YouTube Shorts is one of the most engaging features on YouTube’s platform, offering a fresh, dynamic way to interact with short-form content.
In an age where attention spans are shorter and the thirst for quick, impactful content is unquenchable, YouTube Shorts is a vital tool to showcase your talents, ideas, and stories in 60 seconds or less.
How does the YouTube shorts algorithm work? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the algorithm and how to leverage it.
(Just starting your YouTube channel? Make sure to check out our ultimate YouTube guide.)
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts is a platform feature designed by YouTube to enable creators to share short, enticing videos. It’s YouTube’s answer to TikTok, made specifically for videos that are 60 seconds or less. These videos can be quickly made with your phone and they are designed to be viewed on any device, especially mobile ones.
The key features of YouTube Shorts include:
- Vertical videos that are 60 seconds or shorter.
- Easy-to-use creation tools with the option to add music, speed controls, and timers.
- A special “Shorts” shelf on the YouTube homepage where these videos are prominently displayed.
As for popularity and potential, YouTube Shorts has it in abundance. Since its rollout, billions of views are accruing per day. This means one thing for you, as a creator: visibility. With such a high daily engagement rate, the potential for catching viewers’ attention and gaining subscribers is huge.
In short (pun intended), YouTube Shorts opens up a whole new realm for creators to showcase their creativity, increase visibility, and interact with their audience in a punchy and engaging way.
How YouTube Shorts Algorithm Works (and Important Signals)
Before we delve deeper, let’s familiarize ourselves with algorithms. In simple terms, an algorithm is a set of rules computers follow to accomplish a task. In the context of YouTube Shorts, the algorithm determines which videos to show each viewer based on a number of factors.
(This isn’t to be confused with YouTube’s regular algorithm.)
Understanding how this system works holds the key to maximizing your content’s visibility. Let’s discuss some crucial signals.
Views
The more views your video gets, the more the algorithm considers it popular and therefore more likely to be recommended to others. More views often equals more shares in your Shorts.
Watch History
The algorithm takes into account what a user has previously watched. If a person often watches Shorts similar to those you create, there’s a high likelihood they’ll be served your video.
Engagement
A higher level of engagement (likes, shares, comments) signals to the algorithm that your video resonates with viewers, increasing the likelihood of your video getting suggested to others.
Relevance
Finally, the relevance of your content to each individual user matters. The algorithm takes into account keywords in your title, description, and hashtags to match your video to users seeking that content.
How to Optimize Your Content for the YouTube Shorts Algorithm
Now that you understand how the YouTube shorts algorithm works, let’s talk about some ways that you can optimize your content so it performs well on the platform.
1. Research Your Competition
Understanding who your competitors are and what they’re doing can be very beneficial. Pay attention to their content type, style, and audience interaction. This can give you a sense of what’s working well in your niche and provide inspiration.
However, never copy their work. Instead use the insights gained to craft unique and compelling content that will help you stand out.
2. Capitalize on Trends
Trends are powerful drivers of viewer interest. Stay ahead by monitoring trending topics and hashtags relevant to your niche. If you can produce fresh and exciting content around these trends, you’ll likely attract more views. Remember, timing is key when it comes to utilizing trends. You need to hop on them while they are still hot.
3. Hook Them Early
The first few seconds of your video are crucial. This short window can determine whether a viewer continues watching or scrolls to the next video.
Therefore, it’s important to begin your video with a strong hook — something that immediately grabs your viewers’ attention. This could be a surprising statement, a question, or an exciting visual.
4. Produce High Quality Video and Audio
Quality matters. Ensure your videos have clear visuals and audio as it enhances the viewer’s experience. High quality content reflects professionalism and viewers are more likely to watch, share and subscribe. Being consistent with quality also pays off in the long run by retaining your audience and making positive impressions on new viewers.
5. Cater to Mobile Users
YouTube Shorts are primarily designed for mobile viewing. Given their vertical format and short duration, they mirror the mobile-first design of similar platforms like TikTok. When creating content, pay attention to how it looks and feels on a mobile device.
Ensure your visuals are clear and text is legible even on a small screen. Make the most of the vertical format and create content that fits well within the frame, like we do with our Castos short videos.
