YouTube Shorts Algorithm 2024 EXPLAINED (Get More Views)

Summary

The video script delves into the intricacies of YouTube's short video algorithm, explaining why some videos receive millions of views while others falter. It discusses the initial random audience testing, known as 'seed audience,' and how engagement metrics like 'How Many Choose To View' and 'Viewed Percentage' impact a video's performance. The script also covers the importance of creating hooks in the first few seconds and maintaining audience retention for successful short videos, providing insights into optimizing content for the YouTube Shorts platform.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The YouTube Shorts algorithm starts by testing a new short video with a random seed audience to gauge engagement before wider promotion.
• 📈 If the initial seed audience engages positively with the short, the algorithm takes it as a positive signal and promotes it to more viewers, potentially leading to millions of views.
• 📊 'How Many Choose to View' is a key metric for shorts, indicating the percentage of viewers who watch the short and those who swipe away without watching.
• 📝 The study by Pat Gallagher's team found that the best-performing shorts had an average view percentage between 70% to 90%, suggesting high viewer retention is crucial for virality.
• 👀 View count alone isn't enough for a short to go viral; the content must also resonate well with the initial seed audience for further promotion.
• 🎥 The first few seconds of a short are critical, acting as a 'hook' to attract viewers, similar to the title and thumbnail in long-form videos.
• 📉 Shorts with a view percentage of 60% or less did not perform as well as those with higher percentages, indicating the importance of retaining viewer attention.
• 📝 The transcript discusses the importance of creating hooks in the first few seconds of a short to spark curiosity and engagement among viewers.
• 🎬 The type of hook used can vary depending on the video content, but the goal is to create interest that makes viewers want to continue watching.
• 🔄 The transcript mentions that while creating hooks is important, it's also necessary to maintain good audience retention throughout the short.
• 🤔 It's suggested that creators consider whether to have separate channels for shorts and long-form videos or to maintain a consistent feel across both formats on the same channel.

Q & A

How does YouTube's algorithm decide which short videos to promote?

YouTube's algorithm initially selects a random seed audience to test the short video. Based on their engagement, the algorithm then decides whether to promote the video further.

What are the key metrics that influence the performance of short videos on YouTube?

The key metrics include watch time, likes, and audience retention. For short videos, 'How Many Choose To Watch' and 'Non-engaged viewers swiped away' are also important.

Why do some short videos receive millions of views and then suddenly stop?

This can happen if the initial seed audience engages well, but the algorithm doesn't find a larger audience that matches the initial engagement, or if the content doesn't sustain viewer interest over time.

What is the significance of the initial audience group, or 'seed audience', in the success of a short video?

The seed audience is crucial because their engagement with the video sends a signal to the algorithm about whether the content is worth promoting to a broader audience.

How does the concept of 'How Many Choose To Watch' (HMCTW) metric affect the visibility of short videos?

HMCTW indicates the percentage of viewers who choose to watch the short video. A higher percentage suggests better engagement and can lead to more promotion by the algorithm.

What is the role of viewer retention in determining the success of a short video on YouTube?

Viewer retention is a significant factor. Videos with higher retention rates, indicating viewers watch the video till the end, are more likely to be promoted by YouTube's algorithm.

Should creators focus on creating short videos or long videos to grow their channel?

It depends on the content and target audience. Some channels can benefit from a mix of short and long videos, while others might find more success focusing on one format that aligns with their audience's preferences.

What is the recommended approach for creating hooks in short videos compared to long videos?

In short videos, the hook should be immediate and within the first few seconds to capture attention quickly, whereas long videos have more time to develop their hook over the first 30 seconds.

How can creators improve the 'How Many Choose To Watch' (HMCTW) metric for their short videos?

Creators can improve HMCTW by creating strong video thumbnails and titles that intrigue viewers, and by ensuring the first few seconds of the video are engaging and relevant to the thumbnail and title.

What is the impact of viewer behavior on the promotion of short videos on YouTube?

Viewer behavior, such as watching the video to completion, liking, and engaging with the content, sends positive signals to the algorithm, which can lead to increased promotion.

Why might a short video with high initial views not perform well in the long term?

A short video might not perform well long term if it fails to maintain audience engagement, if the content does not resonate with a broader audience, or if the initial views were not indicative of a genuine interest.