YouTube has swept the globe, trading TVs for screens in homes literally everywhere! With over 2.5 billion monthly active users in 2024, its impact is hard to ignore.
Why?
⏳ Our attention span is obviously shrinking (blame social media and YouTube🤬). To digest all this data faster, YouTube video formats are just spot on. And the stats confirm it: 55% of internet users now prefer video over text!
🔎 Thanks to Millenials and Gen Z, who often turn to YouTube instead of Google for hands-on video guides, the platform has literally transformed into a new kind of search engine!
🎬 Finally, we’re wired for visuals! Research shows humans remember 95% of a message from video, but only 10% from text. That’s what makes YouTube perfect for learning: consuming big chunks of information in a laid-back, entertaining way.
So why not use YouTube to become a better SEO literally for FREE? I bet you occasionally check out some YouTube link-building channels to pick up a few skills. We did too!
Here’s what we find useful to subscribe to in 2024 and more!
Let’s be real: it’s an absolute YES! The more YouTube link-building channels you follow, the more SEO insights you’ll gain, and the wider your perspective on your own pain points will become.
On the flip side, no strategy fits all, and obviously your business is too unique for generic advice. But one thing’s for sure: with the right research, you’ll DEFINITELY find experts who can earn your trust.
Putting our own thoughts aside, we turned to the SEO community on LinkedIn to ask how often they rely on YouTube for link-building and SEO skills.
The poll revealed that:
Regardless of the stats, most of the SEO community is pretty glued to YouTube for skill-building! So, let’s get more voices in on the conversation.
🎤 Ask an expert!
“How often do you use YouTube to improve your link-building and SEO skills?”
I usually hop on YouTube once or twice a week to expand my link-building and SEO skills. It’s an easy way to keep up with the latest tips and tricks. I just find YouTube content more engaging and hands-on compared to long articles, and they help me put new strategies into practice faster.
Not too often…something like 5-6 times a year. I tend to rely more on tweet updates for conference sessions or webinars offering creative link building.
Usually, I try to do it twice a week where I set aside 1-2 hours to watch videos to learn something new based on someone else’s testing or findings.
I’ll pop into YouTube weekly to catch up on new strategies or to troubleshoot specific SEO challenges. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s from experts sharing link-building case studies or discussing algorithm changes.
I use YouTube occasionally for SEO tips, but I stick to channels that don’t turn into sales pitches for eBooks or yet another subscription, unless I already have it.
After 10 years in SEO, I’m not actively seeking out SEO knowledge, especially on YouTube. There’s just so much info out there now, and I don’t have the time to dig through it all. That said, I still pick up new things about SEO and link-building on YouTube — it’s just not my go-to way of learning these days.
I consume a few hours of YouTube link-building and SEO content every single week. I’m subscribed to the channels I believe post the best content and jump onto watch their new videos as soon as they’re posted. It’s an easy way to get expert advice and stay updated without having to read lengthy articles.
And to answer the big question — are YouTube link-building channels worth your time? Here's what we've heard from the SEO community:
🎤 Ask an expert!
“Do you find YouTube channels about link building and SEO helpful?”
Absolutely! I find YouTube videos incredibly insightful for learning about SEO and link-building strategies. One of the main reasons I returned to SEO in 2020 was the inspiration I got from channels like Tim Soulo’s content with Ahrefs.
I consider a lot of SEO YouTube channels really valuable. While many share general information that’s great for beginners or non-experienced business owners, they’re not always as helpful for SEOs with years of experience. That said, there are definitely channels out there that dive deeper and often spark new ideas or shift how I approach and implement SEO strategiesю
100% I find with YouTube is a mix of incredible content and some not-so-great advice. You really have to be selective about where you look and who you trust when it comes to SEO learning.
Some YouTube content can definitely be helpful, especially when it’s targeted. The main issue, though, is that a lot of it tends to be pretty generic and only scratches the surface. But if you’re searching for specific insights, it can really come through with useful information.
Some are, I’d say about 30% of the stuff out there.
