3 Little-Known YouTube Algorithm Hacks To Get More Views in 2024

Creating content on YouTube can feel like a puzzle sometimes. You do everything just right—pick the perfect title, format, and thumbnail—but your videos still don’t get many views. One major factor that might be holding you back is video length.

When you search for popular topics, like real estate investing, you’ll notice a pattern among successful creators. Simply put, longer videos often keep viewers engaged longer, which leads to better performance in the YouTube algorithm. This isn't just about making videos long for the sake of it, but understanding how to keep people watching.

Key Takeaways

• Video length significantly impacts viewer retention.
• Recreating successful content with slight variations boosts performance.
• High average view duration is crucial for growing on YouTube.

Importance of Video Length

Choosing the right video length is crucial for growing on YouTube. If your video is too short or too long, it might be the reason you're not seeing growth. Let's look at some examples in the real estate investing niche:

• Video 1: 18 mins, 40,000 views in 2 months
• Video 2: 14 mins, 155,000 views in 1 month
• Video 3: 11 mins, 14,000 views in 2 months

These videos highlight a key factor: average view duration. Here's a breakdown:

• Video 1: 9+ mins watched
• Video 2: <7 mins watched
• Video 3: 6.5 mins watched

The longer the average view duration, the more YouTube promotes the video. Why? Because YouTube values videos that keep viewers on the platform longer. To increase your watch time, make your videos slightly longer than those of your competitors. This simple tweak can significantly boost your views and growth.

Assessing Competitive Video Durations

When I looked at several videos about real estate investing, the number of views varied a lot. One video had 40,000 views in two months, another had 165,000 views in one month, and a third had just 14,000 views in two months.

The main factor here was video length. The videos were 18 minutes, 14 minutes, and 11 minutes long. Longer videos tend to keep people on YouTube for a longer time, and this affects the number of views.

Video Duration and Views:

For example, if viewers watch 50% of each video, the longest video keeps people on the platform for over 9 minutes. This is why it got more views.

Key Points:

• Longer Videos: More time watched overall.
• Watch Time: Important for YouTube's algorithm.
• Content Quality: Must still be engaging to maintain viewer interest.

To get your videos to perform better, aim to make them slightly longer than your competitors. This can increase view time and improve your chances of getting more views.

Optimizing for Average View Duration

YouTube's algorithm favors videos with higher average view durations. If your videos are too short or too long, it's likely why your view count isn't high. For example, three videos on real estate investing had different view counts: 40,000 views in 2 months for an 18-minute video, 155,000 views in 1 month for a 14-minute video, and 14,000 views in 2 months for an 11-minute video. It's clear that longer videos tend to keep viewers engaged for more time, which YouTube considers a positive signal.

Key Elements:

• Video Length: Aim to match or exceed the average length of successful videos in your niche.
• Target Average View Duration: If other creators get 50% view duration on a 14-minute video, try to achieve the same or better.

You can analyze your best-performing videos and focus on the ones with high average view duration. Here are steps to do this:

1. Go to your YouTube dashboard.
2. Click on the Overview tab, then go to Advanced mode.
3. Use the Compare to feature for the first 24 hours.
4. Look at videos with high views and note their average view duration and click-through rate (CTR).

For example, four of my top five videos had almost 4 minutes average view duration and above 7% CTR. This combination resulted in many impressions and views. Plan content based on these metrics and adjust as needed.

Regular Analysis: Periodically review past successful videos. Compare recent data with last year's trends to spot changes and adapt your strategy.

By focusing on these factors, you can improve your average view duration and increase your chances of success on YouTube.

Algorithm Secret 1: Content Length

The length of your content might be the biggest reason you're not growing on YouTube. Even if you have the right title, format, and thumbnail, a video that's too short or too long won't get many views.

Take "real estate investing" as an example. One video got 40,000 views in two months, another got 155,000 views in one month, and another got 14,000 views in two months. The big difference? The first video is 18 minutes long, the second 14 minutes, and the third 11 minutes.

If each video has a 50% average view duration, the 18-minute video keeps viewers for over 9 minutes, the 14-minute video just under 7 minutes, and the 11-minute video around 6.5 minutes. The 18-minute video got many more views simply because it kept people on the platform longer.

YouTube considers two things when deciding to push your content: interest and view duration. If you want better watch time, consider making your videos slightly longer than your competitors.

Algorithm Secret 2: Recreating Successful Content

To boost your YouTube channel, you should focus on recreating your most successful content. Here’s a simple way to do this:

1. Go to your overview tab.
2. Click on "Advanced Mode.”
3. Use the "Compare To" option and select first 24 hours.

By adjusting the dates to a 90-day window, you can see which videos got the most and least views in the first 24 hours. Focus on the ones that did well.

