Just as Google employs an algorithm to determine the ranking of web pages in search results, YouTube utilizes its own algorithm to optimize content on the platform. This is not surprising, given YouTube’s adoption of a results-page style akin to Google’s approach. While Google maintains a guarded stance on its algorithm, YouTube has generously shared numerous resources to assist users in achieving better rankings.Here, we delve into the nuances of YouTube’s video ranking system and offer strategies to propel your content to the forefront.Like Google, YouTube’s algorithm is designed to deliver relevant, personalized content to users. This algorithm operates across five distinct areas of the platform: Home, Search, Recommended Videos, Trending, and Subscriptions. Each of these sections is curated to provide users with content they are likely to enjoy.However, how does YouTube discern what content resonates with its audience? This is where the algorithm plays a crucial role. In a similar vein to Google’s disapproval of keyword stuffing, YouTube prioritizes videos that are genuinely crafted for viewers, rather than those attempting to manipulate the system.Avoid packing your descriptions with keywords or producing videos tailored to what you believe the platform prefers.Producing content that caters exclusively to your audience is sufficient to capture YouTube’s attention. Let’s explore the various sections of YouTube where you can achieve a high ranking and the strategies to get there.The home screen results are the content displayed upon initial login to your YouTube account. 
Recommended results, also visible on the home page, are presented as individual videos and channels.
The initial phase of the algorithm for home and recommended videos centers on user history. These factors assist YouTube in selecting videos tailored to user satisfaction:
Previous viewing history
Preference for music
Interest in vlogs
Regularly visited channels
The second phase of the algorithm focuses on the interaction between top-performing videos and similar user demographics. For instance, YouTube may identify a group of users consistently engaging with a particular band. Based on this, it selects and ranks videos highly that are popular among this similar audience.A significant advantage of YouTube’s home page suggestions and recommended videos is that they do not restrict suggestions to identical content or channels. The algorithm recognizes and accommodates users’ diverse interests by analyzing their entire viewing history.YouTube’s Tip for Ranking in the “Home” SectionYouTube advises that to rank in the “Home” section, the key is to maintain user engagement for the longest duration possible. Whether you post a few lengthy videos or numerous short ones, the objective is to keep viewers interested and engaged in your content.This enhances the likelihood of your video being featured on the home page.YouTube’s Tip for Ranking in the “Recommended” SectionYouTube suggests that to rank in the “Recommended” section, the end screen of your videos should conclude with a compelling call to action that prompts viewers to watch your next video.The algorithm for trending results identifies new and popular videos within a specific country. Trending videos are not sponsored, ensuring that videos cannot be purchased a spot on the trending list.These videos span from new songs to content based on rapid view growth and origin.
YouTube’s Tip for Ranking in the “Trending” SectionYouTube recommends that to rank in the “Trending” section, create videos that are widely relatable, broadly appealing, and easily shareable. Such videos have the potential to resonate with a broad audience beyond just subscribers.Search results are generated when a specific term is searched. For example, a search for “how to bake chocolate chip cookies” yields relevant video results.
YouTube’s search algorithm prioritizes videos that are highly relevant to the user’s search and incorporate the keywords used in the title and description.Ensuring the presence of the search term or its variations in your video’s title and/or description is crucial.Using keywords in your YouTube video tags also contributes to ranking for those terms.Additionally, the algorithm considers whether the user has previously watched your videos.YouTube’s Tip for Ranking in Search ResultsTo rank in search results for keywords featured in your video, ensure you write comprehensive descriptions that incorporate those keywords. Avoid keyword stuffing or irrelevant content, however.When a user subscribes to your channel, they can access their subscriptions page to view newly uploaded videos from all the channels they follow.
YouTube’s algorithm for ranking subscribed channel results utilizes view velocity, which measures the number of subscribers who watch your video immediately after publication. Your video’s ranking increases with higher view velocity. However, view velocity is not the sole factor in the subscriptions ranking algorithm.YouTube also considers the number of followers your channel has when determining your video’s ranking!YouTube’s Tip for Ranking in “Subscriptions” ResultsBe authentic when requesting subscribers. Users respond positively when you explain the benefits of subscribing to your channel and how it supports you.WebFX, a comprehensive digital marketing agency, understands the significance of ranking not only content but also videos on platforms like YouTube. If you’re interested in optimizing your video descriptions and titles, increasing views, and crafting exceptional videos, we are here to assist you.We can help you refine your YouTube channel to maximize the promotion of your videos. Feel free to contact us online or give us a call at 888-601-5359!