Without a doubt! They make it easy to learn about the latest strategies and trends in a way that’s engaging and straightforward for people with visual learning styles like me.
YouTube really works for me! It’s visual format allows SEO experts to break down complex topics like link-building into digestible steps, and I find it way easier than reading lengthy blog posts or whitepapers.
From these responses, we can conclude that YouTube link-building channels CAN be helpful, but it really depends on how much research you’ve done and how well you can sift through the fluff that’s definitely present on the platform — just like anywhere online!
To give you a more objective look at YouTube link-building and SEO channels that truly deserve your attention, we blended our favorites at Editorial.Link with insights from SEO experts surveyed on LinkedIn.
See the roundup of our hot picks!
💡Pro-tip! This list features both established gurus and promising newcomers, so when exploring YouTube, you’d better take a mixed approach. Learn from the best, but don’t overlook the lesser-known gems — there could be even better tips!
Now…Ready, set, let's explore them all!
Nathan Gotch is a leading SEO expert and the mastermind behind Gotch SEO Academy — a popular hub for SEO agencies looking to level up their skills. Plus, he’s the creator of Rankability, a handy tool for swift SEO content optimization.
Currently, Nathan's SEO expertise shines through his articles on popular platforms like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Search Engine Journal. But if you are more into video content, don’t miss out on his YouTube channel, which proudly boasts 100K subscribers!
This channel is where I share everything I’m learning, leading campaigns, and growing my businesses. When you subscribe, you’ll get:
- The most cutting-edge SEO and digital marketing strategy backed by data, testing, and in-the-trenches experience.
- Better rankings, more organic traffic, and more customers from search engines.
Nathan’s video tutorials are super dynamic and always cutting straight to the chase! Each video is packed with visual examples and kept under 15 minutes to keep you engaged. You'll get cool tips on:
💡Pro-tip! For daily insights, be sure to catch his YouTube Shorts! If you're in the mood for a deeper dive, tune into Nathan's podcast, “The SEO Entrepreneur Show,” where he discusses trending industry topics with fellow SEO experts.
🎤 Ask an expert!
“Which link-building YouTube channels have helped you the most?”
YouTube channels, especially Nathan Gotch’s, have been incredibly helpful for my link-building and SEO. Nathan’s channel stands out because he focuses on actionable strategies with clear, step-by-step tutorials that even seasoned SEO professionals can learn from. His explanations of concepts like content-driven link-building and avoiding Google penalties have significantly shaped our approach at Digital Web Solutions.
Ahrefs needs no introduction for seasoned pros who recognize it as both a powerful SEO tool and an invaluable educational resource. It's no surprise they’ve amassed around 578k followers on YouTube!
Most of the videos are hosted by Sam Oh, the VP of Marketing at Ahrefs catering to all levels of expertise. For example:
💡Pro-tip! For a more hands-on learning experience, be sure to check out the “Playlists” section of the channel, where you'll find comprehensive case studies and, of course, tutorials on link-building!
🎤 Ask an expert!
“Which link-building YouTube channels have helped you the most?”
The Ahrefs YouTube channel has been a game-changer for me. Their detailed tutorials on building backlinks and performing keyword research have significantly improved my ability to earn high-quality links.
The channel's name is inspired by its host's main area of SEO expertise. With over 15 years of experience, Marie Ysais is committed to helping website owners recover from both confirmed and unconfirmed Google algorithm updates.
If your website has been hit by any of the Google Algo Updates, time is of the essence and the sooner you begin recovery work the better your chances are of a full recovery.
The channel primarily features recovery case studies, including:
The videos are incredibly concise, often clocking in at under 5 minutes, yet they clearly outline the reasons behind issues and present possible solutions.
💡Pro-tip! Although the channel currently has only 2.33k subscribers, it deserves much more recognition. Its case studies will surely enrich your skillset in website auditing, competitor analysis, and identifying content or keyword gaps.
This channel is run by the renowned Aleyda Solís, an international SEO consultant and founder of Orainti SEO agency. Along with speaking at major conferences like Inbound, MozCon, Pubcon, and BrightonSEO, Aleyda shares her knowledge weekly with 10.8k happy subscribers.
