Explore our curated list of the 9 best YouTube keyword research tools that every content creator should be using. Step up your YouTube game today!

Discovering the best YouTube keyword research tool is essential to uncover the secrets of effective video SEO and amplifying your channel’s visibility. The right YouTube keyword research tool can make all the difference in increasing your traffic.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ve evaluated and ranked the 9 best YouTube keyword research tools, including my top 4 recommendations, so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect fit.

TubeBuddy: Best keyword tool to discover tags related to your search term.

Keywordtool.io:Helps you leverage data to improve your YouTube SEO.

Ahrefs:This tool helps you optimize your digital content by providing a vast collection of SEO, competitor analysis, keyword research, and keyword identification functions.

VidIQ: Helps you determine the best keyword for improving searchability.

Remember those days when we would hide the key to our secret diary? Well, in the world of YouTube, keywords are those keys, only this time, we aren’t hiding them but flaunting them.

You’re probably wondering, “Where do I find these magic keys?” Hold on to your chairs because we’re about to embark on a quest to uncover the 9 best YouTube Keyword Research Tools that you should be using.
Who knew the world of YouTube could feel like a Harry Potter novel, full of secrets waiting to be unlocked?

We’re not just talking about any old rusty keys; these are the sleek, state-of-the-art digital keys designed to open the doors to the castle of YouTube success. It is important to note that, in this journey, there’s no ‘Avada Kedavra’ to instant success; it’s all about finding the right key!

Ready to unlock your YouTube potential? Let’s go!

Understanding Keyword Research for YouTube

In the world of digital content, words wield the power. This couldn’t be truer for those of us who have chosen to step into the dynamic realm of YouTube.

YouTube keyword tools are like magical quills, etching your path to success in the vast scrolls of the internet. These tools are designed to decode the complex language of the YouTube search algorithm and bring clarity to your content creation process.

Now, let’s take a moment to understand the ins and outs of keyword research for YouTube. This process is quite similar to looking for the secret ingredient in a recipe, that perfect touch to make your dish, or in this case, your video, stand out.

When users type into the YouTube search bar, they’re looking for content that matches their query, needs, and curiosity. Here’s where your magical quill, the keyword tool, comes into play. It helps you identify keyword suggestions that align with what your audience is searching for.

Remember, on this grand stage of YouTube, understanding and implementing keyword research is like mastering your lines in a play. It ensures you perform well and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the star performers of this act and the best YouTube keyword tools you should be using. Brace yourselves for a revelation that’s about to change your YouTube journey!

The 9 Best YouTube Keyword Research Tools

1. TubeBuddy:

TubeBuddy, as the name suggests, is like your best friend in your YouTube journey. It’s a YouTube keyword tool that excels in helping you find the most relevant keywords for your content.

It digs into the depths of search volume data, revealing what users are searching for. The beauty of TubeBuddy lies in its ability to analyze and provide keyword suggestions that can take your YouTube videos from being a needle in a haystack to a shining beacon for your target audience.

Features:

• Keyword Explorer: This feature helps you discover the best keywords for your content, keeping in mind search volume, competition, and overall keyword score.
• Ranking: TubeBuddy provides a ranking for your chosen keywords, helping you understand where your video may stand in the vast ocean of YouTube content.
• Tag Suggestions: This feature offers tag recommendations based on your chosen keywords to optimize your video’s discoverability.
• Competitor Analysis: TubeBuddy lets you peek into your competitors’ keywords, giving you a chance to level up your game.

Pros:

• Easy to Use: TubeBuddy’s user interface is clear and intuitive, making navigating easy, even for beginners.
• Comprehensive Keyword Analysis: The tool provides detailed keyword analysis, including search volume, competition, and trending data.
• Great Integration: TubeBuddy integrates seamlessly with your YouTube account, smoothing the keyword research process.

