Social Platforms Became Search Engines

People don’t only search on Google anymore. They search on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest—even Twitter. They look for tutorials, recommendations, reviews, solutions and inspiration straight inside their favorite apps.

So keywords now matter in captions, bios, alt text and even in the way you speak in your videos. The algorithm reads everything: your text, your voice, your hashtags, your hook. When your content matches what users search for, your reach grows naturally.

Why Keywords Still Drive Discovery

Keywords in social media aren’t stiff phrases. They’re the words people actually type or say. “How to meal prep,” “cute outfit ideas,” “best travel tips,” “fitness motivation,” “easy recipes.” When you include phrasing your audience already uses, the platform understands your topic instantly.

On the other hand, when you post vague captions, you miss opportunities. Algorithms love clarity. They want to know exactly what your content offers.

Captions Matter More Than People Think

A strong caption doesn’t need to be long. It needs to be helpful, simple and keyword-rich in a natural way. Social media SEO rewards clarity, not fluff. A clear description helps the algorithm categorize your content and helps people find it long after you post.

When you write like a human—direct, simple, relevant—you’re already ahead. The goal isn’t to sound smart. It’s to make the algorithm understand you in seconds.

Hashtags Are Not Dead—They’re Just Smarter

Hashtags still matter, but not in the old “30 tags on every post” way. Platforms now favor specific, intentional hashtags that relate directly to the content. Think of hashtags as labels, not decoration.

Too broad (#love, #fun) gets you lost. Too niche can bury you. The sweet spot: a mix of medium and specific tags that clearly connect to your topic, audience and industry.

Why Video SEO Dominates

Short-form video rules social media, and platforms analyze everything inside it. Your spoken words become searchable. Your on-screen text becomes a keyword. Your caption reinforces the topic. When all three match, your video gets pushed to the right audience.

That’s why creators now speak the keyword early—“Here’s how to fix…,” “Let’s talk about meal prep…,” “If you struggle with anxiety…”—so the platform instantly knows the content’s purpose.

Consistency Builds Authority

SEO in social media doesn’t reward one great post. It rewards consistent themes. When you post around the same topics regularly, the algorithm starts seeing you as a reliable source. Your content clusters together. Your reach grows faster because the platform knows exactly who to show your posts to.

Consistency isn’t about posting daily—it’s about staying focused.

Engagement Still Signals Quality

Likes and comments matter, but not in the old “numbers game” way. Platforms track deeper signals:
Are people watching to the end?
Do they save it?
Do they share it?
Do they click your profile after watching?

These actions tell the algorithm your content is valuable. And valuable content gets pushed up in search results and suggested feeds.

Creating Content That Works Now

Good social SEO isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about making content people understand quickly and find easily. Clear topics. Useful info. Natural keywords. Clean captions. Consistency over chaos.

When you combine all this, your content doesn’t disappear after a few hours. It grows. It resurfaces. It reaches people who weren’t following you. It becomes discoverable instead of forgettable.

And that’s what social SEO is all about—giving your work a chance to be seen in a world that scrolls fast.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post Why Social Media SEO Matters Right Now appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Here’s a breakdown of the main issues with SEO on social media, and how to navigate them smartly.

1. Algorithm Limitations

Unlike search engines, social platforms prioritize content based on engagement, not keywords. This means:

• Keyword stuffing rarely helps
• Over-optimized captions can feel unnatural
• Search visibility can be inconsistent and depend heavily on trending formats

Workaround: Focus on human-first content. Use natural language, relevant hashtags, and engaging visuals that your audience wants to interact with. SEO here means smart formatting and relevance, not keyword overload.

2. Limited Metadata Control

You can’t fully control how your posts are indexed or ranked. Social platforms often:

• Restrict where keywords can be placed (e.g., no meta descriptions)
• Automatically crop or reformat content

Workaround: Optimize what you can control—usernames, bio, post descriptions, and alt-text (especially on Instagram). Keep key terms clear and consistent across your content.

3. Fast Content Lifespan

Unlike blog posts that stay searchable for years, social content often disappears from feeds in days or hours.

Workaround: Recycle and repurpose content. Turn high-performing captions into videos, or repost in different formats. Also, save important posts as Highlights or pinned content.

4. Platform-Specific Rules

What works on one platform doesn’t always translate well to others. For example:

• Long captions on Instagram may perform well, but not on Twitter
• TikTok search relies more on visuals and sounds than text

Workaround: Adapt your strategy by platform. Treat each one as a separate ecosystem and create native-style content that naturally fits user expectations.

5. Overemphasis on SEO Can Hurt Creativity

Focusing too much on optimization may:

• Make posts feel robotic
• Reduce personal voice and emotional connection
• Miss the spontaneous, trend-driven nature of social media

Workaround: Keep content real and personal. SEO should support, not replace, authenticity. Pay attention to trends and user feedback more than keyword density.

Final Thoughts

SEO on social media is useful—but not everything. These platforms are social for a reason: connection comes first. Use SEO as a guide, not a rulebook. Focus on clarity, consistency, and creativity—and the visibility will follow.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post The Downsides of SEO on Social Media appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Pinterest: Treat It Like a Visual Search Engine

Pinterest isn’t just “social”—it’s a search engine for ideas. People go there to plan, dream, and solve problems.

Secrets:

• Keywords are king: Use clear, searchable keywords in your Pin titles, descriptions, and even in your profile.
• Fresh content matters: Pinterest favors fresh Pins—even if the linked content is old.
• Vertical images win: Use a 2:3 ratio (like 1000×1500 pixels) and eye-catching graphics.
• Boards need love: Create niche-specific boards filled with relevant Pins.
• Consistency beats bursts: Pinning a little every day is better than dumping 50 Pins once a month.

YouTube: SEO Meets Storytelling

YouTube is Google’s second-largest search engine. That means SEO matters—a lot. But so does connecting emotionally.

Secrets:

• Keyword-rich titles: Use language people actually search for—think “How to Save Money Fast” instead of “My Financial Journey.”
• First 30 seconds hook: YouTube tracks watch time. If people bounce early, your video tanks.
• Descriptions matter: Use detailed descriptions with keywords, timestamps, and links.
• Thumbnails aren’t optional: A clickable thumbnail boosts views—even if your content is gold, you need a strong visual to pull people in.
• Engagement is SEO: Comments, likes, shares—they’re all signals that push your video higher.

Instagram: Searchability Is Changing Everything

Instagram used to be pure vibes. Now? SEO is creeping in—fast.

Secrets:

• Alt text isn’t just for accessibility: Writing descriptive alt text can help your posts get found through search.
• Hashtags = mini search engines: Use a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags.
• Captions are searchable: Drop relevant keywords naturally in your captions.
• Consistency and timing: Posting regularly at times when your audience is online matters for being prioritized in feeds.
• Video is dominating: Reels, Stories, Lives—the algorithm loves moving pictures.

