Will deleting 1 shorts from my new channel break the algorithm

Question

I recently started a finance YouTube channel about five days ago. My first long-form video, which is around 8-9 minutes long, received 1,300 views. After that, I uploaded a short video that only got 22 views. Concerned about potential negative impacts on the algorithm, I deleted this short video after reading advice online. When I uploaded my next long video last night, it has only reached 15 views. I'm wondering if deleting the shorts video might have affected my channel's algorithm performance. I'm not getting a single view on my first video or my second video.

Abhishekk Bhatnagar · Accepted Answer

Your concerns about your YouTube channel's performance and algorithmic impact are valid, but let’s break this down for clarity and solutions:
Key Observations:
Performance of Your Videos:
Your first long-form video performed well with 1,300 views.
The short video had low engagement (22 views).
Your second long-form video struggled with just 15 views.
Deleting the Shorts Video:
Deleting a video can slightly impact your channel’s algorithm performance temporarily, especially if the video had even minimal engagement. YouTube treats engagement on your channel as a cumulative metric.
Current Metrics:
The lack of views on your latest videos indicates that YouTube’s algorithm may not be prioritizing your content for recommendations, potentially due to reduced overall activity on your channel.
Does Deleting the Shorts Video Affect the Algorithm?
Yes, but marginally. When you delete a video:
It removes all associated watch time, likes, and engagement metrics.
This can momentarily reduce the algorithm’s confidence in your channel's ability to retain viewers.
However, the broader issue might not solely be about deleting the shorts. It could involve:
Viewer Retention: How long viewers stayed engaged with your first video.
Click-Through Rate (CTR): The effectiveness of your thumbnails and titles.
Consistency: Uploading videos sporadically may reduce viewer expectations.
Steps to Recover and Grow:
Analyze Audience Retention:
Check the analytics for your first video. If your average view duration was low (e.g., viewers dropped off early), YouTube may deprioritize future videos.
Aim for retention above 50% of your video length.
Create a Shorts Strategy:
Shorts are increasingly prioritized by YouTube to attract and engage audiences. Create valuable, engaging shorts related to your niche to funnel viewers to your long-form content.
Avoid deleting future videos unless absolutely necessary.
Optimize Future Videos:
Thumbnail & Title: Ensure they are highly engaging and convey value.
Content Structure: Start with a hook, deliver valuable information early, and maintain engagement throughout.
SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords in titles, tags, and descriptions. Research trending finance-related topics.
Consistency:
Upload consistently (e.g., one long-form and two shorts weekly). The algorithm favors creators with regular activity.
Engage with Your Audience:
Reply to comments and encourage interaction. This signals activity to YouTube.
Experiment and Track:
Test different content types and analyze their performance. Adjust based on what resonates with your audience.
Addressing Current Low Views:
Promote Your Content:
Share your videos on social media platforms, forums, and communities interested in finance.
Engage with relevant online groups to build an audience.
Leverage Analytics:
Use YouTube Studio to identify which traffic sources worked for your first video and replicate those strategies.
Long-Term Strategy:
Focus on building your channel around value-driven content. Stick to a schedule, engage with your audience, and monitor performance trends to continually improve.
Would you like suggestions for specific finance-related video topics that might attract more viewers?
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