If you’ve ever wondered why some creators skyrocket overnight while others struggle to get even 100 views, the answer lies in YouTube’s powerful AI-driven algorithm. Recently, Srinidhi Ranganathan – India’s Human AI and Digital Marketing Legend — decoded a hidden truth about how YouTube actually classifies your videos before deciding whether to push them to millions or bury them in silence.
The Hidden Truth About YouTube’s AI Algorithm
YouTube doesn’t just randomly promote videos. Its algorithm is trained to identify the type of content you upload. Broadly, it classifies your videos into three categories:
- Educational Content – Tutorials, how-to guides, lessons, and deep knowledge-sharing videos.
- Entertaining Content – Funny, emotional, thrilling, or storytelling videos designed to keep people hooked.
- Promotional Content – Sales pitches, ads, product plugs, or videos that are created only to sell.
Now here’s where it gets interesting:
- Educational and entertaining videos are given a heavy push in recommendations, home feeds, and Shorts discovery.
- Promotional videos, however, are deliberately suppressed, receiving very little organic reach.
This is why creators who upload only sales-oriented videos find themselves stuck with flat view counts.
Why YouTube Prefers Education and Entertainment
The reason is simple – YouTube wants users to stay on the platform longer. Educational and entertaining content increases watch time, engagement, and retention. Promotional videos, on the other hand, often drive people off the platform or fail to capture attention beyond the first few seconds.
For YouTube, that’s a red flag. The algorithm will automatically cut down the reach of such videos.
Shorts vs. Long-Form Videos
Many creators believe Shorts are treated differently. But Srinidhi reveals the shocking truth: the same rule applies. Whether you post a 30-second Short or a 20-minute tutorial, YouTube’s AI still categorizes and prioritizes content using this hidden framework.
That explains why funny Shorts or quick tutorials go viral, while promotional Shorts struggle to cross even a few hundred views.
How to Outsmart the Algorithm
So what’s the solution? Srinidhi Ranganathan suggests a content hacking strategy:
- Blend value with subtle promotion. Don’t just sell. Teach something useful, then smartly introduce your product or service.
- Hook with entertainment. Add humor, storytelling, or engaging visuals even in serious topics.
- Consistency matters. The more educational and entertaining content you upload, the stronger your algorithmic positioning.
- Watch time is king. Optimize for retention by cutting fluff and keeping viewers engaged till the end.
When you strike the right balance, your videos will not only reach a wider audience but also build trust and authority.
Final Thoughts
YouTube’s AI algorithm is not your enemy. It’s a machine designed to reward creators who bring value and joy to viewers. The mistake most brands make is treating YouTube as an advertising platform instead of a community-driven ecosystem.
As Srinidhi Ranganathan emphasizes, “If you want to win on YouTube, stop pushing ads and start delivering experiences.”
By creating videos that are both educational and entertaining, you can ride the wave of YouTube’s secret algorithm and unlock unstoppable growth.
Source: Read MoreÂ
