YouTube Shorts Algorithm 2024 EXPLAINED (Get More Views)

Introduction

Introduction

Creating successful YouTube Shorts can be perplexing, especially when you notice an initial surge of views followed by a plateau. This article aims to demystify the workings of the YouTube Shorts algorithm, explain why your shorts may experience an abrupt halt in viewership, outline the critical metrics for making a short successful, and finally, discuss whether you should post both shorts and long videos on the same channel.

How YouTube Shorts Algorithm Works

Initial Seed Audience

The algorithm first tests your newly-uploaded short with a "random seed audience." This is essentially a small group of viewers chosen to gauge the video's potential. If this seed audience engages well with your content, it sends positive signals to the algorithm, prompting it to show your short to more people who share similar interests.

Viewer Engagement

Viewer engagement is crucial. If the initial audience interacts positively—such as liking, commenting, and watching the video in full—your short is likely to be promoted further. Conversely, if the seed audience is not engaged, the algorithm will stop pushing your short, causing the view count graph to flatten out.

Key Metrics for YouTube Shorts Success

Viewer Engagement Metrics

• Viewed vs Wiped Away: This metric measures how many viewers chose to watch your short versus how many swiped away. A higher percentage indicates better engagement.
• Viewer Retention: The retention rate should be close to 100%, as viewers are expected to watch the entire short.

Creating an Effective Hook

A compelling hook within the first three seconds is akin to an engaging thumbnail and title in long-form videos. The idea is to spark curiosity immediately. Here are some strategies:

• Intriguing Visuals: Using visually compelling clips in the first few seconds can hook viewers.
• Curiosity-Inducing Statements: Lines that make viewers curious about what happens next can be effective.
• Unique Actions: If your video starts with a unique or quirky action, it can attract viewers' attention quickly.

Balancing Shorts and Long Videos on the Same Channel

There is ongoing debate about whether creators should post both shorts and long-form videos on the same channel.

• Separate Channels: For many creators, a separate channel for shorts can avoid diluting long-form content.
• Unified Channel: For others, integrating both formats on one channel can work if they manage to keep the audience engaged across both formats.

Practical Examples

Some channels succeed by maintaining a unified channel for both types of content. For instance, Daily Dose of Internet posts both long videos and shorts, both of which consistently receive millions of views. The key here is that the content and vibe of both formats are very similar.

Conclusion

Understanding how the YouTube Shorts algorithm works and using that knowledge to optimize your content can dramatically increase your chances of going viral. If you want to learn more about creating viral shorts step by step, leave a comment, and I can make a follow-up article.

Keywords

• YouTube Shorts
• Algorithm
• Viewer Engagement
• Seed Audience
• Viewer Retention
• Content Hook
• Shorts vs Long Videos
• YouTube Channel Strategy
• Viral Content

FAQ

Why does a short video suddenly get a lot of views and then stop?

The algorithm initially shows your short to a small, random seed audience. If they engage well, the video gets pushed to more viewers. If not, the view count flattens.

What are the key metrics to determine the success of a YouTube Short?

The critical metrics are the Viewed vs Wiped Away rate and viewer retention. Ideally, you want a high percentage of viewers who choose to watch and complete the short.

Should I post both shorts and long videos on the same channel?

It depends. Some creators find success with a unified channel by maintaining consistent content and vibes across formats. However, starting a separate channel for shorts can avoid diluting your long-form content's engagement metrics.

How do I create a compelling hook for my short video?

Focus on the first three seconds of your video. Use intriguing visuals, curiosity-inducing statements, or unique actions to immediately catch the viewer's attention.

What is the best length for a YouTube short?

The ideal length varies by content type. Quick, engaging shorts of 10-15 seconds can easily maintain good retention rates, while longer shorts can be effective if they build a compelling narrative.