Struggling to get views on translated videos? Or maybe your English content performs well, but when you try reaching international audiences, the results are... underwhelming?
Translating your video is just one piece of the puzzle. The real magic happens when you choose the right keywords – the ones your new audience is actually searching for.
But how do you find those keywords? Do you just translate what worked in English? (Spoiler: Nope.) How do you make sure your videos rank high, no matter the language or platform?
In this article, we’re diving into actionable strategies for choosing SEO keywords that make your translated videos stand out. Ready to finally get the views you’ve been missing and uncover some translated video SEO tips that actually work? Let’s do this!
Why Keyword Research for Multilingual Videos Is Unique
So, you’ve translated your video, and now you’re ready to conquer the world! But translation alone won’t make your content rank or resonate. You need a global SEO strategy that gets your videos in front of the right people at the right time.
Picking the right keywords isn’t just about hitting Google Translate and calling it a day. It’s about understanding your audience, their language, and how they search online.
If you’re thinking, “Can’t I just translate my existing keywords?” – the answer is no. Here’s why:
Search Habits Are Different Everywhere
People don’t just translate their searches word-for-word. A user in Mexico might search “ejercicios fáciles para casa” (easy home workouts), while someone in Spain uses “rutinas en casa.” Same idea, different words.
Cultural Nuances Matter
Keywords that perform well in English might fall flat when translated directly. Localization – adapting for cultural relevance – is key to making your content searchable.
Platform Differences
Algorithms on platforms like YouTube, Google, or even local search engines prioritize keywords differently. What works on YouTube might not work for TikTok or regional platforms.
How to Choose Keywords for an International Audience
Let’s get tactical. Here’s how to make your keyword game strong for translated videos:
1. Start with Localized Research, Not Translations
Directly translating keywords might give you a starting point, but don’t stop there. Use tools like VidIQ, Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, or Ahrefs to dig into local search data.
Example: Instead of translating "how to cook pasta," research how Italians search for similar content. Is it “ricette di pasta” or “come fare la pasta”? Subtle differences matter!
By doing this, you’re choosing keywords for an international audience that are authentic and more likely to rank.
Want to take your content global? AIR Media-Tech has helped creators reach hundreds of millions of subscribers by translating and localizing their content into over 50 languages. As a YouTube-recommended vendor, we handle everything – from translation and dubbing to tailoring content for local audiences. Get in touch with us to find the best strategy for your channel and watch your reach and earnings soar!
2. Lean Into Long-Tail Keywords
When competition is fierce (and let’s be real, it usually is), long-tail keywords are your secret weapon. They’re more specific and often have less competition.
Example: Instead of “travel tips,” try “budget travel tips for students in Europe” or its localized counterpart.
These detailed phrases are gold for SEO for translated videos because they target users with clear intent.
3. Think About Regional Variations
Did you know that the same language can have regional quirks? A keyword might work in one country but mean something entirely different in another.
Example: In Argentina, people search for “auto” for a car, while in Spain, it’s “coche.”
Pro Tip: Use native speakers to help fine-tune your keyword list. They know the slang, idioms, and search habits that tools can’t catch.
4. Optimize Translated Content for Search Engines
SEO isn’t just about the words you use – it’s about where and how you use them. To optimize translated content for search, focus on these areas:
Titles and Descriptions
Use your main keywords naturally here. For example, a fitness video title in English might be “10-Minute Morning Workouts,” but in French, it could translate to “Exercices matinaux en 10 minutes.”
Subtitles and Captions
Adding properly translated subtitles helps with video localization SEO and accessibility. Plus, they give search engines more data to index.
Tags
Don’t forget to tag your videos with both general and region-specific keywords.
More Tactics to Boost Your Translated Video SEO
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Here are a few translated video SEO tips you might not have considered:
1. Use Auto-Suggestions to Uncover Local Keywords
You’ve seen search platforms like YouTube or Google suggest phrases as you type. Those auto-suggestions are based on what people are actually searching for – a goldmine for finding localized keywords.
