VideoTags

Videotags are metadata elements attached to video content to describe its subject matter, context, and characteristics. They can be embedded in the video file itself as standard metadata fields, or added by online platforms as part of the video’s descriptive layer. Tags are used to organize content within libraries and to aid algorithms in indexing, ranking, and recommending videos to viewers.

Types of videotags include embedded metadata such as title, description, keywords, and author information stored in file formats like MP4 or MKV, as well as platform-level tags such as YouTube keywords or Twitch tags that creators attach to their uploads. On social platforms, creators often supplement these with hashtags that signal topics and communities.

The primary purpose of videotags is to improve searchability and discovery, enable contextual recommendations, and support paging and categorization in libraries. Tags can also assist accessibility and content moderation by signaling topics or sensitive content, when platforms provide such checks.

Tagging practices emphasize relevance and accuracy. Best practices include targeting core topics, using synonyms and plural forms, avoiding misleading or spammy terms, and periodically updating tags to reflect current content. Privacy and policy considerations apply, since tags may reveal locations, affiliations, or sensitive information.