YouTube is huge, with billions of users watching and creating videos. But have you ever wondered how YouTube decides which videos to show you? It all comes down to the YouTube algorithm. If you’re a content creator or just curious, here are five simple things to understand about how the algorithm works.
What is mean by Algorithm?
An algorithm is a list of steps or instructions to get something done or solve a problem. It can be as simple as a recipe that tells you how to make a cake or as complex as the code that controls a computer program. Algorithms are used everywhere, from figuring out what video to recommend to you on YouTube to deciding the best way to get from one place to another using a map app.
When it comes to technology, algorithms are key to making things work. They help computers process information, make decisions, and do tasks automatically. For example, search engines like Google use algorithms to decide which websites to show you when you search for something. Essentially, an algorithm is a clear set of instructions to get a job done.
You might like: Top 5 most popular YouTube channels
What is the YouTube Algorithm?
The YouTube algorithm is what makes YouTube work the way it does. It’s a system that decides which videos you see when you use YouTube. Whether you’re on the home page or watching a video, the algorithm is behind the scenes, suggesting what to watch next.
Here’s a brief overview of how the YouTube algorithm has evolved over the years:
- 2005-2011: Optimizing for Clicks & Views
- Initially, YouTube recommended videos based on the number of views and clicks they received.
- Unfortunately, this led to misleading titles and thumbnails (clickbait), resulting in a poor user experience.
- 2012: Optimizing for Watch Time
- In 2012, YouTube shifted its focus to watch time—the total time viewers spent watching videos.
- This change rewarded videos that were valuable and interesting, encouraging longer content.
- Verticals like gaming, beauty vlogging, and podcasts emerged due to this shift.
- Current Approach: User Experience and Engagement
- The algorithm now considers factors such as watch time, satisfaction, and quality.
- It aims to connect viewers with engaging and enjoyable content.
- Preferences and engagements inform the algorithm, shaping what users see more or less of.
The YouTube algorithm is the gatekeeper to countless eyeballs on your videos. It’s the reason some videos go viral while others struggle to break out. While the specifics are always a bit of a mystery, here’s a breakdown of key points to know about the YouTube algorithm in 2024.
1. Engagement is King
Think of engagement as a thumbs-up for the algorithm. It prioritizes videos that viewers actively interact with. This includes watch time (people sticking around to watch most or all of your video), likes, comments (discussions spark further engagement!), and shares (helping your video reach new audiences).
2. Watch Time is the Marathon, Not the Sprint
The longer viewers spend watching your content, the better it is for your video’s success. To achieve this, aim to create videos that hook viewers from the start and keep them glued to the screen. You could consider using storytelling techniques, humor, or intriguing visuals to maintain their interest. By doing so, you’ll be more likely to increase watch time and ultimately boost your video’s performance.
3. Click-Through Rate (CTR) is Your First Impression
Imagine your thumbnail as your video’s billboard; it’s the first thing viewers see, and a high CTR (click-through rate) indicates that your thumbnail is enticing enough for people to click and watch your video. Therefore, use clear, high-quality images that accurately reflect your video’s content to make a strong impression. Additionally, experiment with vibrant colors, text overlays, and close-up shots to grab attention, thereby increasing your chances of getting more clicks.
4. It’s Not Just About You
The algorithm looks at how people interact with similar videos. For example, if a lot of people watch a video about cat cafes and then go on to watch your video about funny cats, that’s a positive sign for your content. To keep this trend going, focus on making videos that fit your niche and resonate with these viewers. You could also consider teaming up with other channels that create similar content to reach more people and grow your audience.
5. Personalization is Like a Matchmaker
The algorithm acts like a digital matchmaker, striving to connect viewers with content they’ll enjoy. This is where keywords become your secret weapon. However, By optimizing your titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords that describe your video’s content, you can help the algorithm understand what your video is about. As a result, the algorithm can recommend your video to viewers who’ve shown interest in similar topics.
Other Points About the YouTube Algorithm
6. Series and Playlists are Like Binging Buddies
Think of playlists and series as curated journeys for viewers. By creating content that connects, you encourage viewers to watch more than one video, thereby racking up watch time and keeping them engaged with your channel. This can lead to longer viewing sessions, which is exactly what the algorithm looks for when recommending content.
7. End Screens and Cards are Like Mini-Billboards
Don’t let viewers drift away after your video ends! Use end screens and cards strategically. These features allow you to highlight other relevant videos on your channel, nudging viewers to explore your content further.
8. Post When Your Audience is Active
While the algorithm doesn’t directly favor videos based on upload time, scheduling for peak audience hours can help maximize those initial views and engagement. Look at your YouTube Analytics to see when your viewers are most active and try to schedule your uploads accordingly.
9. Analytics are Your Best Friend:
YouTube Analytics is a goldmine of information about your viewers and how well your videos are doing. With this data, you can determine what type of content your audience likes, which topics keep them interested, and where you might need to make some changes. Overall, it’s a helpful tool to understand what works and what doesn’t, guiding you in making better content decisions.
10. Great Content is Timeless:
Remember, even in the age of algorithms, fantastic content reigns supreme. Focus on creating informative, entertaining, or visually-appealing videos that provide value to your viewers. This will not only keep them coming back for more, but it might just spark the algorithm to recommend your videos to a wider audience.
Wrapping Up
If you understand these things about the YouTube algorithm, you can start creating videos that are more likely to be seen and enjoyed. Keep in mind that the algorithm is always changing, so it’s good to stay updated and be flexible. With a focus on engagement, CTR, watch time, relevance, and consistency, you’re on your way to building a successful YouTube channel.