Typically, videos range from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the topic, but that’s just to give you detailed explanations, no fluff! All the topics on the channel are neatly organized in the ‘Playlists’ section, making it easy to find series on:
On top of that, Aleyda regularly posts her interviews with SEO experts from various fields on YouTube and shares the latest industry updates in her weekly SEOFOMO newsletter (boasts 33K subscribers already!).
💡Pro-tip! For more learning opportunities, visit Aleyda’s Learning SEO.io – a totally FREE platform providing tutorials on all things SEO, including link-building!
This is a fun visual version of Search Engine Journal for those who’d rather watch than read. Just like the main site, the SEJ YouTube channel has tons of tutorials, webinars, and video guides covering everything from SEO to digital marketing, as well as tips on brushing up your content and ads.
As of now, the channel has built up a solid audience of 20.4k subscribers, thanks to popular video series like:
For link-builders specifically, SEJ offers a curated playlist of videos titled “Search Engine Optimization,” featuring content that ranges from 15 to 60 minutes. These videos focus on:
Plus, while on the SEJ YouTube channel, you can check out their podcast, “The Search Engine Journal Show,” where top industry experts exchange thoughts on various matters. They also have a collection of short, bite-sized interviews, perfect for when you don’t have time to listen to a full podcast.
💡Pro-tip! SEJ mainly focuses on written content, so for more comprehensive link-building advice, be sure to check out the Link-building section on their website.
If you’re always scouring Backlinko.com for the latest in link-building, you’ve definitely heard of Brian Dean — the genius behind it. Recognized by Forbes as a top “blog to follow,” Brian’s blog reaches over 5 million people annually.
With that kind of impact, it’s no wonder Brian’s often called “the world’s foremost expert on SEO.” Keep an eye on his YouTube channel — 563k subscribers can’t be wrong about its worth.
As you browse through the playlists on the channel, you’ll come across content like:
💡Pro-tip! For all you link-builders out there, check out Brian’s playlist titled “White Hat Link-Building Techniques and Tips”. And if you're eager for even more, swing by the Link-Building on Backlinko’s website, or subscribe to their newsletter.
Known as the founder of Chris Palmer Marketing LLC, Chris has over 12 years of experience in the advertising industry, honing his skills in SEO, search engine marketing, social media marketing strategy, and PPC. With all that expertise, he managed to launch a YouTube channel where hands-on experience meets the curiosity of 37.2k subscribers!
On the channel, you can find some pretty in-depth content, featuring visually engaging explanations that range from 15 minutes to 2 hours on a variety of topics:
Link-builders will love the special section in the playlist called “How to Get Backlinks” featuring a series of shorter videos covering:
💡Pro-tip! Don’t miss out on Chris Palmer’s YouTube Shorts! They’re full of SEO humor and quick tips for specific cases.
Matt Diggity is a standout in the SEO world, named one of the "Top SEO blogs to follow" by Ahrefs. As a frequent guest expert for The New York Post and Search Engine Journal, his skills have led him to build successful ventures like Diggity Marketing LLC, Leadspring, The Search Initiative, and Authority Builders. At the same time, he runs a popular YouTube channel where he shares his expertise with 162k subscribers!
Beyond the daily SEO tips covered in his YouTube Shorts, be sure to check out Matt’s playlists for:
Most of Matt’s link-building tips can be found in the playlist titled “Backlinks, Link-Building & Off-Site SEO” featuring insights on:
🎤 Ask an expert!
“Which link-building YouTube channels have helped you the most?”
Ahrefs, Matt Diggity, and Dr. Marie Haynes are the best link-building channels available right now. Ahrefs I would recommend to any link-building beginner as they post helpful content to get you started.
Matt Diggity shares advanced link-building strategies and case studies that will give you some out-of-the-box ideas for your website.
Dr. Marie Haynes provides great insights into Google’s algorithm updates, penalty recovery, and how link-building influences those factors.
