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/
