How to Write the Perfect Youtube Description (With Templates!)

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. It processes more than three billion searches per month. And, if you want your video to show up in search, it all starts with your video description. 

With this in mind, we put together a guide on crafting the perfect YouTube description for your YouTube videos. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out and want to have the best YouTube channel, we hope by the end of this post, you have everything you need to unlock the full potential of your video descriptions.

Understanding YouTube Descriptions: Your Secret Weapon for Success

What’s a YouTube description anyway? It’s the text box below your YouTube videos. It’s where you add the context of your video, the valuable links for further help to the viewers, and honestly whatever else you want to add to it.

Don’t think of it as just a box for the summary of your video though. Doing that would mean you’re probably not maximizing those 5,000 characters of glorious YouTube real estate!

Here’s just a few reasons YouTube descriptions matter so much:

1. SEO visibility: They help YouTube's algorithm understand your content, improving your chances of appearing in search results.

Related: Check out 9 of the best YouTube keyword tools.

2. Viewer engagement: A well-crafted description is one of the many YouTube channel growth hacks you can use to entice viewers to watch, like, comment, and subscribe.

3. Additional value: You can include timestamps, links to resources, and other helpful information.

4. Money making opportunities: You can also add affiliate links, donor requests, and links to products and services to your YouTube descriptions.

You can also use this space to shoutout any brands you have secured successful brand deals with.

Rather than relying on Google ad money alone, your description box can be a treasure trove of financial opportunities for your channel! 

Now that we know why they're important, let's look at how to create a YouTube video description that works hard for you!

Writing Engaging Video Descriptions: Hook, Line, and Sinker!

Your channel’s individual video descriptions are where you can really shine and boost your SEO game!

YouTube Description Structure

1. Hook: Start with a bang! Use an intriguing question or statement to grab attention.

2. Summary: Briefly explain what the video is about.

3. Timestamps: Help viewers navigate longer videos easily.

4. Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage likes, comments, and subscriptions.

5. Links and resources: Provide additional value with relevant links. 

YouTube Description Templates: Your Time-Saving Secret Weapon

To help you get started, here are some versatile templates you can adapt for your channel:

General Video Description Template

[Attention-grabbing opening sentence] 

In this video, you'll learn/see/discover [main topic or benefit].

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

[List other key sections with timestamps]

👍 If you found this video helpful, please give it a like and subscribe for more [your niche] content!

🔗 Resources mentioned:

- [Resource 1]: [link]

- [Resource 2]: [link]

📢 Connect with me:

Instagram: @[username]

Twitter: @[username]

Website: [your website URL]

Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below!

Product Review Description Template

🔍 Is [Product Name] worth the hype? Watch this honest review to find out!

In this video, I'll share my experience with [Product Name] after [time period] of use. You'll learn about its pros, cons, and whether it's right for you.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:23 Product overview

3:45 Key features

5:12 Pros and cons

8:30 Price and value for money

10:15 Final verdict

💰 Best deal I've found for [Product Name]: [affiliate link]

🤔 Have you tried [Product Name]? Share your experience in the comments!

👍 If this review helped you, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more honest product reviews.

Disclosure: This video contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Pro tip: Always customize these templates to match your unique voice and style. Your audience will appreciate the authenticity!

YouTube Description Examples for Different Video Types

Now, with the YouTube description templates as our guide, let’s look at some tailored examples:

Tutorial Video

🔧 Want to fix that leaky faucet without calling a plumber? You've come to the right place!

In this step-by-step guide, I'll show you how to diagnose and repair a dripping faucet using common household tools. No plumbing experience required!

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:23 Tools you'll need

2:45 Diagnosing the problem

5:12 Removing the faucet handle

...

👍 If this video helped you, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more DIY home repair tips!

🔗 For a list of tools and parts, check out my blog post: [link]

Have a DIY question? Leave it in the comments below!

Travel Vlog

🌴 Join me for a day in paradise! In this vlog, I'm taking you along as I explore the hidden gems of Bali.

From secret waterfalls to mouthwatering local cuisine, get ready for an adventure off the beaten path. Plus, I'll share my top tips for traveling on a budget!

Highlights:

1:45 Sunrise yoga on the beach

4:32 Discovering a hidden waterfall

8:17 Trying durian for the first time (spoiler: it was... interesting 😅)

...

🎬 New travel vlogs every Tuesday and Friday! Hit subscribe so you don't miss out on the adventure.

🌍 Where should I explore next? Let me know in the comments!

Travel resources:

- My favorite travel gear: [link]

- How to find cheap flights: [link]

- Learn Bahasa Indonesia with me: [link]

Recipe Video

🍝 Craving a delicious, easy weeknight dinner? You'll love this 30-minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta!

In this video, I'll show you how to make this mouthwatering pasta dish that's sure to become a family favorite. It's simple enough for beginners but tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen!

Ingredients (serves 4):

- 1 lb fettuccine

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/2 cup butter

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:45 Ingredient overview

2:15 Cooking the pasta

3:30 Making the sauce

6:15 Combining and serving

7:30 Tips and variations

👨‍🍳 Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp!

📝 Get the full printable recipe on my blog: [link]

🔔 New recipes every Tuesday and Friday! Subscribe so you never miss a delicious dish.

What's your favorite pasta recipe? Share in the comments below!

#EasyPastaRecipe #CreamyGarlicParmesan #30MinuteMeals

Business Education 

💼 Want to take your small business to the next level? Learn how to create a winning marketing strategy in just 5 steps!

