10 Types of Videos that Attract More YouTube Watch Time

Even as a small creator, there's a good chance you've seen all the tips and tricks for earning more watch time on YouTube. So today, we're sharing a different perspective. Instead of telling you how to build watch more hours, we're going to reveal the types of videos that get watched longer.

Why does this matter? We know most creators want to reach 3,000-4,000 hours of watch time on their channels. Achieving this milestone puts you in the running to join the YouTube Partner Program and make money from your content. After all, who doesn't want some extra cash on the side?

These 10, highly-watched videos will help you do just that!

1. Podcast Episodes

Podcasts are the unsung heroes of YouTube. They're mostly listened to rather than viewed, which means you don't have to worry about keeping viewers' attention visually. If the topic is interesting and the conversation flows, podcasting is a powerful way to rack up those watch time minutes.

Plus, YouTube is the number one place to listen to podcasts, according to a Luminate survey of 3,000 U.S. listeners. The same report lists true crime, comedy, news, and politics as the top genres. Perhaps that's why the Joe Rogan Experience, a leading show, has been popular for so long; it explores a mix of topics and interests!

2. Children's Content

Kids can't get enough of YouTube, and they're known for watching videos on repeat. Whether it's nursery rhymes or educational content, children's videos are a goldmine for collecting YouTube watch hours.

Need an example of just how dominant a kids channel can be? Look no further the viral song, "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong. It's the most-watched video in YouTube history, and it's the first video to hit 10 billion views. That's a lot of watch time!

3. "How-To" Guides and Tutorials

"How-to" videos aim to guide viewers through a process, so they can potentially gain higher watch time on YouTube.

But many minutes and hours can one expect in the education space? That depends on what you're teaching and how complex it is.

For example, a how-to guide on making friends is useful, but whether you need a video for that is debatable. Technically, you could read a short article and get all the information you need.

Fixing a car engine is more complex and time consuming. That might require a visual guide, written instructions, and audio cues to make the task a bit easier. So, starting a how-to channel is smart if you're teaching something few people understand!

4. Comedy Skits

YouTube pranks, parodies, and goofy skits have a lot going for themselves. They keep viewers engaged and watching until the end, which is the best way to stack more watch hours. Plus, comedic videos are relatable enough to get shared across internet and even go viral. This is especially true if the punchline is worth the wait and there's a storyline to follow.

And besides, who doesn't love a good laugh? Google lists comedy as one of the top four categories watched alongside music videos, how-to content, and pop culture. Check out Gen-Z Hospital, a skit from Saturday Night Live, to see what people love about this genre.

5. Music Meme Videos

Music videos (or even audio tracks) collect a lot of watch time on YouTube, especially if they're catchy. Just think of all the "internet songs" inspired by viral memes. Some are still getting thousands of plays today and building extra watch time by the minute!

For example, have you listened to the meme-ified song It's Corn! by Songify This, Tariq, and Recess Therapy? The YouTube video has 34 million views and counting, which is impressive for just one year of viewership. The trend may die, but the song lives on forever!

So, here's the real question: Are you musically inclined? Use your talents to songify a meme, and you might get more watch time!

6. Long-Form Documentaries

Documentaries explore one topic topic in depth through a mix of education, entertainment, and sometimes shock value. So, don't think of them as long, boring YouTube videos. If there's some controversy or tension driving the story forward, you have the perfect recipe for keeping viewers' attention.

Need some inspiration? Check out The Genius Within: Extraordinary Gifted People by Real Stories.

7. Livestreams

Live content allows for real-time interaction between creators and their viewers. These broadcasts aren't short, either; many streams will range from a few minutes to 12 hours maximum on YouTube. Considering that, it's no wonder streaming pulls in so much watch time!

Not only that, it's easy to convert livestreams to regular YouTube content when the broadcast is over. So you'll gain watch hours during the livestream and after!

One example is the rise of Fortnite livestreams. They're popular, engaging, and lengthy, all of which leads to more viewing minutes.

8. ASMR Videos

ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. It refers to the tingling sensation running from scalp to spine that a listener feels in response to soothing noises.

But are there real ASMR videos on YouTube? We'll never know for sure. What we do know is that videos with great audio get tons of watch time on YouTube.

Like podcasts, viewers don't have to see the screen to enjoy ASMR. It's an auditory experience, so they're listening to rain sounds, gentle wind, cooking noises, and more. Check out this ASMR cooking video from Men With The Pot to see what we mean!

9. Gaming Videos

Gaming is fun, but it's also task oriented. Viewers are there to see someone beat a tricky level, build something complicated, explore glitches in a game, and countless other quests. They're learning something new while also being entertained, and that's a sure-fire way to get anyone's attention!

Read More: 11 Killer Tips for Starting a YouTube Gaming Channel in 2023

It's one of the reasons Minecraft is so popular on YouTube and why viewers show up to watch those videos!

10. Compilation Videos

Compilation videos offer a variety of content in one package, keeping viewers engaged for a long time. Best of all, there's a compilation video for almost anything you can think of — funny pet moments, gaming fails, spooky pranks, silly bloopers, and more. The more entertaining the content, the more watch time you can earn!

If you need some inspiration, check out FailArmy to see how addicting these videos can be!

What Do These Videos Have in Common?

From the list above, it's easy to see what leads to more watch time on YouTube. Many of these videos seem to have:

• High replay value
• Audio-driven content
• A desire to teach, entertain, and satisfy all at once

Take a look at these qualities and try to add them your next batch of videos. Before you know it, you'll have enough watch time to get monetized on YouTube.

By the way, here's your official guide to monetizing a YouTube channel!