Bernd Becker 
If you are creating video content on platforms like YouTube, it is important to try and get your videos on the top of search rankings for visibility. But how does YouTube determine what gets ranked?
One important factor in this regard is social signals- the likes, comments, shares, and views you get on your videos. In this post, we explain how social signals affect video rankings and also explore ways to leverage social signals to boost your content’s visibility.
The Impact of Social Signals on Video Rankings
Research shows a strong correlation between social signals and video rankings. Videos that receive more engagement tend to rank higher. Here are some aspects that impact video content rankings on YouTube.
Comments Drive Rankings
Comments are regarded as the most influential social signal on YouTube. According to research, videos with more comments tend to rank better in search results. YouTube values comments because they indicate deeper engagement with the content.
If viewers are taking the time to comment, it is a sign that the video is attracting conversations and interest.
Views and Engagement Correlation
Video views are still an important ranking factor, although not as significant as in the past. According to research, videos with a substantial number of views still have a greater likelihood of ranking.
However, it is important to note that views alone do not guarantee higher rankings. Videos that get more likes, shares, and comments from those views are the ones that really manage to climb the rankings.
Video Watch Time
A higher watch time plays a key role in determining a video’s ranking. If people watch your video all the way through, YouTube considers it as valuable content and grants a better ranking.
Shares Are Important
Videos that get shared more often on social media are likely to rank higher in search results. This is because sharing increases the reach of your content. A high number of shares signifies that your video is worth watching, which then contributes positively to its ranking.
Subscriber Growth
Videos that lead to new subscribers are given priority in YouTube’s search algorithms. There is a significant correlation between videos that drive new subscribers and higher rankings.
This is because new subscribers are a valuable signal to YouTube. If someone subscribes after watching your video, it shows that your content is really engaging and that the viewer wants more of such content.
How to Leverage Social Signals to Boost Your Video Rankings
So, how can you take advantage of social signals to improve your video visibility? Here are some strategies to consider.
Create Engaging Content
It all begins with good content! Videos that lead to conversations and encourage viewer interactions are likely to perform better. Also, remember to add a call-to-action in your video and ask viewers to like, comment, and share.
These interactions will improve your video’s social signals and help it rank higher.
Optimize for Comments
Encouraging comments is one of the most effective ways to boost your video rankings. YouTube values videos that generate discussions.
Consider asking questions, hosting giveaways, or starting a conversation in the comments section. Videos with more comments are often pushed higher by the algorithm.
Get Your Content Shared
The more your video is shared across social media, the more social signals you will be able to generate, which can improve your ranking. Share your content on Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to maximize its exposure. Also, engage with influencers or other creators who may be willing to share your content.
Drive Subscriptions
Videos that result in new subscribers tend to perform better in YouTube’s search rankings. Keeping that in mind, encourage your viewers to subscribe if they like your content. This will help you build a loyal audience and give you a better chance of ranking high in search results.
Keep Track of Your Videos’ Performance
Keep track of your video’s performance via tools like Google Analytics or YouTube Analytics.
Pay close attention to engagement metrics such as comments, likes, and shares. If you notice a pattern, such as a certain topic or format getting more engagement, you may want to design your future content accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Social signals are a vital tool in the video ranking game! Research endorses that comments and views continue to be significant factors while watch time and shares can also impact ranking.
It is vital to consider that YouTube’s algorithm is designed to promote content that keeps users engaged, so focus on generating positive interactions with your audience. This way, you can get a better ranking for your video content despite the intense competition.