Final Thought

SEO isn’t just for blogs and websites anymore. Every major social platform is becoming a search-first experience.

If you learn how people search, how they scroll, and how they choose to engage, you can position yourself where opportunity finds you—instead of shouting into the void.

Create value. Be consistent. Think like a human first—and a search engine second.

That’s where real growth happens.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post Secrets of Growing on Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn’t just for websites. YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world (owned by Google), and its algorithm works a lot like Google’s. That means what you title, tag, describe, and say on camera really matters.

Here’s how to actually make YouTube SEO work for you.

1. Start With the Right Keywords

Before you even hit record, you should know what people are searching for. Use tools like:

• YouTube’s autocomplete (start typing in the search bar)
• Google Trends (set it to YouTube search)
• Tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ

Find terms that are specific, searchable, and relevant to your video. For example, “best DSLR for beginners 2024” is better than just “camera review.”

2. Optimize Your Title

Your title should include your main keyword, sound natural, and make people want to click. It should:

• Answer a question or offer a solution
• Use numbers or specifics when relevant
• Stay under 60 characters if possible

Example: “How I Grew to 10K Subs in 90 Days (YouTube Growth Tips)”

3. Write a Real Description (Don’t Skip This)

The first 2-3 lines show up in search previews. Use them wisely:

• Include your main keyword early
• Explain what the video covers
• Add links to your socials, resources, or website
• Use hashtags at the bottom (3-5 max)

Longer descriptions can help YouTube understand the context of your video. Think of it like a mini blog post.

4. Tags Still Matter (Just Less Than Before)

Tags aren’t as powerful as they used to be, but they still help. Use:

• Your main keyword
• Common variations and related terms
• Misspellings, if they apply

Pro tip: Look at what top videos in your niche are tagging (TubeBuddy can help with that).

5. Say Your Keywords Out Loud

Yes, YouTube reads your captions and listens to your audio. If your keyword appears naturally in your speech, that can improve your ranking.

6. Thumbnails That Stop the Scroll

Technically not SEO, but indirectly vital. A great thumbnail improves CTR (click-through rate), which tells YouTube your video is worth recommending.

• Use bold, readable text
• High-contrast images
• Emotion or expression on faces
• Consistent branding across your channel

7. Watch Time and Engagement = Ranking Power

The algorithm favors videos that:

• Get watched all the way through
• Earn likes, comments, shares
• Lead to people watching more videos on your channel

Ask viewers to engage, but make it feel natural. And structure your content to hook them in early and keep them watching.

8. Playlists and Internal Linking

Group your videos into playlists with keyword-rich titles. This keeps people on your channel longer and helps YouTube understand your content.

Link to your other videos in:

• Cards (upper-right corner pop-ups)
• End screens
• Description box

9. Use Chapters and Timestamps

Break your video into sections using timestamps. Not only does this help viewers, but it helps YouTube index the content more clearly.

Example: 00:00 Intro
00:45 Step 1: Research
03:20 Step 2: Optimize Titles
…

Final Thoughts

YouTube SEO isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about clarity. When YouTube understands your content, it can show it to the right people.

Start with one video. Do the SEO steps well. Track your progress. Over time, you’ll notice something powerful: your videos don’t just exist—they get discovered.

And once that happens? That’s when growth gets real.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post YouTube SEO: How to Actually Get Found in a Sea of Videos appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

The Puzzle: Standing Out in a Sea of Content

Let’s start with the biggest challenge: competition. The internet is saturated with videos. Every second, 500 hours of content is uploaded to YouTube alone. How do you make your brand’s message stand out? It’s not just about making a video—it’s about making the *right* video.

The solution begins with understanding your audience. Forget trying to please everyone. The more specific your message, the more likely it is to resonate. Think about what your viewers care about, what problems they need solved, and how your product or service can be part of the answer. And don’t forget the first few seconds matter most. Hook your audience right away, or they’ll scroll past without a second thought.

The Mystery of Engagement

Even when people watch your video, keeping them engaged is another story. It’s easy to lose viewers halfway through if your content drags or feels irrelevant. So how do you keep them hooked?

Here’s the trick: every second should serve a purpose. Start with a clear storyline. Whether you’re making a 15-second Instagram Reel or a two-minute explainer, tell a story that flows naturally. Add a touch of emotion—whether it’s humor, inspiration, or even a little suspense. And keep the visuals dynamic. Quick cuts, compelling graphics, and on-brand colors all make a difference. Viewers need to *feel* something, or they’ll click away.

Solving the ROI Equation

Another challenge is measuring success. You can create amazing videos, but if they don’t deliver results, what’s the point? Many marketers struggle to connect their video efforts to actual revenue.

To solve this, start with clear goals. Are you looking for more clicks? Better brand awareness? Sales conversions? Each goal requires a different type of video. For example, a brand awareness campaign might focus on storytelling, while a product demo should highlight key features and benefits.

Next, track the right metrics. Views are nice, but they’re not the whole story. Pay attention to engagement rates, click-through rates, and—most importantly—how many viewers take action after watching. Tools like Google Analytics or video platforms’ native insights can help you measure impact and adjust your strategy.

The Budget Balancing Act

Video marketing can feel like a money pit. Professional productions, high-quality editing, and distribution costs add up quickly. But here’s the secret: you don’t need a Hollywood budget to make great videos.

User-generated content, for example, can be incredibly effective. Encourage your customers to share videos using your product. It’s authentic and often more relatable than polished ads. Another cost-effective option? Short, snappy clips for social media. Tools like Canva or Adobe Express let you create professional-looking videos without breaking the bank.

If you’re investing in higher production, make it count. Repurpose content wherever possible. A single shoot can provide material for YouTube, Instagram, and even TikTok. Stretch every dollar by thinking strategically about how each video can serve multiple platforms.

Cracking the Distribution Code

You’ve created a killer video—now what? Posting it and hoping for the best isn’t a strategy. Distribution is where many video campaigns falter.

Start by knowing where your audience spends time. Younger viewers? TikTok and Instagram are your go-to platforms. B2B audiences? LinkedIn and YouTube are better bets. Tailor your video’s format, length, and style to fit each platform’s vibe.

Then, think beyond organic reach. Paid ads can amplify your message and ensure the right people see it. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube offer powerful targeting tools to reach specific demographics. And don’t underestimate email—embedding videos in newsletters can boost engagement rates dramatically.

The Power of Consistency

Finally, remember that video marketing isn’t a one-and-done deal. Success comes from showing up consistently. The more your audience sees your content, the more familiar and trustworthy your brand becomes.

