kostja94Install Youtube SEO
Pick your agent. Every command is ready to paste.
npx skills add kostja94/marketing-skills --skill youtube-seoThe open skills CLI detects your agents (Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and 70+ more) and installs to the right folder. Add -g to install globally.
01
Install it
Run the command above, or upload the folder in Claude.
02
Ask naturally
Describe the task. Your agent loads youtube-seo when the request matches its description.
03
Name it if needed
If it does not trigger, say “use the youtube-seo skill”. In Codex, type $youtube-seo.
The skill itself
SKILL.md
Platforms: YouTube SEO
Guides YouTube video and channel optimization for search and discovery. Google now prioritizes YouTube video results in search; YouTube + Reddit comprise ~78% of social media citations in AI Overviews. Title, description, and thumbnail form an interconnected system; channels using systematic keyword strategies see 156% longer view durations, 89% better CTR, and 312% higher search discovery. Use this skill when optimizing videos for YouTube search, Google search, and AI citation. For website-embedded video SEO, see video-optimization.
When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.
Initial Assessment
Project context: Read root {project}.md when present and load only the modules relevant to this task. Without Contextus, use available project material or user-provided facts and ask for missing information; do not create a parallel context system.
Identify:
- Video type: Tutorial, review, vlog, Shorts
- Target keyword: Primary and secondary
- Audience: Subscribers vs casual viewers
Video Titles
| Rule | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Length | Under 60 characters; mobile may show partial |
| Keyword | Primary keyword in first 5–55 characters |
| Structure | Social proof/authority + emotional trigger + primary keyword |
| Style | Conversational; avoid keyword stuffing |
| Avoid | ALL CAPS except emphasis |
Video Descriptions
| Rule | Guideline |
|---|---|
| First 2–3 sentences | Primary and secondary keywords naturally; meta description under 160 chars |
| Links | Website, store, relevant resources |
| Readability | Natural flow; help search understand topic |
Tags
- Help YouTube understand content; titles and descriptions matter more
- Use relevant tags; avoid over-optimization
Thumbnails
90% of best-performing videos use custom thumbnails.
| Rule | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Contrast | High contrast; readable fonts; bold colors |
| Composition | Rule of thirds; simple, uncluttered |
| Audience | Consider subscribers vs casual viewers |
| Test | What works evolves; test styles |
Title + Description + Thumbnail
Reinforce the same core message across all three; target different algorithm aspects.
Output Format
- Title options (under 60 chars)
- Description (first 160 chars + full)
- Tags (relevant set)
- Thumbnail guidance (elements, text, composition)
YouTube in Google Search & GEO
| Context | Implication |
|---|---|
| Google prioritization | YouTube is core search infrastructure; 48.6B monthly visits; video results favored in main SERP, video mode, Discover |
| AI Overviews | YouTube citations surged 25.21% since Jan 2025; instructional (+35.6%), visual demos (+32.5%); long-form (94%) dominates |
| GEO | YouTube + Reddit = ~78% of social media citations; optimize for AI citation. See generative-engine-optimization |
Related Skills
- video-marketing: Video script, hook, structure
- video-optimization: Website video SEO; VideoObject; video sitemap; embed optimization
- youtube-ads: YouTube paid ads (TrueView, Bumper)
- content-marketing: Video as content format
- parasite-seo: YouTube as high-authority platform
- generative-engine-optimization: GEO strategy; YouTube as distribution for AI citation
Tips for Youtube SEO
- • Start a fresh session after installing so your agent picks up the new skill.
- • It is part of a pack with 40 skills. Install only the ones you need with --skill to keep triggers precise.
- • If two skills overlap, mention the one you want by name.
Questions about Youtube SEO
What does the Youtube SEO skill do?
When the user wants to optimize YouTube videos for search, create video descriptions, or improve channel visibility. Also use when the user mentions "YouTube SEO," "YouTube description," "YouTube tags," "YouTube thumbnail," "YouTube title," "YouTube channel," or "video SEO." For YouTube ads, use youtube-ads.
How do I install Youtube SEO?
Run "npx skills add kostja94/marketing-skills --skill youtube-seo" in your project. The skills CLI installs it for Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and 70+ other agents. In Claude on the web, upload the skill folder as a ZIP under Customize > Skills.
Does Youtube SEO work in Cursor and Codex?
Yes. Youtube SEO uses the open SKILL.md format, so it works in Claude Code, Claude, Cursor, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot and other agents that support agent skills.
Is Youtube SEO free?
Youtube SEO is open source on GitHub under the MIT license. It is free to install; check the license before commercial use.
Who made Youtube SEO?
Youtube SEO is published by kostja94 in the kostja94/marketing-skills repository, together with 39 other skills.
