YouTube is currently the world’s most viewed site and has become the place to go to create and consume video content. While YouTube SEO is critical for success, something else controls the fate of every channel – the YouTube Algorithm. According to cnet.com, up to 70% of a user’s time on YouTube will be dictated by the algorithm. Increasing your organic reach will have to incorporate the algorithm as well as SEO to ensure a successful marketing strategy.
What is the YouTube Algorithm?
With over 2 billion users, YouTube has created a method that asserts what people want to watch. The YouTube algorithm doesn’t simply focus on subscribers but takes into account how well a video performs when shown on other users’ home pages.
For example, if you watch a content creator’s work for a while and then stop watching, the algorithm will pick up that you haven’t watched anything of that nature in a while and thus stop recommending you videos that are similar to it or made by the same YouTube creator. YouTube tracks users engagement to see what they are interested in and how they can keep people on their site.
How does the YouTube Algorithm Work?
The YouTube Algorithm works as a means of suggesting suitable video content for a user. The content is decided on each viewer’s different interests and it is decided solely on keeping the visitors watching the content. The algorithm monitors viewers’ behaviour as well as video performance. It is important to take note of the algorithm as it impacts search results and recommendations for users.
Algorithm search results vary depending on the user even if they have searched for the same content topic. This is dependent on the video’s metadata and also the engagement around the video. Trending videos, subscriptions, notifications, and your YouTube homepage also impact on the algorithm.
YouTube ranks based on the video’s performance analytics data and then it ranks by a user’s watch history and what people with similar interests have watched. YouTube aims to have people stay on the platform for as long as possible, consuming the content that makes them the most money – adverts.
The video content’s performance can decide what the alogirithm offers you. If the video has been clicked on and there have been greater views than impressions, the video has a thumbnail, and there is a title. Watch time factors as well as the social engagement the video receives. Consistent posting of content to a channel is a good sign to the algorithm and the session time someone spends on the platform after watching a video.
Based on personalisation, the algorithm also features video content that reflects what the user has searched for our watched before. Your feed will show video content based on how you’ve reacted and engaged with similar content, what videos are neglected, and how many times a person has viewed a particular video.
Beat the Algorithm Using YouTube SEO
There a host of methods to ensure that your organic reach achieves growth for your channel. Optimising the text around your video is crucial for success. Your video description should be well thought out with keyword-focused text that the algorithm can pick up. Ensure your first sentence is keyword optimised as well as being clear and concise. Don’t keyword stuff your descriptions, rather honing in on a couple and using them naturally throughout.
When building your brand on YouTube, hone in on what your target audience wants. If you have been creating content for a while, check your analytics to see what your audience has responded to best. Don’t forget that YouTube is designed to show the material that they have enjoyed in the past.
Another method of manipulating the algorithm is consistent publishing. The frequency that you publish or upload your content, and the quantity overall, has an impact on YouTube’s algorithm. Make sure you have a consistent flow of content. If you can publish high quality at a higher frequency, then you are more likely to feature higher on YouTube’s algorithm.
Users of any social platform enjoy being engaged with and YouTube is no different. Engaging with your community can increase engagement with your content across the board. Respond to comments in a meaningful and timely manner – the algorithm knows if you’re giving quick responses over thought out responses.
YouTube is ultimately about having an audience, so the key is to have subscribers. Having more subscribers to your channel signifies to the algorithm that you have meaningful things to say and an audience that wants to hear them. If you have more subscribers, the algorithm is more likely to show potential viewers your content over a profile that has less permanent engagement.
One of the key components of a successful YouTube video is video duration. You want your viewer to make it to the end of your content. Ensure your content is relevant and engaging, you want people to enjoy and connect with your work that they reach out to find more of your material. Using end cards to highlight your other video content can encourage viewers to click on and watch more of what you have to offer.
Finally, think about optimum times for dropping your content. YouTube’s algorithm naturally takes into consideration engagement with a video, so posting at peak times can be important for your organic reach. Look at your YouTube analytics to find premium times for your videos. With busy lives, you’re not always going to be available to post at the right time. Using content scheduling tools can help you achieve peak times with minimal effort. Look for companies like ContentCal, Loomly, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social.
