Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, helps websites rank higher on Google. Learning SEO is one of the smartest skills for anyone running a blog, YouTube channel, or online shop. YouTube has thousands of free videos, but not all deliver the same value. So — what is the best course on YouTube for SEO? Let’s break it down.
Why Free SEO Courses on YouTube Are Popular
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Zero cost
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Learn at your own pace
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Visual, easy-to-follow guides
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Access to tips from industry experts
A 2025 study showed that 72% of small business owners prefer YouTube tutorials over paid courses for marketing skills, including SEO.
What Makes a Good SEO Course on YouTube?
Look for videos that:
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Are up to date (published within the last 1–2 years)
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Use clear, simple language
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Include real examples
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Show case studies or results
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Offer step-by-step instructions
Top Free YouTube SEO Courses Worth Watching
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best free courses currently available.
1️⃣ Neil Patel’s Free SEO Course
Channel: Neil Patel
Video Length: Around 1 hour (divided into multiple lessons)
What You’ll Learn:
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How Google ranks websites
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Keyword research basics
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On-page and off-page SEO
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Link building tips
Why Watch: Clear explanations and real website demos.
2️⃣ Ahrefs YouTube SEO Tutorials
Channel: Ahrefs
Video Length: Various (10 mins to 1 hour)
What You’ll Learn:
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SEO for beginners
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How to rank videos and blog posts
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Technical SEO basics
Why Watch: Taught by experienced SEO pros using Ahrefs tools.
3️⃣ Brian Dean’s Backlinko YouTube Course
Channel: Brian Dean
Video Length: 45 mins to 1 hour
What You’ll Learn:
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Keyword targeting
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Content writing for SEO
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White hat link building
Why Watch: Focuses on practical tips and case studies.
4️⃣ Income School SEO Series
Channel: Income School
Video Length: Series of 10-20 min videos
What You’ll Learn:
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SEO for niche sites
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How to write posts that rank
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Beginner-friendly advice
Why Watch: Great for those starting blogs or affiliate websites.
5️⃣ Swapankumar SEO Course
Channel: Swapankumar YouTube Channel
Video Length: Varies (Short tips to 30+ min guides)
What You’ll Learn:
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Latest SEO strategies for 2024
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Real examples of ranking pages
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Free SEO tool walkthroughs
Why Watch: Fresh, local-friendly advice with easy explanations. Great for small website owners and freelancers.
Statistics About YouTube and SEO Learning
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Over 2 billion people use YouTube each month for how-to content.
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68% of marketers say YouTube is their go-to for free SEO tutorials.
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SEO videos saw a 35% increase in watch time in 2023 compared to the year before.
Common Myths About SEO YouTube Courses
Myth: Free courses aren’t valuable.
Truth: Many free YouTube SEO tutorials match or even outshine paid classes.
Myth: SEO tips on YouTube are outdated.
Truth: Channels like Ahrefs and Neil Patel update their content regularly.
Myth: You need advanced tech skills for SEO.
Truth: Most top courses start with beginner-friendly lessons.
FAQs
Q1: Can I learn SEO fully on YouTube?
A: Yes — you can cover all the basics and some advanced topics.
Q2: Are these courses beginner-friendly?
A: Most of the listed courses are perfect for beginners.
Q3: How long does it take to learn SEO on YouTube?
A: You can grasp the basics in 2–4 weeks with consistent practice.
Q4: Do I need to buy tools like Ahrefs?
A: No — many lessons show free alternatives for research and tracking.
Q5: Are YouTube SEO courses better than paid ones?
A: Some free courses offer just as much value as paid programs.
Q6: How do I know if an SEO course is current?
A: Check the video upload date and read recent comments for feedback.
Conclusion: Choose Smart, Learn Free
When people ask what is the best course on YouTube for SEO, it’s clear there’s no single answer. The best choice depends on your goals. Total beginners might like Income School, while bloggers could try Backlinko. For small business owners or freelancers, Swapankumar’s SEO tutorials are a smart pick.
Take your time, watch a few, and see which teaching style works best for you.