Here’s how: Type in a base keyword in your target language and let the suggestions guide you. For example, instead of “how to cook” in English, try “cómo cocinar” in Spanish and see auto-suggestions like “cómo cocinar arroz perfecto” (how to cook perfect rice). These phrases are packed with potential!
2. Add Synonyms and Related Keywords to Your Mix
When choosing keywords for an international audience, don’t stop at the obvious. Different cultures often use multiple terms for the same idea, so expand your list to include synonyms and related keywords.
Example: Let’s say you’re making a makeup tutorial. English viewers might search “makeup tips,” while Brazilians might go for “dicas de maquiagem” or “truques de beleza” (beauty tricks). Covering all these variations means more people will find your video.
3. Think About How People Search with Their Voice
Voice search is HUGE, and it’s growing fast, especially in non-English-speaking countries. And here’s the kicker: voice search queries are more conversational and often longer.
What to do: Instead of targeting short phrases like “best restaurants Paris,” optimize for natural, question-based queries like “What are the best affordable restaurants in Paris?” This is next-level keyword research for multilingual videos.
4. Check Social Media Hashtags for Trends
You know hashtags are a thing on Instagram, TikTok, and even YouTube. But did you know they can also help with your SEO for video localization? Look at trending hashtags in your target language to find out what’s hot.
Pro tip: If you’re creating a sustainable living video for a Spanish audience, hashtags like #ViveSostenible (live sustainably) or #EcoAmigos (eco friends) might inspire keyword ideas.
5. A/B Test Regional Keywords
If you make serial content on one topic, such as quick recipes, then try different keywords in videos on similar topics targeting different regions. Then compare the results.
Example: Try “recetas de cocina fácil” (easy cooking recipes) in Latin America and “recetas rápidas” (quick recipes) in Spain. You’ll see which performs better – and that’s your winner for SEO.
6. Learn from the Locals
Sometimes, tools aren’t enough. When you’re aiming to optimize translated content for search, native speakers are your secret weapon. They can help you spot regional quirks, slang, and even idioms that people actually search for.
Example: In Japanese, a natural search might be “手軽に作れるレシピ” (easy-to-make recipes), not just a direct translation of “easy recipes.” Working with locals ensures your keywords hit the mark.
7. Spy on the Competition
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Check out what’s working for creators in your target region. Tools like TubeBuddy can show you the top-performing keywords other videos are using.
8. Tap Into Local Trends
Tie your keywords to what’s happening right now. If there’s a major holiday, event, or trend in the region, use that to your advantage. For example, if you’re targeting Spain, keywords tied to “La Tomatina” during the festival could help boost your video.
9. Experiment with Emotional Keywords
Words that evoke emotion or urgency tend to perform well. Think “easy,” “fast,” or “best.” These can be localized to resonate even better.
These translated video SEO tips are about more than just rankings – they’re about making sure your content connects. By using these strategies to fine-tune your SEO for translated videos, you’ll see a real difference in views and engagement. Ready to make your content shine worldwide? Let’s get those clicks!
Taking your content global can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our partners recently reached 125 billion YouTube views, achieving milestones of 100K, 1M, 10M, and 100M subscribers. AIR Media-Tech is the ultimate space for content creators, offering tools and solutions for every challenge you might face. Join AIR Media-Tech and grow faster with us!
What’s Next? Take Action!
Optimizing SEO for translated videos isn’t rocket science, but it does require a thoughtful approach. To recap:
- Don’t just translate – localize.
- Use tools to uncover authentic, high-performing keywords.
- Adapt for regional quirks and cultural nuances.
- Always optimize titles, descriptions, and captions for search.
Ready to level up? Start applying these strategies today, and you’ll see how much of a difference smart keyword choices make. Or, let AIR Media-Tech guide you through the process and take your videos global in a way that truly works.
AIR Media-Tech helps creators from finding the perfect keywords to ensuring cultural relevance, we handle it all. Ready to grow your reach? Join AIR Media-Tech today and let’s make your content truly global.
Let’s turn your translated content into a search magnet!