These are the steps I follow:

1. Set the date range to see what content performed best.
2. Analyze the videos with high views and note the average view duration and click-through rate (CTR).
3. Make more videos on similar topics, but with different titles or ideas.

For example, if I see that videos about the YouTube algorithm are trending, I’ll create more videos on that subject. I also check what was popular around the same time last year to see if there are patterns or seasonal trends.

Key Metrics to Track:

• Impressions: How many times your video was shown.
• Click-Through Rate: How many people clicked on your video after seeing it.
• Average View Duration: How long viewers watched your video.

By understanding these metrics, I can recreate successful content that keeps my viewers engaged and coming back for more.

Analyzing Performance in First 24 Hours

When looking at the performance of my videos in the first 24 hours, one of the key strategies involves comparing the initial metrics. The method I use is straightforward: I navigate to the overview tab in YouTube's analytics, then switch to advanced mode. From there, I choose to compare data within a 90-day window. This helps me pinpoint my videos with the highest and lowest views in those crucial first 24 hours.

Steps to Analyze Performance:

1. Go to the overview tab.
2. Select advanced mode.
3. Choose the comparison option for the first 24 hours.
4. Set your date range to a 90-day window.

In the analysis, I've noticed that high-performing videos typically have a longer average view duration and a higher click-through rate. For instance, if a video maintains an average view duration of around 4 minutes and a click-through rate above 7%, it often receives more impressions and views.

Example Analysis:

Based on these insights, my strategy is to focus on creating content similar to the top-viewed videos. I also consider seasonal trends by looking at what worked well around the same time last year. This helps me understand shifts in audience preferences and allows me to adjust my content accordingly.

For example, last summer, videos about new YouTube features performed well. Now, heading into summer again, I'll revisit that type of content while ensuring I maintain high average view durations and click-through rates.

Being aware of these patterns and making data-driven adjustments can significantly impact the growth and reach of my channel. By continuously refining my content based on these insights, I aim to keep my audience engaged and attract more viewers.

Identifying Successful Topics

To find out which topics are successful for you, start by using your YouTube analytics. First, go to the overview tab and select advanced mode. Change the comparison to the first 24 hours to see which videos performed best right after they were posted.

Looking at my own data for a 90-day window, I noticed a clear pattern. My top videos had high average view durations and a click-through rate above 7%. Four out of my top five videos kept viewers engaged for close to 4 minutes each.

Next, compare this to previous months or even last year. When I examined May to July of last year, I saw that videos with high average view durations got more impressions. This means I should aim to increase the length of my videos to keep viewers watching longer.

For more recent insights, look at your last 90 days. In 2024, I’ve noticed my average view duration needs to be higher compared to 2023. This shows how the YouTube algorithm has changed and how important it is to adapt.

Understanding what works the best is key. For instance, two of my top videos were about the YouTube algorithm itself. So, I plan to make more videos on this topic, but with fresh updates for the current month.

To sum up, focus on your high view duration and click-through rate. Recreate successful videos on similar topics and keep updating your strategy based on your analytics. This approach will help you grow more effectively on YouTube.

Creating Content Based on Historical Data

I have found that looking at historical data can give you valuable insights into what type of content you should create. One easy method is to use the “compare to” function in the overview tab of YouTube's analytics. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your overview tab and switch to advanced mode.
2. Click on compare to and set it to first 24 hours.
3. Choose a time range, for example, the past 30 or 90 days.
4. Apply these settings to see which videos got the most and least views in their first 24 hours.

Here’s what you should focus on:

• View Count: Identify the videos that performed the best within the first 24 hours.
• Click-through Rate (CTR): Check if these videos have a high CTR.
• Average View Duration: Notice how long viewers stay on these videos.

I noticed that videos with a high average view duration tend to perform better. If you see that most of your top videos have a high average view duration, try to create more content like them. For example, if videos about the YouTube algorithm tend to get more views, consider making more videos on that topic but with a different twist or update.

You can also compare data from the same months in previous years. This helps you see any repeating trends or seasonal interests. Look at metrics like:

• Impressions
• CTR
• Average View Duration

If your CTR was higher last year but your average view duration has to be higher this year, focus on improving the latter. This helps you adapt to the changing algorithm.

It’s also essential to note the topics and formats that worked well. For example, if a specific type of content had a high view duration last summer, consider creating similar content this summer. By analyzing this data and adjusting accordingly, you can boost your channel’s performance.

