YouTube Tags vs.Keywords: Your Complete Guide to Optimizing for Search & Discovery
Understanding the difference between YouTube tags and keywords is fundamental to mastering YouTube SEO. Aunque a menudo se confunden, cumplen funciones distintas a la hora de decirle a YouTube (y a tu audiencia) de qué trata tu vídeo.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Keywords are the core topics and search terms you want to rank for. Están ubicados estratégicamente en el contenido que tu audiencia ve: tu título, descripción y guión.
Tags are backend labels you add in YouTube Studio. Ayudan al algoritmo de YouTube a categorizar su video y conectarlo con contenido similar. Los espectadores no los ven en la página de visualización.
Used together strategically, they form a powerful combination that boosts your video's discoverability, a critical component for viral potential.
Part 1: Definitions & Core Functions
What Are YouTube Keywords?
Keywords are the specific words and phrases that describe the central topic of your video. Representan lo que su público objetivo escribe en la barra de búsqueda de YouTube.
Where You Use Them: In all public-facing metadata.
Video Title (Most important placement)
Descripción del vídeo
Video Script / Spoken Content (YouTube's AI transcribes your audio)
Subtítulos / Subtítulos
Primary Purpose: To signal relevance to both users (via clear titles/descriptions) and YouTube’s search algorithm for specific search queries. Responden a la pregunta: "¿De qué trata este vídeo para alguien que lo busca?"
What Are YouTube Tags?
Tags are descriptive keywords or phrases added in a dedicated field in YouTube Studio during upload. no son visibles para los espectadores en la página de visualización pública.
Where You Use Them: Solely in the "Tags" section of YouTube Studio (under "Details" when uploading or editing).
Primary Purpose: To provide additional context and categorization to YouTube's recommendation algorithm. Ayudan a YouTube a comprender el nicho de su video, conectarlo con videos relacionados y sugerirlo en las barras laterales y listas de reproducción "A continuación".Responden a la pregunta: "¿A qué otras categorías y contenidos relacionados pertenece este vídeo?"
Part 2: Strategic Importance: Why Use Each?
Why Keywords Are Your Foundation
Keywords are the cornerstone of search-driven discovery. Una estrategia de palabras clave bien investigada impacta directamente en su capacidad para atraer tráfico orgánico.
They Match User Intent: By targeting keywords your audience is actively searching for, you create content that fulfills a need.
They Drive Search Rankings: YouTube's algorithm heavily weights your title, description, and spoken words when determining if your video is the best answer for a search query.
They Set Audience Expectations: Clear, keyword-rich titles and descriptions improve your click-through rate (CTR) by accurately telling viewers what they'll get.
Tool Tip: Use tools like OneKit WebTools' YouTube Keyword Explorer to research high-volume, relevant keywords in your niche before you even film.
Why Tags Are Your Algorithmic Assistants
Tags refine and support the context provided by your keywords, aiding in suggestion-driven discovery.
They Improve Categorization: They help YouTube correctly place your video within a specific content ecosystem (e.g., "Python tutorial" vs. "codificación general").
They Boost Related Video Placements: Relevant tags increase the likelihood of your video being suggested alongside other popular videos on similar topics, a major source of views.
They Clarify Specifics: Tags allow you to include variations, misspellings, or related terms (e.g., "UX design," "user experience," "UI UX") without cluttering your public description.
Part 3: Best Practices for Maximum Impact
How to Use Keywords Like a Pro
Research First: Identify 1-2 primary keywords (one broad, one specific) using keyword tools. Busque un equilibrio entre un buen volumen de búsqueda y una competencia alcanzable.
Priorizar ubicación:
Title: Place your primary keyword at the beginning of your title.
Descripción: Utilice su palabra clave principal en las primeras 1 o 2 oraciones.Naturalmente, incluya palabras clave secundarias más adelante.
Script: Weave keywords naturally into your spoken content in the first 30 seconds and throughout the video.
Analyze & Adapt: Use YouTube Analytics to see which search terms are driving traffic to your video. Duplica lo que funciona.
How to Use Tags Effectively
Be Relevant & Specific: Your first tag should be your most important, exact keyword. Luego, utiliza una mezcla de:
Broad tags: (e.g.,
cooking)Specific tags: (e.g.,
easy chicken alfredo recipe)Related term tags: (e.g.,
pasta dishes,weeknight dinner)
No sobrecargues: Céntrate en entre 10 y 15 etiquetas muy relevantes. Evite etiquetas engañosas o irrelevantes sólo porque son populares.
Use a Generator (Wisely): Tools like a YouTube Tag Generator can provide ideas, but always curate the suggestions to ensure they match your actual content.
How They Contribute to Viral Potential
A video goes "viral" through a combination of search discovery and, more critically, algorithmic recommendation. Aquí es donde las etiquetas y las palabras clave funcionan en conjunto:
Keywords help your video get its initial views from search. Un CTR y un tiempo de visualización sólidos de esta audiencia objetivo envían señales positivas al algoritmo.
Tags help YouTube confidently categorize your well-performing video and start suggesting it to viewers watching related content.
If the video resonates (high retention, likes, shares), YouTube's algorithm amplifies it further through the "Up Next" sidebar and Home Page, leveraging the contextual map created by your keywords and tags.
In essence: Keywords get you into the game. Las etiquetas ayudan al algoritmo a ubicarte en el equipo adecuado. Un buen contenido te convierte en el MVP, lo que genera recomendaciones que pueden generar un aumento viral.
Final Checklist for Your Next Upload
Keywords: Researched primary keyword. Incluido en Título, Primera línea de Descripción y Guión.
Tags: 10-15 relevant tags added, starting with the exact primary keyword.
Goal: Keywords target search intent. Las etiquetas admiten contexto algorítmico.
By mastering both elements, you give every video the strongest possible foundation for growth.