In this video, I'll guide you through the process of developing a marketing strategy that will help you attract more customers and grow your business. Whether you're a startup or an established company, these principles will set you up for success.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:30 Step 1: Define your target audience

4:15 Step 2: Set clear marketing objectives

7:45 Step 3: Choose the right marketing channels

11:20 Step 4: Create compelling content

15:00 Step 5: Measure and adjust your strategy

18:30 Recap and next steps

🚀 Ready to implement these strategies? Download my free Marketing Strategy Workbook: [link]

📚 Resources mentioned in this video:

- "Marketing Made Simple" by Donald Miller: [affiliate link]

- Google Analytics Academy: [link]

- Hootsuite's Social Media Marketing course: [link]

💡 Pro tip: Revisit and refine your marketing strategy every quarter to stay ahead of market trends and competition.

🎓 Want to dive deeper into business growth strategies? Check out my online course: [link]

👍 If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more business tips and strategies!

What's your biggest marketing challenge? Let me know in the comments, and I might cover it in a future video!

#SmallBusinessMarketing #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowthTips

Podcast Episode

🎙️ The Future of AI in Healthcare: Revolutionary Changes Ahead

Welcome to episode 42 of The Health Tech Revolution Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the exciting world of AI in healthcare with our special guest, Dr. Sarah Chen, a leading AI researcher and medical innovator.

In this episode, you'll discover:

- How AI is transforming disease diagnosis and treatment

- The ethical considerations of AI in healthcare

- Predictions for the next decade of health tech advancements

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction and today's topic

2:15 Meet our guest, Dr. Sarah Chen

5:30 Current applications of AI in healthcare

18:45 Challenges and limitations of AI in medicine

32:10 Ethical considerations and patient privacy

45:20 Future predictions: AI in 2030 and beyond

58:30 Q&A from our listeners

1:05:45 Wrap-up and next episode preview

🩺 Key Quote: "AI won't replace doctors, but doctors who use AI will replace those who don't." - Dr. Sarah Chen

📚 Further Reading:

- "The AI Revolution in Medicine" by Dr. Sarah Chen: [affiliate link]

- WHO guidelines on ethics in machine learning: [link]

- Our previous episode on telemedicine: [link]

🎧 Listen on the go! Find us on:

Spotify: [link]

Apple Podcasts: [link]

Google Podcasts: [link]

💬 Join the conversation! What do you think about AI in healthcare? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday! Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

📧 Have a topic suggestion or want to be a guest on the show? Email us at healthtechpod@email.com

#AIinHealthcare #HealthTechPodcast #FutureofMedicine

Remember, these are just starting points. The key is to tailor your descriptions to your specific content and audience. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through!

Related: Learn how to make a better YouTube video for your niche.

YouTube Description Ideas to Boost Engagement

Want to take your descriptions to the next level? Try these engagement-boosting ideas:

1. Ask thought-provoking questions to encourage comments.

2. Use emojis strategically to break up text and add visual interest.

3. Create curiosity with teasers about upcoming content.

4. Highlight key quotes or moments from the video.

Here are a few examples:

• 🤔 What's your biggest challenge when it comes to [your niche]? Let me know in the comments!
• 🔥 Next week: I'll be revealing my top-secret productivity hack. You won't believe how simple it is!
• 💬 "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
• This quote inspired today's video. What's your favorite motivational quote?

Optimizing YouTube Descriptions for SEO: Climb Those Rankings!

Now, let's talk SEO. Here are some tips to help your videos get discovered:

1. Do keyword research: Use tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ to find relevant, high-search-volume keywords.

2. Place keywords strategically: Include your main keyword in the first 1-2 sentences of your description.

3. Use hashtags effectively: Add 3-5 relevant hashtags at the end of your description.

4. Leverage YouTube's auto-suggest feature: Start typing a keyword in the search bar and see what YouTube suggests. These are great for long-tail keywords!

Remember, while SEO is important, always write for humans first, algorithms second. No one likes reading a keyword-stuffed mess!

Related: Learn how to manage your channel in YouTube Studio.

How Castmagic Can Help with YouTube Descriptions

Speaking of making your life easier, have you heard about Castmagic? It's our amazing tool that can supercharge your YouTube description game! Here's how: 

Automated transcription: Get accurate transcriptions complete with timestamps. Just upload your video or share your URL, and we’ll take care of the rest!

AI-generated content suggestions: Never struggle with writer's block again. Our platform can give you:

• Title ideas
• Key takeaways, and
• YouTube descriptions

Yep, you read that correctly. Our AI content generator can actually write your YouTube description for your videos. Then, you can adjust it as you choose to.

Save time while maintaining your unique style.

Castmagic is like having a personal assistant for your YouTube channel. Trust me, once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in YouTube Descriptions

Before we wrap up, let's quickly cover some pitfalls to avoid:

1. Overlooking SEO opportunities: Don't forget to include those keywords!

2. Neglecting to update older video descriptions: Keep your content fresh and relevant.

3. Failing to include a clear CTA: Always tell viewers what to do next.

4. Ignoring mobile optimization: Keep descriptions concise for mobile users. 

It’s Time to Write Better YouTube Descriptions!

If you take nothing else from this post, we hope it’s this - The perfect YouTube description is a powerful tool in your creator toolkit. It can boost your SEO, engage your audience, and provide valuable information to your viewers. So don't neglect this crucial piece of your content strategy!

Now it's your turn. Take these templates, tips, and ideas, and start crafting descriptions that work hard for you. And don't forget to check out Castmagic to make the process even easier! Click here to try Castmagic for yourself for free.