Vertical Video SEO: Optimising Titles for Mobile Screens

Introduction: The Rise of Vertical Video in the Mobile Era

We live in a world where people consume content on their smartphones more than any other device. Be it Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or TikTok videos – vertical videos have taken over our screens. They're short, snappy, and scroll-stopping. But as more content creators and marketers jump into the vertical video trend, one important thing often gets ignored – the title.

Think about it: you might have the most amazing video content, but if your title doesn’t catch attention on a small mobile screen, it might never get seen.

In this article, let’s understand how to optimise titles specifically for vertical videos on mobile platforms, and how doing this right can boost visibility, engagement, and even conversion rates.

 

Why Vertical Videos Are Dominating the Scene

Before we jump into title strategies, let’s understand the trend.

1. Mobile-First Users

More than 80% of users now browse social media through smartphones. This makes vertical videos more natural to consume, as they take up the full screen – no need to rotate the phone.

2. Platform Push

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube – all major platforms are pushing vertical content. They’re even tweaking algorithms to promote short-form vertical content.

3. Better Engagement

Vertical videos have been found to increase watch time and user interaction. That’s great news, but it also means more competition. So your title is your first chance to stand out.

 

What Makes Mobile Titles Different?

Optimising a title for mobile is not the same as writing a headline for a blog or YouTube desktop. Why?

• Smaller screen space: You have limited characters before the title gets cut off.
• Fast-scrolling audience: You just have 1–2 seconds to catch their attention.
• No time for mystery: Clarity often beats creativity on mobile.

 

- The Anatomy of a Good Vertical Video Title

Let’s break down what a good mobile-optimised title looks like.

- Short and Punchy

Aim for under 50 characters. On mobile, long titles get cut off, especially on TikTok and Instagram.

Example:

• Good: “How to Get Glowing Skin in 30 Seconds”
• Too Long: “This Is How You Can Achieve Glowing and Radiant Skin with Just a Few Simple Steps”

- Use Power Words

Words like “amazing”, “secret”, “hack”, “easy”, “fast”, “proven”, “insane” can grab attention quickly.

Example:

• “Insane Street Food Hack You Must Try!”

- Front-Load the Value

Put the main hook at the beginning. Don’t waste the first few words.

Bad: “Here’s something you should try if you want clear skin”
Better: “Clear Skin in 5 Days – Dermatologist-Approved!”

- Include Keywords Naturally

This is important for SEO. Use terms your audience is searching for – but don’t stuff.

Example: “Easy Makeup Tutorial for Beginners”

- Avoid Clickbait (Unless You Deliver)

Clickbait might get clicks, but if your content doesn’t deliver, people drop off – which affects your video’s ranking.

 

- Platform-Wise Title Tips

Every platform is different. Let’s look at how title optimisation works across major apps.

1. Instagram Reels

• Titles are shown as captions.
• Limited visibility unless someone taps to expand.
• Use hooks in the first 2 words.
• Emojis can work well.
• Keep it aligned with the audio and visuals.

Example: “Easy 1-Min Glow-Up Routine!”

2. YouTube Shorts

• Title is key to ranking.
• Use relevant keywords, especially if your content is searchable.
• Use caps lock wisely for emphasis.

Example: “TOP 5 Budget Travel Hacks ”

3. TikTok

• Video text often replaces the title, but file name + caption matter for SEO.
• Use text on screen and caption title wisely.
• Trending hashtags + keywords are a must.

Example: “How I Lost 5 Kgs in 15 Days #weightloss #fitnessmotivation”

 

- Emotional Triggers in Titles

To get users to stop scrolling, you need to tap into emotion.

1. Curiosity

• “You Won’t Believe What Happened at This Wedding”
• “What Happens If You Don’t Brush for 10 Days?”

2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

• “Everyone’s Using This New Hair Trick – Are You?”
• “This Offer Ends in 24 Hours!”

3. Desire

• “Want Glowing Skin Instantly? Try This!”
• “The Secret to Cracking Interviews Revealed!”

4. Urgency

• “Last-Minute Study Tips Before Your Exam!”
• “Apply This Before Bed for Magic Results!”

 

- A/B Testing and Analytics

Even after you’ve written a great title, your job isn’t done.

- Try Multiple Variants

• Post same video with different captions or hooks.

- Use Platform Insights

• YouTube Analytics, Instagram Insights, and TikTok Analytics show how your titles are performing.
• Look at CTR (click-through rate) and watch time.

- Ask for Feedback

• Use polls or comments to see what title people found more engaging.

 

-  Real-Life Examples (Case Studies)

- Brand Example 1: Nykaa

They use clean, targeted, and emotion-driven titles like:

• “How to Get That ‘No Makeup’ Look 👀”
  Result: More views + saves, as it matches what people are searching for.

- Creator Example: BeerBiceps

• Title: “I Tried Waking Up at 5 AM for 30 Days – Here’s What Happened”
• Why it works: Relatable + curiosity + timeline + emotion.

 

- Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overloading with keywords – Looks spammy
2. Vague titles – E.g., “Watch this!” doesn’t tell anything
3. Too much creativity, zero clarity
4. Using only ALL CAPS – Feels like shouting
5. Ignoring platform character limits

 

- Tools to Help You Write Better Titles

• CoSchedule Headline Analyzer
• Sharethrough Headline Tester
• AnswerThePublic – for keyword ideas
• ChatGPT  – for title brainstorming

 

Conclusion:

In today’s vertical video world, your title is your ticket. It's not just a bunch of words – it's the hook, the promise, and the reason someone decides to watch or scroll.

By understanding your audience, using smart keywords, and testing your titles regularly, you can boost visibility and grow faster on social platforms.

So next time you post a Reel or Short, spend a little extra time on the title – your future followers (and analytics) will thank you!