YouTube algorithm that presents suggested and recommended videos to users throughout its site has changed. Previously as a way to promote channels, YouTube chose recommended videos based on how many people clicked on a specific video, however this sometimes prevented videos with deeper engagement metrics from being seen
This new algorithm changes will bump videos that retain longer overall viewing sessions to the top of the recommended video results. This change benefits viewers because they’ll be able to find and watch more enjoyable content, while it could also benefit video creators because it can help build more focused and engaged audiences.
YouTube claims that this algorithm change will provide higher quality content with a better opportunity to be seen. Furthermore, simply creating longer videos may not improve a creator’s chances of getting their video featured within the recommended video results because the content might not add value, and the viewer’s total watch time is what matters for the algorithm change.
