YouTube
update to its algorithm and analytics improves user experience
Google is bang on
refreshing its presence almost everywhere in the World Wide Web. One more addition
to its existing list of algorithm updates, but this one to its video platform,
YouTube. YouTube which functions entirely as yet another search engine in the
video category, is still the leader among its peers. YouTube updated its search
algorithm last Friday, adding a new factor to the existing list - "amount
of time watched".
In short, no more
ranking to YouTube videos based on the clicks that they receive. A viewer to
your video should watch it right from the start till the end, no matter the
duration of the video, whether it is of 2 minutes or 2 hours. Videos will only
be ranked if they have a spark to make the viewer stay, and should fall in line
with the title. No misleading captions win! This move by YouTube should
definitely get rid of scam affiliate links, at least to 50%.
Analytics Update
The update
mainly helps in identifying the number of people who got rid of ‘annotations’
and also the numbers who quit watching a particular video within a few seconds
(bounce back). YouTube analytics launched a year back is capable of bringing to
light how many people watched a video – full length, and how many quit half way,
or the exact point they quit. The new update also includes a report named “estimated
minutes watched”. Annotations, is considered a big update because, some of
these can include links to other parts of a company's profile or website. The new
update helps the user to view the click-through rates for these annotations.
YouTube's addition
feature incorporation to its analytics, aims at helping the content creator to
identify those videos that the viewers actually find interesting, valuate and
rank performance. Helps them differentiate
those that actually makes the visitor stay and those which make them lose interest.
"the algorithm will in fact take into account the amount of time spent watching a video".
Update to Copyright Algorithms
In addition to these updates, YouTube
also managed to do an additional update to cut down on invalid copyright
infringement claims. Thabet Alfishawi (Rights Management Product Manager)
shared -
"When the user files an appeal, a content owner has two options:
release the claim or file a formal DMCA notification. This process prevents
disputes that arise when content not owned by a partner inadvertently turns up
in a reference file. Smarter claim detection minimizes unintentional mistakes.
Of course, we take action in rare cases of intentional misuse, up to and
including terminating Content ID access."
Tips to Grow Viewer-count
- Regular use of Analytics to measure
changes to the video structure,
pace, format, and content
- A best introduction to your video is essential and make sure to hook user from start of the video till the end
- Strictly no brand building attempt right at the start that makes the video appear bad
- Be creative and think out of the box
- No misleading titles or thumbnails for your videos
- Perfect Meta tags and compelling titles are key to viewership
- SEO help could be sought for getting a stronger viewership
- Edit your videos with good insight
- Be a viewer yourself and test-drive your creation
- Make your videos feel interactive
- Link one of your videos to another in the most appealing manner
- Highlight your brand only in the spaces possible, and in an effective way
- Respond to your viewer comments
- Advertise your videos in your blogs and articles
- Schedule your video releases in a systematic and professional manner
Google is king in the
search world. It aims at YouTube attaining the king status in the video world.
Online users are well engaged in viewing YouTube videos, very much equal to
their engagement in social media networks. This ratio is likely to change if
the efforts of YouTube continue as is. A better user experience drives in viewers
whether it is television or social media or YouTube.
