable:

• Track rankings for up to 200 keywords simultaneously
• See position changes with visual graphs
• Get alerts for significant ranking shifts
• Compare multiple channels side-by-side
• Export reports for clients or team members

Here’s how to maximize its power:

1. Set up weekly tracking for all target keywords 

2. Create separate projects for different video series 

3. Monitor competitor channels to benchmark performance 

4. Use historical data to identify seasonal trends

When rankings drop, don’t panic. Instead:

• Check if competitors uploaded similar content
• Update your thumbnail for better CTR
• Refresh your description with trending keywords
• Add end screens to boost engagement

Consistent tracking turns guesswork into strategy.

Best Practices for YouTube SEO Using Semrush

Follow these proven tactics to maximize your results:

• Include your main keyword in the first 60 characters of the title
• Write descriptions of 200+ words with natural keyword placement
• Use exact match keywords in your tags
• Add closed captions to boost accessibility and SEO
• Design thumbnails that reflect search intent
• Include timestamps and chapters for better engagement
• Update old video metadata based on new keyword research
• Build topical authority through video clusters
• Track rankings weekly and adjust strategies
• Study top performers in your niche regularly

Remember: YouTube rewards channels that keep viewers engaged. Use Semrush data to create content people actually want to watch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with powerful tools, these errors can sabotage your success:

• Keyword stuffing: Using keywords unnaturally hurts more than it helps
• Ignoring search intent: A keyword might have volume, but wrong intent for your content
• Neglecting video quality: SEO brings viewers in, but quality keeps them watching
• Inconsistent publishing: Algorithm favors regular uploads
• Copying competitors blindly: What works for them might not work for your audience

FAQs About Using Semrush for YouTube SEO

Final Thoughts: Is Semrush Worth It for YouTube SEO?

Without a doubt, yes. While Semrush isn’t exclusively a YouTube tool, its keyword intelligence and competitive insights give you advantages most creators never access. In 2025’s competitive landscape, these advantages make the difference between obscurity and growth.

The combination of YouTube-specific data, cross-platform opportunities, and detailed tracking creates a complete optimization ecosystem. Pair these insights with quality content and consistent publishing, and you’re positioned for serious channel growth.

Remember: Great YouTube SEO isn’t about tricking the algorithm. It’s about understanding what your audience wants and delivering it better than anyone else. Semrush gives you the data to do exactly that.

Ready to transform your YouTube strategy? Start with Keyword Analytics for YouTube and discover what your audience is really searching for. Your next viral video might be just one keyword away.