YouTube terms

Average Percentage Viewed

The average percentage of a video that viewers watch per view.

What is an average percentage viewed in YouTube?

The average percentage viewed on YouTube, also known as audience retention, can vary greatly depending on the length of the video, the content, and the audience. However, according to several studies and YouTube's own analytics, the average view duration tends to be around 50%. This means that on average, viewers tend to watch about half of a video.

However, it's important to note that this is just an average and individual video performance can vary greatly. For example, shorter videos often have higher retention rates, while longer videos may have lower retention rates. Additionally, engaging content, effective video structure, and a targeted audience can all contribute to higher view percentages. Therefore, while 50% is a good benchmark, the goal for any YouTuber should be to strive for as high a retention rate as possible.

How is the Average Percentage Viewed calculated on YouTube?

The Average Percentage Viewed on YouTube is calculated by dividing the total watch time of a video by the total number of video plays. This includes replays and reflects the percentage of a video that people watch on average. For instance, if a video is 10 minutes long and viewers watch on average 5 minutes of that video, the Average Percentage Viewed would be 50%.

This metric is crucial for YouTube creators as it helps them understand how engaging their content is. If the Average Percentage Viewed is low, it might indicate that viewers are losing interest and skipping parts of the video or leaving the video entirely. On the other hand, a high Average Percentage Viewed suggests that viewers are finding the content engaging and are watching most or all of the video.

How can I increase the Average Percentage Viewed on my YouTube videos?

Increasing the Average Percentage Viewed on your YouTube videos involves creating engaging content and optimizing your video for viewer retention. Start by ensuring your content is high-quality and interesting to your target audience. Use compelling thumbnails and titles to attract viewers, and make sure your video delivers what it promises. Keep your intros short and get straight to the point to hold your viewers' attention.

Additionally, consider the length of your videos. While longer videos can generate more watch time, they may also lead to lower viewer retention if they're not engaging enough. Therefore, it's crucial to find a balance between length and engagement. Use YouTube's Audience Retention report to understand where your viewers are dropping off and adjust your content accordingly.

Finally, encourage viewer interaction. Ask viewers to like, share, and comment on your videos, and make sure to respond to their comments. This can help build a community around your channel, which can lead to higher viewer retention. Also, consider using cards and end screens to promote your other videos and keep viewers on your channel.

Why is the Average Percentage Viewed important for YouTube analytics?

The Average Percentage Viewed is a crucial metric in YouTube analytics as it provides insights into the level of engagement and interest viewers have in a particular video. It is calculated by dividing the total watch time by the length of the video, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. This percentage indicates how much of the video, on average, viewers watch before they stop. A high average percentage viewed suggests that viewers are interested and engaged in the content, while a low percentage may indicate that viewers are quickly losing interest and leaving the video.

Furthermore, the Average Percentage Viewed can significantly impact the video's visibility on the platform. YouTube's algorithm favors videos with higher viewer retention, meaning videos with a high average percentage viewed are more likely to be recommended to other users, appear in search results, and gain more visibility overall. Therefore, understanding and improving this metric is essential for content creators aiming to increase their reach and engagement on YouTube.

If you create and edit videos...

You should try Tella.tv - a screen recorder that doesn't compromise on speed or creativity.

Tella simplifies video creation: record, customize, and share in one place; combine separate clips and quickly remove mistakes; apply beautiful backgrounds, layouts, and effects with just a few clicks; share the video link or export in 4K.

With Tella, create YouTube videos, tutorial videos, and online courses that look amazing in minutes, not hours!

Tella screen recorder

< Back to YouTube glossary

Try Tella today!

Screen recording for creators — simple and powerful.

7-day free trial — no credit card required