In the first YouTube Description experiment, we learned that putting the keyword as the only word in the description could rank videos higher...
And in the second experiment, we learned that putting the keyword at the Beginning, Middle, End, and 7 Random Locations also ranks high...
In the last case study, I mentioned that because the second test was added after the first test, video recency might have affected the results.
In other words, "Did three fast horses get a head start over another fast horse?"
So, to make sure, I ran a brand new test to find out...
In this test, the "two best horses" from the second experiment competed against "the best horse" from the first experiment.
Here’s what happened...
Creating "The Best YouTube Description" Experiment
First, I created 3 new keywords for this test.
Nfilzrsikdpr
Gzolzrsikepr
Wculzrrikarp
YouTube has no idea what these words mean, so there won't be any underlying context that affects our ranking results...
For each keyword, I’ll be testing these variations:
Variation 1: Keyword at the Beginning and Middle
In this variation, the keyword is used two times in the description.
Variation 2: Keyword at the Beginning, Middle, End, and 7 Random Locations
In this variation, the keyword is used ten times and spread evenly through the description.
Variation 3: Keyword Only Description
For this variation, the keyword is used one time in the description.
After creating the 9 fake descriptions, I uploaded the videos to YouTube.
I gave YouTube a few minutes to index them, and then looked at the results.
Analzying The YouTube Description Ranking Results
For the keyword "Nfilzrsikdpr", the Keyword at the Beginning, Middle, End, and 7 Random Locations ranked #1.
The Keyword Only variation ranked #2.
The Keyword at the Beginning and Middle ranked #3.
Let’s look at the second test results...
For the keyword "Gzolzrsikepr", the Keyword at the Beginning, Middle, End, and 7 Random Locations ranked #1.
The Keyword Only variation ranked #2.
The Keyword at the Beginning and Middle ranked #3.
So, these test results are exactly the same as the first test.
Let’s take a look at the third test...
As you can see in this screenshot, the results for the keyword "Wculzrrikarp" are exactly the same as the first two tests.
All three tests had the exact same results...
(Note: These videos were uploaded at the same time and randomly published within 30-60 seconds of each other, so video recency isn't a factor in these tests.)
How To Write The Best YouTube Descriptions
This test had clear results, and we learned quite a few things...
First, video recency is a YouTube search ranking factor.
This test confirms that the previous test gave "three fast horses" a head start, which is why it had slightly different results...
But in this test, by removing that head start, we had a truly fair horse race with accurate results.
Second, to write the best YouTube description, aim for 250 words, with the keyword at the Beginning, Middle, End, and 7 Random Locations.
Obviously, this needs to be written for humans.
If the keyword you're targeting is more than two words, this may not be the best version to use, because it'll be difficult to prevent it from looking unnatural.
It should be readable, so you should write the video description first, and then insert the keywords as naturally as possible.
Third, putting the keyword as the only word in the description is still a high ranking version.
It will definitely help your video rank higher, and it’s super easy and quick to implement.
Fourth, if you have a longer description, but don't want to include the keyword 10 times, put the keyword at the beginning and middle of your text.
All three variations are "fast horses" to enter in your race.
Writing descriptions in any one of these formats is going to help you to rank higher in YouTube search.
And that’s a big win...
More Ways To Rank Higher On YouTube In 2021...
Recently, I ran more tests and put the results in this new book, Decoding YouTube: 6 Scientific Experiments That Reveal How YouTube Really Works In 2021.
You'll see detailed scientific experiments that reveal how to get your videos to rank higher so you can get more clicks and sales.
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- The most important YouTube SEO ranking factor, and exactly where you should put your keyword to push your videos to the top of the search results (Hint: Adding more words just dilutes the power of this ranking factor)...
- The free Google A.I. tool that reveals how to setup your YouTube thumbnail correctly so you can rank for even more keywords...(Use this tool before you upload your video, so you can be sure you'll be able to rank for specific keywords)...
- How to create the best YouTube descriptions, so your videos are on the first page as soon as you upload them. (We found 3 really strong versions, but you'll see the ultimate winner on page 69)...
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