The YouTube algorithm exists to match viewers with the perfect video for their search, their interests, and their moment. Master how it works, and you control who sees your content.

Every minute, creators upload 500+ hours of video to YouTube. The algorithm's single job is to predict which videos will keep each viewer watching, clicking, and coming back for more.

Master this system, and you control your growth. Ignore it, and you're hoping for luck.

Here's exactly how the YouTube Algorithm decides what to recommend in 2026, and the specific changes you can make today to get more views.

(Note: The Shorts algorithm follows its own model. 

You can find our dedicated guide to the Shorts algorithm here

YouTube Algorithm Explained: What It Actually Does

The YouTube algorithm is a prediction engine powered by machine learning. It analyzes billions of data points every second to answer one question:

"Will this specific viewer enjoy this specific video right now?"

The algorithm isn't a gatekeeper, it's a matchmaker trying to connect your content with people who'll love it.

Watch this overview video to see how the algorithm chooses and ranks content.

 what each viewer will enjoy based on their history and behavior

 candidate videos that might match their interests

 those videos by predicted satisfaction and engagement

 Every viewer sees a personalized YouTube feed. Two people searching the same term will see different results based on what YouTube predicts they'll actually watch.

Why the YouTube Algorithm Matters for Creators

You don't need many subscribers to get recommended. You need to show the algorithm that your video satisfies a specific type of viewer. This helps small channels get discovered if they understand what the algorithm is looking for.

YouTube Ranking Formula showing engagement elements, satisfaction elements, and relevance elements pointing to a YouTube play button

How Does the YouTube Algorithm Work? The 3 Ranking Signals

Understanding how the YouTube algorithm works means focusing on these three signal types..

1. Engagement Signals (Does Your Video Hold Attention?)

These metrics show whether viewers find your video valuable:

 Percentage of people who click after seeing your thumbnail

 If your CTR is below 4%, your thumbnail or title isn't clear enough. 

Test a thumbnail with one bold visual idea and high contrast.

 Retention above 50% tells YouTube your video delivers on its promise

 Cut your intro to under 10 seconds, deliver value immediately

 Whether viewers keep watching YouTube after your video

 Videos that start viewing sessions get priority in recommendations

 Add end screens linking to related videos

 Likes, comments, shares, saves, subscribes

 Engagement after a complete watch signals high satisfaction

 Ask specific questions that help the next viewer (not "what did you think?")

illustration showing icons representing satisfaction signals on YouTube

2. Satisfaction Signals (Does Your Video Make Viewers Happy?)

The latest YouTube algorithm update prioritizes satisfaction over raw watch time tracks how viewers feel about your content:

 Do people come back for more of your videos?

 Does your video match what viewers expected?

 Are people actively avoiding your content?

 Do viewers watch more videos after yours, or leave YouTube?

 A viewer watches your video, engages with it, then watches 2-3 more videos.

 A viewer clicks, watches 20 seconds, and closes the app.

icons representing YouTube relevance signals

3. Relevance Signals (Does Your Video Match the Right Topic?)

YouTube needs to understand what your video is about to recommend it correctly.

 Include the exact phrase people search for in the first 40 characters

 Add context, keywords, and chapter timestamps

 Minor factor, but helpful for uncommon spellings or niche topics

 YouTube reads your transcript to understand content

Objects and scenes on screen (for visual context)

Text overlays and graphics (for additional cues)

Which audiences consistently engage with your content?

How consistently do you post in a specific niche?

The clearer your niche, the easier it is for YouTube to find your audience.

YouTube Algorithm Tips: Where Your Videos Get Recommended

Your video can appear in three main places. Each surface uses the algorithm differently.

Home Feed: The Biggest Growth Opportunity

 The personalized feed viewers see when they open YouTube

 Recommends videos based on broad interests and recent viewing behavior

Make your thumbnail readable on a phone screen

Front-load your title with the main benefit

Hook viewers in the first 5 seconds with your core promise

Create recognizable series so YouTube learns the pattern

New channels CAN appear on Home if packaging and retention are strong. You don't need 100K subscribers. See an example of 

how a brand new channel developed a niche and gained over 1,000 subscribers in just a few months

 Videos that appear next to or after the current video

 YouTube recommends videos that relate to what's currently being watched

Build a series with consistent thumbnail templates

Use end screens strategically to guide the next click

Create content that naturally follows other popular videos

Comment on and reference bigger creators (join the conversation)

Want to dive deeper into Suggested Videos specifically? 

complete guide to cracking YouTube's Suggested Videos algorithm

 Results when someone types a query into YouTube search

 Relevance comes first, then YouTube ranks by satisfaction

Put the exact search phrase in your title (naturally, not stuffed)

Deliver an answer or clear path to the answer in the first 30 seconds

Optimize description with related terms, not keyword spam

Small channels can outrank big channels in search if their videos better satisfy the query.

