YouTube keyword research process for consistent search traffic

Executive overview

Most creators guess at keywords by looking at view counts — but those views could be from ads. The solution is to build a hierarchy of topics, find keywords with real search demand, and match search intent before optimising for both YouTube and Google.

Keyword research, not views or titles, is the primary driver of consistent search growth.

Building a topic hierarchy

• Map topics from broad (e.g. unboxing) to specific (e.g. iPhone model reviews)
• Use the hierarchy to quickly qualify or disqualify whether a keyword fits your target audience
• Narrow scope prevents reaching irrelevant audiences; too narrow limits reach

Finding keywords with real search volume

• Don't use Google search volumes for YouTube — search behaviour differs significantly
• Don't use view counts alone; high views may come from ads, not search
• Use YouTube Ads search terms report: impressions approximate true search volume
• Use Ahrefs Keywords Explorer (YouTube mode) for volume and trend data
• Filter keyword lists using topic hierarchy terms (brand names, product lines) and a minimum volume threshold
• Check trend graphs — declining keywords skew reported monthly averages

Identifying growing topics early

• Use Ahrefs' Newly Discovered Keywords report to find terms recently added to the database
• Early content on a trending topic faces less competition and benefits from growing search demand
• High engagement on early videos (even from small channels) signals organic, not ad-driven, traffic

Analysing search intent

• Before creating a video, search for the keyword in YouTube incognito mode
• Observe what format and length the top results use — match both
• Some keywords have obvious intent (unboxing = take out of box); others require checking (Nintendo Switch Games = compilation video)

Optimising for Google search traffic

• Some YouTube videos rank in Google and receive substantial additional traffic
• To find dual-traffic opportunities: Google your keyword and check for video results; or use Ahrefs Content Explorer with site:youtube.com inurl:watch title:<keyword>
• Sort Content Explorer results by organic traffic to surface high-performing video topics
• Check the Google SERP type (carousel vs. dedicated result) and note common title patterns for target keywords