Have you been feeling like your Shorts have suddenly stopped getting views? You're certainly not alone here! Most creators have seen their Shorts behave very differently from other forms of content, and it's almost baffling!

while others barely see the light of day? Keep reading, and we'll explain how the YouTube Shorts algorithm works!

Forget traditional metrics like impressions and click-through rates; in the world of Shorts, 

. Compared to the traditional route of using impressions to test your content, the YouTube Shorts algorithm is more straightforward. So, if some of your Shorts look like the graph below, and you’re convinced that YouTube is out to limit your Shorts reach, we have good news! There is a reason why.

First, the Shorts algorithm operates in two distinct phases: 

 Initially, your Short is exposed to a small, targeted, “seed audience”. If this group engages well with your content, your Short gets promoted to a broader audience. That initial audience is crucial, because if they're not engaged, your views may become stagnant.

, Todd Sherman, the product lead for YouTube Shorts, explains why this is the case. Unlike long-form videos, Shorts views mostly seem to come from the feed itself, and the element of a conscious choice on the part of the viewer is missing. So, the algorithm tests the Shorts for hundreds of thousands of views to determine its value. We can see the effect of this under the “

Swipe-away analytics are a new feature that can help you understand how viewers are interacting with your Shorts: Are they sticking around, or are they swiping away before the video ends? Here’s how to check it out:

the youtube analytics menu option and the content tab

3. On the right, you can see how many chose to view your Shorts and how many swiped away from them.

Viewed versus swiped away data for youtube Shorts

What would you learn after studying 35 billion Shorts views on YouTube? Well, 

 has the answer! And our YouTube experts got some brilliant insights in a recent interview with him. In fact, they learned enough to help you 

Nate found out that Shorts that are either 13 or 60 seconds long tend to perform best. Additionally, there are specific categories, such as original showcases and sensory experiences like ASMR videos, that consistently attract more views.

He also observed that channels that have published at least 200 Shorts tend to see a consistent increase in views over time. So, before you get disheartened with your Shorts views, be sure to upload a lot of them! Also, the first three seconds of your Short are crucial for capturing viewer interest. Make them count!

How to Get 10 Million YouTube Shorts Views: A 90-Day Plan

Equipped with this knowledge, we must take care of certain factors when it comes to YouTube Shorts.

Timing and consistency are key when it comes to Shorts. Knowing when your audience is most active and aligning your publishing schedule accordingly can significantly impact your Shorts' performance.

Fortunately, it's easy to find out the best time to post your Shorts. From the YouTube Studio, click Analytics and then the 

 Scroll down to the “When your viewers are on YouTube” tab, and you'll see the best time to post on YouTube for your specific viewers!

Would you believe it, thumbnails still matter! And for Shorts, it’s the most visible asset of your video. When your Shorts appear in regular YouTube feeds, 

a compelling thumbnail can be your secret weapon for attracting more clicks.

Viewer satisfaction remains a top priority, even in Shorts. A compelling hook within the first three seconds can make or break your content. Every Short should make a clear promise at the beginning and deliver on it by the end. Failing to do so can result in a less-than-satisfying experience for the viewer.

Consistency and experimentation go hand in hand. Don't be afraid to try different types of content to see what resonates with your audience. This might help you solidify the proper seed audience for your content!

Getting more YouTube views is always a hot topic, and we're guessing that's why so many of you want to understand the Shorts algorithm! 

 Sure, the big numbers look good, but how do you translate that into more valuable, monetizable views?

Well, rest assured: the YouTube Shorts algorithm is 

 when it comes to attracting more long-form views. A new update on YouTube has addressed this very issue, and it’s a great first step! 

A new feature allows YouTube creators to include a persistent link in their Shorts,

 directing viewers to long-form content. This feature aims to bridge the gap between Shorts and traditional YouTube videos. Watch the video below to learn more!

Unlock the secrets of the YouTube Shorts algorithm! Learn why views matter, the ideal length for Shorts, and how to keep your audience hooked in this comprehensive guide.

