10 Ways to Read YouTube Analytics (so you can grow faster!) |Ep. 8

With thousands of metrics in your YouTube analytics… how do you know what’s actually working on your channel right now? It’s important to look at your YouTube metrics because when you know what’s working, you know what to double down on! I think we all know by now that it’s basically impossible to grow your audience on YouTube if you’re completely blind to what’s working on your channel right now.

VIDEO: 10 Ways to Tell What’s Working on your YouTube Channel (so you can grow faster!) | Ep. 8

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Find the “Green Flags” in Your YouTube Analytics

When you dive into your YouTube analytics, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of metrics available. Instead of trying to make sense of everything, focus on finding the “green flags” – the positive indicators that show your channel is moving in the right direction.

YouTube actually calls out some of these for you. In YouTube Studio, you’ll see green up arrows next to metrics that are performing better than your channel’s norm, like views, watch time, subscribers, and revenue. Celebrate these wins!

My video on 6 Things I quit to go from Part Time YouTuber to 6-figure Business has been a big success so I know the feeling of seeing your metrics UP!

Look Beyond the Numbers

Numbers don’t always tell the full story though. Pay attention to qualitative metrics too, like the comments you’re receiving. Are viewers leaving long, thoughtful responses that add to the conversation? That’s a great sign your content is resonating. Even a simple “thank you” comment shows your videos are providing value.

You can also look outside of YouTube itself. If one of your goals is to grow an email list, then an increase in lead magnet downloads originating from your YouTube videos is an important metric to track. It shows your YouTube strategy is successfully funneling viewers into your other marketing channels.

Analyze Your Top Videos in YouTube Analytics

To assess your channel’s overall algorithmic health, review your top 10 videos over the last 90 days in your YouTube analytics. Ideally, you want to see two things:

The top videos align with your target audience and topic niche
Recent videos (from the last 3-6 months) are ranking in the top 10

This indicates that your new content is successfully reaching the right viewers. If you see older, off-topic videos dominating the list, it’s a sign you may need to adjust your current content strategy.

Aim for 50% Audience Retention (But Don’t Obsess)

Audience retention is another key metric to check for individual videos. While 50% is a good benchmark to aim for, don’t get too discouraged if you fall short. It’s just one piece of the puzzle.

I find it’s more important to look at the balance of new vs. returning viewers. A higher proportion of returning viewers shows you’re building a loyal subscriber base that finds your content consistently valuable. But some new viewers are great too, to continue expanding your reach.

Measure the Metrics That Matter Most

At the end of the day, the metrics you prioritize should tie back to your unique goals. If you’re focused on generating revenue, then tracking leads, sales, and ROI from your videos is essential. A simple “set it and forget it” YouTube funnel can help you attract paying customers on autopilot.

By regularly checking these 10 metrics, you’ll gain much more clarity on your channel’s performance. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Keep showing up, track the right data points, and iterate as you go. You’ve got this!

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