Respecting Copyrights When Converting YouTube to MP4

How to Convert YouTube to MP4 Safely? [Step by Step Guide]

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Viewing the videos online is not always feasible, limiting you to go connection-oriented.

So if you are looking for ways to entertain yourself without network limitation while enjoying the best quality video then you utterly need a YouTube video converter to convert YouTube to mp4 safe.

Here we present some of the best applications to easily and safely convert your YouTube video to MP4 within few clicks. Let’s get deep into it!

You will Learn :

• What is the MP4 Video File Format?
• How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 File Format?
• What Is Meant By Unsafe Video File Conversion?
• Tips To Prevent Unsafe Video File Format Conversion

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

What is the MP4 Video File Format?

MP4 file refers to the digital media file format that is officially known by .mp4 file extension. It is solely used for the purpose of audio and video file storage. Other forms of media like stagnant images and subtitles etc. can also be stored in this file format.

This file format is one of the highly accessible, easy-to-use and most convenient formats worldwide at the same time. This is a safe and protected file format by using the DRM technology which performs copyrights protection of the digital media files.

It can be imagined as a container that contains the combination of audio, video, still images and subtitles, all in a single consolidated file. Advanced data like users’ interactivity, menus, and 3D Graphics can also be stored in this format.

Key Features of MP4

• Open standard format used worldwide
• Easy to use file format
• Highly accessible
• Compatible with all operating systems, thus allow convenience in distribution and sharing
• Reliable file format
• Captures precise, vivid and sharp imaging of high mobility content which makes it perfect for video recording.
• The most convenient and high-quality choice for online video streaming and editing.
• The conversion into MP4 file format preserves the original content quality
• Supported by almost all video-based applications.

MP4 Usage

Be it a YouTube video or any video related content, MP4 file format is compatible in every domain over the internet.

The highlighting feature of this file format is that it converts into the targeted file formatting by occupying relatively smaller disk storage yet gives an impeccable output quality. The ease of use and wide range of benefits are the reasons why this file format is being used worldwide. This format is mainly used in online video streaming and in the creation of exclusive web-supported videos.

You may also like: How to Convert Youtube to MP3[Three Ways]

How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 File Format on MAC/Windows [Best Converters Provided]

There are various converters and players that support this file format. So in this part, we will show you how to convert YouTube to MP4 safely step by step. Besides, some popular safe video format converters will also be introduced to you.

Best Video Converter for Windows/Mac: Wondershare Filmora

There is a pool of software available for you to convert YouTube videos into an MP4 file format. But to level it up, Filmora is an option that not only gives promising yet professional results but is compatible with Windows and Mac both operating systems. So if you are looking for a safe YouTube to MP4 video file converter then look no further!

It’s free to download the link of Filmora for Mac and Windows operating systems.

Key Features:

• Noise reduction
• Audio transitions
• Enhances video quality by lessening the size
• Fast import and export option
• Available for both platform MAC and Windows
• User-friendly interface
• The pool of advance options available

Step-By-Step Guide to Convert YouTube to Mp4 Safe Using Filmora:

Step1: Load the Filmora package and run the program. Import the YouTube targeted video file by simply drag and drop option onto the main interface.

Step 2: After successfully importing the file, click on the export button and “Local” to save on the device storage.

Step 3: Click on “setting” to set the desired parameters of the targeted video.

Step 4: Choose the file format “MP4” on the left pane and click on “Export”. Wait for a few minutes and you are done!

For a video tutorial on converting YouTube videos into MP4, refer below.

You may also like: How to Change Video Format [Free Tutorial] >>

What Is Meant By Unsafe Video File Conversion?

When you opt for any free and open-source web application in order to convert the video format of any targeted video, you may find not be able to rectify the vulnerabilities behind the application but it may cost you with your privacy, data theft or lousy file conversion.

Just because it is free doesn’t always ensures the reliability of the application.

You may encounter:

• Malware or viruses that may result in breaching your private data
• May give you lousy quality after transcoding
• Lossy compression format in the end

Tips To Prevent Unsafe Video File Format Conversion

It is always preferable to be safe and cautious beforehand rather than curing the disease afterward. There are some useful tips and tricks that you can always use while not only using and downloading the video format converters but any software in general.

So here we are to save you from any potential vulnerabilities that might come across with the use of YouTube video format converters:

1. Always download the converter from an authenticated/official website.
2. When coming across Ads or pop-ups, never click on it.
3. Never enter your personal credentials unnecessarily like username, password, credit card number or phone number. That might be a trap to hack and breach your privacy for data theft or any other undesirable purposes.
4. Check for reviews of the website or software before downloading it.
5. Download a good antivirus and scan your downloads for any potential viruses.
6. Prefer to download YouTube videos from YouTube sites only. As others might download a file from an illegal video archive.
7. The tool ought to work as it was promised/advertised to work like, having the same features and gives the promised result without taking extensive time.
8. Monitor the behavior of your PC.

You may also like: How to Record YouTube Videos on Your PC [Only 5 Steps] >>

Conclusion

Without bounding yourself with the restriction of the internet, you can now access your favorite playlist in the best MP4 quality using any of the above-mentioned software.

But, the free availability, the utmost reliability, fast speed transcoding and lastly, software compatibility in both the platform, Mac and Windows makes Filmora the most feasible, safe and easily accessible software to convert YouTube videos to mp4 safe.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Viewing the videos online is not always feasible, limiting you to go connection-oriented.

So if you are looking for ways to entertain yourself without network limitation while enjoying the best quality video then you utterly need a YouTube video converter to convert YouTube to mp4 safe.