Cons:

• Free Version Limitations: The free version of TubeBuddy has limited features. You need to opt for one of the paid plans to unlock its full potential.
• Overwhelming Data: The sheer amount of data TubeBuddy provides can be overwhelming for newcomers. However, with some time and practice, you’ll learn to sift through the numbers like a pro.

In the end, just like a trusty compass, TubeBuddy helps you stay on course, guiding your YouTube journey toward success.

2. Keywordtool.io:

Keywordtool.io is a bit like a gifted fortune teller, peering into the crystal ball of the internet to predict what your audience is searching for.

But instead of a crystal ball, this free keyword research tool uses its deep understanding of search engines, especially YouTube, to gather a wealth of keyword ideas for your content.

One of the standout features of Keywordtool.io is its ability to generate hundreds of relevant search terms based on a single keyword. Imagine tossing a stone into a pond and watching the ripples expand, each one representing a new, relevant keyword idea.

This tool also offers valuable insights into the monthly search volume, which can give you a clear understanding of which terms your target audience is using.

features:

• Long-Tail Keyword Generator: Keywordtool.io generates a wide array of long-tail keyword suggestions, expanding your SEO horizons.
• Keyword Trends: This feature provides information on keyword popularity over time, helping you catch onto trending topics.
• Keyword Search Volume: It allows you to view the monthly search volume of keywords, providing valuable insights into user search behavior.
• Multi-Language Support: Keywordtool.io supports over 80 languages, making it an excellent choice for international channels.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: With its straightforward interface, Keywordtool.io is user-friendly, making your keyword research process a breeze.
• Impressive Keyword Database: It provides a vast number of keyword suggestions, giving you plenty of options to optimize your content.
• Multi-Platform Support: Apart from YouTube, Keywordtool.io provides keyword ideas for other platforms like Google, Bing, Amazon, and more.

Cons:

• Limited Free Version: While Keywordtool.io does offer a free version, access to more advanced features like search volume data and trend information requires a Pro subscription.
• No Competitor Analysis: Unlike other keyword research tools, Keywordtool.io doesn’t offer a feature to analyze competitor keyword usage.

3. Ahrefs:

If you’ve ever wished for a personal detective to sleuth out the best YouTube keywords for you, then meet Ahrefs.

It’s a powerful keyword research tool that digs into the cryptic world of keyword data, uncovering your YouTube channel’s most relevant search phrases.

Ahrefs is renowned for its ability to help you find YouTube keywords that can boost your content’s visibility significantly.

features:

• Keyword Explorer: Ahrefs’ Keyword Explorer is a treasure trove of rich keyword data, providing numerous keyword suggestions.
• Competitive Analysis: This feature lets you spy on your competitors’ keyword strategies, providing invaluable insights.
• Backlink Checker: While not directly related to keyword research, Ahrefs’ powerful backlink checker can be helpful for those running a blog or website alongside their YouTube channel.
• Rank Tracker: Ahrefs helps you track your ranking for chosen keywords over time, offering you a clear picture of your SEO performance.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Data: Ahrefs provides in-depth keyword data, making it a robust tool for serious YouTubers.
• User-friendly Interface: Despite its advanced features, Ahrefs boasts a clean and intuitive interface.
• Versatility: Ahrefs isn’t limited to YouTube keyword research but provides data for other search engines.

Cons:

• Price: While Ahrefs offers a limited free version, access to its full features comes with a relatively high price tag compared to other tools.
• Overwhelming for Beginners: Given the depth of data that Ahrefs provides, beginners might find it overwhelming initially.

Don’t let its minor drawbacks deter you, though. Think of Ahrefs as your Sherlock Holmes in YouTube search results.

4. VidIQ:

VidIQ excels in its ability to research keywords that resonate with your audience. Picture a constellation of stars, each one representing a keyword. VidIQ helps you connect these stars, leading you to related keywords that can enhance the visibility of your video content.

features:

• Keyword Research Tool: VidIQ’s keyword tool provides various keyword suggestions relevant to your content and audience.
• Keyword Score: This feature rates your keywords based on search volume and competition, helping you select the best ones for your content.
• Trend Alerts: Stay on top of popular trends with VidIQ’s alerts. These notifications ensure you’re aware of trending topics in your niche.
• Competitor Analysis: VidIQ allows you to monitor your competitors’ strategies, offering you invaluable insights.

Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: VidIQ boasts a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate.
• Excellent Analytics: VidIQ provides detailed analytics about your channel’s performance, helping you understand what works and doesn’t.
• YouTube SEO Score: It offers a unique SEO score for your videos, considering factors like keywords, tags, descriptions, and more.

Cons:

• Limited Free Version: While VidIQ offers a free version, the more advanced features are only available with a paid subscription.
• Dependent on Google Trends: For some features like trend alerts, VidIQ relies on Google Trends data, which might not always align perfectly with YouTube’s unique audience.

5. Google Trends:

As the name suggests, Google Trends keeps you updated on the latest trends in search queries. Imagine standing in a bustling marketplace, and you can listen in on what people are asking for at every stall. That’s Google Trends for you. Type a keyword into the search bar, and the tool reveals how its popularity has fluctuated across different regions and languages over time.

features:

• Trending Searches: Google Trends displays the most popular search queries, giving you real-time insights into current trends.
• Interest Over Time: This feature shows how interest in a particular keyword has evolved over a specified period, helping you gauge its relevance.
• Interest by Region: Google Trends lets you see how a keyword’s popularity varies by region, allowing you to target your content more effectively.
• Related Queries: This feature provides a list of queries related to your chosen keyword, expanding your keyword arsenal.

Pros:

• Free to Use: Google Trends is entirely free, making it an excellent tool for those on a budget.
• Real-Time Data: The tool provides real-time data on trending search queries, keeping you up-to-date on what’s popular.
• Easy to Use: With a simple interface and clear visualizations, Google Trends is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Cons:

• No Specific YouTube Data: While Google Trends can provide valuable insights for YouTube keyword research, it doesn’t offer data specifically from YouTube searches.
• Lack of Detailed Metrics: Unlike some other keyword research tools, Google Trends doesn’t provide in-depth metrics like search volume.

6. YouTube Autosuggest:

Think of YouTube Autosuggest as your friendly local bartender who knows exactly what you want before ordering. You type a few words into the search bar, and YouTube Autosuggest completes your thought, serving up a list of keyword suggestions based on what users commonly search for.

features:

• Keyword Suggestions: YouTube Autosuggest provides real-time keyword suggestions based on what you type into the search bar.
• User Behavior Insights: The tool’s suggestions are based on popular search queries, giving you insights into what your audience is interested in.
• Long-Tail Keywords: YouTube Autosuggest is an excellent resource for finding long-tail keywords that can boost your content’s SEO performance.

Pros:

• Free and Easy to Use: YouTube Autosuggest is embedded right into the YouTube platform and is completely free and incredibly user-friendly.
• Real-Time Suggestions: The tool offers real-time suggestions, providing you with a constant stream of new keyword ideas.
• Valuable SEO Insights: By suggesting what users are searching for, YouTube Autosuggest can give you valuable insights into SEO strategies.

Cons:

• Lack of Detailed Data: Unlike more comprehensive keyword research tools, YouTube Autosuggest doesn’t provide data like search volume or trend analysis.
• Less Control: As the tool is built into the platform, you can’t adjust settings or parameters like you could with standalone tools.

7. Kparser:

This robust keyword research tool is renowned for digging deep into search terms, highlighting those best suited to scale the heights of YouTube’s search engine results.