 Find trending searches within your niche using 

Magnified view of Safari browser window displaying YouTube homepage with navigation menu.

Learn how the YouTube algorithm works in 2026: Including CTR, watch time & satisfaction signals and how to get more views.

How the YouTube Algorithm Works in 2026: Updates & Tips

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the US, and a hugely important occasion for friends and family to come together to indulge in food, fun, gratitude, and football. Hundreds of thousands of creators have already been publishing content around the topic on YouTube, but there are still big opportunities to create new videos around the tentpole event or rank again for content created in previous years. 

In the video above, we take a deep dive into our Keyword tool, so be sure to check it out! Now, let's take a look at the top keywords that YouTube viewers have been searching for in the last 30 days.

If you plan on publishing Thanksgiving content, you need to know what keywords YouTube viewers are searching for right now. It is just as important when they are searching for that content so you can maximize your ability to rank on YouTube. Running the keyword 'Thanksgiving' through the invaluable 

, we can confirm that the following are the most searched-for Thanksgiving keywords and phrases on YouTube in 2025:

Related keywords for the term "Thanksgiving" on vidIQ tool

When Are Viewers Searching for Thanksgiving Content on YouTube?

Over the past few years, YouTube has become one of the go-to resources for almost any and every topic you can think of. However, viewer interest in that content is often seasonal, particularly when it comes to annual events.

, interest from YouTube viewers in Thanksgiving starts to peak about a week before Halloween and lasts right through to the end of December. No big surprises there of course but a good strategy would be to publish ahead of November 27th to attract those views and engagements.

Don’t forget that engaging tentpole content is typically evergreen so if you’ve published any Thanksgiving clips on YouTube in the past, and you believe the videos are still relevant, 

update your titles and custom thumbnails to see if they can leverage the interest in the content that always comes this way this time of year.

Google trends result on the term "thanksgiving"

Finding Opportunities to Create Thanksgiving Content on YouTube

When viewers are searching for content on YouTube, it’s usually with a clear intent to get an answer to a particular query. Those searching will often use a baseline keyword to start and then build off that search to find the best videos.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Food Keywords on YouTube

A look at the topmost searched-for keywords for Thanksgiving shows that users are most interested in content around traditional Thanksgiving food, especially the old favorites, turkey & stuffing. Let’s take a deeper dive into what viewers are interested in around this category:

Related keywords for "thanksgiving food" in vidIQ tool

Top 5 Thanksgiving Decor Keywords on YouTube

Apart from the glorious food, Thanksgiving is also a time when homes and offices are decked out in a wonderful array of festive decor. Video content around table decorations, and Thanksgiving DIY decor is incredibly popular with viewers as they turn to YouTube for inspiration. Here are the top 5 keywords in this category:

Related keywords for "thanksgiving decor" on vidIQ tool

So, get your Thanksgiving vibes up and start preparing your content with the help of these ideas and suggestions. If you're set on your upload but still struggling with the perfect thumbnail for your video, 

Decorative pumpkins, corn, and autumn leaves with warm string lights background

It's nearly Thanksgiving time again in the US, and here are the most searched keywords on YouTube in 2025 around this national holiday.

Top 10 Thanksgiving Keywords on YouTube

In 2024, sales made on Black Friday and Cyber Monday generated $13.3 Billion in revenue 

for online retailers, an increase of 7.25% from the previous year. As e-commerce consumers are eager for bargains and deals with a similar intent to spend even more than last year, they are turning to platforms like YouTube to scope out reviews on products that want to snap up in the sale.

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

While hundreds of thousands of creators have already been publishing content on YouTube about the topic, particularly tech and other consumer electronics, there are still gaps in the market for creating new videos around the tentpole event. Let's take a look at the top 10 keywords that YouTube viewers have been searching for on YouTube:

If you're a YouTube creator and are scheduling posts around Black Friday 2025 you need to be up to speed on which keywords viewers are searching for on YouTube right now. 

vidIQ related keywords tool search results for "Black Friday"

Running the keyword 'Black Friday' through the invaluable 

, confirms that the following are the most searched for Black Friday keywords and phrases on YouTube for 2025:

When are Viewers Searching for Black Friday Content on YouTube?

Black Friday happens once a year in the US (and increasingly in other countries for the past few years). Hence, creators need to know when to publish content around the tentpole event to leverage ranking and visibility on YouTube.

, interest from YouTube viewers in the US in Black Friday starts to peak around mid-November and lasts around a month.

