How Does the YouTube Algorithm Work? (2025 Guide to Beating the Algorithm)
If you want your videos to reach the right audience, you need to understand how the YouTube algorithm works. But the algorithm is designed for the viewer, not the creator and its job is to deliver content that people want to watch. That means understanding how the YouTube algorithm ranks videos is essential for getting your video content in front of the right audience! And it’s not just about getting loads of views! YouTube considers watch time, engagement, and user behaviour to determine whether your video gets pushed to more people.
In this guide, we’re diving into how the algorithm works, breaking it down into an easy-to-follow four-tier system. Plus, we’ll share practical steps you can take today to help your videos rank higher and beat the algorithm in 2025.
How Does the YouTube Algorithm Work
The YouTube algorithm is a bit like a match maker. It uses both AI and machine learning to analyse key data points. It can then begin to figure out who will enjoy and engage with your video and where it should appear, such as in search results, recommended videos, or on the homepage.
By understanding these key factors and creating content that viewers genuinely want to engage with, you can work with the algorithm rather than against it. This will help your videos reach more people and grow your channel organically.
Key YouTube Ranking Factors
Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of people who clicked on your video compared to the number of people who saw it.
Average Watch Time: How long people stay on your video.
Audience Retention: How much of your video viewers watch.
Engagement: Likes, shares, and comments on your video
These data points feed into a system that determines your content’s success on the platform.
The Four Tiers of the YouTube Algorithm
We've broken the YouTube algorithm into four tiers to show how videos gain traction. Strong engagement at each stage increases your chances of reaching a wider audience and ranking higher. Let’s take a look:
Tier 1: Initial Distribution
When you upload a video, YouTube first shows it to a small group of users, such as your subscribers and people who have interacted with similar content. During this time, YouTube monitors:
CTR: do people click on your video after seeing the thumbnail or title?
Average watch time and retention: do they stay and watch your video?
If your video doesn’t get enough attention it stops here. But, if your video shows potential, it moves to the next tier.
Tier 2: Wider Audience Distribution
Once your video shows potential, YouTube starts showing it to a larger group of viewers. These are people who may not be your subscribers but share similar interests. The YouTube algorithm evaluates:
Viewer engagement: do they like, comment, or share?
Retention rate: do they watch it through to the end?
If your video still performs well, it moves to Tier 3 where it gets an even bigger push!
Tier 3: Increased Reach and Topic Authority
In Tier 3, YouTube begins testing your video against trending keywords or relevant search terms. It also looks at audience demand for the topic and will look at your videos engagement to determine its authority
At this stage your video could appear in:
Recommended videos for those interested in similar content
Search results
Videos that do well in Tier 3 are more likely to continue to grow and move to tier 4
Tier 4: Authority Ranking
When YouTube sees that your video is consistently engaging viewers and gaining traction, it becomes a high-authority piece of content for its topic or keyword. At this stage, it can be featured in:
Search results
Recommended videos
The home page for interested users
Videos in this tier can enjoy much more visibility and even long-term traffic!
How to Make the YouTube Algorithm Work For You
Focus on Relevance
Make sure your content speaks directly to your audience’s intent, interests and needs. Do keyword research to find out what people are searching for and asking about your brand or niche. Use those insights to optimise your metadata - including titles, tags, and descriptions. The more relevant your content is, the more likely it is to be recommended by the algorithm
Engagement is EVERYTHING
Engagement tells YouTube your content is worth sharing - if people are watching, liking, and commenting, YouTube will continue promoting your video. And remember, it’s not about getting millions of views, it’s about getting the right views. A small, engaged audience that watches your content and interacts with it is more valuable than a large, disengaged audience.
Encourage your viewers to like, comment, and share. Use calls-to-action (CTAs) to prompt interaction, whether it's asking a question, suggesting they share the video, or simply reminding them to hit the like button. If you're part of a team, get everyone involved in sparking engagement!
Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails
Your thumbnail is your video’s first impression so make it count! Design eye-catching, bold images that clearly communicate the value of your content. The more appealing and relevant your thumbnail, the higher your click-through rate (CTR) will be, and the better the algorithm will perform in your favour.
Consistency Builds Momentum
Consistency helps you build a loyal audience and signals to YouTube that you're an active creator and trusted brand. Posting regularly not only keeps your viewers engaged but also trains the algorithm to recognise your channel as a consistent, reliable source of content.
Make the Most of YouTube Features
Use all of YouTube’s features to maximise engagement and watch time. End screens, community posts, and playlists are powerful tools to keep users watching more of your content and engaged with your brand. Subtitles can make your videos accessible to a broader audience, including non-native speakers or those with hearing impairments.
Share Your Video
Early engagement is key, so don’t wait for YouTube. Share your videos through your social media channels, email newsletters, and even on your website. The more initial engagement your video gets, the more likely YouTube will push it into Tier 2 and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the YouTube Algorithm
The YouTube algorithm is complex and constantly evolving, but with the right strategies, you can use it to your advantage. By focusing on increasing watch time and engagement, encouraging comments, likes, and shares, and optimising your videos with SEO and YouTube features, you can improve your chances of reaching the right audience. Consistency, relevance, and audience interaction all play a role in how the algorithm ranks your content, so stay proactive and adapt to new trends to help you achieve long-term success on the platform.
