According to Demandsage, over 2.5 billion people use YouTube every month in 2025. That’s a lot of competition. The YouTube algorithm is at the heart of what decides which content gets seen and which doesn’t. If you’re uploading videos and wondering why views aren’t pouring in, it’s likely because you’re not aligning with how the algorithm works.

Understanding how it works is no longer optional. It’s the difference between showing up in someone’s feed—or disappearing into the noise.

Let’s break down how YouTube Algorithm really works—and what you can do to win.

Get More YouTube Views: 2025 Growth Checklist

Let’s keep it simple. Want to get more YouTube views in 2025? Run through this checklist:

• Optimize your titles, descriptions, and tags
• Create custom thumbnails
• Use chapters and timestamps
• Collaborate with creators in your niche
• Promote on social media
• Embed videos on your website or blog
• Test formats: Shorts, livestreams, tutorials

And remember: watch your analytics closely. It’s the best way to learn what’s working.

What is the YouTube Algorithm?

At its core, the YouTube algorithm is a system designed to show viewers the videos they’re most likely to watch and enjoy. It’s not a single formula, but a combination of systems working together.

These include:

• Search algorithm
• Homepage algorithm
• Suggested videos algorithm
• Shorts feed algorithm
• Trending algorithm

Each plays a unique role, but the goal is the same: Keep people watching.

Evolution of the YouTube Algorithm (2012 to 2025)

The YouTube algorithm has gone through massive changes over the years.

• 2012–2015: Focused on clicks and views
• 2016–2018: Shifted to rewarding watch time and session duration
• 2019–2021: Personalized behavior signals gained importance
• 2022–2024: Introduced AI-powered video recommendations
• 2025: Now centers on satisfaction signals, audience retention, and predictive behavior

These days, it’s less about how many people click—and more about how long they stick around.

Short-form content isn’t optional in 2025—it’s necessary. AWISEE offers expert guidance on how to optimize your Shorts, YouTube Influencer Marketing and make the YouTube algorithm for shorts favor your channel.

How the YouTube Algorithm Works in 2025

There’s no shortcut—but there is a structure.

The YouTube algorithm uses various signals to decide what to recommend, including:

• Viewer history and watch behavior
• Real-time engagement: clicks, likes, comments, shares
• Retention rates and average watch time
• Patterns like repeated views or skipped content

Behind the scenes, YouTube tests your videos with small groups. If viewers respond well, the reach expands. If they drop off quickly, your content fades away from the feed.

And yes, AI is watching every click.

YouTube Algorithm for Recommended Content

The YouTube algorithm for recommended content drives most of the traffic on the platform.

Your video can show up in the “Recommended” section if:

• A viewer watched similar videos
• Your video gets grouped with trending content
• People regularly engage and return to your channel

According to Hootsuite, over 70% of YouTube watch time in 2025 comes from recommended content.

To improve your chances:

• Use engaging titles and high-quality thumbnails
• Focus your channel on a clear niche
• Organize videos into playlists to promote binge-watching

YouTube Algorithm for the Homepage

The YouTube algorithm for the homepage decides what you see when you first open the app.

Videos shown here depend on:

• New content from channels you subscribe to
• Videos similar to your recent watch history
• What’s trending across YouTube

Tips For Better Homepage Visibility:

• Upload regularly and maintain quality
• Stay consistent with your channel’s theme
• Design attention-grabbing thumbnails and titles

The homepage is different for every user, so relevancy matters more than going viral.

YouTube Algorithm for Suggested Videos

Wondering how to appear in the “Up Next” section?

The YouTube algorithm for suggested videos promotes content that’s contextually linked.

YouTube considers:

• Similar video topics or tags
• Viewers who typically watch your video after another
• Whether users engage with your content consistently

To get your video suggested:

• Use tags similar to other top-performing videos
• Link videos using end screens and info cards
• Create content clusters that logically lead viewers through a series

Want your videos to rank in YouTube suggested videos? Build a viewer journey with logically connected, binge-worthy content.

