I hope this is the right section to ask. I have been trying to figure it out and I can't. I have even asked AI and it just gives basic answers that I have already read a hundred times online before.

I am not talking about shorts either. I mean videos that are like 5+ minutes in length. Some get so much traction it is insane. Is it luck? Is there a secret to cracking the algorithm?

So for a video to actually go viral, it needs to hit certain markers and sustain them. This means the algorithm, viewership, likes, comments, shares, and an increasing rate of general watch time pushes videos to the top. They will eventually get recommended because of this too. It is a bit of luck but some people believe you can trick the system. You just have to work hard to do it. I have never tried.

I don't think anyone actually knows. Sure, you have things to look for but I think in many cases, Google decides this. There is always a chance something goes viral on its own but for the most part, I think for something to blow up out of nowhere, Google is in the back giving it a nudge.

On 6/18/2026 at 9:48 AM, xJamesQ said:

I don't think anyone actually knows. Sure, you have things to look for but I think in many cases, Google decides this. There is always a chance something goes viral on its own but for the most part, I think for something to blow up out of nowhere, Google is in the back giving it a nudge.

This is what I have gathered. I do think Google does push certain people, channels, or content that is more "advertisement friendly" and it does make sense to do this. Still, it feels unfair for new creators. We are left guessing.

My observation is that the algorithm follows the audience. If people keep watching and don't click away, YouTube keeps showing the video to more people.

My most profitable year was also my most focused. 2 services, 1 niche, 3 marketing channels. Simplicity scales.

On 6/19/2026 at 2:42 PM, johnnykipp said:

This is what I have gathered. I do think Google does push certain people, channels, or content that is more "advertisement friendly" and it does make sense to do this. Still, it feels unfair for new creators. We are left guessing.

Oh they absolutely do. Mr. Beast would not be where he is today without Google pushing his videos to the top. They wanted a "poster boy" for content that was considered wholesome and since he was donating money and doing charity early on, it was the right move for them. Now, he just seems like some insane game show host. lol

I think if we could figure this out, they would just change things behind the curtain again. They don't want people randomly going viral and blowing up cause they have to pay out more. I think it is better to not go viral with one video and rather build up slowly. At least that is what I have read and heard. One viral video doesn't mean you will be successful.