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work?

One of the great, eternal mysteries of the internet is the YouTube algorithm. 

 of the content consumed on YouTube comes directly from recommendations, so it’s easy to understand why creators and marketers are obsessed with figuring it out.

Although nobody (not even YouTube themselves) has a full understanding of how it works, certain factors do influence it more than others. But to understand the algorithm, we must start from the beginning.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2023: The Ultimate Guide

In the beginning, there was no algorithm. It was all about gaining credibility as a platform for YouTube. Since everything revolved around views, YouTube’s first algorithm strove to recommend videos that attracted the most clicks. The more people clicked on a video, the more it would appear for others to click on, too. Soon, malpractices around using tags became common, and YouTube stepped in.

YouTube changed its algorithm in favor of video watch time

 because they thought time viewed was the true test of quality. But, soon enough, creators found loopholes like view-botting their content or making long videos with no value. This led the algorithm to change again around 2015-16.

Through surveys, YouTube collected data from users to understand what kind of videos “satisfy” them the most, and with their 

sophisticated AI developed the recommendation system

. As a result, YouTube began to suggest videos that each individual viewer would be more likely to watch, rather than videos that other people were viewing. And the outcomes—well, they were really excellent! So much so, that YouTube hasn’t announced major changes to the algorithm since.

In 2024, the YouTube algorithm makes personalized suggestions to each viewer. These suggestions are weighted according to the performance and quality of the videos, as well as viewer interest and behavior.

For the algorithm to recommend videos to a user, there are two steps involved. First, it rates videos based on their performance analytics. Then, it matches videos to users based on past viewing habits and comparable material. Matching people with the content they want to watch is the objective.

You can see recommendations from the algorithm in 3 main areas of YouTube:

How is it that YouTube already knows what you want to watch from the moment you’re on the website? That’s because your homepage is curated just for you!

Showing high engagement (watch time, likes, comments, etc.)

That’s why, as a creator, it’s so important to get people watching your videos so your channel is always in their watch history. Then you can find ways to keep them watching longer and engaging more frequently.

Depending on someone’s viewing habits, they may also see videos related to their location, language, or other demographics.

These are the videos recommended alongside the video you’re already watching, on the right side of your screen. The YouTube algorithm takes into account a number of variables, including your topic of interest, liked channels, and your watch history, to provide a customized list of videos for the recommended area.

In a nutshell, the algorithm compiles a list of videos that you could find interesting and relevant by analyzing your behavior on the website.

So how do you persuade YouTube to suggest your videos to more viewers? Start by observing the “suggested” column next to your competitors’ content. If YouTube is recommending specific videos there, try filming your own version of that content so you can get recommended too!

How does YouTube decide which videos should go on a search page? Based on user behavior and keywords, the system narrows down the enormous video library to a limited number and then ranks them according to engagement metrics and relevancy. YouTube makes sure that users get the greatest search results by balancing relevancy and popularity.

Of course, YouTube keywords are important here. However, because the system takes into account personalized signals, each user's search results may vary significantly.

Videos with better engagement metrics and potential, such as views, shares, likes, and comments, are given priority in search results, but YouTube also makes sure that fresh content from new channels isn't unfairly eclipsed by popular YouTubers. The platform adds a certain amount of randomization and can show diverse results that are still relevant to the search query.

The main goal of YouTube’s algorithm is to keep viewers on the website for as long as possible, so be sure to optimize your content for this crucial area of the platform.

It’s safe to say the YouTube algorithm won’t be changing its core function in the future. But, 

in a recent interview with Creator Insider,

 Todd Beaupre, Director of Growth and Discovery at YouTube, said there are still problems to solve in YouTube’s search and discovery algorithms. Our in-house expert Rob jumped right into it and gave some more insights on the nature of the algorithm. Watch his analysis below:

No matter what happens, smaller channels will get help from YouTube in identifying their audience. Beaupre says YouTube has dedicated staff to monitor the progress of new creators and will advise them on how to improve their videos. Seems like a fantastic time to 

2023 was a great year for creators who built strong YouTube communities rather than chase quick views. If that sounds like you, try to leave a lasting impression on viewers and offer real value with your content in 2024 as well!