Create a content calendar to keep things organized. Post regularly and vary your content. Mix tutorials, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes clips to keep things fresh. Over time, this consistent presence builds brand loyalty and drives results.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Yes, video marketing has its mysteries. But each challenge—from standing out to proving ROI—is an opportunity to innovate. With the right approach, your videos can cut through the noise and connect with your audience in ways no other medium can.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post Video Marketing: Cracking the Code appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Using social media to promote a business has become a staple in modern marketing. It’s one of the most powerful tools for reaching a wide audience and engaging with customers in real time. With platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, businesses can connect with potential clients, build brand awareness, and even drive sales directly through posts and ads. However, while the benefits can be huge, there are also drawbacks to relying too heavily on social media for business promotion. To make the most out of social media marketing, it’s important to understand both the pros and the cons. Here’s what to consider before making it a primary part of your marketing strategy.

The Benefits of Social Media Promotion

One of the greatest advantages of promoting your business on social media is the sheer reach you can achieve. With billions of users across different platforms, social media gives you access to a global audience. This reach allows even small businesses to compete with bigger brands if their content is engaging and strategic. The potential to go viral or have your content shared widely can increase brand visibility quickly.

Another benefit is the ability to build a community around your brand. Social media isn’t just about advertising; it’s a two-way street that allows for interaction. You can engage with followers, respond to questions, and create relationships with your customers. This kind of interaction builds trust and loyalty, encouraging repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. A brand that responds quickly and communicates well tends to be remembered and recommended.

Cost-effectiveness is another plus. Setting up an account is free, and even paid advertising can be done on a budget. Social media ads allow for precise targeting, so you can show your content to people based on their interests, demographics, and behavior. This level of customization can lead to better conversion rates compared to traditional advertising.

Real-Time Feedback and Insights

Social media provides real-time feedback, which can be invaluable for understanding what content or products resonate with your audience. You can post a piece of content and almost instantly see how people react through likes, comments, and shares. This feedback helps businesses adjust their strategy on the go and create more of what works.

Insights and analytics are built into most social media platforms. They show data like reach, impressions, and engagement rates. This data can help fine-tune your marketing efforts and give you a clearer idea of your audience’s preferences. Unlike traditional advertising, where it’s hard to measure the exact impact, social media gives you concrete numbers that show what’s working and what isn’t.

The Downsides of Relying on Social Media

While social media has its perks, it’s not without challenges. One of the biggest downsides is the constantly changing algorithms. Platforms frequently update how content is prioritized in users’ feeds, making it difficult to predict how many people will see your posts. What worked last month might not work today. Businesses need to stay adaptable and change their strategies to keep up with these shifts.

Another issue is the level of competition. Social media is crowded, and standing out requires constant creativity and effort. Creating content that’s both engaging and aligns with your brand can be time-consuming. This pressure to consistently produce high-quality posts can lead to burnout for small teams or solo entrepreneurs.

Dependence on social media alone is risky. If a platform changes its policies or your account gets suspended, your business could face a sudden halt in visibility. This risk is why it’s crucial to use social media as part of a broader marketing strategy rather than the only focus.

Handling Negative Feedback

The open nature of social media can also be a double-edged sword. While positive interactions boost your brand, negative comments or reviews can harm your reputation. Dealing with public criticism requires careful and prompt responses. Ignoring or mishandling negative feedback can turn small issues into bigger problems that impact customer trust.

However, responding well to criticism shows that your business listens and values customer input. A well-handled situation can even turn a negative experience into a positive one, showing that your brand is willing to improve and engage.

The Time Investment Required

Social media marketing isn’t as simple as posting and walking away. It takes time to plan, create, and publish content consistently. Engagement is key to building an audience, and that means responding to comments, replying to messages, and keeping up with trends. This time commitment can be a strain, especially for small businesses without dedicated social media staff.

Automating some tasks, like scheduling posts, can help manage time, but it’s not a full solution. The best social media interactions happen in real-time, so automation only goes so far. Businesses need to find a balance that works for their schedule and resources.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits

To make the most of social media, diversify your approach. Use different types of content, from photos and videos to stories and live sessions. Experiment to see what formats your audience responds to best. Collaborating with influencers or running giveaways can also boost engagement and attract new followers.

Make sure your branding is consistent across platforms. This helps build recognition and trust. Regularly check your analytics to adjust your strategy based on what’s working. Keeping up with trends while staying true to your brand’s voice can help you stand out in the crowded social media landscape.

Picture Credit: Pixabay

The post Pros and Cons of Promoting Business on Social Media appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Unique, Customizable Products That Stand Out

One of the biggest advantages of a 3D printing business is the ability to offer unique, customizable products that can’t be found elsewhere. Unlike mass-produced items, 3D-printed goods allow customers to get exactly what they want, whether it’s a personalized keychain with their name, a unique phone stand in their favorite color, or a custom-designed chess set. This level of personalization is highly appealing to consumers who want something special and unique.

By tapping into the personalization trend, your business can cater to a wide audience, from tech enthusiasts and creative collectors to people looking for memorable gifts. You can easily adjust your designs based on customer feedback, seasonal trends, or even niche interests. Imagine creating limited-edition items or exclusive pieces that drive excitement and demand. This kind of customization isn’t easy to find in traditional retail, and it’s one of the things that makes a 3D printing business so attractive to customers.

Low Startup Costs with High Creative Freedom

Starting a 3D printing business requires relatively low upfront costs, especially compared to traditional manufacturing or retail businesses. Basic 3D printers are now accessible at a lower price point, and there’s a range of quality options available to fit different budgets. The primary investment lies in the printer, filament, and design software, but once you have these basics, the possibilities are virtually endless. You can produce a wide variety of items without needing separate machinery or molds, giving you the freedom to experiment and adapt your offerings.

This freedom means you can test different ideas quickly without a large financial risk. For example, you might start by offering custom jewelry and later branch out into other areas like home decor or even pet accessories, based on customer interest. Each new idea requires minimal additional cost—just some time and creative input—making 3D printing ideal for entrepreneurs who like to experiment with new concepts.

Social Media: The Perfect Tool for Marketing 3D Creations

Social media is the ideal platform to showcase 3D-printed products, especially because of the visual appeal and “wow factor” that these creations have. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are all about engaging visuals and unique content, which makes them perfect for showing off the intricacies and customization of 3D-printed items. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, showcasing the design process, and posting videos of the printer in action, you can create content that’s both educational and captivating.

Social media is also a great place to run contests, offer special deals, and gather feedback directly from your customers. For instance, you could create a poll asking followers which new designs they’d like to see next, or offer limited-edition products only available to your social media audience. These tactics not only increase engagement but also help build a loyal following that’s invested in your brand’s journey.