If you’re using WordPress for your website, you’ve likely heard of Rank Math — a fantastic SEO plugin that helps you optimize your content with handy built-in suggestions.
In addition to its website blog, where Rank Math shares handy SEO tips for WordPress users and beyond, it also offers a visual experience through its own YouTube channel. With 68.6k subscribers hungry for more SEO advice, the channel is definitely worth following.
For link-builders, the channel will be beneficial due to the series of videos in the playlist called “SEO Tutorials”, particularly sections:
Other videos on the channel cover the following:
This channel was created by Vasco Monteiro, an up-and-coming SEO pro and the founder of Vetted, a B2B online marketplace for buying and selling SEO services. Alongside with Vetted, Vasco is a co-founder of Journalist AI, a tool that automates SEO and marketing to help companies power up their lead flow through search engines.
Meanwhile, Vasco makes time to share SEO tips he’s picked up along the way on his YouTube channel. And it looks like they’re working for others too, as it has grown to a pretty solid 13.5k followers!
This channel is meant to document what I do in SEO and hopefully inspire you to try it out.
Newbie link-builders will love Vasco’s special playlist titled “The Basics of SEO.” In this series of 15-minute modules, he breaks down the ABCs of SEO, including a helpful section on link-building called “Building Your First Links.”
💡Pro-tip! For a deeper dive into basic link-building, check out Vasco’s “Full SEO Course for Beginners: Learn to Rank #1 in Google.” In just around 2 hours, he covers a wide range of topics, including tiered link-building, link-building with infographics, and foundation links!
For a more comprehensive understanding of link-building, check out Vasco’s dedicated playlist called “Link-Building”. There you’ll learn more about:
Other playlists on the channel cover:
💡Pro-tip! Vasco is really generous with freebies! For example, you can download his FREE ebook called "11 Powerful Backlinks You Can Build Today" absolutely at no cost!
With years of experience helping over 1,200 clients and running his own SEO agency, Julian Goldie has carved out a successful path in link-building using the “Skyscraper Technique,” a proven white-hat method.
This inspired him to share his expertise on his YouTube channel. Today, it boasts 117k subscribers who are eager to soak up fresh, hands-on info each Monday, Thursday, and Friday!
My channel teaches you how to build backlinks, boost your website’s traffic with SEO, and most importantly, rank #1 on Google.
You can kick off your exploration of the channel with the playlist titled “Link-Building for Beginners.” It’s a comprehensive guide packed with around 63 videos, each under 15 minutes, covering literally EVERYTHING you need to know as a newbie!
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can move on to the playlist called “Backlinks for Beginners,” where you’ll learn about:
Other valuable playlists on link-building include:
💡Pro-tip! Pretty much everything on Julian’s channel covers link-building, so be sure to like and subscribe for straight-to-the-point content! If you’re looking for shorter tips, check out Julian’s Shorts to stay updated on the latest news and his own unique strategies.
Adam Enfroy is one of the most versatile YouTube creators out there, thanks to his experience as a former Director of Digital Marketing. With over 8 years of dealing with high-budget SEM, content marketing, e-commerce, paid social, and affiliate marketing, he’s also got a lot to share about SEO!
Adam’s diverse skills have led him to build multiple businesses, including AdamEnfroy.com, and inspired him to produce straightforward content and educate his audience on YouTube.
I created this channel to combat all of the “guru” clickbait on YouTube that promises too much, delivers too little, and makes you feel bad by comparison.
This genuine approach has resonated with 220k followers as of today!
Browse through his playlists, and you'll find a variety of content, ranging from quick 15-minute videos to in-depth 2-hour analyses, explaining:
You might be wondering about link-building — it's all stored in separate playlists:
💡Pro-tip! Don’t forget to check out Adam’s Shorts! They’re released super regularly and often feature quick reviews of his longer videos, so you can save time and get straight to the point.
Craig Campbell can be proudly called a veteran in the industry as he boasts 22 years in SEO and other digital marketing services. Right now, he’s all into coaching agencies and individuals eager to level up their digital marketing skills.
