YouTube Algorithm: Why the Algorithm Won't Suggest Your Video in 2024

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses the YouTube algorithm's challenges and how small channels can overcome the 'YouTube Flatline,' where videos lose momentum after initial views. By focusing on consistent engagement, targeting specific topics with SEO, and optimizing for relevant keywords, creators can increase their chances of getting recommended. The algorithm favors channels with established audiences, but smaller creators can still succeed by creating videos that appeal to niche topics, ensuring that the algorithm continues to promote their content over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The YouTube algorithm prioritizes videos that perform well in the first few days after publishing, but many videos experience a flatline after that initial boost.
• 😀 To grow your channel, it's crucial to maintain a strategy that ensures consistent daily views, ideally aiming for at least 100 views per day per video.
• 😀 A channel with over 100,000 views in the last 28 days is considered a large channel, which has a significant advantage in getting recommended by YouTube's algorithm.
• 😀 The algorithm works by matching videos to viewers based on their viewing history, with recommendations being personalized for each user.
• 😀 The algorithm uses two main buckets: one for channels the viewer watches and another for the topics they're interested in.
• 😀 A key factor in getting videos recommended is building an audience that watches your videos regularly, which increases the chances of the algorithm recommending future content.
• 😀 Keywords and specific topics are critical for YouTube's algorithm, which uses them to understand what type of content to recommend to viewers.
• 😀 Even small channels can succeed if they target specific keyword phrases related to trending topics, making it easier to compete with larger channels.
• 😀 The performance of a video on its first day is critical for future success, but day two is when the video enters 'nightmare mode' and is shown to mostly new, non-subscriber viewers.
• 😀 Focusing on niche keyword phrases can dramatically reduce competition, making it easier for your videos to perform well in search and browse results.
• 😀 Consistency in targeting specific topics and keywords helps improve the visibility of videos, allowing them to accumulate views over time and build momentum.

Q & A

What is the 'YouTube flatline' and why does it happen?

The 'YouTube flatline' refers to the drop-off in views that many videos experience a few days after being published. This happens because the algorithm stops recommending videos once they cease to attract engagement. Without consistent views, the video’s reach dwindles.

How can small YouTube channels get more consistent views?

Small channels can get more consistent views by developing a strategy that encourages daily views. Even a small amount of daily views, such as 100 views per day, can add up over time and help boost the video’s performance.

What role does the YouTube algorithm play in video recommendations?

The YouTube algorithm recommends videos based on user history and engagement. It looks at what channels and topics the user has watched before, and then selects videos to recommend. Videos that consistently engage viewers are more likely to be recommended.

What is the importance of keyword phrases in YouTube video growth?

Keyword phrases are crucial because they help the algorithm understand what the video is about and who might be interested in it. Targeting specific keywords and topics increases the likelihood that the video will be discovered through search and recommended to relevant viewers.

What is the difference between browse and suggested videos on YouTube?

Browse refers to videos that appear on the YouTube homepage or in the 'Trending' section, while suggested videos are those recommended by YouTube based on user history and related content. Both categories depend on engagement and relevance to the viewer’s interests.

How does YouTube measure the performance of a video after it is published?

YouTube measures a video's performance based on metrics like watch time, subscriber activity, and engagement. These factors determine whether the algorithm will continue to recommend the video after the first day or whether it will stop pushing it to more viewers.

How can targeting specific topics help a channel's growth?

By focusing on specific topics, creators can reach a more targeted audience. This makes it easier to rank higher for those topics and attract more engaged viewers. A channel that regularly addresses specific subjects is also more likely to attract repeat viewers.

What happens if a video performs well in the first few days?

If a video performs well initially, it may continue to receive recommendations on subsequent days, reaching new viewers. As long as the video maintains or improves its performance, it can accumulate more views and help the channel grow.

Why is the performance on day two important for a YouTube video?

Day two is critical because the video is often pushed to new viewers who are not subscribers. If the video continues to perform well, it has a better chance of reaching even more viewers and entering what the creator calls 'nightmare mode,' where it gains broader exposure.

How can YouTube video titles impact a video’s discoverability?

Video titles play a major role in how the algorithm categorizes and ranks videos. By including relevant keywords and clearly defining the video’s topic, creators increase the chances of their videos being recommended in both search results and browse features.