The Core of YouTube's Recommendation System
The YouTube algorithm is the key to making your videos visible . Understanding how it works is critical to creating shorts that go viral. At its core, YouTube aims to keep viewers on its platform for as long as possible. The longer users stay, the more ad revenue YouTube generates. Thus, the algorithm favors videos that increase watch time and user engagement.
While shorter videos may have higher retention rates, YouTube tends to promote longer videos, as they contribute more to overall watch time. A strategy to achieve a high retention rate is essential for your contents, however its not the most important part of youtube’s recommendation system. Creating a series of contents, in fact, will generate higher revenue on Youtube, as your user base gets used to your contents.
Therefore, to succeed with YouTube Shorts, you need a strategy that ensures your content meets the criteria for a viral video. A high retention rate alone is not enough; the video must also keep users on the platform longer by being engaging and informative. It's a delicate balance between capturing immediate attention and sustaining interest throughout the short. Make sure that each content you provide has some value and can grab the atention from the new users.
Here is a quick example of contents strategy to take into acounts:
Criteria |
Longer Videos |
Shorter Videos |
Watch Time |
Contributes more to overall watch time, favored by YouTube's algorithm. |
Limited contribution to overall watch time, less favored by the algorithm. |
Retention Rate |
May have lower retention but retain viewers for a longer duration. |
Typically has higher retention but shorter viewing duration. |
User Engagement |
Higher chance of user commenting and subscribing due to in depth content. |
Lower chance of generating higher user engagement due to shorter content. |
The Role of Trending Topics and Keywords
To stand out in the crowded YouTube landscape, your videos need to address topics that resonate with a wide audience
. Incorporating trending keywords and themes can significantly boost your video's visibility. Instead of creating content on random, isolated ideas, Align your shorts with current trends and user interests.
Think about your interests and use it to create new shorts contents in order to be innovative to attract youtube user base. Try to avoid general topics and start to create shorts that are original and interesting. Create a series of contents, and study the results of each of those to develop and improve contents in the future. After a couple of tries, you will figure out the key elements for your shorts in youtube!
Look at this guy: he's selling perfumes, which is a trending topic. That are some topics people may like: