As a YouTube creator, you’re probably no stranger to the importance of optimizing your videos for better engagement and visibility. With millions of hours of content being uploaded every minute, it’s crucial to make your videos stand out from the crowd. One often-overlooked aspect of video optimization is the auto description feature, which allows YouTube to automatically generate a description for your video. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of auto descriptions and explore how to put them to work for your YouTube channel.
What are Auto Descriptions on YouTube?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s take a step back and understand what auto descriptions are and why they’re important. An auto description is a brief summary of your video that YouTube generates using machine learning algorithms. These algorithms analyze the audio and visual content of your video to create a concise description that summarizes the main topics and themes discussed. Auto descriptions are displayed below the video title and above the comments section, providing viewers with a quick snapshot of what your video is about.
Why are auto descriptions important?
Auto descriptions play a crucial role in enhancing the viewer experience and improving video discoverability. Here are a few reasons why:
- They provide a clear understanding of the video content, helping viewers decide whether to watch or skip the video.
- They improve video accessibility for visually impaired or hearing-impaired viewers who rely on screen readers or transcripts.
- They help YouTube’s algorithm understand the context and relevance of your video, which can improve its visibility in search results.
How to Put Auto Descriptions on YouTube Videos
Now that we’ve covered the importance of auto descriptions, let’s move on to the meat of the matter – how to put them on your YouTube videos.
Option 1: Enable Auto-Generated Captions
YouTube’s auto-generated caption feature is the easiest way to get auto descriptions for your videos. Here’s how to enable it:
- Log in to your YouTube account and go to the Video Manager section.
- Select the video for which you want to enable auto-generated captions.
- Click the “Edit” button and then navigate to the “Subtitles, Closed Captions, and Translations” tab.
- Click the “Auto-translate” button and select the language you want the captions to be generated in.
- Wait for YouTube to process the captions. This might take a few minutes depending on the video length.
- Once the captions are generated, click the “Publish” button to save the changes.
Note: Auto-generated captions are not 100% accurate, so it’s essential to review and edit them for errors and inaccuracies.
Option 2: Manually Add a Description
If you’re not satisfied with YouTube’s auto-generated captions or want more control over the description, you can manually add a description to your video. Here’s how:
- Log in to your YouTube account and go to the Video Manager section.
- Select the video for which you want to add a description.
- Click the “Edit” button and then navigate to the “Description” tab.
- Type in a concise and accurate description of your video, focusing on the main topics and themes discussed.
- Make sure to include relevant keywords to improve video discoverability.
- Click the “Save” button to save the changes.
Best Practices for Writing Engaging Auto Descriptions
Writing an engaging auto description is an art that requires some finesse. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Keep it Concise
Auto descriptions should be brief and to the point, providing viewers with a quick summary of your video. Aim for a length of 150-200 characters, maximum.
Focus on Keywords
Include relevant keywords that accurately represent the content of your video. This will help improve video discoverability and attract the right audience.
Be Accurate and Honest
Make sure your auto description accurately reflects the content of your video. Misleading or inaccurate descriptions can lead to viewer frustration and a decrease in engagement.
Use Natural Language
Write your auto description in a natural, conversational tone that resonates with your target audience. Avoid using overly promotional or spammy language.
Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation
A well-written auto description with proper grammar and punctuation can make a huge difference in how viewers perceive your video.
Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Auto Descriptions
Here are some additional tips and tricks to optimize your auto descriptions:
Use Descriptive Phrases
Use descriptive phrases to add more context to your auto description. For example, instead of saying “cooking recipe,” say “easy vegan dinner recipe for beginners.”
Include a Call-to-Action
Add a call-to-action (CTA) to your auto description to encourage viewers to engage with your video. For example, “Watch until the end to learn how to [achieve a specific result].”
Use Emojis and Symbols
Add relevant emojis and symbols to make your auto description more visually appealing and attention-grabbing.