Storytelling and Personal Connection

People love supporting small businesses, especially when they feel a connection to the person behind the products. With a 3D printing business, you have the unique opportunity to share your story, showcase your workspace, and introduce customers to the creative process in a way that’s personal and relatable. Social media is the perfect place for this kind of storytelling. You can share how you started, the inspiration behind each design, and even the challenges and triumphs of running a small business.

Flexible Business Model with Room to Grow

A 3D printing business offers flexibility in how you structure and grow your brand. You can start by selling through online marketplaces like Etsy or your own website, and as demand grows, you might expand into local craft fairs or partner with nearby shops to showcase your products. This scalability allows you to adjust the business based on your time and resources, which is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to start small but have the potential to expand.

Another benefit of this flexibility is the ability to pivot as trends shift. Because 3D printing is so versatile, you’re not locked into one type of product. If a new trend or opportunity arises, like seasonal decor or a unique holiday gift idea, you can quickly design and offer something fresh. This ability to adapt means your business stays relevant and interesting for customers, which is essential in the fast-paced world of social media.

“Engaging with a Community of 3D Printing Enthusiasts

3D printing has a large and active online community, and social media is where many of these enthusiasts share tips, showcase projects, and connect with each other. By tapping into this community, you can build relationships with people who appreciate the craft, get inspiration, and even find potential customers. Many small businesses find success by being active in these communities, where people are often excited to support and share each other’s work.

Consider joining groups on Facebook or subreddits focused on 3D printing, where you can contribute, share your creations, and learn from others in the field. Collaborating with influencers or content creators who focus on tech, design, or DIY can also help spread the word about your business. You can even host live streams or Q&A sessions to share tips or offer insights on your favorite techniques, making you a valuable and trusted figure in the community.

The post Why Starting 3D Printing Business is a Great Idea appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

A Gateway to Knowledge

One of YouTube’s most compelling attributes is its unparalleled access to knowledge. The platform serves as a vast repository of information, where users can learn about virtually any topic imaginable. From complex scientific theories to the nuances of historical events, YouTube offers a plethora of educational content that is both engaging and informative. The visual and auditory nature of the platform enhances the learning experience, making it easier to grasp difficult concepts. Additionally, many educators and institutions have embraced YouTube as a medium to disseminate knowledge, providing high-quality content that rivals traditional educational resources.

A Creative Canvas

Beyond its educational value, YouTube is a fertile ground for creativity. It empowers individuals to express themselves in myriad ways, whether through music, art, storytelling, or innovative video production. The platform’s accessibility means that anyone with a camera and an idea can become a content creator, breaking down barriers that once limited creative expression to a privileged few. This democratization of creativity has led to a vibrant and diverse community where unique voices and perspectives can flourish. Aspiring artists, filmmakers, and musicians can showcase their talents to a global audience, gaining recognition and feedback that fuels their creative journey.

Building Communities

Moreover, YouTube excels in fostering communities. It connects like-minded individuals from across the globe, allowing them to share their passions and interests. This sense of community is particularly evident in the way audiences and creators interact, creating a dynamic and participatory culture. Comment sections, live streams, and collaborative projects enable a level of engagement that transforms passive viewers into active participants. Through these interactions, users can find support, inspiration, and camaraderie, enriching their online experience and, often, their personal lives.

A Platform for Personal Growth

In addition to community building, YouTube is a platform for personal growth and development. Countless channels are dedicated to self-improvement, offering advice on everything from mental health and fitness to career development and financial literacy. The diverse range of perspectives and expertise available allows users to tailor their learning and growth to their specific needs and goals. Whether someone is looking to pick up a new skill, improve their well-being, or gain insights into personal development, YouTube provides the resources to facilitate these aspirations.

The Future of Entertainment and Education

Furthermore, YouTube represents the future of both entertainment and education. Its blend of user-generated content and professional productions blurs the lines between these traditionally separate domains. This convergence is shaping a new kind of media landscape where education can be as engaging as entertainment, and entertainment can be deeply educational. The platform’s algorithm, which curates personalized content for users, ensures that individuals are continually exposed to videos that both interest and challenge them, fostering a perpetual cycle of learning and enjoyment.

In conclusion, YouTube’s significance extends far beyond being a repository of videos. It is a multifaceted platform that nurtures learning, creativity, community, and personal growth. Its ability to adapt and innovate ensures that it will remain at the forefront of the digital age, continually shaping how we consume content and connect with the world. As we navigate an increasingly digital future, YouTube stands as a testament to the power of the internet to educate, inspire, and bring people together.

Picture Credit: Pixabay

The post YouTube: The Ultimate Platform for Learning and Creativity appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Consider the common belief that social media is the exclusive domain of the young. In reality, this digital realm is increasingly populated by a diverse age group, including those well past their youthful years. Grandparents are now sharing family photos, rekindling old friendships, and even partaking in viral trends. Social media transcends age, fostering connections that span generations and enhancing our understanding of one another.

There’s a prevalent myth that social media is detrimental to mental health. While it’s true that excessive use and negative interactions can exacerbate anxiety and depression, the platforms themselves are not inherently harmful. They can, in fact, be conduits for support and community. Positive interactions online can bolster well-being, providing emotional sustenance and a sense of belonging. The crux lies in mindful engagement, akin to savoring a rich dessert in moderation to avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence.

Another persistent myth is that friendships forged online lack the depth and authenticity of those made in person. This notion overlooks the profound connections that can develop through digital interactions. Many individuals have found support networks, shared passions, and even love through social media. The essence of a friendship isn’t defined by physical proximity but by the quality of interaction and mutual understanding.

Some argue that social media is a time sink, offering little of value. However, this perspective misses the diverse utility of these platforms. Social media can be a powerful tool for learning, networking, and staying informed. Professionals leverage LinkedIn for career advancement, educators disseminate knowledge through X, and activists use Instagram to mobilize support for crucial causes. The true value of social media is dictated by the user’s intent and engagement.

The belief that social media is rife with fakery is partially true, as filters and curated content can indeed create an idealized reality. Yet, the digital space is also a canvas for authenticity. Live streams, candid posts, and genuine storytelling flourish, providing unvarnished glimpses into real lives. The challenge lies in developing the discernment to navigate through the polished facades to find the true narratives.

Undoubtedly, social media shapes public opinion with its formidable reach. Hashtags ignite movements, tweets can influence political outcomes, and viral posts bring social issues to the forefront. This power, however, is double-edged, capable of spreading both awareness and misinformation. As users, critical thinking and media literacy are essential tools for navigating this landscape.

The addictive nature of social media is a reality we must confront. Designed to captivate, the endless scroll and constant notifications trigger dopamine releases, making it difficult to disengage. Acknowledging this addictive potential is crucial for fostering a healthy relationship with our digital devices.