What Is “Watch Time” and “Audience Retention” in YouTube’s Algorithm?

Let’s decode two terms that really matter.

• Watch time: Total number of minutes viewers spend watching your video
• Audience retention: Percentage of the video that people watch, on average

These are critical for growth.

When people watch longer:

• You show up more in search and recommendations
• You build credibility with the algorithm
• You increase chances of getting more views and subscribers

YouTube even gives you a retention graph in Studio so you can find drop-off points.

Tips to improve retention:

• Start with a strong hook in the first 15 seconds
• Trim the filler—keep it focused
• Use chapters so viewers can jump to key parts
• Use storytelling to keep interest high

Is YouTube Shorts Good for Getting More Views?

Short answer? Yes—definitely.

In fact, YouTube Shorts have become a massive traffic driver in 2025. Thanks to their vertical format, quick pacing, and autoplay mechanics, Shorts now offer creators a fast way to gain visibility.

Here’s the kicker: Hootsuite reported that YouTube reported over 70 billion daily views on Shorts in 2024 alone. And that number? It’s only going up in 2025.

YouTube CPM rates 2025 continue to hover between $30-$40, depending on niche, engagement, and content format. 

A comparison of daily YouTube views by content type in 2025—Shorts vs. long-form—shows why Shorts are essential for growth. (Consider adding chart here for clarity.)

So, how do Shorts help you grow?

• They attract new audiences quickly
• They often show up in mobile-first feeds
• They’re easier to binge—especially on autoplay

YouTube Algorithm for Shorts

Shorts operate on a separate feed from regular videos, and the YouTube algorithm for shorts uses its own criteria to recommend content.

Here’s what matters most:

• Completion rate – Did viewers watch the full 15–60 seconds?
• Replays – Did users watch it again? (Always a good sign!)
• Swipe-through rate – Did users scroll past or stop to watch?

If your Short holds attention, YouTube rapidly shows it to more viewers.

To improve your Shorts performance:

• Start strong with a clear hook in the first 2 seconds
• Use bold visuals and snappy edits
• Add a compelling caption or call to action

Tips to Work with the YouTube Algorithm and Boost Your Content

So, what can you do—today—to help the YouTube algorithm work in your favor?

Start with the basics:

• Hook viewers early—those first 15 seconds are critical
• Stick to a clear niche—YouTube prefers focused content
• Use thumbnails and titles that are honest and clickable
• Engage with comments to signal community value

The tips to work with the YouTube algorithm and boost your content are simple but powerful: keep viewers watching, returning, and interacting.

YouTube Content Strategy: How to Align With the Algorithm

Your YouTube content strategy should feel like programming a TV network. It needs structure and consistency.

Here’s what works in 2025:

• Prioritize quality over quantity
• Combine long-form videos with Shorts
• Stick to 2–3 core content pillars
• Use playlists to guide users through your channel

Don’t ignore YouTube Studio—it offers insights to refine your game plan.

How to Appear on YouTube Suggested Videos?

Getting into “Suggested” is a major win. It’s like a backstage pass to organic traffic.

To boost your visibility:

• Create related content clusters
• Reuse similar tags, titles, and keywords
• Add end screens to lead viewers to your next video
• Use cards to link connected videos mid-watch

Want to know how to appear on YouTube suggested videos? Show YouTube that your content is connected, valuable, and binge-worthy.

What is the Best Time to Post on YouTube in 2025?

Curious about the best time to post on YouTube in 2025? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but there are patterns.

Follow these guidelines:

• Post when your audience is active (check YouTube Studio)
• Avoid uploading during late-night hours
• Weekdays from 2–6 PM often perform well
• Stay consistent with your upload schedule

Over time, the YouTube algorithm starts to expect your videos—just like your viewers.

If your content is focused, engaging, and valuable, the algorithm will recognize that. So, don’t just chase views. Chase satisfaction. That’s how you’ll grow in 2025. And yes, you’re ready!