SKILL.md
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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