My Video Went Viral. Here's Why

My hypothesis is that the algorithm, rather than viewer preference, drives views on the site. As the algorithm shifts, various YouTubers experience burnout (as what used to work no longer works) and right now click-through rate is the key metric. So clickable titles and thumbnails are the only way to get a lot of impressions and hence views - they are the only way to go viral. This leads me to wonder which audiences will become most prevalent on the site and if there will even be a place for educational content. In the long-term, hopefully YouTube is able to measure satisfaction through surveys and other metrics to ensure an optimal experience for everyone on the site.

Flipchart artwork by Maria Raykova
Filmed by Raquel Nuno
Thumbnail by Ignat Berbeci

[GrahamStephan]

This is one of the BEST explanations I have ever heard on this topic. Thank you!

[SolidEyeYEG]

I appreciate the quality analog PowerPoint presentation, lol.

[sofiapcna]

So fresh and genuine, even 3 years later. Stayed throughout the whole thing, until the video stopped itself. Thank you for caring, Derek.

[smashingpencils]

I love how every time he flips the paper and shows the new page you can see a little glint of pride in his eyes over what he's created

[sukari_]

So we arent gonna talk about his amazing drawings?

[advaitathreya]

By far, the most insightful explanation of YouTube's algorithm and how the content is promoted.

[MadMovieMakers]

I wonder how much the autoplay on mobile is going to affect the thumbnails; you might only see it for a second before it starts playing

[tomaszweclawiak]

I loved your "analog" presentation. So un-flashy. So slow and calm. So clear. So beautiful. Great content! Always love to return to your channel.

[smartereveryday]

Well done sir. Everything about this is awesome. Also, I needed you to cut every string and you did so thanks for that.

[vinylwalkr]

I find it amazing that when I go back to videos you made several years ago (like this one) you had, already then, that calm and informative style that your held on to. Its one big reason why i subbed to you when I found your channel, you are a GREAT teacher! Looking forward to learning even more interesting facts about the universe and ourselfs from your channel! Keep doing what you love!

[BreadBoys]

ok but what if youtube just recommends your videos to everyone for no reason like they did to us in 2020

[Stefano--]

Actual physical drawing and charts are much more easy and pleasant to follow, great work Derek !

[Ultrevolous]

This is the single best video pitch for clicking the bell I've ever heard in my life

[vinayhaalgaar]

Youtubers like you can educate the audience about the importance of watching the Subscription window than the Home window where all these trickery happens. I stay on my subscription window all the time to avoid the Global junk. Great content man! Having said all that, I found your channel through the algorithm itself I guess & I subscribed after watching just that 1 video of yours. Because content is king. As you rightly said, make videos that you're happy about or proud of. I believe that, if your content is better than others, no algorithm can beat you. And if your content is following the trend, someday you'll fall behind. That's the longest comment I've ever left on YouTube. You earned it 👍🏼

[BrianTCollins]

Brilliant! This was one of the best authentic videos on this topic of clickbait marketing and human behavior that chases the electrical eye. Your transparent approach saves countless hours of biased sales funnel marketing videos.
I share your videos often on my telegram channel and promote you when I can.
Thank you for all your work and due diligence over the years to bring factual and unique content. Best regards!

[Sciencerely]

I am a stem cell researcher doing science videos but none of my topics are as complicated as the YouTube Algorithm

[fierplayzz]

Youtube: *shoves the viral video in our faces*

Youtube: *shoves video explaining why viral video went viral into our faces*

[zeusvelez-valencia]

at certain points in the video you can see the passion come out and you can see how much he hates asking for what he did at the end and thats what I love about him, great and humble guy

[pythonsriracha]

Loved the fact that this was a hand crafted presentation rather than a power point. Always loved the effort you put in to make every single one of your videos!

[thejiminator]

Just in case the algorithm doesn't show your video's, I've already made it a habit of searching your channel to see what you are up to.
I absolutely love this channel.