In embracing social media, balance is key. By harnessing its benefits—connection, information, and entertainment—while remaining vigilant about its downsides, we can use it to enhance our lives. Setting boundaries, curating a positive feed, and occasionally unplugging are vital practices. Social media, much like any tool, is defined by how we wield it.

In conclusion, social media is both friend and foe, a dynamic presence in our lives that reflects our usage and intentions. By debunking myths and understanding its realities, we can harness its power positively, making it a force for good in our digital world. As you navigate your digital interactions, do so with awareness and intention, shaping your online experience into one that enriches and uplifts.

Picture Credit: Pixabay

The post Social Media Friend or Foe? Unveiling the Truths Behind the Myths appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

YouTube: The Leading Video Service with Global Reach

YouTube remains the number one video service in the world: ChannelAdvisor estimates that 3 billion people watch videos on this site at least once a month. And the most explosive growth in recent years has been TikTok. Experts called it “the main social media story of the past year”.

TikTok: The Explosive Growth of a Chinese Video Hosting Service

The Chinese video hosting service has 800 million monthly active users. 500 million of them are Chinese themselves, and despite this, TikTok ranked 6th in the global ranking of mobile apps for 2019. It caught up with Instagram in terms of the number of downloads but has not yet made it to the leader.

Short Videos and High User Engagement

Internet users now have a very high level of attention to the video, and videos with a duration of no more than five minutes receive the maximum traffic. Long videos are either split into parts (each of them starts with an advertisement) or at the beginning, they contain cut frames from the middle and the end of the video (spoilers) to captivate the viewer and increase visibility. The trend for short videos is set by social networks, for example, Instagram.

Video content has become an effective advertising format. At the same time, as experts note, it works only in conjunction with other types of advertising. The world is moving away from one sales channel. Even if a person liked the video, it is not a fact that he will buy the offered product. He will at least google the brand, and look at its social networks. And he will buy, perhaps, only two days later, when the seller “catches up” the buyer with additional advertising.

Picture Credit: Unsplash

The post Video Marketing – Trend 2020 appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Content marketing is still a relatively new phenomenon. Only a few years ago, marketers treated the content mainly as a supplement. Content played a minor role rather than a key role in business.

It has changed. Marketing of the past used unilateral conversations with consumers, while modern marketing opens the door to two-way conversations and customer relations as never before. This translates into the success of many enterprises. Content is one of the best tools for gaining trust, building a brand, generating website traffic and acquiring leads.

Next year, entrepreneurs will continue to invest in content marketing because it has a high level of competitiveness compared to other tools.

If you want to keep up with the trends that have shown their effectiveness, think about using a team of specialists creating relevant and interesting content for your target audience.

The strategy will become more important.
The power of content is powerful, but it will not solve every business goal you set. This tactic requires a flagship strategy to maximize their effectiveness and ensure audience involvement.

Companies have different goals, so content strategies do not work the same. However, general goals such as generating leads and SEO are commonplace, and from that onwards, companies can adapt strategies that meet the most important goals.

What will be the trends in social media?

Video marketing is rightly called the future of content marketing. And it will also be one of the best trends in creating websites. Cisco specialists believe that in 2019 the amount of video will take up 80% of all internet traffic. Also, many marketers claim that the social media segment will be dominated by content video. The wide introduction of the video format opens up many possibilities, which are for example:

• Convenience in the process of self-service;
• Interaction only when needed;
• Providing information in a timely manner and no need to have sales staff.

The most important thing is that the video answer the main questions of customers. A special trend that deserves attention is streaming. In many industries, this technique has shown how effective it can be to use live streaming to maintain the brand’s reputation. There is a simple explanation – a business that uses live streaming is highly trusted. Companies that use this method show their clients – we have nothing to hide.

According to research, people spend much more time on the Internet than watching TV. For this reason, it can be predicted that companies will spend less money on TV commercials, and more on online video, social media and online advertising.

Moreover, as experts predict, chatbots will become more popular and more frequently used by companies.

Picture Credit: DiggityMarketing

The post Advanced Tactics to Combine Your Social Media and Content Marketing appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

INTERNET STORES

1 Voice and visual search for online stores
If you want to gain a competitive advantage for your business, we recommend using Artificial Intelligence technologies to better understand the desires and interests of customers.

2 Learning Machine
Machine learning is the most promising approach for analyzing large data in 2018.

With this technology, your online store will be able to display products or services customized, analyzing the behavior and interests of the client on the Internet.

4 Apple Pay and Android Pay
Payment mechanisms are very accessible, convenient and transparent, so more and more users trust them. You can integrate the ability to pay with Apple and Android Pay in your business.

WEB

1 JavaScript + Angular 4
One of the most trendy languages ​​is JavaScript, which is convenient to develop, both desktop and mobile applications. The language is also popular thanks to the libraries – Node.JS, React.js and Angular. Google is developing Angular 4, which will undoubtedly become one of the trends of 2018.

2 Python
Python is also attracting the attention of an increasing number of developers – it is convenient to work on the project, as well as support it. This language is used by Google, Dropbox, Facebook, Youtube, and in 2018 and the average business it is worth paying attention to it.

MARKETING

1 Voice Search
Since the popularity of voice search is growing, Google will better rank the sites with such an opportunity, so the trend will be optimization for voice search queries.

2 UX mobile version
A special role in SEO plays out the adaptability of sites. And now we noticed a trend that if earlier in the adaptation everything went from desktop to mobile, now they make an ideal UX mobile and now they adapt it to the desktop. New approaches optimize work.

3 AMP
AMP for online stores is also well ranked by Google. Accelerated mobile pages are so popular, because they provide maximum comfort to mobile users and fast download. We believe that there can be a situation similar to the situation with adaptability – at first everyone sluggishly switched to adaptive sites, and then Google just made the adaptability a ranking factor and everyone immediately realized the value.

The share of purchases from the mobile is growing, that’s why AMP for online stores is definitely a topical and acute issue that will develop in 2018.

4 Crowd-marketing
In 2018, the importance of crowd marketing among promotion tools will increase. This is especially true for online stores, when you need to cover a large number of pages with secure links. Materials are more likely to “reprint” 4-5 publications and get 5 links for the price of one. Moreover, such a “referral” can bring direct income.

5 Video Content
The share of video content and interest to it grows among users, so Cisco predicts a significant increase in the role of such content in comparison with 67% in 2016.

MOBILE

1 Niches
Especially popular niches of mobile applications in 2018 will be HealthCare, Internet of things, online lending. Online stores, of course, will continue to develop and will not lose their demand. We advise you to pay attention to these areas, if you are thinking about creating a mobile application.

2 Security
In 2018, all developers are looking at the security of mobile services in a new way. For example, you can use blocking technology, which enhances platform protection with two-factor authentication.

