Understand returning & new viewers data

You can use the returning & new viewers metric to plan content strategy for your channel. For example, you can build loyalty by creating consistent content or you can experiment with new topics to attract new viewers.

Why don’t I see any “total” data for returning viewers when I select different dates?

Your returning viewers total data is available for the last 7, 28, and 90 days. You can see your past returning and new viewers metrics on the chart from September 1, 2020. Also, new data is updated every 1–2 days.

What does it mean if my channel gets most of its views from new viewers?

This indicates that viewers may watch some of your videos, but are less likely to return to watch more. It’s common to see this trend among:

• Channels that upload videos about different topics, which attract different types of viewers.
• “How-to” channels where viewers watch a video to learn how to do something, but aren’t likely to return to the channel to watch more.

Note: These trends will vary depending on your channel and audience. 

What does it mean if my channel gets most of its views from Returning viewers?

This indicates that a channel has a loyal audience who is likely to return to watch more. It’s common to see this trend among:

• Channels that upload consistent content about similar topics, or in a familiar format.
• Channels with consistent hosts such as familiar faces and personalities that viewers grow to love.
• Channels who create popular series that keep viewers coming back to watch more.

Note: These trends will vary depending on your channel and audience.

Why are my returning viewers less than my subscriber count?

Your subscriber count reflects how many viewers have subscribed to follow your YouTube channel, and doesn’t represent the number of viewers watching your videos. Viewers, on average, are subscribed to dozens of channels and may not return for every new upload for channels they're subscribed to. It's also common for viewers to be subscribed to channels they no longer watch.

Does YouTube’s recommendation system optimize for returning viewers?

Our recommendation system aims to offer viewers more videos and channels they’re likely to enjoy. If viewers are returning to your channel regularly to watch more, they’re more likely to be recommended more of your videos in the future.

See an example

Check out the following video from the YouTube Creators channel to learn more about returning & new viewers data. 

Understand Your Viewership Trends: New & Returning Viewers in YouTube Analytics

Get tips for understanding new and returning viewers.