Publishing a video on YouTube can be compared to starting a wildfire. The larger and more intense the fire, the more people it reaches. However, just like a fire starts small and needs fuel to spread, a video needs to capture initial interest and gain momentum to go viral. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of the YouTube algorithm and how it determines the spread and success of videos.

What is the YouTube Algorithm?

The YouTube algorithm is a system that decides which videos to recommend to users, aiming to keep them engaged and on the platform for as long as possible. More engagement means more ad views, increasing YouTube's ad revenue. Since users have limited time and can't watch everything, videos compete for attention in a zero-sum game, meaning one video's gain is another's loss, as explained in this Twitter thread.

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How Does the YouTube Algorithm Work?

Source: Tasty Edits

Initial Recommendations

When a video is first published, it is recommended to a small, targeted group of viewers to gauge their response. If these viewers engage positively with the content, the algorithm will expand its reach to larger and broader audiences. This process continues until the video starts to lose traction with new viewers, at which point its spread will plateau.

Video Distribution

Just like a wildfire needs fuel to keep spreading, a video requires continuous engagement to expand its reach. When there is no more fuel (or interest) in a certain area, the fire (or video) stops spreading. However, it can still smolder and continue to attract views over time, much like how videos can gain new viewers months or even years after their initial release.

In an interview with Todd Sherman, the product lead for YouTube Shorts, Todd stated:

“What we try and do with a view is have it encode for your intent of watching that thing so that creators feel like that view has some meaningful threshold that the person decided to watch.”

Trending Topics

Videos can experience a resurgence in popularity due to trending topics. For instance, a video about "The Life of Oppenheimer" might see a spike in views when a related movie is released, providing new fuel for the video to catch fire again.

💡Related read: YouTube Shorts vs TikTok: What’s Best for Short-Form Videos?

Structured Process of YouTube Recommendations

The YouTube algorithm doesn't randomly select viewers to recommend videos to. Instead, it follows a structured process to identify the broadest audience likely to enjoy the video.

1. Core Audience

The core audience consists of viewers who watch almost every video a creator publishes. This group is usually made up of subscribers, but dedicated viewers who haven't subscribed yet can also be part of this core group.

2. Casual Audience

The casual audience includes viewers who occasionally watch the creator's videos but don't catch every upload. This group can include both subscribers and non-subscribers.

3. Niche Audience

After testing the video with the casual audience, the algorithm will recommend it to viewers who watch videos within the same niche, such as photography.

4. Adjacent Niches

Next, the algorithm will try recommending the video to audiences in related niches, like videography or graphic design, to see if it gains traction there.

5. Expanding Further

The algorithm continues to test the video with increasingly distant niches until the video starts performing poorly. For instance, a photography video might eventually be shown to viewers interested in web design, coding, and even cybersecurity, but it won't perform well if the topic is too far removed from the core subject.

💡Related read: How to Build a Community on Youtube in 10 Easy Steps

YouTube Performance Metrics 2024

What People Commonly Believe

• Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of people who click on your video after seeing the thumbnail.
• Watch Time: The total time viewers spend watching your video.
• Comments and Engagement: The number of comments and overall engagement your video receives.

The Reality

• CTR and Watch Time: These metrics are crucial but not the only factors.
• Sources of Traffic: Where your audience comes from, such as search, external links, or subscriptions.
• Subscriber vs. Non-Subscriber Views: The balance between views from subscribers and non-subscribers.
• Engagement Quality: The type of engagement matters as much as the quantity. Comments contribute to SEO.
• Negative Feedback: The number of "Not Interested" clicks your video receives.
• External Embeds: How often your video is embedded on other websites.
• Playlist Additions: The frequency of your video being added to playlists.
• Content Re-Edits: The number of times viewers use the clipping feature to edit your content.
• Subtitles and Accessibility: The presence of subtitles can impact your video's reach.
• Follow-Through Clicks: How many viewers discover your video and then watch multiple videos on your channel.
• SEO: The effectiveness of your video's SEO, including titles, descriptions, and tags.
• Links: The links included in your video description and bio.
• Demographics: The country of origin and language of your content.
• Niche: The specific niche your video falls under.
• Monetization: The potential for monetization of your content.