Craig’s YouTube channel serves as a visual guide for those who haven’t yet gained the experience that costs years of practice. And his 1.15m followers know it!
My channel provides no-nonsense, accurate SEO and digital marketing information. I’ll give you the techniques that work, as opposed to the ones that “look good.
The standout feature, compared to other channels, is Chris’s regular live Q&A sessions with fellow SEO expert Chris Palmer, along with his consistently updated digital marketing podcast.
The rest of the topical videos are organized into playlists covering the following:
For link-builders, Craig created a collection of video series, including:
💡Pro-tip! In his Shorts, Craig shares snippets from talks and interviews, showcasing only the hottest highlights!
🎤 Ask an expert!
“Which link-building YouTube channels have helped you the most?”
The channels that I have learned the most from are Charles Floate and Craig Campbell. Charles provides a deep dive into advanced link-building strategies, while Craig shares unique outreach techniques and case studies that are practical and easy to implement. Both consistently share high-level content that keeps them informed.
Kai Cromwell has quickly climbed the ranks from being an SEO consultant to running his own agency, NewSeas SEO, in just a few years. Now, he’s all about helping eCommerce brands ramp up their Shopify revenue, attract more visitors, and take on the big guys like Amazon in search!
Not long ago, Kai felt ready to share his expertise with a bigger audience on his own YouTube channel, and now he has 2.3k subscribers cheering him on for his awesome content!
What’s really cool is that Kai stays super active on Shorts, sharing recent updates, hacks, and learnings, so his audience never misses out!
The playlist features a curated series of videos like “Full Guides” and “Client Interviews & Case Studies”. Link-builders definitely need to check out the first one as it covers awesome hacks for eCommerce link-building, like:
🎤 Ask an expert!
“Who do you think will see the biggest transformation after joining your YouTube channel?”
The biggest winners will be Shopify brand owners and/or operators that regularly implement all of the tactics & strategies that I teach. There are easily 10-15+ videos for total beginners, and even more videos tailored to people with a more advanced understanding of SEO. Even so, if you start with the beginner content, and move your way into the more advanced content in just a few days or weeks, it should all make sense as it’s all interconnected.
And one of the biggest pieces of feedback I’ve gotten is that I’m able to take even the most complex SEO topics and translate them to a planer language that’s far easier to understand. When I learned SEO on YouTube years ago, I found that most of it was difficult to comprehend – I promised myself that all of my content had to be extremely easy to understand and offer actionable value to anyone watching it.
“What sparks your content ideas? Is it the questions in the comments, your own experiences, or maybe the latest SEO trends?”
My video editor puts together a list of ideas every month and I handpick a few based on my most recent experiences with my agency & coaching clients.
My YouTube channel is a blend between coaching & educational content, and I think the mark of a good coach is being able to explain the same thing in multiple different ways until it ‘clicks’ for whoever is watching it. So you’ll notice similar themes in my videos, and that’s very much intentional – I want to explain the same concept 5-10 different ways so that it’s ingrained into your head.
I try to stay away from SEO trends because they’re often short-lived in SEO – I place far more value on the fundamentals which is why I’m able to get the results that I do.
With over 10 million marketers worldwide using it, SemRush stands out as a top-notch online management platform known for its educational powerhouse, including SemRush Academy and Blog.
Their YouTube channel keeps the learning fun and engaging, capturing the minds of 192k subscribers through entertaining video content.
Link-builders will definitely want to check out these playlists:
Even though this micro-influencer YouTube channel currently has only 11.7k subscribers, it definitely brings much educational value as it specializes in debunking SEO myths!
One of the hottest categories on the channel features reactions to awful YouTube SEO advice, tips on how to rank higher, insights on reversing Google penalties, and the impact of recent Google updates.
Link-builders will gain a lot from this honest advice on:
And so much more!
The highlight of the channel is the vibe it gives off: all videos seem to be exclusive expert leaks, available to subscribers only. Totally love it!
🎤 Ask an expert!
“Which link-building YouTube channels have helped you the most?”
