While click-through rate is still important, YouTube prioritizes watch time when making recommendations. This is why it is so important to focus on boosting your video’s average view duration. Our respondents share their top strategies for doing so.
The first step in increasing your average view duration is to make sure viewers stay engaged from start to finish. This starts with creating an attractive thumbnail that gets viewers to click on the video, and then keeping them there by providing quality content that satisfies their curiosity. For example, Madison Tong from My Supplement Store explains that using chapters in her videos helped her achieve higher average view durations because it prevents viewers from switching to another video. It also makes it easier to come back to a video and watch the chapter that interests them again.
One way to get more views on your YouTube videos is by promoting them outside of the platform. This can be done by creating a post on Reddit or submitting your videos to websites that feature YouTube-related articles, such as the Verge or HuffPost. Reddit users are especially protective of their online experiences, so promoting your videos on Reddit must be done carefully.
Many creators also recommend utilizing the YouTube platform’s paid ads to increase video impressions and reach. While this may be expensive, it can provide a significant boost to your AVD, especially when you use the right targeting options. By focusing on targeting specific demographics and locations, you can ensure that your ad dollars are well spent.
Lastly, some creators recommend using the YouTube analytics data to see how other brands are performing on the platform. By comparing the performance of other brands in your industry, you can learn what is working for them and incorporate their best practices into your own YouTube strategy. By doing this, you can increase your chances of outperforming them in the long run.
In addition to optimizing your YouTube content, a competitor analysis can help you identify what type of video content appeals to your target audience and how often you should create it. Then, you can develop a schedule and plan for what your next move will be.
Increasing your YouTube AVD is possible by combining various tactics and continually trying new things. However, it is essential to master organic YouTube before considering the use of paid advertising. Otherwise, you could end up spending more money on ads that no one watches. By analyzing competitors and applying their best strategies, you can create a stronger YouTube presence that will attract more views. And remember, every metric lifts up another, so focus on improving your engagement and click-through rates before worrying about boosting your ad views. To gain a more in-depth look at your competitors’ performance, sign up for a free Databox Benchmark. It only takes two minutes to join, and we guarantee your privacy is secure.Strategies for outperforming in YouTube views