How to upload your views on YouTube: Knowing the algorithm
The world of online content is a complex and ever-evolving ecosystem. YouTube content creators are constantly looking for ways to make their videos more visible and appealing to the platform’s algorithm.
In this article, we'll explore key strategies and metrics that can influence the performance of your videos on YouTube .
Impressions: The Power of First Impressions
Impressions are a critical aspect for any video on YouTube. They refer to the number of times your title and thumbnail are seen by viewers on the platform.
Impressions play a vital role in the YouTube algorithm's decision of how relevant your video is to users. The first impression is important as it determines whether a viewer will click on your video and play it.
Impressions can be a point of anxiety for creators, as YouTube’s algorithm can be unpredictable in this regard. There are often significant differences in impressions for similar videos posted at different times. This can lead to questions about why YouTube gives one video more chances than another.
Click-through rate (CTR) and watch time in the first few hours of a video can influence impressions.
It is essential to understand that the first 72 hours after publication are crucial in determining whether a video will be considered evergreen content or not. Impressions can be greatly influenced by these factors.
Average Watch Time: Keep Your Viewers Engaged
Average watch time is a metric that measures how long a viewer spends watching your video on average.
It's a key indicator of how effective your content is at keeping viewers engaged. Keeping viewers watching your video for longer is critical to success on YouTube.
In general, an average watch time of 65% is considered a key figure for good performance on the platform . This means that, on average, viewers watch approximately 65% of the total video length. However, reaching this goal may require effort and careful attention.
It's important to note that the length of the video and the quality of its content can influence the average watch time. Not all videos need to be long; what matters is that the content is valuable and keeps viewers engaged.
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Click-Through Rate (CTR): The Importance of a Good Hook
Click-through rate (CTR) is another crucial metric on YouTube. It represents the percentage of times viewers click on your video relative to how often the video thumbnail or title is displayed.
A high CTR indicates that your title and thumbnail are effective in attracting viewers' attention.
CTR can be a source of anxiety for many creators, especially in the first few hours after publishing.
However, after that period, CTR tends to be influenced by impressions, making it a less meaningful metric in the long term.
Video Length: The Search for Balance
Video length is an important aspect to consider. While some creators opt for longer videos, others prefer shorter, more concise content. The key is to make sure the video length is appropriate for the content and target audience .
It is important to remember that a video should not be artificially lengthened just to increase the viewing time. Quality and viewer engagement are essential.
Longer videos can be a useful strategy in certain cases, such as live streams, to accumulate watch time.
RPM and CPM: Understanding Your Revenue
Finally, we have RPM and CPM, which are revenue-related metrics on YouTube. RPM (Revenue per thousand impressions) and CPM (Cost per thousand impressions) represent how much you earn in ad revenue per thousand views. These metrics are related to the monetization of your channel.
It’s essential to understand that your YouTube earnings are not directly controlled by adjusting your RPM or CPM. These metrics are a result of your success as a creator.
You can influence your income through brand deals, sponsorships, and affiliate links, where you have more control over your external income streams.
Conclusion: Strategic Focus and Patience
Success on YouTube involves a strategic approach and a deep understanding of key metrics. While impressions, watch time, click-through rate, video length, and revenue are all important, it’s essential to remember that not all of them should be a cause for constant anxiety.
Instead of obsessing over every metric, creators should focus on creating valuable and engaging content for their audience.
Ultimately, YouTube is a long-term game . As you continue to publish and learn from your experience, you’ll develop an instinct for what works best for your channel.
Keep a strategic mindset, be patient, and keep delivering content that resonates with your target audience. The YouTube algorithm can be a mystery at times, but with time and practice, you can learn to make it work in your favor.
Written by Moises Hamui Abadi : I am an entrepreneur, founding partner of Viceversa and SoyMacho. After leading several digital businesses and advising several other businesses, I decided to form MHA Consulting, a digital marketing consultancy dedicated to growing and empowering digital businesses in more than 7 countries and generating more than 1,500 million pesos.
If you want more information on this topic or are looking for other options to profile your ideal client, you will find the solution you need at MHA. Schedule a call.