A/B Test Your Descriptions
Test different auto descriptions to see which one performs better in terms of engagement and visibility.
| Auto Description | Engagement Rate |
|---|---|
| Learn how to cook the perfect vegan dinner recipe | 2% |
| 🍴 Get ready for a flavorful vegan dinner recipe that’s easy to make! 🍴 | 4% |
As you can see, the auto description with emojis and a more conversational tone performs better in terms of engagement rate.
Conclusion
Auto descriptions are a powerful tool in the world of YouTube optimization. By understanding how to put auto descriptions on your videos and following best practices for writing engaging descriptions, you can improve video discoverability, enhance the viewer experience, and increase engagement. Remember to keep your descriptions concise, accurate, and honest, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different phrases and CTAs to optimize their performance. Happy optimizing!
What are auto descriptions on YouTube?
Auto descriptions on YouTube are a feature that allows the platform to automatically generate captions for your videos using machine learning algorithms. These captions are then displayed as subtitles or closed captions, making your content more accessible to a wider audience. Auto descriptions can be especially helpful for viewers who prefer to watch videos with captions, have hearing impairments, or are watching in a noisy environment.
While auto descriptions are not perfect and may not always accurately transcribe your video’s audio, they can still provide a good starting point for creators who want to add captions to their videos. Additionally, YouTube’s auto description feature is constantly being improved, and the accuracy of the captions is getting better over time.
Why are auto descriptions important for engagement?
Auto descriptions are important for engagement because they make your content more accessible and inclusive to a wider audience. Viewers who prefer to watch videos with captions are more likely to engage with your content if it has accurate and well-timed captions. Furthermore, auto descriptions can also help increase watch time, as viewers are more likely to stay engaged with a video that has captions.
Additionally, auto descriptions can also improve the overall viewer experience. For example, viewers may be watching your video in a quiet space, such as a library or office, and appreciate the ability to read along with the audio. By providing auto descriptions, you can ensure that your content is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
How do I enable auto descriptions on my YouTube videos?
To enable auto descriptions on your YouTube videos, follow these steps: go to your YouTube Studio, select the video you want to add captions to, and click on the “Subtitles” tab. From there, click on the “Auto-describe” button next to the language dropdown menu. YouTube will then automatically generate captions for your video.
Note that while YouTube’s auto description feature can be useful, it’s still important to review and edit the captions for accuracy. You can do this by clicking on the “Edit” button next to the auto-generated captions. Make any necessary changes, and then save and publish your updates.
Can I customize my auto descriptions?
Yes, you can customize your auto descriptions on YouTube. After YouTube has generated the auto descriptions, you can review and edit them to ensure they’re accurate and reflect the tone and style of your video. You can also add or remove captions, and adjust the timing and formatting to suit your needs.
Additionally, you can also customize the appearance of your captions by changing the font, color, and size. To do this, go to the “Subtitles” tab and click on the “Settings” icon. From there, you can adjust the caption settings to your liking.
Will auto descriptions affect my video’s performance?
No, auto descriptions will not affect your video’s performance on YouTube. In fact, adding captions to your videos can actually improve your video’s performance by increasing engagement and watch time. Additionally, YouTube’s algorithm also takes into account the accessibility features of your videos, including captions, when ranking videos in search results.
However, it’s worth noting that while auto descriptions can be useful, they may not always be 100% accurate. Therefore, it’s still important to review and edit the captions to ensure they’re accurate and reflect the content of your video.
Can I use auto descriptions on all types of YouTube videos?
Auto descriptions can be used on most types of YouTube videos, including vlogs, tutorials, reviews, and more. However, auto descriptions may not be suitable for videos that contain a lot of background noise, music, or other audio that may make it difficult for the algorithm to accurately transcribe the audio.
Additionally, auto descriptions may not be suitable for videos that contain sensitive or confidential information, such as private conversations or meetings. In such cases, it’s best to use manual captioning or transcription services to ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of the captions.
Are auto descriptions available on all devices?
Auto descriptions are available on most devices that support YouTube, including desktop computers, laptops, mobile devices, and smart TVs. However, the availability of auto descriptions may vary depending on the device and platform you’re using.
Additionally, auto descriptions may not be available on older devices or devices with limited accessibility features. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the YouTube app or website on your device to see if auto descriptions are available.