Key Factors Influencing the YouTube Algorithm

1. Engagement and Relevance

If viewers frequently click on your video when it appears in their feed, it suggests strong interest and engagement. Additionally, the overall engagement rate, including likes, dislikes, comments, and the average survey rating, provides YouTube with clues about the content's quality.

2. Video Content Volume 

Gaining traction on YouTube requires a significant number of views within a short timeframe. The algorithm ranks videos based on their performance relative to all other content on the platform, so achieving high view counts quickly is crucial.

3. Long-Term Success

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The algorithm isn't a binary system; it's a ranking mechanism where videos compete for visibility. While short-term success can be achieved by chasing trends, long-term success requires patience, persistence, and a focus on a particular niche. Over time, the algorithm will start recommending a channel's older videos to the likely audience.

💡Related read: YouTube Channel Ideas That Can Make you Millions in 2024

4. Seasonal and Timing Considerations

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The time of publication and seasonal trends can also affect a video's initial performance. If the core and returning viewers are less active on the platform during a particular period, the video might not receive as much engagement initially. Some topics are also seasonal and can perform better during specific times of the year.

5. Watch Time and Viewer Retention

Source: vidIQ

YouTube evaluates the quality of content based on several performance metrics. One of the primary indicators is watch time. How long do viewers stay engaged with your video? The average duration of views and the percentage of the video watched are critical factors. High watch time signals to YouTube that your content is engaging and worth recommending.

6. The Role of Tags, Thumbnails, and Titles

In the past, tags played a significant role in video discovery. However, their importance has diminished. Now, the YouTube algorithm relies heavily on thumbnails and titles to attract viewers. A compelling thumbnail and an intriguing title are crucial for catching a viewer's attention and encouraging them to click on the video.

7. Viewer Behavior and History

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YouTube's algorithm aims to present each viewer with their ideal mix of content by analyzing individual user behavior. This includes which videos users have watched, liked, or disliked, and the channels or topics they consistently return to. By understanding personal preferences, YouTube can tailor its recommendations to enhance user satisfaction.

8. Conduct Keyword Research

Source: Backlinko

To generate a list of keyword ideas for YouTube, start by creating a comprehensive list of potential keywords:

• Use YouTube’s Search Suggest feature by typing in a word or phrase, and note the suggested keywords, as these are popular search terms. 
• Additionally, examine popular videos in your niche and copy the keywords these videos are optimized for. To do this, go to a successful channel in your niche, sort their videos by "Most Popular," and analyze the keywords used in the titles, descriptions, and tags of top-performing videos. 
• Finally, check your YouTube "Traffic Source: YouTube search" report to see the keywords users have searched to find your videos.

9. Adding Subtitles and Captions

Incorporate subtitles and closed captions in your videos using tools like vidyo.ai's AI subtitle generator. This not only makes your content more accessible but also improves SEO by providing more text for the algorithm to analyze.

By the way, vidyo.ai is more than just an auto subtitle generator. It’s a full-featured social media suite which helps you run your YouTube channel on autopilot. Packed with AI features like Video Clipping, Animated Captions, Virality Score, Hashtag Generator, Social Post Scheduler and a Content Assistant,  you can grow your YouTube channel in 2x less time with our trusty social autopilot. Sign up today to grow your presence on YT! 

💡Related read: How to Add Subtitles/Captions to YouTube Shorts With vidyo.ai

10. Hooking Viewers with Great Intros

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Your video intro is vital for retaining viewers. Ensure the first few seconds are engaging and clearly communicate that the video will deliver on its promises, as indicated by the title and thumbnail. You can check vidyo.ai’s YouTube channel for more great hook ideas. 

11. Adding Cards, End Screens, and Watermarks

Enhance viewer interaction by incorporating features like cards and end screens, which can guide viewers to additional content. Adding subscription watermarks can also encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel. You can do this and more within vidyo.ai, your all-in-one social media management tool!

