Definition
Recommended videos are suggestions shown by YouTube in the sidebar, end screens, and homepage. The primary traffic source for most successful channels, driven by the algorithm.
Where Recommendations Appear
- Suggested sidebar: Next to currently playing video
- Homepage: Main landing page
- Up Next: Autoplay queue
- End screens: Recommendations at video end
How Videos Get Recommended
The algorithm considers:
- Viewer history: What they've watched and liked
- Video performance: CTR, retention, engagement
- Topic relevance: Related to current/recent viewing
- Session impact: Does your video keep people on platform?
Optimizing for Recommendations
- High CTR thumbnails
- Strong watch time and retention
- Content that leads to more watching
- Clear topic focus (niche authority)
- Consistent upload quality