Remember, the algorithm’s job is to provide the perfect content to each individual viewer. So, stop making videos for the algorithm! Instead, aim to satisfy that one viewer, and you’ve got the algorithm playing for your team! 

Unlock the mystery of the YouTube Algorithm with our in-depth guide. Dive into its evolution and learn how the algorithm personalizes home page curation, suggests relevant videos, and more.

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2024

As the YouTube algorithm evolves, creators learn to prioritize different metrics on their channels. They might be interested in views, click-through rate, subscribers gained, and other markers of success. But did you know that the most obvious one, YouTube views, 

 the best catalyst for growth? In 2024, watch time and viewer satisfaction (also known as engagement) are clearly in the lead.

The truth is that it's hard to get more views without first satisfying your audience and making them watch longer. Only then does the YouTube algorithm recommend your content to more people!

But, how do you strike the perfect balance between keeping your audience glued to the screen and ensuring they walk away fulfilled? Let's break it down.

Watch Time is often considered the holy grail of YouTube metrics. 

It indicates how long viewers stay on a platform and can impact a channel's ability to rank and gain suggested views. In many cases, watch time on YouTube is more important than the average viewer retention rate.

Of course, it is one of the essential factors for getting monetized, and for good reason. A high watch time for your channel would typically mean that viewers like to binge on your content and that’s one of the best signals to the algorithm!

YouTube has been increasingly focusing on viewer satisfaction, which encompasses likes, comments, and overall engagement. With the help of these indicators, the recommendation system on YouTube learns how to serve the viewer the best possible video every time.

More recently, YouTube has also used surveys to ask the viewers directly about their experience on the platform, which makes the viewers feel more included in the platform. The positive response has prompted YouTube to make viewer satisfaction the central aspect of the new and improved algorithm.

YouTube's 'Suggested Videos' Algorithm: How to Crack It

Ah, the age-old question. While views give you an overview of your content's reach, watch time offers a deeper look into viewer engagement. A video with fewer views but higher watch time often indicates content that resonates more deeply with your audience. So, if you're looking to build a loyal community around your channel, 

Striking a balance between watch time and viewer satisfaction is essential for long-term success on YouTube. While watch time can help you climb the algorithmic ladder, focusing solely on it can lead to short-term gains. On the other hand, viewer satisfaction is about building a lasting relationship with your audience, which is invaluable for any creator.

, Todd Beaupre, who leads YouTube's growth and discovery team, emphasizes focusing on long-term satisfaction rather than just maximizing watch time. Todd advises creators to think about what their audience wants and find the best fit, as the algorithm will then match that.

So how do you balance watch time with viewer satisfaction? Here are some tips:

In the age of pumping out content with AI, this advice seems counter-intuitive. But, instead of focusing solely on watch time, aim for content that provides real value. Whether it's a how-to guide or an in-depth review, make sure your videos offer something meaningful.

When viewers find value in your content, they're more likely to engage with it, binge it, share it, and discuss it with others. And soon enough, enable you to 

 satisfy viewers, make your content engaging from start to finish. Use

, and even interactive elements like polls to keep your audience invested.

Always keep an eye on the comments section and any feedback you receive through social media or direct messages. This real-time feedback is gold when it comes to gauging viewer satisfaction. It's also a good way to spot new video ideas!

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

Don't be afraid to experiment with different video formats and lengths. 

 to track how these changes affect both watch time and viewer satisfaction. 

For example, if you notice that shorter videos are being watched to completion but contribute less watch time than longer videos, that's a sign you're striking a good balance.

The YouTube algorithm is a complex beast that creators often find themselves trying to tame. It helps to keep an eye on your analytics to understand what's working and what needs improvement and act upon it. 