Think of Kparser as your seasoned Sherpa, effortlessly navigating the craggy cliffs of YouTube SEO. It offers a clear route to the top, suggesting a multitude of keywords that your audience actively searches for.

features:

• In-depth Keyword Research: Kparser dives deep into the keyword sea, offering extensive suggestions tailored to your content.
• Long-Tail Keywords: This tool suggests long-tail keywords, helping you narrow your SEO strategy and better target your audience.
• Google Suggest Relevance: Kparser ranks keyword suggestions based on their relevance to Google’s autosuggest feature, ensuring they’re topical and valuable.
• Keyword Filters: Kparser allows you to filter your keyword results, giving you more control over the results you see.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Results: Kparser delivers an extensive list of keyword suggestions, offering you plenty of options for your SEO strategy.
• User-friendly Interface: The tool is designed with an intuitive interface that even beginners can easily navigate.
• Multi-platform Support: Kparser doesn’t limit its research to YouTube alone. It also provides keyword suggestions for other platforms, making it versatile.

Cons:

• Limited Free Version: Kparser’s free version offers limited functionality. You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to access its full capabilities.
• Can Be Time-Consuming: Due to the depth of data Kparser provides, processing and filtering through the results can be time-consuming.

8. HyperSuggest:

In the labyrinth of YouTube SEO, HyperSuggest is your faithful minotaur, capable of unearthing the best keywords to boost the visibility of your YouTube videos. This powerful keyword research tool is designed to offer you a broad array of relevant keywords, helping you shine a light on your content in the crowded corridors of YouTube.

features:

• Extensive Keyword Research: HyperSuggest is a beast when it comes to keyword research, presenting you with a vast number of relevant keyword suggestions.
• Reverse-Suggest: A unique feature that allows you to pull keywords that start with your search term.
• Multi-Language Support: This tool supports various languages, making it a versatile choice for multilingual content creators.
• Keyword Export: HyperSuggest allows you to export your keywords in a CSV file, making it easy to analyze and utilize your data.

Pros:

• Deep Keyword Suggestions: The tool offers detailed keyword suggestions, helping you discover lesser-known but impactful keywords for your videos.
• Easy to Use: HyperSuggest boasts a simple, user-friendly interface, allowing you to get the most out of the tool without a steep learning curve.
• Efficient Search: With HyperSuggest, your keyword research process becomes quicker and more efficient, saving you precious time.

Cons:

• No Free Version: HyperSuggest doesn’t offer a free version. Although it has a free trial, you must subscribe to one of its plans for continued access.
• Lack of Analytic Features: HyperSuggest does not provide in-depth analytical features or SEO scores, unlike other keyword tools.
  

9. Keywords Everywhere:

Imagine Keywords Everywhere as your personal genie, granting your wishes for relevant keywords right where you browse.

No more switching between tabs or loading different tools – type in your search, and voila! You have a list of keyword suggestions at your fingertips.

features

• Keyword Suggestions: Keywords Everywhere offers a wealth of keyword suggestions directly in your browser search bar.
• Historical Keyword Data: The tool provides historical data on keyword search volume, helping you understand trends over time.
• Related Keywords: This feature provides a list of keywords related to your primary search, helping diversify your SEO strategy.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Keywords Everywhere integrates seamlessly into your internet browsing experience as a browser extension, making it extremely easy to use.
• Time-Saver: This tool saves you time by eliminating the need to switch between different keyword tools, providing keyword suggestions right on your search page.
• Data-Rich: Keywords Everywhere provides a wealth of data, including cost-per-click and competition data, offering comprehensive insights for your SEO strategy.

Cons:

• Not Free: While Keywords Everywhere used to be free, it’s now a paid tool. However, it’s worth noting that its prices are quite affordable.
• Limited to Browsers: Keywords Everywhere is limited to the browsers it supports as a browser extension and cannot be used offline or as a standalone application.

Bottom Line

As our journey draws to a close, let’s remember one key thing – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in YouTube SEO.

It’s about experimenting, learning, and finding the tools and strategies that resonate best with you and your audience.

So go forth, armed with your new knowledge and an arsenal of powerful keyword research tools. And remember, in the vast world of YouTube, your unique voice has a place.
Let these tools help you amplify that voice to reach the audience you truly deserve.

Here’s to your success on your YouTube journey!