Google Trends graph on "Black Friday" over 5 years

With any tentpole or seasonal event, it pays to remember that any video content you've uploaded before on the topic can still be maximized for extra views and engagement. 

Evergreen content is the key to more views on YouTube

revisit past Black Friday videos and update your titles and custom thumbnails to see if you can leverage the seasonal interest in the content.

Right after the Black Friday weekend comes another period of commerce and sales in the calendar year, that is, Cyber Monday. Creators who might feel lost in the high volume of videos under the Black Friday keyword can look at this one as an area of opportunity.

vidIQ related keywords tool search results for "Cyber Monday"

, we see that the following are the most searched for Cyber Monday keywords and phrases on YouTube for 2025:

Finding Opportunities to Create Black Friday Content on YouTube

Viewers searching for Black Friday on YouTube do so with a particular aim in mind. They may be searching for the best deals retailers have to offer, or reviews for a piece of tech or gadget they have their eye on. Your focus should be on answering those queries with your content, and for an event like this, you can do so in a number of ways.

Keyword research is vital for this, as we talked about before. Starting with the keyword set above, plus an eye on the focus of your channel, start thinking of ideas for your Black Friday uploads.

, you can get customized ideas for your channel to capitalize on this seasonal event. And, if you're still unsure of the ideas, you can use the 

 to turn a successful Black Friday video into your niche!

Black Friday neon sign on brick wall with shopping icons and sale symbols background.

No. In fact, last year, brick-and-mortar stores

Although it originally is an American celebration of consumption, 

Black Friday discounts are being observed increasingly more by countries around the world!

Are you planning to publish video content about Black Friday? We found the most searched keywords on YouTube around this annual shopping bonanza.

Top 10 Black Friday Keywords on YouTube

Halloween is right around the corner, and one of the biggest and most celebrated tentpole events of the year. Thousands of creators have already been publishing content around the topic on YouTube, like every other year. But, like always, there are still major opportunities to create videos about the holiday.

halloween keyword search volume on YouTube

If you plan on a Halloween-inspired video, you need to know what keywords YouTube viewers search for. You should also know when they are searching for that content so you can maximize your video’s viewing potential. 

vidIQ Keyword tool results for matching keywords with halloween

, we can confirm that the following are the most searched Halloween keywords and phrases on YouTube right now:

When Are Viewers Searching for Halloween Content on YouTube?

YouTube is an extraordinary place to find content on almost any subject under the sun. However, interest in that content is often seasonal, especially when it comes to tentpole or holiday events.

, interest from YouTube viewers in Halloween has risen steadily over the past five years. Interest starts to peak around the end of August and lasts right through to the beginning of November. Of course, there are no big surprises there, but a good strategy would be to publish a couple of weeks ahead of October 31st to attract those views and engagements.

Don’t forget that tentpole content is evergreen, so if you’ve published any Halloween clips on YouTube in the past, and you believe the videos are still relevant, 

 to see if you can leverage the interest in the content that always comes this way this time of year.

Halloween search volume over 5 years on Google Trends

When viewers search for content on YouTube, they usually have a question or an intent in mind. They want an answer on a particular topic or a query with this topical interest around Halloween. 

Having said that, there are broadly three categories under which most of these highly searched terms fall under. These are the kinds of videos viewers look for the most, so as a creator, you'd want to give special attention to them. Let's break them down below:

Top 10 Halloween Costume Keywords: YouTube

A look at the topmost searched-for keywords brings up a lot of search intent around costumes for Halloween, so let’s take a deeper dive into what viewers are interested in around this category:

matching terms for "halloween costumes" on vidIQ keyword tool

Most of the keywords in this category have a medium difficulty for an opportunity to rank on search, as indicated by the number denoted beside them.

If you want an idea of the type of Halloween costume videos that YouTube viewers love, the search results will give you one. It seems like tutorial-type videos perform the best

Top 10 Halloween Music Keywords on YouTube

Another big winner in this topic is music. Content on this search term generates great interest. Here are the top keywords in this category:

matching terms for "halloween music" on vidIQ keyword tool

With high search volumes, coupled with heavy competition, Halloween music content has a lot of potential. On YouTube, viewers love compilations, playlists of popular songs and tutorials. 

Top 10 Halloween Makeup Keywords on YouTube

Halloween is perhaps the one time of the year when anyone, young or old, male or female, can go to town with a painted face. Makeup tutorials are big business on YouTube, and those how-to’s that focus on Halloween are wildly popular. The most searched for keywords are:

matching terms for "halloween makeup" on vidIQ keyword tool

"Halloween makeup" related searches on YouTube are more specific than the other major terms which is understandable given that any given viewer would want makeup that is congruent with their costumes. So, any content that is educational and simplifies the process is the absolute king here.