Watch Time and Viewer Satisfaction Go Hand-in-Hand

If you satisfy viewers with the right content, you’ll see results in the form of an improved retention rate, higher returning viewers, and hopefully, more watch time! The key takeaway is to find the right balance.

The YouTube algorithm is itself made up of several algorithms that work on different aspects of the platform. While we can talk about the algorithm from a wider overview, there are nitty-gritties we simply cannot go over in a single blog post. But worry not, we have for you the ultimate guide to the algorithm brought to you by our YouTube experts. Watch it right here: 

So, go ahead and experiment, analyze, and most importantly, create content that you're passionate about. The numbers will follow. If you're a small creator looking to improve, 

People in a circle watching videos using colorful phones

Everyone wants to get more views on YouTube, but watch time and engagement are more important to the YouTube algorithm. Here's how to balance the two!

YouTube Algorithm Hack: Chase Watch Time and Engagement — Not Views

Does it feel like the YouTube algorithm is ignoring your small channel?

We hate to bring bad news, but you might be right. There's a chance YouTube 

It's probably not for the reasons you think, like the algorithm changing or YouTube favoring large, popular channels. More than likely, you need to know 

We hate to see so many channels stall out, so we asked Todd Beaupre, director of product management at YouTube, how to stop it. As he explained the algorithm, we learned 

 creators must know to grow an audience.

So if you want to turn your small channel into a large one, keep reading for some YouTube algorithm hacks!

Secret No. 1: The Algorithm Serves the Viewer, Not the Other Way Around

Spoiler: Many people know this secret already. They realize the YouTube algorithm is a recommendation system; its job is to 

But while many people know this, plenty of creators don't have that information. Some think the algorithm or video creators 

 what people watch, but that's not true.

"The main job of the algorithm is to serve the user when they show up," Beaupre says. "A lot of creators think about things from the creator's perspective, like 'Oh, I make a video, and then YouTube pushes it out to a bunch of people.'"

"For the most part, recommendations and [YouTube videos from search] don't get pushed out. They're pulled from viewers."

In other words, viewing patterns on YouTube influence the algorithm. You can post thousands of high-quality videos, but they'll only get views if they appeal to a specific audience.

Secret No 2: The Algorithm Uses Watch History to Recommend Videos

So far, we've learned that viewers determine what they like, and the algorithm delivers that experience.

But that raises a few questions: How do you get 

 content to show up on a video suggestion list? How do you make the algorithm 

First, get your content into someone's watch history, Beaupre says. The algorithm will notice your channel as more people watch your videos.

"We use watch history as probably the most important signal we know about a viewer to figure out what they want to watch next," Beaupre says.

So if the algorithm knows Viewer A watches your videos, it may conclude that Viewer A wants to see more of your content — which is exactly what you want to happen.

Secret No. 3: The Algorithm Looks at Titles and Descriptions When You Have No Views/Subscribers

Every channel has to start somewhere, and YouTube knows this. That's why new channels with no behavioral data, such as watch history, are analyzed for their metadata instead.

"I would say YouTube search is probably the first place for fresh videos," Beaupre says. "You upload a brand new video around Minecraft, [for example], and we're going to consider that video when someone searches for Minecraft based on the title and description."

So if you're a new creator with no views or subscribers, 

 to get the algorithm's attention. Do some 

Secret No. 4: Sometimes Your Niche Is too Competitive

We typically say there's an audience for every interest, especially on YouTube. But what if millions of people create videos on the same topic? That makes it harder to stand out no matter what you do.

Beaupre's advice? Take the road less traveled.

"I would discourage creators from trying to compete in the most competitive spaces in the word," he says. "Rather than go after the Minecraft query, for example, you might want to find a niche that isn't already being served by a million other videos."

finding trending topics for your YouTube videos

. Go to Google Trends and research people's interests, or head to platforms like TikTok and Twitter to discover subcultures in various niches. If you can find an underserved community, you'll be one step closer to finding your niche.

Secret No. 5: Don't Rely on YouTube to Promote Your Small Channel

Remember what we said about the algorithm and watch history?