12. Creating Series and Playlists

Organizing your content into series and playlists helps improve viewer retention and watch time. It encourages viewers to continue watching related videos, boosting overall engagement.

13. Studying Competitor Strategies

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Bottom line: Analyze what your competitors are doing. Identify successful strategies they employ and consider how you can adapt these tactics to improve your content and engagement.

14. Timing Your Content

Identify the best times to post your YouTube videos for maximum visibility. This can vary depending on your target audience and niche, so read our post linked above to determine optimal posting schedules for your niche or industry.

15. Tracking Performance Metrics

Regularly review your YouTube analytics to track performance metrics such as watch time, engagement rates, and viewer demographics. This data can help you make informed decisions and adjust your content strategy.

16. YouTube’s 4-R Approach

Removing Violative Content

YouTube is committed to removing content that violates its policies, ensuring a safer platform for users.

Reducing False News

The platform aims to reduce the spread of false information by limiting the reach of misleading content.

Raising Authoritative Sources

YouTube prioritizes content from authoritative sources, especially for news and information.

Rewarding Trusted Creators

Creators who consistently produce high-quality, trustworthy content are rewarded with better visibility and engagement.

17. Niche Down

Understanding how the algorithm spreads videos highlights the importance of uploading content within a specific niche. By consistently publishing videos on related topics, creators can ensure their core audience will enjoy each new upload. This consistency is crucial for the algorithm to continue recommending the videos to broader audiences.

Uploading content outside of the established niche can result in poor performance because the core audience may not be interested. Even if the video is well-made, it won't spread if it doesn't appeal to the core viewers.

18. Experiment with Content

When conducting experiments with your YouTube content, avoid comparing them to your flagship videos, especially in the first few days. As Paddy Galloway in this Twitter thread explains: 

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💡Related read: How to Start a Podcast Channel on YouTube for Free

How to Get the YouTube Algorithm to Like You

Creating viral content is more strategic than luck. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a viral video:

1. Data Collection

Like a sniper calculates their shot, you need to gather data before creating your video. Before launching your YouTube channel, conduct thorough research. Study the structure and presentation of recent viral videos within your niche. Don't strive to be original initially; instead, refine what's already working by adding your personal touch.

2. Scripting

A well-structured script is crucial. Divide your video into three parts: the hook, the value, and the outro. The hook should grab attention immediately, the body should deliver the promised value, and the outro should leave viewers satisfied and motivated to engage further.

3. Filming

You don't need the most expensive equipment. Clear audio, good lighting, and effective use of B-roll can significantly enhance your video's quality. 

4. Editing

Fast-paced editing, captions, and appropriate music can keep viewers engaged. Edit your videos to maintain a high energy level and keep the audience's attention.

Invest in vidyo.ai to enhance the quality and engagement of your videos. More videos mean more opportunities for testing and growth.

How to Reset YouTube Algorithm

If you're finding that your YouTube recommendations are not aligned with your interests, you can follow these steps to retrain your home screen algorithm effectively.

1. Delete Your Watch History

Your watch history significantly influences the videos that YouTube recommends. To start fresh, delete your watch history. This step is crucial as it removes the data that the algorithm heavily relies on.

2. Mark Unwanted Videos as "Recommend Less Like This"

Next, mark at least a handful of videos from each topic you don't want to see as "Recommend less like this." You can expedite this process by using a script to add overlay buttons for quicker marking. Additionally, consider unfollowing channels that frequently pop up but do not interest you.

3. Engage with Desired Content

Search for and watch several videos on topics that interest you. Like these videos and let them run in the background; you don't have to watch the entire video. This activity signals to YouTube what content you prefer and helps replace unwanted recommendations with more relevant ones. Simply marking videos as "Recommend less like this" isn't sufficient; the algorithm needs positive indicators of your interests.

Conclusion

By leveraging performance and personal preference signals, optimizing for SEO, utilizing YouTube marketing tools like vidyo.ai, and maintaining genuine engagement, you can enhance your YouTube channel's visibility and growth. Remember, YouTube algorithm rewards persistence, so keep refining your approach based on performance data.

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