3 Kotlin
Advanced companies already write applications for Android on Kotlin – it simplifies the syntax, it is simple and aimed specifically at mobile development. Very soon Artjoker plans to release an entire article about the benefits of this language.

Image credit: geralt

The post Technology Trends Affecting Business in 2018 and Beyond appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

The first thing to do is forget about “stupid” videos with young children, funny animals, dances or crazy stunts. It’s all an un-targeted video, although it’s gaining thousands of views on the web.

Pay attention to the video, which accurately hits the target, in a certain theme or market niche. A company that provides real estate services can rent an exciting video about country houses or make a presentation of their company. Nightclub simply has to show the atmosphere in its establishment, famous visitors, good music in the background. A programmer must show the results of his work – a complex computer project, which works flawlessly.

The Google search engine ranks video from YouTube with a special “preferential” method. Therefore, it is possible that a high-quality video will be released into “top” queries on the key phrase. This is the most important, because the cost of creating a video will pay off with interest.

There is a logical question, how to transfer traffic from video to your site. That is, how to entice a potential client? There are several ideas:

– make an offer for a free bonus on your website (reports, consultations, demos, MP3s, etc.)
– ask people for their opinions or invite them to participate in a survey that will be on your site. Successfully combine this method with some “freebie”.
– Do not share in the video on YouTube all information or history. Get people to go to your site.
Here you need to know a bit of psychology. While you own the attention of people, you must skillfully encourage them to visit your site. If you do not offer specific instructions for the transition, then a person will simply go to watch other videos on YouTube.

But first of all you need to create a competent video. Here are some guidelines for creating:

• Brainstorm with customers or friends. This method has long been known. Collect more people and offer them a reward for a good idea for the video. It’s no secret that all people think differently. And a variety of ideas are born in their heads.
• Individuality is the secret of success. Nobody makes you create a blockbuster like that of Spielberg. The main goal of video marketing is to establish a strong connection with the audience. To learn about the videos you like, just type in Google “popular videos”. See what will be found in the results. This will be the ideal model for creating a viral clip.
• Viral video should entertain the audience. The most important thing in a video is to send a marketing message. If you are carried away by continuous advertising, then the viewer will quickly determine this, and there will be no viral effect. First of all, you need to entertain the audience, weaving the advertising idea.
• Duration of the video. Popular videos always last no more than 2 minutes. This interval is sufficient for the maximum result from the views. If you have a video much longer, simply break the information into several parts.
• Use the video editor. The viewer will go to your site if he receives a specific instruction in the video. And how to write words on top of a video? To do this, use the video editor Windows Movie Maker, or other similar to it. With the help of video editors you can make text in video or beautiful special effects.
• Think of an intriguing title. It is very important. Good or “catchy” headlines attract many viewers at once. And if the name is not interesting, then no one will open the video.
• Help in creating a video. If you doubt your abilities, then you can create a video with the help of other people. Advertising agencies are well versed in this topic. All their activities involve attracting customers, so they can easily make a quality viral video.
• Download the video and the following plans. After uploading the video on YouTube, you need to look at the activity of the viewers in it. If it is not enough, you will need more videos, but do not forget to put a link to your Internet resource at the end of each. Keep an interesting conversation in the comments to your videos.
• Select a category. When uploading a video, select the relevant category. The closer the topic of your video will be to the topic of the category, the more targeted viewers will go to see it.
• Pick up bloggers and add a video to social networks. Famous bloggers who are popular on the web can collect in their diaries a suitable audience for the promotion of your video. Send them by email your video or a link to it. There is a chance that the blogger will create a viral effect. Create your own pages in social networks, there is also a target audience that can be attracted by your video.

After all the action, you just have to watch how the audience treats your video. Communicating in the comments can help in the promotion of your video. The more popular your video becomes, the more there will be a transition to your site. So, its position in Google will rise.

Image credit: Pexels

The post How Viral Video Has The Potential To Promote Your Brand appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Internet marketing for the successful implementation of the strategy and the achievement of the goal set for a specific project uses various communication tools. For the correct selection of tools (combination of tools), Internet marketing requires a marketing analysis of the project, a clear statement of purpose and a systematic approach to the implementation of the strategy developed.

Internet Marketing Tools

1. Website
The main tool of Internet marketing is a website.
The creation of a website, its correct positioning on the Internet and reasonable use give the owner enormous opportunities and prospects:

strengthening the image and position of the company in the market;
implementation of operational marketing and sales activities;
fostering successful competition in the market;
creation of a favorable ground for further activities and development of the company.
Most Internet marketing tools have an intermediate or ultimate goal of attracting users to the company’s website.

2. Search engine marketing (website promotion)
Most Internet users start searching for a product of interest from a query in the search engine. Using such Internet marketing tools as search engine optimization and search advertising, the website gets the opportunity to be placed on high positions in search engine results.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
The goal of search engine optimization is to attract targeted users from search engines to a website, to organize site content in such a way that it is fully indexed and correctly displayed for each search query.

Search advertising
Text blocks that are placed in search engines and displayed in response to specific user requests are an effective means of attracting users to the website for high-frequency queries.

3. Internet advertising
Internet advertising is highly accurate coverage of the target audience, the ability to flexibly manage the budget and quickly monitor the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. There are two main types: banner and contextual advertising, each of which has its own advantages and specifics of use.

Banner advertising
Used to ensure rapid coverage of the target audience, strengthening the image and recognition of the advertised product.

Contextual advertising
“Intellectual” version of Internet advertising, used to attract the most interested in the product audience. It is shown on Internet resources in reference to their content.

4. Email marketing (direct marketing, direct marketing)
Email Marketing is a personalized e-mail newsletter. It makes it possible to disseminate information at a relatively low cost among a wide range of specific potential customers and monitor their reaction. (Not to be confused with spam – sending unwanted correspondence)

5. Marketing of social relations
Dynamically developing direction of Internet marketing, the methodology of which is to use relations between people to promote products.

Social networks, forums, chats, wiki
Discussion groups located on the servers of online services are the place of formation of communities of interest. They can function as a library, room for chatting (chat room) in real time and even as classified by subject directory of advertisements. Actively used as one of the elements of Internet marketing.

Blogging
Many companies use corporate blogs to publish corporate news, press releases, useful information for customers, and to organize intracorporate communication.

Sites of reviews, ratings
Sites publishing ratings and reviews of independent experts and consumers. Visitors to such sites are employees of representative offices of companies, distributors, retailers and ordinary users who visit the site in search of relevant information.

Online Conferences and Seminars
Represent the versions of the forums, limited to sending and receiving messages on a specific topic. On the Internet, thousands of conferences are held on a wide variety of topics: caring for indoor plants, eating healthy, exchanging views on an event, and so on.