To satisfy viewers, YouTube will make recommendations that mirror 

Once again, that raises another question: What do you do when no one has watched your videos yet?

If you're in this situation, Beaupre says it's time to look beyond YouTube.

"I wouldn't rely entirely on YouTube as the only way to drive attention to your content," he says. "Identify other places where your content might be relevant. That could be anything from Facebook groups to Discord servers to Twitter."

"Seed your video in places where you're going to get some watch history and kickstart that signal [to the algorithm]."

That doesn't mean you should spam your videos in community forums. Be intentional about where you share videos, ensuring that A) your ideal viewers hang out there and B) your videos solve their biggest problems. That's how you do clean, effective promotion.

You won't have to do this forever, but it's a powerful way to kick off your YouTube journey.

Small YouTube Channels Benefit from These Tips

YouTube's recommendation algorithm is complicated, but we hope this post explained the trickier parts. At the very least, you should understand five things to grow a small YouTube channel:

The algorithm serves the viewer, not the other way around.

The algorithm uses watch history to recommend videos.

The algorithm looks at titles and descriptions when you have no views/subscribers.

A competitive niche = less opportunity for views.

You can't rely on YouTube to promote your small channel, so leverage other social media.

Want to hear more advice about these tips? Watch this video to strengthen your knowledge of the YouTube algorithm.

Now that you understand the algorithm, here's how to make people watch multiple videos on your channel.

How does the YouTube algorithm work? In this post, we get helpful answers from YouTube's director of product management.

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

Are you a small creator looking to grow your YouTube channel? If so, you'll want to know about a recent update that could help you out.

As of August 18, the YouTube algorithm will consider recent long-form videos when recommending content to YouTube Shorts viewers. So instead of Shorts having no relationship with long-form videos, you could potentially use shorter videos to get views on longer YouTube content.

For example, let's say a viewer watches one of your Shorts with a whopping 50,000 views. Instead of that viewer never exploring your channel, YouTube will notice that they watched one of your Shorts and potentially recommend a longer video for them to watch (from your channel).

Todd Beaupré, director of discovery at YouTube, announced the algorithm update on Twitter.

"At VidCon, I spoke about YouTube building a bridge to better connect Shorts to long-form discovery. Today, the first lane on that bridge opened. Recommendations now consider recent long-form videos from channels the viewer watches in Shorts."

In the past, Shorts and long-form videos were less connected. They had different watch histories, which meant viewers watching Shorts wouldn't be recommended long-form videos from the same creator.

Why Some YouTube Shorts Don't Attract Long-Form Viewers [Algorithm Update]

But now that the algorithm has changed, how will the update affect your channel?

1. You Can Use YouTube Shorts to Promote Long-Form Videos

For months, creators complained that their viral Shorts had no positive effect on long-form videos. They were no additional views, no extra subscribers, and no channel growth overall. If there was a boost, it was minuscule.

With the latest update, you could potentially use Shorts to drive views to your long-form videos — a valuable gift to small creators.

2. You Can Post YouTube Shorts and Long-Form Videos on the Same Channel

The traditional advice around Shorts was to keep them off your main channel. The general thinking was:

Most Shorts viewers aren't interested in long videos.

Views from Shorts don't seem to boost views on long-form content.

As a result, many creators made Shorts-only channels.

But the rules are changing. Shorts can send traffic to long-form videos, so putting both content types on the same channel makes sense.

Plus, you might benefit from doing so in the long run. According to Beaupré, YouTube plans to add a Shorts tab to all channels and help advertise those videos.

 have Shorts and longs on the same channel? There is one exception.

"The principle to follow is: Same audience? Same channel. Different audience? Different channel. So, it depends on your goals. Some creators (including MrBeast) made a separate channel to experiment with Shorts but are now uploading Shorts on their primary channel," Beaupré says.

So if you're trying to reach a completely different audience with your Shorts, it's best to make a separate channel for that content.

Here's how to grow a successful YouTube Shorts channel.

