How YouTube decides what videos people see is the key to getting discovered on YouTube. But most creators don’t fully understand how it works. Knowing how the algorithm works gives you an edge in growing your channel.

In this guide, I’ll break down how YouTube decides what videos to recommend and promote.

1. There’s More Than One Algorithm at Play

Most people think there’s one YouTube algorithm, but that’s not true.

These include

The homepage recommendations

Up next and suggested videos during and after you watch

Videos that appear when users search for something

Personalized notifications and subscription feed

These algorithms work differently, but all aim to get users to stay on YouTube longer.

2. The Algorithm Prioritizes Viewer Satisfaction

If your videos keep viewers watching and coming back, the algorithm will promote them more.

Key engagement signals include:

Click-Through Rate (CTR)

How long people watch your videos and sessions overall

Percentage of the video watched (higher is better)

Likes, comments, shares, and subscribes after watching

Returning viewers and session time extensions

Videos that spark engagement and extend session time are rewarded with more impressions and recommendations.

3. Personalization and Prediction

Every viewer sees a unique homepage, suggested videos, and Shorts feed based on their behavior.

Understanding your ideal viewer and creating videos that match their interests helps you appear in their feeds more often.

4. Keywords Help You Get Found in Search

YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world.

But remember: Even if you rank high in search, your video needs good engagement and retention to stay there.

5. Shorts Have Their Own Algorithm

Shorts are pushed heavily to new audiences, even for small channels.

Creating hooky intros, loopable videos, and using trending sounds or formats can help your Shorts go viral faster.

6. Tips to Get the Algorithm on Your Side

Best practices include:

Use strong hooks in the first 15 seconds to improve retention

Optimize your CTR without clickbaiting

Encourage comments, likes, and shares to trigger engagement signals

Post consistently to signal reliability to the algorithm and your audience

Analyze your audience retention and double down on what works

Conclusion

The YouTube algorithm is complex, but at its core, it rewards content that keeps viewers watching and enjoying the platform.

Focus on your audience, deliver value, optimize your videos for search and engagement, and stay consistent.

Learn more: https://1of10.com/blog/how-does-the-youtube-algorithm-work/