Electronic bulletin boards
Specialized network services, whose activities are dedicated to a specific topic or group.

6. Viral Marketing
Viral marketing is Internet marketing, whose strategy is to develop a “virus” – an interesting advertising message for users, which they themselves convey to each other, perceiving not as advertising, but as entertainment. It differs in avalanche-like distribution of advertising material, which can be:

• provocative article;
• unusual site;
• video;
• cartoon;
• flash game;
• online service;
• hearing, scandal, etc.

7. Online Games
Online games with built-in advertising or branded elements are rapidly gaining popularity, providing numerous opportunities to attract potential customers.

8. Mobile marketing
Mobile devices with Internet access are becoming more widespread, providing Internet marketers with additional opportunities to attract a wide audience. Many websites are developed taking into account the capabilities of mobile devices.

9. Formation of public opinion (PR)
Internet marketing tool aimed at forming a positive image of the company by distributing textual information on third-party resources: distribution of press releases, work in the network press and news resources, custom articles, activity on thematic forums, hidden advertising in blogs, multi-pass loyalty programs and etc.

Each Internet marketing tool has its own peculiarities and specifics, which must be taken into account when choosing an effective tool for each particular project.

Image credit: geralt

The post Internet Marketing: Tools of Incarnation appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

To achieve this, you need to follow a few simple tips that will help you gather thousands of people and regularly enjoy it with quality videos.

Creating suitable conditions

Follow trends

You have a good chance to quickly become popular if you start recording videos for current show business events or news.

Immediately after the incident that fits your channel on the subject, make a video. Try to ensure that the video appeared on the network a maximum of a couple of days after the news came out.

Remove skits and video responses

Find some popular video on YouTube and make a video response to it. Parodies and video responses are a quick way to gain fame and increase the number of subscribers by taking advantage of the popularity of another video. In this case, the creators of the original video will not be against, since the more parodies and answers they receive, the more popular they become.

Upload new videos

Regularly shoot new videos and post them, even if for several months now you do not see the result. If you will often please your subscribers with high-quality and interesting videos, you will certainly become popular even if it takes 2, 3 or 5 years.

Participate in the gatherings of Youtube

If people will know you in person, they will sign with great desire to the channel.

YouTube’s meetings, which are often held around the world, are an effective way to attract attention, to become popular and even make new friends. When meeting with subscribers, try to establish contacts with them, thank them for the interest shown to you. Do not behave arrogantly and too arrogantly. The main task is to be open and friendly, to attract sympathy from as many people as possible.

Collaborate with those who already have them on the meetings with people who have succeeded on YouTube, communicate with them through Twitter or video hosting itself. Ask if they are not against shooting the video together. So you can become popular on YouTube. This is a proven way, thanks to which many people have succeeded.

Helpful Tips

• Before offering a collaboration, consider an interesting idea for the video. So a person will see that he does not have to do all the work himself – you too will make your own contribution.
• Address those people who lead the channel in a manner similar to yours.
  An important rule of YouTube is to help and share, so do not give up if someone asked you to make a joint video.
• Improve the quality of the captured video in the video editor, even if it turned out to be excellent.

Make your video channel attractive

From this step depends on how users will perceive it, whether it will become popular. Think of a tenacious name, add a beautiful cover. So that a person can immediately understand what your channel is about, make a competent short description. Also upload a background image.

Regularly update the video channel description and its appearance so that the information is always up to date.

You can also use YouTube to promote your other projects, leaving them in the description of the video channel.

Do not forget the tags on the video

Correctly composed tags will allow users to quickly find your videos. When writing them, try to choose those tags that most fully characterize the content of the video. If you copy tags that other authors use, then your video will simply not be found among the same labels.

Do not prescribe popular tags that do not relate to the content of the video, in the hope of increasing popularity.

It is necessary to prescribe both general tags, and special – for example, keywords, the names of people mentioned in the video.

Develop a channel

Spread the new video at least once a week. Without regular updates, your channel will be forgotten. It is recommended to schedule and adhere to it so that the audience knows when to expect a new video and on what topic.

Try to make each video interesting and unique.

To ensure that your audience is not “bored” in anticipation of the next video, put the “I like” marks on the videos of other users, promote other content.

Keep in touch with the audience every day, not just when you post a new video.

Helpful Tips

• Make a thumbnail of the video original and eye-catching, as people decide if they should watch the movie, that’s it.
• Do not publish videos with pornographic content, with content that offends people according to their national, social sign, etc.
• Do not violate copyrights.
• Spread only those videos that match the stated topic.
• Do not enter your phone number, address, or other personal information.
• If you can not come up with your original idea, use parodies or video responses.
• Treat the process easily and playfully, but at the same time, do not be lazy and constantly create new videos.
• When you become popular and achieve heights, you do not need to become a vain egoist. Remember that your audience and subscribers are the people who led you to success.

Picture Credit: mohamed_hassan

The post 7 Ways to Create a Popular YouTube Channel appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Most likely, you are so passionate about the creative process and / or deeds that you can not find the time to do it. And to do this is fundamentally important.

So, most likely, you should update on your channel right now or in the near future?

1. Trailer for new viewers – first of all.
It is usually updated rarely. Although in 3-4 months it becomes obsolete.
When writing a new greeting, it may be worthwhile to use other phrases.

It is worth adding scraps from the bright spectacular moments of the current video.

• Be sure to tell the trailer: what kind of channel, what is it about and what will be interesting to the new spectator.
• Tell about the schedule of publication.
• Remember the call to action

Live communication with viewers + inserts from videos = a good trailer.
Trailer is a useful option, update it at least once every six months.

2. Default settings.
Go to the “CHANNEL” -> Download the video. Make sure that the relevant information is here.
Perhaps, there are outdated links or irrelevant information – you need to check everything.

Maybe something needs to be added? Think about it.

In general, the revision of these settings by default is definitely worthwhile.
The more accurate the information is there, the less information you need to adjust when uploading a video.

3. Information about the channel.
As in the previous paragraph, you need to check the relevance of the information on the page about the channel. Time goes on and changes happen. You and your chhannel are changing too.

Also, adjust the information in the channel’s keywords. Nowhere, not showing up, the channel’s keywords still affect the ranking of videos and the promotion of the channel.

• Add topical keywords
• Remove outdated
• Remember branding

It is especially important for young channels that have not yet formed a brand, then they have changed the concept, and the keywords have not been updated.

4. Playlists.
Check the list of your playlists. Make sure they are all up-to-date and match your content strategy.

This is fundamentally important. After all, serial content is the basis of promotion.