Thanks to an algorithm update, YouTube Shorts can help you get views on long-form videos.

YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

Imagine this. You're at home relaxing when an idea pops into your head. You envision a video — a 

 to be exact — filled with action, comedy, and a trending song everybody loves. As far as you know, the idea is 100% original.

 go viral, there's a good chance those viewers will watch some of the longer videos on your channel — not just the quick, addictive Shorts.

Intrigued, you spend hours bringing the idea to life, from scripting to filming to editing. And just as you predicted, the Short gets thousands of views in no time. 

But there's just one problem. None of the "Shorts" viewers decided to watch your long-form videos, which is slightly baffling. Normally, a viewer who watches something on one channel gets recommended another video from the same channel.

YouTube Shorts vs. Longs: Two Different Watch Histories

If you're wondering why YouTube Shorts views never make their way to your regular videos, it's because the YouTube algorithm has changed.

Todd Beaupré, director of discovery at YouTube, explained the update during a 

 at VidCon this year. Apparently, the algorithm was updated because it had problems recommending content to people watching Shorts.

"When the algorithm saw a viewer, [it said], 'Oh, look, the last 200 videos this viewer watched were all under a minute. This viewer only wants to watch short videos.' And so it basically stopped recommending those viewers long-form content," Beaupré says.

To fix the problem, YouTube separated the watch history of YouTube Shorts from long-form videos. That allowed the algorithm to look at both content types as entities that 

 compete with each other. So instead of someone watching 200 Shorts and getting recommended nothing 

 Shorts, long-form videos were suggested again.

the algorithm won't consider any watch history from YouTube Shorts when recommending a channel's long-form content.

"When a viewer goes into the main [side of] YouTube, we're not going to pay attention to what Shorts they watch because we don't want the algorithm to get the wrong idea," Beaupré says.

Need more details? Watch the video below to learn more about the algorithm update.

What This Means for Long-Form YouTube Videos

We know this update is disappointing for creators. In some ways, YouTube is ignoring your best Shorts so they don't "boost" your long-form content.

That doesn't mean your longer videos will 

 get recommended, though. It just means there are no more shortcuts. You can't ride the wave of a viral YouTube Short and expect your channel to get new visitors now. These days, your long-form videos need to be outstanding in their own right. They should entice viewers, satisfy their need for entertainment, and make them return to watch more videos.

Once you do that, YouTube will serve those videos to the right audience.

In the meantime, here are six things the YouTube algorithm likes to see on creators' videos.

A recent update to the YouTube algorithm makes it harder to use YouTube Shorts to gain long-form viewers. Here's why the change was necessary.

YouTube just exposed its own algorithm. In a video posted to 

, YouTube product manager Rachel Alves discussed how the video recommendation system works. She explained how videos get discovered, whether that’s on the YouTube homepage or suggested content areas. Then she offered tips to make click-worthy videos for those places.

This is valuable information for creators, and yet, it’s not life-changing advice to help you go viral. It’s good to understand how the system works. But if that’s your only focus, growing on YouTube will be the same challenge its always been.

How to Start a YouTube Channel – 10 Brilliant Tips

The real focus should be your audience, not an algorithm. Viewers are the heart of the system, and the machinery is there to support their intent.

“YouTube’s recommendation system is designed to find videos for viewers, not viewers for videos,” Alves says.

Above all, that statement is what Alves wants you to grasp. In the video below, each secret about the algorithm comes with a caveat: 

Want to learn how YouTube recommends videos? Just keep reading. You can use the secrets below plus 

YouTube doesn't 'recommend' every video to its viewers. Keep reading to learn which type of content – or rather, which performance metric – is fueling the system.

Posts tagged with “YouTube Algorithm”

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work?

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2024

YouTube Algorithm Hack: Chase Watch Time and Engagement — Not Views

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

Why Some YouTube Shorts Don't Attract Long-Form Viewers [Algorithm Update]

YouTube Algorithm Guide: How Your Videos Are Recommended to Viewers

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