How YouTube Search Algorithm REALLY works...

Summary

In this video, the host uncovers the intricacies of YouTube search, revealing how it can be leveraged to rank for keywords not directly associated with one's channel. The discussion delves into viewer intent, the power of thumbnails, and the importance of aligning content with search terms. The host shares a 'ninja secret' for ranking high on YouTube search, even for terms unrelated to one's content, by understanding and capitalizing on user behavior. The video is a treasure trove for new content creators looking to boost their channel's visibility and grow their audience through strategic YouTube search optimization.

Takeaways

• 🔍 YouTube search is primarily driven by user intent and behavior, not just the keywords typed into the search bar.
• 📈 For small channels, optimizing for YouTube search can be a crucial strategy for gaining initial views and traction.
• 🎯 Understanding viewer intent is key to creating content that ranks well in YouTube search; this often means providing the information viewers are looking for.
• 🍰 The example of 'chocolate cake' illustrates how YouTube tends to prioritize content that matches the most common intent behind a search term.
• 👀 Personalized search results, which appear after scrolling down, are YouTube's way of keeping users on the platform by showing them other content that might interest them.
• 📊 Analyzing your channel's analytics can provide insights into which search terms are driving views and help in creating more targeted content.
• 📹 Thumbnails play a significant role in click-through rates from search results, and their design should align with the intent behind the search term.
• 📈 Dominating a search term can lead to higher rankings not just for individual videos but for an entire channel, as demonstrated by the 'Tai cooking' example.
• 🚀 It's possible to rank for a term that isn't directly related to your content by getting enough people to click on your channel when they search for that term.
• 🛠 Tools like VidIQ can help creators research search terms, analyze their performance, and audit their channel to identify opportunities for growth through search optimization.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to explain the inner workings of YouTube search, specifically how it can be leveraged to rank for keywords that aren't directly associated with a channel's content.

Why is YouTube search important for new content creators?

YouTube search is crucial for new content creators as it is a significant source of initial views and helps grow their channels, especially when the recommendation engine is not yet driving substantial traffic.

What is the typical user intent when searching on YouTube?

The typical user intent when searching on YouTube is to find information or an answer to a specific query, often leading to a high bounce rate as users find what they need and then leave the channel.

How does YouTube's algorithm personalize search results?

YouTube's algorithm personalizes search results by showing videos that have nothing to do with the search term if users scroll down far enough, aiming to keep users engaged on the platform by showing them content that is relevant to their viewing history or channel preferences.

What role does viewer behavior play in YouTube search results?

Viewer behavior plays a critical role in YouTube search results as the algorithm takes into account what viewers click on and engage with, which can influence the ranking of videos and channels for certain search terms.

How can creators intentionally target search without it reflecting in their analytics?

Creators can target search without it reflecting in their analytics by understanding the intent of viewers searching for specific terms and creating content that addresses those intents in a creative and engaging way, thus keeping viewers on their channel longer.

What is the significance of thumbnails in YouTube search?

Thumbnails play a significant role in YouTube search as they can influence click-through rates. Successful thumbnails are often simple, direct, and niche-dependent, reflecting the content and intent of the search term.

Can a channel rank for a search term it has never made a video about?

Yes, a channel can rank for a search term it has never made a video about if enough people click on its channel when searching for that term, demonstrating to YouTube's algorithm that the channel is a relevant result for that search.

How long did it take for the speaker to rank for a term they've never made a video about?

It took approximately 2 days for the speaker to rank for a term they've never made a video about due to the low competition for that specific search term.

What are the three key takeaways from the video script for content creators?

The three key takeaways are: 1) Package content from the viewer's perspective, ensuring titles and thumbnails match search intents. 2) Research ranked videos for inspiration to understand what attracts viewers. 3) Use tools to double down on search terms that have already driven views to the channel.