When to use it
Use this tool to check a video title before you publish. It counts characters, shows where the title is likely to be cut off, checks capitals, emoji and punctuation, and previews the title in YouTube’s search results, phone home feed and suggested videos sidebar.
How to use it
- Type your title into Video title. The counter shows how many of the 100 characters you have used, with a colored bar.
- Optionally, enter your Main keyword, the phrase people would search for.
- Read the checklist. Each line shows ✓ when it is fine or ! when something needs attention.
- Look at the three previews to see how the title wraps and where it is shortened.
Worked example
The sample title is “How I Saved $10,000 in One Year (Simple Budget That Actually Works)”, 67 characters. Every check passes: it is within the limit, short enough to show in full in most places, descriptive, and uses capitals and punctuation sensibly.
Now type budget as the main keyword. The tool says the keyword appears, but late, because “Budget” starts at character 41, just past the first 40. If budgeting is the main search term, a stronger version would be “Simple Budget That Actually Works: How I Saved $10,000 in One Year”. The keyword now comes first, and the eye-catching number is still visible.
What makes a good title
- Clear promise. Say what the viewer will get, such as a result, a skill or an answer.
- Specific details. Numbers, names and time frames are more convincing than vague words.
- Honest. The video should deliver what the title says, or viewers leave quickly.
- Matches the thumbnail. The two are seen together, so they should work as a pair. Check yours with the YouTube Thumbnail Checker.
Common mistakes
- Putting the topic at the end. On phones it may be cut off.
- ALL CAPS titles. They are harder to read and look like clickbait.
- Lots of emoji or !!!. One emoji can add personality, but more looks spammy.
- Stuffing keywords. A list of search terms reads badly and puts people off.
Testing ideas
Write three or four versions and compare them in the previews. Read each one as if you had never heard of the video. The clearest one usually wins. After publishing, YouTube Studio shows the click-through rate, so you can learn which styles work for your audience.