YouTube Description Template for Business (Copy and Paste)
Most YouTube descriptions are either empty or a wall of links. For a business channel, the description has two jobs: tell YouTube what the video is about, and tell the right viewer what to do next. Here's the template we use for every client video. Copy it.
By Evgeny Maximov·3 min read·
The template
[Line 1: one call to action] → [link with UTM] [Line 2: free resource, no opt-in] → [link] [SEO paragraph, 80–150 words: start with the main phrase of the video, say who it's for (founders / coaches / clinics / your niche), what they'll learn. Written like you talk.] ⏱ Chapters 00:00 [chapter with a keyword, not "Intro"] 02:15 [chapter] ... 📺 Watch next: [title of the next video in the series] → [link] — About — I'm [name], [one line: what you do and for whom]. • [proof 1: a number or a result] • [proof 2] • See the results yourself: [link to a case study video] [2–3 links: website, LinkedIn, email]
Why does the first line matter so much?
Because it's the only line most people see. On mobile and desktop, the description is cut after a line or two. If your call to action is in line six, almost nobody sees it.
One link, one action. "Book a free strategy call", "Get the free content plan", "Book a consultation".
How do you write the SEO paragraph?
- Start with the main phrase of the video: the phrase people search.
- Say who it's for: "for founders of service businesses", "for dental clinics".
- Say what they'll get.
- Write it like you talk. No keyword lists. YouTube treats keyword stuffing as spam.
- Unique for every video. Copying the same paragraph makes videos harder to tell apart.
Why add chapters?
Chapters help viewers jump to what they need, and they help discovery. Google can show chapters as "key moments", and in one 2026 study, videos with timestamps were often cited by AI search several times, chapter by chapter. More in YouTube chapters.
Why link to proof?
"See the results yourself" with a link to a case study video does two things: viewers can check your claims, and they watch another video, which means more time with you. Anyone can claim anything. Give them something to verify.
How should you track links?
Add a UTM tag to the main link with the video name. Then you know which video brought each call. More in YouTube ROI tracking.
An example
Here's the start of the description of my 70-minute Business YouTube Playbook video:
Want a YouTube channel like this without doing the heavy lifting? Book a call with me → [link]
Free Business YouTube Playbook (no opt-ins) → [link]
How do you start a YouTube channel for your business if you sell high-ticket services? In this video I walk you through my full Business YouTube Playbook — everything I learned in 12 years of making videos and running a YouTube production agency...
Then 33 chapters, the about block and links. Line one sells, line two gives value, the paragraph starts with the main search phrase.
| Block | Its job | In this video |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | The call to action, visible on every device | “Want a YouTube channel like this without doing the heavy lifting? Book a call with me →” |
| Line 2 | A free next step for people not ready to talk | “Free Business YouTube Playbook (no opt-ins) →” |
| SEO paragraph | The main search phrase in the first sentence, who it's for | “How do you start a YouTube channel for your business if you sell high-ticket services?…” |
| Second paragraph | What the viewer will learn, in buyer words | delegation, top-, middle- and bottom-of-funnel content, the ROI of a video library |
| Chapters | Search phrases as timestamps | 33 chapters, from “How to start a YouTube channel for your business” to “How to write scripts with Claude” |
Why isn't the link in my description clickable?
Two usual reasons:
- The channel is new and not verified. YouTube doesn't trust new channels with links yet, so they show as plain text. Verify your phone number in YouTube Studio, or wait. It usually unlocks within about two months.
- The link is written without
https://. Some channels just paste "evgenymaximov.com". Write the full address.
What about Shorts descriptions?
Don't put your call to action there. Links in Shorts descriptions and in Shorts comments aren't clickable: YouTube shows them as plain text. On top of that, on a phone the description of a Short is two taps away, and almost nobody opens it. Use the "Related video" field instead: point it to a short video with one clear next step, where the link in the description does work.
Set it once with upload defaults
In YouTube Studio → Settings → Upload defaults, save the "About" block, your links and 3–5 core tags. Every new video starts with them. When your links change, update all old videos at once with bulk edit.
FAQ
What should I write in a YouTube video description?
Start with one call to action in the first line, then a unique 80–150 word paragraph that begins with the video's main search phrase and says who it's for, then chapters and a short about block with proof links.
How long should a YouTube description be?
YouTube allows up to 5,000 characters, but what matters most is the first one or two lines, which viewers see without expanding. A 150–300 word description with chapters is plenty.
Do YouTube descriptions help SEO?
Yes. YouTube uses the description, along with the title and the video's spoken content, to understand what the video is about. Write naturally and avoid keyword lists.
Where should I put links in a YouTube description?
Your main call to action goes in the very first line. Secondary links, like a free resource, go in the second line. Other links go at the bottom.
Should every video have a unique description?
Yes, at least the SEO paragraph. The about block and links can repeat, but the paragraph describing the video should be unique.
What are upload defaults on YouTube?
Settings in YouTube Studio that pre-fill every new upload with your standard description blocks, tags and language, so you don't paste them each time.
Can I use AI to write YouTube descriptions?
Yes, as a draft from the transcript. Then edit it so it sounds like you, includes the main phrase at the start and doesn't invent facts.
How long should a YouTube description be?
Long enough to help: a call to action in line one, a free next step in line two, an 80–150 word paragraph with the main search phrase, then chapters and a short about block. Most strong business descriptions end up at 200–400 words with chapters.
Should I put keywords in my YouTube description?
Yes, naturally. Use the main search phrase in the first sentence of the paragraph and a few related buyer phrases in the text and chapter names. Don't stuff a list of keywords at the bottom.
Are links in YouTube Shorts descriptions clickable?
No. Links in Shorts descriptions and Shorts comments show as plain text. Use the Related video field to send viewers to a long video or a short sales video, where links in the description are clickable.
Founder of a done-for-you YouTube agency for high-ticket founders. Making content since 2014. More about me
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