• Playlists must be up-to-date
• The playlists must have descriptions
• Playlists match the search queries we need
• There should be series playlists (in which regular serial content)

And, of course, you need to remember about playlists when uploading a video.
Correctly chosen content strategy and serial content can bring 100-200 thousand subscribers for six months or a year. With the correct systematic work, of course.

5. Corporate style of the channel.
When talking about the design of the channel, then, first of all, we are talking about the cap of the channel and the logo.
Remember that the logo should have large recognizable elements. A small unreadable text will go unnoticed and will not work.

Sometimes YouTube changes its design and old design elements may simply not fit into the new design.

The new design of the YouTube cap takes more space. Despite the fact that the overall layout of the cap remains the same, now you can make other accents.

There is important information in the header of the channel:

• this can be your photo, which should be high-quality
• or maybe a publication schedule (which can change, and therefore – need to be updated)

6. Monetization.

• Regular check: whether all ad formats are enabled.
• Are the advertising pauses
• It is important to check / comply with the video categories used (their relevance and relevance)

7. Security settings (!)

• It is worth regularly updating the password. Even if the habit of using a complex and, in your opinion, a reliable password.
• Check – whether the backup mail is tied to the channel and which one is up-to-date.
• Phone number – additional account protection. On the main channel, be sure to connect.

 8. Video Manager.
Here it is sometimes necessary to check whether any videos have fallen under the policy of disabling monetization.
It is important to do this in order to take timely measures (to file an appeal, etc.).

You should also track the Content ID claims on your videos. It’s useful to do even for those who have copyright content, because there is an error in recognition and someone else can wrongfully claim the rights to your content.

It is always important to be on guard for your channel. This is especially true of the current and previous items.

9. Mail of the channel.
It should be checked regularly. some important information can come to it.

Examples of possible important letters:

• “The rules have changed …”
• “We need to accept an agreement …”

If you can not regularly access the channel’s mail (or just laziness), then set up the forwarding of messages from all channels to your main mailbox.
To always be aware of what is happening and to notice something important in time.

Picture Credit: geralt

The post 9 Ways to Become a Successful Vlogger on YouTube appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.

Now it’s hard to remember, but once YouTube was slightly more than just an infrastructure: it allowed you to quickly and easily embed video on other sites, and as the resource grew, it also became a repository for archive TV clips and viral hits. Today this is the most famous resource on a par with Wikipedia.

In the meantime, Facebook invented the format of the news feed – an endless stream of updates, personalized based on the interests of the user. Soon the tape moved to Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram and even LinkedIn. But YouTube with this innovation was in no hurry, leaving dominance over the channels subscribed to by the user. Today these channels no longer dominate. Open YouTube on your smartphone and see – they are hidden in a separate tab, and on the main you’ll see a tape from the video you’ve adapted to your interests. To make recommendations personalized, YouTube developed ultra-precise tools, and this helped to increase the time spent by the user on the site.

“We knew that people come to YouTube only when they know what they want to find. But we wanted to attract them, even if they do not know what they want, “says YouTube technical manager Jim McFadden.
McFadden joined the company in 2011. Just like now, 6 years ago, YouTube’s goal was to keep the user on the site as long as possible and not let it go. The company tried everything a little: bought professional equipment for the best bloggers, introduced the function of “queue” (the list of the following videos in the playback window of the current video), redesigned the main page to raise the percentage of subscription to the channels. But the statistics remained the same until YouTube changed the algorithm for issuing recommendations. Instead of showing users the most viewed videos in the tape, the algorithm selected clips that looked longer than others.

The counters of views of the most popular bloggers, spreading videos with cunning headlines and colorful miniatures, collapsed in just one night. A video of a higher quality, for viewing which users spent more time, on the contrary, gained momentum. Over the next three years, the total watch time on YouTube increased by 50% per year. After a while it became clear that the users subscribed to interesting channels – they could now be considered regular visitors. But to become more, to become a site that the user visits several times a day, YouTube needs new tools. By the way, they began to appear only a year and a half ago.

Well-chosen YouTube recommendations are the result of Google Brain. The unit, working with artificial intelligence technologies, joined YouTube in 2015, although it was not a pioneer in this field. Prior to that, the company used the Sibyl machine learning system to make recommendations, but the new technology of uncontrolled learning surpassed all previous efforts.

“One of the main features of this technology is generalization. If earlier I watched a comic performance, then in the recommendations there was one more video from this comedian. The Google Brain model will find similar videos with other comedians, even more ridiculous – it can make up less obvious chains, “says McFadden.
For example, the Brain algorithm recommends shorter videos for users of the mobile application and longer for those who watch YouTube in the application on the TV. Algorithm guessed, and it is correct that changing the recommendations for the length of the video, depending on the platform, will lead to an increase in the average viewing time. In 2016, YouTube launched 190 such changes, in 2017 the platform will add another 300. Brain algorithms also work faster than before. Literally a couple of years ago to include recommendations in the current behavior of the user would take several days, whereas now the delay is not even a few hours, but only minutes. Today, more than 70% of the time on the site people spend on watching videos, which are based on recommendations. Every day YouTube produces about 200 million different videos in 76 languages ​​- the total time of viewing on the main page has grown 20 times over the past three years.

This roughly corresponds to my behavior (journalist The Verge – prim.red). A few years ago, I began regularly to open the YouTube home page at dinner to watch something interesting while I was eating. The recommendations were so good that I began to open YouTube even more often. This week, I did log in to YouTube on my PlayStation 4 to watch all the great recommendations on the big screen – is not that the power of a personalized tape?

But I’m still amazed by the fact that the YouTube tape is fundamentally different from other tapes in my life. For example, on Facebook I see posts of friends and those pages to which I am subscribed. It is useful if you want to know who married someone or who gave birth to a child, but sometimes the events of friends do not greatly disturb me and even irritate me. In Twitter, I see the messages of the people on whom it is signed, and all their retweets. As a journalist, I need to “live” there, but the chronology of the home page today is hell. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – it seems that all these tapes ask you to do something for them. YouTube, however, exists at the expense of a not very large audience, uploading a video, and even on it it does not crush. YouTube can be enjoyed passively – like television channels.

In 2013, Alexis Madrigal wrote for Atlantic that the tape in its usual form reached its peak in development. He suggested that the future for the selected content: e-mail mailings, collections on Medium, stories on 10 series from Netflix. An endless stream of content tires, in the end. Four years after Madrigal’s article, the YouTube approach shows us that the tape is becoming a more important element. It will be difficult to resist the constantly growing number of commercials and advanced personalization technologies. Now the service determines how much users like the content offered to them, and over time the results of the research will make the resource even smarter. Make sure that the videos on YouTube will look even more.

Picture Credit: geralt

The post How YouTube perfected the feed of recommendations appeared first on SEO TECH GUEST BLOG.