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!
So, why do some YouTube Shorts go viral 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, views are king. 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: explore and exploit. 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.
In an interview with Creator Insider, 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 “Viewed vs. Swiped away” metric in analytics.
The YouTube shorts algorithm pays close attention to each viewer's habits. And these habits can be rightly evaluated from the Analytics tab. A recent update from YouTube has changed how views will work on Shorts, and Rob will tell you all about it.
As of March 31st, any YouTube Short that starts playing or replays will be counted as a view—no minimum watch time required. This is a shift from the previous model where a viewer had to watch for a few seconds before a view was logged.
Additionally, every loop of a Short now adds another view, which means passive replays inflate view counts.
YouTube Shorts is now distinguishing between two types of metrics:
Only Engaged Views count toward critical metrics such as YouTube Partner Program (YPP) eligibility and revenue payouts.
With this update, our approach in understanding YouTube Shorts analytics needs to focus on specific areas.
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:
1. Go to the YouTube Studio. Click Analytics, then click on the Content tab.
2. Select Shorts from the menu below.
3. On the right, you can see how many chose to view your Shorts and how many swiped away from them.
Under Advance mode in Analytics, you can check the watch time you gain from YouTube Shorts.
With the recent update, creators will see a noticeable jump in view counts—as much as 30% more—but this doesn’t automatically mean better performance. Other key metrics such as likes, comments, watch time, and subscribers remain unaffected unless those views are engaged.
This shift may create a false sense of growth, giving the illusion of more success while the actual engagement remains unchanged.
What would you learn after studying 35 billion Shorts views on YouTube? Well, after extensive research, Nate Black 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 beat the YouTube Shorts algorithm.
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!
Read more: 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 Audience tab. 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!
While viewer engagement is the main factor for success, metadata still matters for proper categorization. Your video title, description, hashtags, and even the words spoken in the Short give clues about your content.
Include clear keywords in your title and description, add relevant hashtags (such as #shorts), and state your topic within the first few seconds. This practice helps the YouTube Shorts algorithm match your content with the right audience. Keyword tools can help you spot popular terms in your niche.
Getting more YouTube views is always a hot topic, and that's why so many of you want to understand the Shorts algorithm!
But some of you may be thinking, What do these views mean in the long run? 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 not broken 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!
Research shows Shorts that are 13 or 60 seconds long tend to do best. A 60-second Short can work well if it holds the viewer's interest.
Shorts that work well include original showcases, sensory experiences like ASMR, educational clips, and trending topics.
Check your YouTube Analytics under the Audience tab. Post when your viewers are most active to get the best reach.
Yes, you should use custom thumbnails. When Shorts appear elsewhere on YouTube, eye-catching thumbnails can boost clicks.
The key metrics include the Viewed vs. Swiped Away ratio, watch time percentage, overall retention, and engagement via likes, comments, and shares.
In addition to being an avid movie and gaming enthusiast, Uttaran Samaddar is an experienced writer who has lent his creativity and unique perspective to various publications. He loves hearing and telling stories.
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