Authority Hackers has been my go-to YouTube channel. They have their news channel which are 10-minute videos each week packed with SEO news, including link-building. Other than that they have their main channel where they go more in-depth with studies and things they’re working on.
Channels like Moz, Ahrefs, and Backlinko spring to mind, as they consistently deliver actionable insights for enthusiasts at all levels.
Ranking Academy is the go-to channel for small businesses, especially those working with tight budgets. Luc Durand, the creator, focuses on practical, real-world SEO tactics that are easy to implement even without a big marketing team.
I often recommend this channel to clients who want to improve their local SEO but don’t have the resources to hire an agency. Luc’s step-by-step guides are particularly strong when it comes to link-building for local businesses—whether it’s securing citations, optimizing Google My Business profiles, or getting listed on industry-specific directories. His videos are clear, concise, and beginner-friendly, making it easier for small business owners to take action.
Kai Cromwell’s NewSeas channel is hands down the best. His breakdown of client case studies is packed with actionable advice, and he makes complex strategies easy to follow. It’s like having a personal SEO coach but without the hourly rate!
Grumpy SEO Guy has been helpful, along with Ahrefs’. Both offer solid advice without pushing products.
Now that you’ve explored our top recommendations and channels backed by SEO experts, let’s hit them with the final question!
🎤 Ask an expert!
“What improvements have you seen in your link-building after watching a YouTube channel?”
I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my link-building success. My outreach campaigns have become more efficient, and I’ve been able to use unique Digital PR ideas as a way to generate links from authoritative news publication sites globally.
I think the main thing is coming up with new ideas and validating some concepts that we are actively developing in order to see if others have implemented it and what were the results for them.
I watch Nathan Gotch’s channel at least once a week to stay current on SEO trends. After implementing his techniques, such as targeting niche-relevant backlinks and improving content authority, we’ve noticed a steady improvement in our rankings. His focus on quality over quantity has also helped us reduce wasted efforts on irrelevant links and concentrate on high-value opportunities.
Craig Campbell’s channel was a gold mine for more advanced link-building techniques. I started experimenting with expired domains and even PBNs, where appropriate. The detailed insights he provided allowed me to diversify my link-building efforts. While not all tactics are for every project, the success rate with these methods has added a new layer to my strategies, especially when working in more competitive niches.
I owe a lot to both Brian Dean and Matt Diggity for speeding up my initial learning. Brian’s content helped me not only speed up my learning in how to build links more efficiently but also how to become a better writer overall.
A more targeted approach is how I adapted my link-building really, after seeing a ton of recommendations on it from YouTube. I used to do a lot of mass emailing but switched to careful relationship building. Even though it’s slower, over time it’s yielding much better results.
After applying strategies from YouTube channels, I’ve seen significant improvements in our link-building efforts at Mint SEO. We’ve adopted more effective outreach methods, secured higher-quality backlinks, and stayed ahead of algorithm updates. This has led to better search rankings and increased organic traffic for our clients.
While results may vary per niche and situation, YouTube is an excellent resource of information for the beginner and seasoned professional alike. Generally speaking, learning from YouTube combined with practical applications and experimentation is where the magic happens, which enhances strategies to build links.
Channels like Google Search Central, Semrush, Backlinko, and Ahrefs have significantly influenced my approach. Their content is data-driven and practical, making complex concepts more accessible. And as a freelance editor and contributor at both Semrush and Backlinko, I appreciate how these channels complement the insights we provide to our audiences.
Alright, results may vary from one expert to another, but what we’re seeing is that YouTube link-building channels have done wonders for many pros, helping them troubleshoot specific pain points and sharpen particular skills. Considering that most of the information is completely FREE (unless you pay for YouTube Premium 😁), subscribing to at least one worthy channel will never hurt.
While self-education is an honorable deed, sometimes a little professional guidance goes a long way. If your YouTube instructors are slow to respond or you need more in-depth SEO answers, why not reach out to the pros at Editorial.Link? We’re here to shed some light on those tricky skill gaps and help your link-building strategy shine!