Top Metrics YouTube Is Using In 2020 To Rank Your Videos

Do you know what data to keep an eye on to rank your videos? Below we feature five key metrics that can make or break your channel.

YouTube is no doubt the first platform that comes to mind when you think about videos. One billion hours of video content are watched on the site every day.

So, if you’re thinking of creating a channel centered around your products or services, or if you already have one but are struggling with views, rankings, or traction, then read on.

In this article, we’ll explain in detail the most important metrics YouTube is using this year to determine which videos deserve to be on the front page and which ones don’t.

1. Clickthrough rate (CTR)

On YouTube, click through rate is the amount of clicks, divided by the number of times your video thumbnail is seen. It’s important because it predicts the behavior future users will have when they see your video. If your video appears in the recommended bar but no one is clicking it, then you’re facing a few problems that you need to address because they’re killing your CTR.

To enhance your click through rate, create a catchy title, description and thumbnail. Everything your audience sees has to be attractive and informative. Also, try making your copy consumer–oriented, add direct benefits and weave in dominant emotions to entice them to click.

2. Average view duration (AVD)

This metric is quite self-explanatory. Average view duration indicates how many of your viewers finished your whole video without bouncing.

If no one is watching the full duration, then YouTube might suspect that you have either low quality content or you are click baiting. Keep in mind that you can have high CTR, but if your AVD is low then the algorithm will penalize you.

3. Length

YouTube wants videos that are long enough to entice users to stay on the platform. On average, this comes up to around 14 minutes of content.

If your video is only a few seconds long or more than an hour, it’s likely very frustrating for users and people may exit the platform all together, which YouTube definitely doesn’t appreciate.

4. Engagement

Engagement includes views, comments, likes, and subscriptions. This metric is important on almost all online platforms because it acts as social proof.

Essentially, it indicates whether a piece of content is worth watching or not.

Make no mistake: engagement can help your content snowball and even become viral. The more views and comments you receive, the more people will be exposed to it, thus the more trendy it gets.

5. Quality

Is your video in high resolution or lowly 144p? In 2020, no one wants to watch a video that looks like it’s been recorded by a camera phone from 2008, and YouTube knows this.

User experience is extremely important on every single social platform, and on YouTube, this largely relates to video quality. As such, they reward videos in HD more than the ones that contain poor quality or pixelated content.