Brief Summary
This video explains how to get your YouTube videos recommended to a wider audience. It covers key strategies such as specializing in a niche, optimizing for viewer retention, creating compelling thumbnails, analyzing video performance, maintaining a consistent posting schedule, developing a unique brand identity, fostering genuine engagement, and understanding how YouTube visually indicates recommendations.
- Focus on a Niche
- Optimize Viewer Retention
- Consistent Posting Schedule
- Unique Brand Identity
Why YouTube Recommends Videos
YouTube recommends videos to users it believes will be interested in the content. To increase the likelihood of recommendation, creators should focus on a specific niche. By specializing, YouTube can more accurately target the content to the right audience, increasing the click-through rate (CTR) and overall engagement. For example, a cooking channel might focus specifically on fast food or student meals.
Effort to Retain Viewers
To retain viewers, creators must capture their attention within the first 30 seconds of the video. If viewers click away quickly, YouTube interprets this as a sign that the video is not engaging and will reduce its visibility. A strong hook at the beginning is crucial. Additionally, compelling thumbnails are essential for attracting viewers from the start.
Analyzing Previous Video
YouTube's algorithm favors content that keeps viewers on the platform longer. Creators can increase session time by creating playlists and using end screens to suggest related videos. Playlists automatically play the next video in a series, while end screens provide viewers with direct links to other content on the channel.
Real Interaction
Genuine engagement, such as comments, likes, shares, and saves, signals to YouTube that the content is valuable and resonates with the audience. These interactions demonstrate that viewers are actively involved with the content, which can improve its recommendation rate.
Thumbnail Testing and Repetition
Continuously test and refine thumbnails to improve the click-through rate (CTR). If a video's CTR is low, experiment with different thumbnail designs and titles to see what resonates best with the audience. YouTube Studio provides data on CTR, allowing creators to track the performance of their thumbnails and make informed adjustments.
Order in Publication
Maintaining a consistent posting schedule signals to YouTube that the channel is active and reliable. Whether it's weekly or multiple times a week, sticking to a regular schedule can improve visibility and attract more viewers.
Work Signature
Develop a unique brand identity or "signature" that makes the channel recognizable. This could be a specific phrase, visual style, or editing technique. A consistent brand helps viewers connect with the content and fosters a sense of familiarity.
Emotional Storytelling
Engage viewers through emotional and relatable storytelling. Present content in a way that feels personal and authentic, as if speaking to a friend. This approach can help build a stronger connection with the audience and increase viewer retention.
How to Tell If You've Been Recommended
In YouTube Studio, the "Traffic Source" report indicates how many views come from YouTube's recommendation system. This shows how often the video appears on users' homepages and suggested video feeds. A high number of views from recommendations indicates that the video is effectively reaching a wider audience.
