So you’ve picked a strong video idea.
One that grabs attention and feels worth making.
That’s a great start.
But there’s an important next step.
Because picking the right idea gets people interested.
But getting that video seen by more people? That’s the algorithm’s job.
And no, the algorithm isn’t your enemy.
The YouTube algorithm isn’t a mysterious force trying to hold you back.
It’s not working against small channels.
It’s not biased against new creators.
In fact, it has one simple job:
Keep people watching YouTube for as long as possible.
That’s it. That’s the game.
So every time someone opens the app, the algorithm asks:
“What video is this person most likely to watch next?”
If your video helps answer that question, you win.
If not, it moves on to something else.
It’s not personal. Its performance.
The Two Metrics That Matter Most
If you want the algorithm to recommend your content, you need to master two key metrics:
1. Click-Through Rate (CTR)
Do people click when they see your title and thumbnail?
2. Watch Time
Once they click, do they stick around and watch?
When both are high, YouTube pushes your video to more viewers.
When either drops, it finds better-performing content.
This is why small creators sometimes go viral. And why great-looking videos can still flop.
Let’s look at one of my recent videos:
“Visiting the Coldest City in the World -71°C (-95°F) | Yakutia, Siberia”
Here’s why it worked:
The title and thumbnail sparked curiosity
You instantly knew what the video was about, and you wanted to see it.
No fluff, no filler
From the first few seconds, it dropped you right into the action, raw reactions, intense visuals, and real emotion.
The result?
People clicked. Then they watched.
YouTube took note and started recommending the video to more viewers.
First to subscribers.
Then, to the homepage, the browsers.
Eventually, to viewers all over the world.
How You Can Work With the Algorithm
Want the algorithm to work in your favor? Start with these three tactics:
1. Craft a Compelling Hook
Your title and thumbnail are your first impression.
Use curiosity, emotion, or tension to stop the scroll.
Ask yourself: Would I click on this if I saw it on my homepage?
2. Start Strong
The first 15 seconds of your video are make-or-break.
Get straight to the point. Show what’s coming.
Don’t waste time with drawn-out intros.
3. Keep Momentum High
Maintain energy.
Use music, pacing, story beats, and cuts to keep things moving.
If you lose attention, you lose retention, and the algorithm notices.
Final Thought:
If your goal is to grow on YouTube, the algorithm isn’t something to fight. It’s something to align with.
- Help YouTube keep people engaged.
- Deliver value fast.
- Make every second count.
And in return, YouTube helps you grow.
Need Help With This?
Inside the YouTube Creator Academy, I’ll show you:
How to write scroll-stopping titles
What makes a thumbnail click-worthy
How to structure powerful hooks
And the exact retention tactics I use to keep people watching
