Beyond Likes

The YouTube Algorithm Doesn’t Push, It Pulls Content for Viewers

❌ One of the biggest misconceptions YouTube channels have about YouTube’s algorithm is thinking that the algorithm is ‘switched on’ to distribute your video when you upload.

In reality, the algorithm isn’t triggered by your new content.

It’s switched on for the individual viewer when they open the app.

🤖 And the algorithm’s role? To show the individual viewer the best videos for them.

BIG difference!

So, how does the algorithm focus on pulling the best videos for each individual viewer?

Here’s how it works (Insights from Todd Beaupré’s panel at VidSummit):

📏 Rule-Based Suggestions

  • YouTube looks at the user’s subscriptions and viewing history to check for new videos from channels they’ve subscribed to, watched recently, or watched frequently.
  • It also considers content that’s performing well among viewers similar to you.

👫 Collaborative Filtering (Or what they call “Automated Word of Mouth”)

  • YouTube learns from massive amounts of user data on videos—watch time, likes, dislikes, and drop-offs.
  • It uses that data to find people similar to you and serves you videos they enjoyed.

🔢 Deep Learning

  • YouTube builds a unique “viewer DNA,” trained on billions of inputs.
  • It predicts which videos match your preferences best and adapts to the unique patterns of each viewer.

So that’s how videos are pulled, but how are they prioritized?

There are two main factors here:

  1. Performance: Your standard performance metrics such as click-through rate (CTR), watch duration, and overall performance among the audience who views your content.
  2. Personalization: YouTube focuses heavily on individual preferences. Each viewer has a predicted CTR, making personalized recommendations incredibly powerful.

The magic of YouTube’s algorithm lies in its ability to personalize content—so it’s not about tricking the system, but understanding how it connects the right videos to the right viewers.

Top Video of the Week

This week’s must-watch video dives deep into the intricacies of YouTube’s recommendation system, shedding light on how videos are selected and personalized for each viewer. The video, titled “Understanding the Algorithm: YouTube’s Secret Playbook,” takes a closer look at how content creators can align their strategies with the platform’s evolving algorithms.

Key takeaways from the video:

  • Algorithm Unveiled: It explains the complex layers of YouTube’s recommendation engine, from rule-based suggestions to deep learning models.
  • Actionable Tips: You’ll learn how to optimize your videos for performance and personalization, leveraging data to improve your content’s discoverability.
  • Behind the Scenes: Featuring insights from industry experts, including YouTube insiders, the video offers a rare glimpse into what really drives views and engagement.

Watch it here: Understanding the Algorithm: YouTube’s Secret Playbook.

Top Thumbnail of the Week

This week’s standout thumbnail comes from a creator who breaks all the traditional rules, Ali Gallop—and it works. Featuring a singular, bold image with no text, the thumbnail draws the viewer in through sheer intrigue and simplicity. The focal point is an unusual scene—a face partially obscured by a glass jar, creating a warped and surreal effect that immediately grabs attention.

Why it works:

  • Visual Impact: The high-contrast, blurred background places all the emphasis on the central image, making it pop in the feed.
  • Curiosity Factor: The oddity of the image makes viewers do a double-take. It doesn’t reveal too much, prompting people to click and find out what the video is about.
  • Breaking the Mold: This thumbnail defies conventional design advice—no flashy text, no exaggerated expressions, just a compelling, mysterious image.

Resource of the Week

🎙️ Podcast Alert: “How I Write” – Elevate Your Scriptwriting Game 🎙️

For content creators, the art of scriptwriting is often the make-or-break factor in creating engaging videos. This week, we’re spotlighting the podcast “How I Write,” a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and interviews with top-notch scriptwriters and creators.

Why You Should Listen:

  • Behind the Pen: Go behind the scenes with expert scriptwriters as they break down their writing processes, from brainstorming ideas to refining final drafts.
  • Practical Advice: Learn about pacing, dialogue, and narrative structure to keep your audience hooked from start to finish.
  • Guest Insights: Featuring YouTube giants, indie creators, and industry veterans, each episode provides unique insights that can help you craft more compelling content.

Episode to Start With: Check out the episode on “Creating Tension and Release in Storytelling”—perfect for anyone looking to add an emotional punch to their videos.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv