On a mission to build a successful digital business that creates financial freedom for my family. I’ll teach you everything I learn along the way so you can do the same | YouTube lover & creator | Creating websites, stores & landing pages that increase sales & leads.
How the YouTube algorithm ACTUALLY works
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The YouTube algorithm is one of the most mis-judged algorithms on the internet. Most creators assume it’s this unpredictable, all-powerful force, deciding which videos succeed & which ones fail. But it’s not as complicated as you think. And no, the algorithm is not out to get you. In fact, once you understand how it works, you can turn it into one of your biggest allies. Let me break it down for you. What IS the Algorithm?The YouTube algorithm, or more accurately, YouTube’s "Search and Discovery Systems," (not to be confused with Search and Destroy from that famous series of video games), has one purpose: To deliver the right video to the right viewer at the right time. You might not notice it… But the videos you’re recommended on your phone in the morning are completely different from the ones you’ll see on your TV in the evening. If you don’t believe me, check the next time you log in on different devices! But why is this the case? Well, it’s because the algorithm tailors content based on what each viewer is most likely to enjoy at that exact moment. So, let’s look at how the YouTube algorithm actually works… How Does It Work?The algorithm decides what to do with content based on two things:
How Viewer Personalisation Works Every time someone watches, skips, or ignores a video, YouTube learns something. It uses that information to build profiles of viewer preferences:
Whatever a viewer does with a video, the algorithm tracks it. How Video Performance Works Once a video is shown to someone (an impression), YouTube asks two big questions:
It measures this through things like:
Together, viewer personalisation and video performance work to decide which videos get shown to more people - and which fade into the background. Note: If your video isn’t performing, check how it’s doing against the above metrics. They will be a good indicator as to why. Why Some Videos Blow Up (and Others Don’t)But here’s where many creators trip up. They think, "My video has great content. Why isn’t it getting views?" Apart from asking ‘was the packaging intriguing enough to my ideal viewer’, you have to realise the algorithm isn’t just looking for "good" content - it’s looking for videos that satisfy viewers. The algorithm doesn’t reward "good" content. It rewards videos that:
The truth is, even if your video is great, if viewers don’t click or stay, the algorithm won’t keep pushing it. At the end of the day, the more people watch, the more money YouTube makes. And if your videos aren’t getting watched (i.e. not satisfying viewers), then YouTube loses money. So its algorithm won’t actively promote your poor-performing videos. But Here's the Good News...Unlike other platforms where content has a short shelf life, YouTube’s algorithm works in your favour over time. It’s always on the lookout for the right audience for your video. That’s why evergreen videos - topics that stay relevant for years - can keep pulling in views long after you’ve uploaded them. But there’s something I need to clarify which completely changes how many views you get - and how quickly you get them. Browse vs Search Most small creators focus on Search-based videos—answering specific questions. It’s a great way to gain steady views over time, but it doesn’t build a loyal audience as fast as you might hope. Big YouTubers, however, prioritise Browse-based videos - videos designed to make people curious enough to click. Why Search-Based Videos Have a Growth CeilingThe problem with a Search-focused strategy? There’s no reason to stay, no connection built, and no urgency to watch more of your content. Why Browse-Based Videos Build Audiences FasterBrowse videos, on the other hand:
And because they stick around, they’re more likely to: ✔ Subscribe Which signals to the algorithm that your content is worth pushing to even more people Here’s why that matters:
It’s simple math. If you were selling hot dogs outside a stadium, would you rather be at a gate where 75% of the crowd exits - or the one where only 25% does? Browse videos grow audiences faster because they rely on intrigue rather than direct answers. Viewers click because their curiosity is triggered, stay for the story, and - if done right - keep watching more of your videos. Two More Factors That Decide How Well Your Video Performs
Trends come and go. If you hop on a rising trend early, your video can explode. Seasonal topics (like Christmas content) also perform better during peak times but fade afterward.
If two creators make a video on the same topic, the algorithm will favour the one that performs better. How does it decide? By looking at things like click-through rate & watch time. But ultimately it looks at which video satisfies viewers the most. This is why strategy & planning is just as important as content quality. In Summary:All the algorithm does is connect audiences with videos they’ll love at that moment in time. Your job is to make content they want to click on and watch. It’s not about beating the algorithm - it’s about understanding your audience better than anyone else. Quick Win of the Week:Upgrade Your Thumbnails for Higher CTR Want to trigger more curiosity and get more clicks? Try this: Remove unnecessary text – A single keyword or phrase is enough Challenge: Look at your last 5 thumbnails. Would a complete stranger instantly know what the video is about and feel like they must click? If not, tweak one using these tips and see how it performs! Keep creating, P.S. If you found this email valuable, imagine what we could achieve together on a 1:1 call. So if you want help with tackling your biggest YouTube Growth challenges, then you can book a free 20-minute call with me - I'd love to help! |
Nathaniel Hall
On a mission to build a successful digital business that creates financial freedom for my family. I’ll teach you everything I learn along the way so you can do the same | YouTube lover & creator | Creating websites, stores & landing pages that increase sales & leads.
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