The YouTube algorithm is the key to getting discovered on YouTube. Yet, many creators still struggle to understand it. Knowing how the algorithm works gives you an edge in growing your channel.
In this guide, I’ll break down how the YouTube algorithm works in this year.
1. It’s Not Just One Algorithm
There isn’t just one single YouTube algorithm—there are several working together.
These include
Videos shown on your YouTube home page
Up next and suggested videos during and after you watch
Videos that appear when users search for something
Shorts feed, trending page, and subscriptions tab
Each area has its own algorithm with specific goals and ranking factors.
2. YouTube’s Goal Is to Keep Viewers Happy and On the Platform
At the core, YouTube’s algorithm is designed to keep people watching videos as long as possible.
Key engagement signals include:
How often people click your video when they see it
Watch time
Retention rate
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
The algorithm predicts what a viewer is most likely to watch next based on their history, preferences, and interests.
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 Work Differently
YouTube Shorts has a separate feed and recommendation engine.
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:
Hook viewers immediately to keep them watching
Craft engaging thumbnails and titles that drive clicks (but deliver on the promise)
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.
Understand the system, play to its strengths, and your channel will grow over time.
Learn more: https://1of10.com/blog/how-does-the-youtube-algorithm-work/