This episode turns post-upload busywork into a repeatable growth checklist. You’ll learn how small optimizations—keyworded filenames, description tops, manual chapters, smart titles/thumbnails, and internal linking—send stronger signals to YouTube and create a better viewer journey. Stack these 1% improvements consistently and they compound into meaningful reach and watch-time gains.

What You’ll Learn

• Why tiny, consistent optimizations can compound into big results
• Before upload: how to name your video & thumbnail files for relevance
• Tags vs. descriptions: where to spend time today
• Titles & thumbnails: short, emotional titles; baseline first, then A/B
• Manual chapters: turn long videos into multiple search entry points
• Internal linking: playlists, end screens, cards, pinned comments (+ unlisted trick)

Chapters

• 00:00– What this checklist does
• 00:42– Compounding effect
• 01:06– Overlooked steps
• 01:24– File naming
• 02:02– Tags today
• 02:29– Descriptions matter
• 03:12– Go long
• 03:48– Titles & thumbnails
• 04:12– Testing cadence
• 04:27– Manual chapters
• 05:12– Keep viewers
• 05:16– Internal links (4 spots)
• 05:56– Unlisted trick
• 06:21– It’s for viewers, too
• 06:54– Choose one item

Key Takeaways

• YouTube reads filenames, descriptions, chapters—use them to clarify intent.
• Short, strong titles + clear thumbnails win the first impression.
• Manual chapters create multiple search doorways (and help viewers).
• Internal linking engineers a binge path on your channel.
• Stack small wins consistently—they compound.

Resources & Tools Mentioned

• YouTube Studio (defaults, chapters, A/B testing capabilities)

Sponsor

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