6. Don’t Push Products
While it’s important to monetize your content, remember that Shorts are a platform for creativity and engagement, not hard sell. Viewers are there for quick, entertaining content. Constantly pushing products may turn off your audience.
Instead, focus on building relationships and providing value to your audience. With trust and engagement, promotion will be more effective.
7. Experiment with New Ideas
Innovation and creativity thrive on platforms like YouTube Shorts. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new content ideas, formats, or styles. Creativity sparks interest and builds engagement. You never know which new concept might go viral. But remember to keep it relevant to your audience and brand.
8. Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags are crucial for improving the discoverability of your content. They help the algorithm understand what your content is about and who might be interested in it.
Use relevant and trending hashtags to help your video surface in search results. But, don’t overdo it. Stick to a few relevant ones that truly define your video content.
9. Optimize Titles and Thumbnails
The title and thumbnail picture of your YouTube Shorts play a significant role in attracting viewers. An appealing title and visually engaging thumbnail can spike curiosity and draw in potential viewers.
Ensure that your title is concise yet descriptive, and your thumbnail is bright and captivating. Remember, these are the first things potential viewers see, so use them wisely to make a strong impression.
10. Encourage Audience Engagement
Boost your algorithm favorability by getting your audience to interact with your content. Encourage likes, shares, and comments by asking viewers to engage within your video. This can be as simple as asking a question, or creating content that brings about reactions. More engagement signals to the algorithm that your content is worth promoting to a wider audience.
11. Post Consistently
Consistency is key in building a successful YouTube Shorts channel. Regular posting not only keeps your current audience engaged, but also favors you with the algorithm.
Posting consistently doesn’t mean bombarding your audience with content, but instead maintaining a regular, predictable schedule. This provides certainty for your viewers about when to expect new content, and signals to the algorithm that you’re an active creator. Digestible, frequent uploads also increase the chances of your content being seen and shared.
FAQs About the YouTube Shorts Algorithm
We’ve covered the YouTube shorts algorithm and how to optimize your content for it, but you may still have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions about how the YouTube shorts algorithm works.
Should you make a separate channel for Shorts?
No, you don’t need a separate channel for Shorts. Your regular YouTube channel works perfectly for posting Shorts. This way, you can provide a variety to your existing audience and attract new subscribers.
Is there an algorithm for YouTube Shorts?
Yes, just like regular videos, YouTube Shorts has its own algorithm, influenced by factors like views, watch history, engagement, and relevance.
How do I increase YouTube Shorts views?
Increase views by creating engaging content, understanding your audience, consistently posting, and leveraging the signal factors that influence the YouTube Shorts algorithm.
Do YouTube Shorts always get views?
Not necessarily. Views depend on the relevance and engagement of the content. Consistency, understanding your audience, and quality content increase your chances of getting views.
How do you influence YouTube Shorts?
By understanding the factors that YouTube Shorts algorithm takes into account – views, watch history, engagement, and relevance, you can influence your Shorts’ visibility and reach.
What happens if you get 1,000 views on YouTube Shorts?
There’s no direct impact, but more views tell the algorithm that your video is popular. This can influence the algorithm’s decision to recommend your video to other users.
How many Shorts should I post a day?
Quality over quantity matters. Instead of focusing on frequency, concentrate on creating engaging, high-quality content. However, a consistent uploading schedule helps in retaining audience interest.
What is the best time to post shorts?
There’s no “one size fits all” answer. The best time can vary depending on your audiences’ habits. Keep an eye on YouTube analytics to understand when your audience is most active.
Why is the YouTube shorts algorithm so bad?
Generally speaking, it’s quite good. That said, not all users might find the algorithm effective because it’s machine-based and learns from user behavior over time. Be patient and give it time to understand your content and audience preferences.
Is there any trick to viral YouTube Shorts?
There’s no guaranteed trick. Virality depends on various factors like relevance, timing, and user engagement. Prioritizing quality, engagement, and a thorough understanding of your audience can help increase the chances of going viral.
YouTube Shorts Algorithm Final Thoughts
The YouTube Shorts Algorithm is a tool like any other. Use it to your advantage, but don’t be a slave to it. Always remember that your job is to provide content for an audience, not software. But, wherever possible, create content that leverages the platforms you post on.
Featured image: Marco Verch/Flickr (cc)
