YouTube demystifies the Shorts algorithm, views and answers other creator questions

YouTube this week put out a new video meant to address creators’ questions over its short-form video platform, YouTube Shorts. The questions it answered ranged from how the algorithm for Shorts differs from long-form YouTube to what counts as a view as well as those that addressed other best practices for creators who want to maximize their potential on Shorts. While YouTube didn’t necessarily give away its secret sauce by publishing the algorithm details, as TikTok and Instagram have done, it did offer some high-level insights aimed at guiding creators making videos for Shorts. According to the product lead for Shorts, Todd Sherman, the Shorts algorithm differs from the long-form algorithm where people are tapping on videos to watch — essentially making a specific choice that then drives more recommendations. But on Shorts, people are swiping through content not knowing what comes next. While both recommendation systems are designed to present videos that people will value and enjoy, the Shorts feed prioritizes a more diverse feed because people are flipping through hundreds of videos versus maybe 10 or 20 in long-form. Sherman also noted that not every flip in Shorts is counted as a view, either — a difference from
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