PlatformsYouTube
Best Practices - YouTube
Tips for growing your YouTube channel with ScoutSocial.
YouTube best practices
Video optimization
- Compelling thumbnails - Custom thumbnails get significantly more clicks; use ScoutSocial's thumbnail picker
- Strong titles - Front-load keywords; keep under 60 characters for full visibility
- Detailed descriptions - Include timestamps, links, and keywords in your description
- Tags - Add 5-10 relevant tags mixing broad and specific terms
Shorts strategy
- Vertical format - Always shoot in 9:16 for the Shorts shelf
- Under 60 seconds - Shorts must be 60 seconds or less
- Hook immediately - Shorts auto-play; grab attention in the first second
- Use the #Shorts tag - ScoutSocial can auto-append this for you
Publishing
- Consistent schedule - Post on the same days/times each week
- Use ScoutSocial's scheduling - Schedule videos in advance via the Calendar
- Notify subscribers - Keep the notification option enabled for important videos
- Categories matter - Choose the correct category for better algorithmic placement
Analytics
- Monitor views, watch time, and subscriber growth in ScoutSocial's dashboard
- Track which videos drive the most engagement (likes, comments)
- Use the Post Performance tile to compare video performance over time
- Compare titles and thumbnails across similar content using the Post Performance tile on the Dashboard
Channel growth
- Cross-promote - Share YouTube videos to LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook using ScoutSocial
- Repurpose content - Turn long-form videos into Shorts for additional reach
- Engage with comments - Respond to viewer comments to build community