# Video SEO Checklist Template — free download from DollarWise (dollarwise.xyz)

Run this 25-point checklist on every video before you hit publish. Check off each item.

## Title and thumbnail

1. Primary keyword appears in the title, as close to the front as reads naturally.
2. Title is under 60 characters so it never truncates in search or suggested feeds.
3. Title makes a specific promise the video actually delivers on.
4. Custom thumbnail uploaded — never use an auto-generated frame.
5. Thumbnail is 1280 x 720 px, under 2 MB, readable at small sizes.
6. Thumbnail and title complement each other — no repeated words between them.

## Description and tags

7. Primary keyword appears in the first 1 to 2 lines of the description.
8. Description summarizes the video in 150 to 250 words for viewers and search.
9. Full chapter timestamps are included (first timestamp starts at 00:00).
10. 3 to 5 relevant links included (website, socials, resources mentioned).
11. 5 to 8 specific tags added — no tag stuffing, no irrelevant trending tags.

## Chapters, captions, and accessibility

12. Video is divided into logical chapters with clear, keyword-aware labels.
13. Captions or subtitles are added — uploaded SRT or carefully reviewed auto-captions.
14. Key terms are spoken aloud early in the video (YouTube transcribes audio).
15. On-screen text reinforces the main keyword at least once.

## Engagement and distribution

16. End screen added pointing to the next most relevant video or playlist.
17. Cards added at natural moments linking to related videos.
18. Pinned comment posted asking a question to spark discussion.
19. Video added to at least one relevant public playlist.
20. Community post or short teaser scheduled to support the launch.

## Technical and analytics

21. Uploaded file name includes the primary keyword (e.g., keyword-topic-final.mp4).
22. Video set to the correct audience setting (made for kids: yes or no).
23. Publish time aligned with when your audience is online (check analytics).
24. First-48-hour stats reviewed: CTR above 4 percent and average view duration on target.
25. Underperforming titles or thumbnails A/B tested and iterated within 2 weeks.