Your YouTube channel description is an important part of your overall YouTube branding and one of the first steps you should take when starting a YouTube channel. In this guide, we explain what a YouTube channel description is and how to write your own.
What is a YouTube Channel Description?
Your YouTube channel description refers to the text found on your channel’s About page. It informs viewers about your brand’s offerings and why they should subscribe. YouTube’s algorithm uses this text to recommend your channel to users.
If someone is reading your About page, they are genuinely curious about your brand, so it’s important to give them a good reason to explore your content. So you’ll want to take your YouTube channel description seriously.
Don’t confuse your channel subscription with your video descriptions. Video descriptions are blocks of text located beneath each video that tells viewers what the video is about. It can also contain links and pertinent video-related details.
14 Tips to Write the Perfect YouTube Channel Description
Writing the perfect YouTube channel description sounds simple, but it deserves some thought and care. Here are some tips to help you write the best description.
1. Perform Keyword Research
Researching keywords helps you identify relevant terms and phrases that resonate with your target audience. Start by brainstorming words related to your channel’s niche and content.
Then, use tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner, Google Trends, or YouTube’s search suggestions to refine your keyword list. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your channel description to improve discoverability and SEO.
This not only helps potential viewers find your channel but also ensures that your description accurately represents your content, attracting subscribers who are genuinely interested in what you offer.
Check out our full guide on finding YouTube channel keywords for more information.
2. Find Searchable Keywords
Many people find YouTube videos through Google searches, so it’s important to use the keywords they use on that platform as well. Ahrefs and SEMRush are good tools to discover what keywords people are searching for.
3. Describe Your Channel Honestly
Describe your YouTube channel honestly in your description. Be transparent about your content’s focus, style, and purpose. Avoid exaggerations or false claims that could mislead viewers.
When you provide an accurate representation of your channel, you attract an audience genuinely interested in your content. Honesty builds trust, fosters long-term relationships with subscribers, and helps your channel thrive as viewers know exactly what to expect when they engage with your content.
Thinking captain does a great job of explaining their channel and its content. It’s simple, honest, and straight to the point.
4. Add Your Unique Personality
Inject your personality into your YouTube channel description. Let your unique voice and style shine through your words. This personal touch helps viewers connect with you as a content creator and makes your channel more relatable and engaging.
Share a bit about yourself, your passions, or your journey, so potential subscribers can better understand the person behind the content. This fosters a sense of authenticity and can attract a dedicated audience who resonates with your personality and content.
5. Be Thorough, but Brief
Strive for a balance between thoroughness and brevity in your YouTube channel description. While you want to provide enough information to give viewers a clear understanding of your channel’s content and purpose, avoid overwhelming them with excessive details.
Use concise and engaging language to convey your message efficiently. A well-structured, brief description ensures that viewers quickly grasp what your channel is about and are more likely to engage with your content or subscribe for more.
Notice how this description is brief, but informative. You learn everything you need to know about the band.
6. Use Your Keywords Properly
Once you’ve identified keywords, place them strategically in your YouTube channel description. Aim to use three or four related keywords. If possible, include reasonable synonyms as well. For instance, if your channel is about treehouses, it’s important to use the word “treehouse,” but you should also include “playhouse,” “clubhouse,” and “kids” as well.
That said, don’t stuff your channel description with too many keywords. If you appear to be spammy, YouTube might ignore your channel.
7. Mention Your Video Upload Schedule
Consistency in your posting schedule is crucial. It ensures that your audience knows when to anticipate your latest content. Your YouTube upload timetable doesn’t have to be intricate, but it should definitely be mentioned in your channel description.
For instance, your YouTube channel description could be as straightforward as: “New videos every Monday!” Alternatively, you might outline a more comprehensive schedule: “We release reaction videos every Monday, unboxing videos every Wednesday, and how-to videos every Friday.”
As your audience’s preferences evolve and your following expands, the types of videos you create may change. Keep your channel updated to reflect any new topics or adjustments to your schedule.
8. Make Sure to Offer Value
Ensure your YouTube channel description offers value to potential viewers. Clearly communicate what viewers can expect from your content and how it benefits them. Highlight the problems you solve, the knowledge you share, or the entertainment you provide. Use language that demonstrates your channel’s unique selling points and what sets it apart.
When viewers see the value you offer, they’re more likely to subscribe, engage, and return for more content, ultimately growing your channel’s success.
The Kenhub channel is very clear about the value of its videos. They tell you in the very sentence of their description.
9. Include Important Info Above the Fold
The initial 100 to 150 characters of your channel description are critical as they show up in search results. This section holds more significance to YouTube’s algorithm. Put your best keywords and the most compelling information here.
10. Avoid Clickbait Content
Steer clear of clickbait. Resist the temptation to exaggerate or misrepresent your content to lure viewers. Instead, provide an honest and concise overview of your channel’s focus and content.
This+ builds trust with your audience and ensures that those who visit your channel are genuinely interested in what you offer. Authenticity fosters long-term engagement and subscriber loyalty, ultimately leading to a more successful and credible YouTube channel.
11. Link to More Information
Include links to additional information in your YouTube channel description. This might include links to your website, social media profiles, or related resources.
Providing these links allows viewers to explore more about your content, connect with you on different platforms, or access supplementary materials. It enhances your channel’s credibility and provides a convenient way for viewers to engage further with your brand or content beyond YouTube.
Insider is smart to put links to their entire digital presence.
12. Include a Call to Action
Encourage viewers to take specific actions, such as subscribing, liking, or commenting on your videos. Use persuasive language that guides them on how to engage with your content. You can also encourage them to visit your website or social media pages.
A well-crafted CTA can boost audience interaction, increase subscriber numbers, and enhance overall engagement with your channel. It’s a powerful tool for cultivating an active community of viewers who are eager to support and stay connected with your content.
What makes a good CTA? They’re simple, easy to read, urgent, and show an obvious benefit to the YouTube user.
13. Write Like a Human Being
Remember to write in a conversational and relatable tone. Avoid overly formal or robotic language. Speak directly to your audience using language they understand as if you were having a casual conversation. Avoid packing too many keywords.
This approach makes your channel more approachable and relatable, helping to connect with viewers on a personal level. It fosters a sense of authenticity and encourages people to engage with your content as they feel a genuine connection with you as the creator.
14. Gather Feedback from Your Audience
Continuously gather feedback for your YouTube channel description. Encourage viewers to share their thoughts and suggestions in the comments section. Listen to their input and make adjustments accordingly.
This not only shows that you value your audience’s opinions but also helps you refine and improve your channel description over time. By incorporating viewer feedback, you can make your description more appealing, informative, and tailored to your audience’s preferences.
Your YouTube channel description is an important part of your brand. It deserves some careful thought, but don’t spend too much time on it. While some potential subscribers will read your channel description, most will find your channel through your videos when YouTube recommends them. Write your description and then get back to making amazing content!
Do you have any tips for a YouTube channel description? Let us know in the comments.