Increasing Average View Duration for 2024

YouTube's success is closely tied to viewer retention. One critical strategy is to tweak the length of your videos. Your content might have the perfect title, format, and thumbnail, but if it's too short or too long, views might suffer.

Consider the real estate investing example: one video that's 18 minutes long got 155,000 views in a month, while another that's 11 minutes long got only 14,000 views in two months. The longer video kept viewers engaged for around 9 minutes, compared to just 6 minutes and 30 seconds for the shorter one.

To increase your average view duration, aim for a bit longer videos than usual. For instance, if competitors’ videos are 10 minutes long, making yours 12 minutes could give you an edge. YouTube rewards content that keeps viewers on the platform longer, considering it a sign of quality.

Another effective method is to recreate your best-performing content with new topics or titles. Use YouTube’s analytics by comparing views in the first 24 hours over a set period. Focus on videos with the highest average view duration and click-through rates.

Lastly, remember that trends change. Regularly review what worked last year and adapt as needed. This helps in staying relevant and maintaining a high average view duration.

Leveraging Tools for Competitive Advantage

Having the right tools can make a notable difference in standing out on YouTube. One essential factor is the length of your videos. The algorithm favors content that keeps viewers engaged for extended periods. For instance:

• Video A (18 minutes): 40,000 views in 2 months
• Video B (14 minutes): 155,000 views in 1 month
• Video C (11 minutes): 14,000 views in 2 months

Even with similar click-through rates, longer videos had better results due to higher watch time. This simple adjustment can significantly impact how your content is promoted.

Furthermore, repeating successful content ideas can be beneficial. Use YouTube’s analytics to compare view counts within the first 24 hours of publishing. Focus on topics from your top-performing videos, and avoid those that didn’t do well. This targeted approach helps in creating content that resonates more with your audience.

Another helpful tool is Click Pilot. It lets you visualize how your thumbnails and titles stack up against competitors before publishing. For a small fee, this tool allows you to tweak visual elements to ensure they stand out. Understanding these comparisons can assist in making more effective content decisions.

By leveraging these tools, you can optimize your content strategy and gain an edge in the competitive YouTube landscape.

Algorithm Secret 3: Utilizing Agent Gold for Title Analysis

Agent Gold is a powerful tool I use to compare my video titles with others on YouTube. This app helps me see how my thumbnails and titles will look alongside other videos. Here’s how I use it:

1. Connect my Youtube Channel.
2. Enter the video title in Titles for Me, like "How to Make Money on YouTube Shorts in 2024".
3. Check out my title options.

For a small fee, around $10 a month, I can even compare my titles to trending videos and competitors'. This helps ensure my content grabs viewers’ attention.

Using Agent Gold has significantly improved my video performance by letting me optimize thumbnails to attract more clicks. This makes a big difference in standing out in the competitive world of YouTube.

Competing on YouTube

Creating successful YouTube content requires understanding that your videos are competing with others, both within and outside your niche. The YouTube algorithm measures the effectiveness of your videos by comparing them to others. There are a few metrics that the algorithm focuses on to gauge your success.

Key Metrics:

1. Click-Through Rate: This measures how often people click on your video after seeing the thumbnail and title. A higher click-through rate indicates more interest in your video.
2. Average View Duration: This shows how long viewers are watching your video. Longer view times typically mean that viewers find your content engaging.

To stand out, you should use tools to compare your video's elements with those of competitors. For example, Click Pilot helps you see how your thumbnail and title compare to trending videos.

Steps to Improve:

1. Use Click Pilot to test different thumbnails and titles.
2. Analyze how your video appears alongside others.
3. Make adjustments based on what stands out more.

By focusing on these aspects and regularly comparing your content, you can enhance your video's performance and increase your chances of growth on YouTube.

Improving Title and Thumbnail Impact

To stand out on YouTube, having a clear and effective title and thumbnail is essential. Your title should be direct and engaging. Keywords play a crucial role in making your video searchable, so include them thoughtfully.

Using Click Pilot, I can compare my thumbnail with trending videos. For instance, when I search for "how to make money on YouTube shorts in 2024," the tool shows how well my thumbnail stands out. If my thumbnail isn't eye-catching enough, I can adjust elements like color or size.

Here are some tips to enhance your titles and thumbnails:

1. Use Bright Colors: Make your thumbnails pop with vibrant colors.
2. Clear Text: Ensure any text is large and easy to read.
3. Compelling Images: Use high-quality images that capture attention.

By continuously testing and tweaking these elements, you can boost the effectiveness of your titles and thumbnails, leading to higher click-through rates and more views on your channel.