You probably already know that getting 4,000 hours of YouTube watch time is the checkpoint after which YouTube starts monetizing your video content. It is not easy to gain the initial traction as the platform has become highly competitive and there are millions of creators trying to gain exposure from the market. However, sticking to the goal of achieving this watch time is actually rewarding as, after that point, you can create a successful career over YouTube that helps you to earn. It allows being a part of the YouTube Partner Program which helps gain monetary advantage with the help of advertisements.
What is YouTube Watch Time?
Watch Time refers to the cumulative duration that viewers spend on your video content. Each video on your channel has a watch time count which adds to the overall watch time of your channel. In order to be a part of the YouTube Partnership Program (YPP), you must gain 4,000 viewing hours within a year. In case you cannot generate 4,00 hours of watch time, you can still generate 3,000 hours of watch time along with fan funding that includes Super Thanks, Super Chats, channel memberships, and many other options. The other requirements for joining the YPP include 500 subscribers and three valid video uploads in the last 90 days.
How to Get More Watch Time on YouTube?
Now that you understand what is watch time and how much of it is
needed to monetize, it is time to explore the effective practices that can help
you reach the goal.
1. The Art of YouTube
Storytelling
it is highly important to tell viewers a good story to keep them
engaged which helps to boost the watch time. In every video, you should try to
gain viewers’ attention by creating a hook, providing entertainment, and
creating emotionally immersive moments. The three main areas of YouTube
Storytelling include,
·
The title and thumbnail (grabs viewers; attention and make them
click)
·
The video introduction (piques their interest and engages them
to watch more)
·
Emotional connectivity (retains viewers and keeps them invested
throughout the entire video content)
2. Utilize Pattern
Interrupters to Increase Engagement
Knowing how to represent a story is the initial part. What you
need to make your video content more engaging is the edit that boosts the watch
time. Pattern interrupters are considered to be the greatest weapon for YouTube
video editing. They can turn good video content into a great one by adding more
visually compelling or auditory elements that interrupt the thought patterns of
the viewers. Some good examples of Pattern Interrupters are,
·
Rapid Scene changes
·
Shifting camera angles
·
Occasional text
·
Graphics or images
·
Changes in music and Sound Effects
·
Jump cuts
·
B-roll
3. Use Captions in Your
Video Content
Getting a viewer to watch your video gets even easier when the
captions for the video are present. The reading-along feature is great for
engaging the viewers who can simply read the caption and get the whole content
of the video even if the context was not clear earlier. It also helps the
viewers who have some degree of hearing loss but still watch to enjoy the
videos. YouTube is a global platform where viewers from different cultures
gather to enjoy the video content and captions allow to break the lingual
barrier. You should also translate the context of your video if you want your
viewers to understand you better.
4. Ignore Basic Outros
It is not always about the intros but the outros that offer the
perfect finishing touch for your video content. So, make sure to focus on it
and skip what is basic. You will be amazed to know that there are many unique
ways to close your video than just bidding byes. Most users click away from the
video content when they hear the creator saying goodbye phrases like,
·
"And that's about it!"
·
"Those are all of my tips for..."
·
"If you liked this video, then…"
·
“I’ll leave you with this…..”
Instead of announcing the end of the video, just end it without
letting anyone know which leaves an element of surprise. Your watch time can be
improved when you do not offer any signal that your video is ending soon. So,
leave before anyone knows what is happening next.
5. Try to Make Evergreen
YouTube Videos
Evergreen content stays popular throughout the whole year and
probably in the next years as well since these topics are common and mostly
searched. For example, how to cook brown rice, how to pack your bag for
trekking, tips on skin daily skincare routine, etc are mostly searched by the
viewers. These evergreen video contents are mainly search-based and that is the
reason why it can generate steady watch time. With time, there is an
opportunity to get popular as well if your video content can satisfy the viewers.
If you want to create evergreen videos, ask yourself what your viewers care for
and what is important to them.
6. Host YouTube Live
Streams
Watch time from live streaming adds up to your 4,000-hour goal.
Therefore, you need to create a stronger bond with your viewers in real time by
responding and communicating with them. Live streaming is a great choice to
rack up monetization hours while improving your bond with your subscribers. At
the beginning of your journey, you might not get enough viewers but with
consistency, you might get to generate more watch time.
7. Enhance Watch Time
with YouTube Playlists
YouTube playlists play a vital role that recommending videos to
the users. When you organize your video content based on different playlists,
viewers are not required to select a video every time but it is automatically
played when one video ends. Just like Netflix, it will suggest the play the
next video that falls under the same category. It is a great way to improve
your watch time hours. A YouTube playlist that holds 10 or more videos can
generate a lot of watch time when a viewer watches them in a single go.
8. Utilize End Screens
YouTube end screens are nothing but interactive outros that
appear in the last 5-20 seconds of the video, just before it ends. It is the
best place to add all kinds of clickable elements such as a subscribe button,
website links, or social media handles. However, the wise thing to do is to
send the viewers to your next video content which can help to improve your
watch time significantly. Instead of making an outro, make your point and
transition it to an end screen. This way, you can recommend more of your videos
to the viewers or the visitors who just came to watch a single video.
9. Consistently Upload
Video Content
You cannot expect to generate 4,000 hours of watch time with
just a handful of videos. You need to upload fresh video content consistently
to keep the viewers engaged in your channel and come for more. With a dynamic
collection of video content; you also offer plenty of options for viewers to
watch which only adds to the total watch time.
Concluding Thoughts
Even if you follow all the tips, it still requires reaching
relevant viewers and target audiences who would like your video and find it
interesting. These viewers can later become loyal fans and subscribers on your
channel. To find them, you can get professional help from agencies like Video Promotion Club which excels in video
promotion and can offer highly affordable yet effective packages. Having a
reliable promotional partner by your side can help you rack up 4,000 hours more
quickly and efficiently.
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