An engagement signal occurs whenever a user interacts with a YouTube video. These signals include likes, comments, shares, and subscribes. YouTube uses user engagement signals as part of its search and discovery algorithm.
In fact, a recent study showed a correlation between audience engagement and rankings:
In short: the more audience engagement and video signals it generates, the better it will rank in YouTube search.
?How to get more audience engagement signals
There is a clear correlation between comments and YouTube rankings:
Get viewers to leave comments through the following methods.
Asking viewers to express their opinion or share their thoughts is a better tactic than asking open-ended questions.
Respond to comments that appear within the first 24-48 hours of your video. This shows viewers that you are active and respect them, and makes them more likely to comment on your video.
Add a pinned comment to the top of your video that asks viewers to leave a comment.
YouTube Likes
YouTube likes are true to be less powerful than comments, but the impact of likes cannot be ignored. In fact, there is a direct correlation between likes and video rankings:
Here are ways to get more likes in your videos:
Even though YouTube no longer supports annotations like that, you can still add a piece of text to your video that asks viewers to like your video if they liked it.
Simply ask your viewers to support your video with a like. You can do this in a way that suits your channel’s style. The only thing to keep in mind is to save this call to action for the end of your video. This request in the middle of your video can kill the flow and momentum of your video.
You can see which videos generate the most subscribers in YouTube's engagement report:
This is useful for understanding what types of videos help people subscribe to your channel.
For example, consider one of the most viewed videos on YouTube. You want to take a look at that video to note factors that may have contributed to its success…such as video length, topic, style, graphics, etc.
Additionally, here are some tips for generating more subscribers per video:
Ask viewers to subscribe at the end of each video. When your viewer finishes your video, they may be prompted to do so. This is your chance to nudge them to hit the subscribe button. The important thing to remember is that when you ask people to participate, don’t forget to ask them sincerely.
Add a subscribe button to your end screen. This is another easy way to attract subscribers.
Use a labeled sign. While not as big as your end-page share button, a labeled sign can still be a good trick to drive a lot of subscribers.
Include a subscribe link at the end of your content. This link will send people to your channel page, asking them to subscribe.
How can you increase video engagement?
First of all, you can publish your videos on your website. You can either dedicate an entire page to your video or simply embed your video within existing content.
You can also send your video to bloggers and journalists.
Sharing
People don't usually share videos they don't like, which is probably why YouTube uses shares as a ranking signal:
?How can you get more people to share
Ask viewers to share your video. This is a great action to include at the end of your video. Also, ask viewers to share using the “Share” button below your video.
Final words
There are many ways to engage with your audience on YouTube, which ultimately leads to becoming a famous YouTuber on the platform. The steps you need to take to achieve significant engagement on YouTube are all included in this article.
Subscribe. When you ask people to participate, don't forget to ask them sincerely.