Jumping on trending and topical content on YouTube is one of the best ways to invite a large number of new viewers to your channel while also giving engaging content to your faithful audience. 

And, if you want to know the secret to standing out as a small channel, here's your answer!

Halloween pumpkins with YouTube and vidIQ icons illustrating content growth trends.

Halloween is just around the corner! Here are the most searched keywords on YouTube around this spooky event.

Top 15 Halloween Keywords on YouTube

YouTube has officially unveiled its evolving stance on AI-generated content, ushering in what may be the most significant shift in platform policy since monetization itself. Speaking at the 

 laid out the platform’s strategy to navigate, and even embrace, the rise of artificial intelligence in video creation.

Rather than shunning AI, YouTube is building a framework that accepts it as an inevitable part of the future. In doing so, the platform is redefining what it means to be a creator, while simultaneously developing tools to 

 in a world of synthetic voices and digital doppelgängers.

“With the growth of these AI enablement tools,” Mohan said, “you’re going to see that the distinction between ‘completely AI-generated’ and ‘AI-assisted’ is going to be a continuum.”

This statement captures the essence of YouTube’s direction: 

AI is not a threat to be fought, but a reality to coexist with. 

YouTube Automation: Get AI-Powered Titles, Thumbnails, Descriptions, and Video Ideas

What does it mean for us human creators then? Our very own Rob Wilson has broken it all down in the video above. So, if you were still on the fence about the acceptance of AI in the YouTube ecosystem, it's time to rethink.

 on AI-generated content. No sweeping purges. No platform-wide crackdowns reminiscent of “Skynet-like” shutdowns.

Instead, YouTube is creating what Mohan calls “guardrails”. These include policy transparency, technological enforcement tools, and most surprisingly, 

This starkly contrasts with the fearmongering that has surrounded AI’s use in media production. From Hollywood strikes to deepfake scandals, the conversation around AI has largely revolved around fear, theft, and job displacement.

Mohan’s central thesis is that AI-generated content cannot be neatly categorized as “real” or “fake.” Instead, YouTube acknowledges a spectrum of AI involvement:

Some creators use AI merely as a tool: helping edit videos, writing scripts, generating thumbnails, or improving SEO.

Others go full AI: producing entire videos using synthetic voices, faces, and even personalities.

Altered content labeling on YouTube studio

This spectrum-based model mirrors the evolution of other creative technologies. Think of the photography world’s shift from film to digital to AI editing. In each case, the tool didn’t kill creativity, instead redefined it.

By treating AI as a creative layer, rather than a danger zone, YouTube is positioning itself as a platform that grows with creators, not against them.

One of YouTube’s first major steps in this direction is the implementation of 

. Creators are now required to label videos that include AI-generated elements. This is not a penalty. There’s no demonetization or viewer warning attached to it. It's a form of viewer advisory, similar to a “contains strong language” tag.

“We will literally put [the AI label] on the video,” Mohan explained, “and in some cases, it’ll be in the metadata.”

Altered or synthetic content label on YouTube videos

While it's still imperfect and nascent right now, this is a clear indication that YouTube wants to define the degree of AI usage on videos. For example, if you want to us the 

 to create your video's image, it's not the same as a fully AI-generated video from a text prompt.

. YouTube doesn’t want to hide AI—it wants to 

With AI tools like Sora, Pika, Runway, and many more on the way, making it easier than ever to generate lifelike videos of real people, the risk of identity misuse has skyrocketed. Imagine someone making a video that looks like you’re:

Promoting a political agenda you don’t support

This is arguably the most crucial problem to deal with for YouTube concerning the AI boom. The Likeness Detection Tool allows creators to 

 of videos that use their face (and potentially voice) without permission—especially when those appearances have been synthetically generated or altered using AI. Here's how it works:

Onboarding process to setup likeness detection

, YouTube requires you to verify who you are. You will have to upload a selfie style video to the Google database which will be used as reference for your face and voice. You are also required to upload a photo ID to verify your date of birth and other important details.

 to this process and may withdraw access at any time.

Videos where your face was detected using AI

Channel info, upload date, views, and subscribers of the uploader

Filing a Removal Request for likeness detection on YouTube

Learn all about YouTube's stance on AI and the new features introduced to protect and help creators!

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

How the YouTube Algorithm Works in 2026: Updates & Tips

Top 10 Thanksgiving Keywords on YouTube

Top 10 Black Friday Keywords on YouTube

Top 15 Halloween Keywords on YouTube

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