Here we present some of the best applications to easily and safely convert your YouTube video to MP4 within few clicks. Let’s get deep into it!

You will Learn :

• What is the MP4 Video File Format?
• How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 File Format?
• What Is Meant By Unsafe Video File Conversion?
• Tips To Prevent Unsafe Video File Format Conversion

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

What is the MP4 Video File Format?

MP4 file refers to the digital media file format that is officially known by .mp4 file extension. It is solely used for the purpose of audio and video file storage. Other forms of media like stagnant images and subtitles etc. can also be stored in this file format.

This file format is one of the highly accessible, easy-to-use and most convenient formats worldwide at the same time. This is a safe and protected file format by using the DRM technology which performs copyrights protection of the digital media files.

It can be imagined as a container that contains the combination of audio, video, still images and subtitles, all in a single consolidated file. Advanced data like users’ interactivity, menus, and 3D Graphics can also be stored in this format.

Key Features of MP4

• Open standard format used worldwide
• Easy to use file format
• Highly accessible
• Compatible with all operating systems, thus allow convenience in distribution and sharing
• Reliable file format
• Captures precise, vivid and sharp imaging of high mobility content which makes it perfect for video recording.
• The most convenient and high-quality choice for online video streaming and editing.
• The conversion into MP4 file format preserves the original content quality
• Supported by almost all video-based applications.

MP4 Usage

Be it a YouTube video or any video related content, MP4 file format is compatible in every domain over the internet.

The highlighting feature of this file format is that it converts into the targeted file formatting by occupying relatively smaller disk storage yet gives an impeccable output quality. The ease of use and wide range of benefits are the reasons why this file format is being used worldwide. This format is mainly used in online video streaming and in the creation of exclusive web-supported videos.

You may also like: How to Convert Youtube to MP3[Three Ways]

How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 File Format on MAC/Windows [Best Converters Provided]

There are various converters and players that support this file format. So in this part, we will show you how to convert YouTube to MP4 safely step by step. Besides, some popular safe video format converters will also be introduced to you.

Best Video Converter for Windows/Mac: Wondershare Filmora

There is a pool of software available for you to convert YouTube videos into an MP4 file format. But to level it up, Filmora is an option that not only gives promising yet professional results but is compatible with Windows and Mac both operating systems. So if you are looking for a safe YouTube to MP4 video file converter then look no further!

It’s free to download the link of Filmora for Mac and Windows operating systems.

Key Features:

• Noise reduction
• Audio transitions
• Enhances video quality by lessening the size
• Fast import and export option
• Available for both platform MAC and Windows
• User-friendly interface
• The pool of advance options available

Step-By-Step Guide to Convert YouTube to Mp4 Safe Using Filmora:

Step1: Load the Filmora package and run the program. Import the YouTube targeted video file by simply drag and drop option onto the main interface.

Step 2: After successfully importing the file, click on the export button and “Local” to save on the device storage.

Step 3: Click on “setting” to set the desired parameters of the targeted video.

Step 4: Choose the file format “MP4” on the left pane and click on “Export”. Wait for a few minutes and you are done!

For a video tutorial on converting YouTube videos into MP4, refer below.

You may also like: How to Change Video Format [Free Tutorial] >>

What Is Meant By Unsafe Video File Conversion?

When you opt for any free and open-source web application in order to convert the video format of any targeted video, you may find not be able to rectify the vulnerabilities behind the application but it may cost you with your privacy, data theft or lousy file conversion.

Just because it is free doesn’t always ensures the reliability of the application.

You may encounter:

• Malware or viruses that may result in breaching your private data
• May give you lousy quality after transcoding
• Lossy compression format in the end

Tips To Prevent Unsafe Video File Format Conversion

It is always preferable to be safe and cautious beforehand rather than curing the disease afterward. There are some useful tips and tricks that you can always use while not only using and downloading the video format converters but any software in general.

So here we are to save you from any potential vulnerabilities that might come across with the use of YouTube video format converters:

1. Always download the converter from an authenticated/official website.
2. When coming across Ads or pop-ups, never click on it.
3. Never enter your personal credentials unnecessarily like username, password, credit card number or phone number. That might be a trap to hack and breach your privacy for data theft or any other undesirable purposes.
4. Check for reviews of the website or software before downloading it.
5. Download a good antivirus and scan your downloads for any potential viruses.
6. Prefer to download YouTube videos from YouTube sites only. As others might download a file from an illegal video archive.
7. The tool ought to work as it was promised/advertised to work like, having the same features and gives the promised result without taking extensive time.
8. Monitor the behavior of your PC.

You may also like: How to Record YouTube Videos on Your PC [Only 5 Steps] >>

Conclusion

Without bounding yourself with the restriction of the internet, you can now access your favorite playlist in the best MP4 quality using any of the above-mentioned software.

But, the free availability, the utmost reliability, fast speed transcoding and lastly, software compatibility in both the platform, Mac and Windows makes Filmora the most feasible, safe and easily accessible software to convert YouTube videos to mp4 safe.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Viewing the videos online is not always feasible, limiting you to go connection-oriented.

So if you are looking for ways to entertain yourself without network limitation while enjoying the best quality video then you utterly need a YouTube video converter to convert YouTube to mp4 safe.

Here we present some of the best applications to easily and safely convert your YouTube video to MP4 within few clicks. Let’s get deep into it!

You will Learn :

• What is the MP4 Video File Format?
• How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 File Format?
• What Is Meant By Unsafe Video File Conversion?
• Tips To Prevent Unsafe Video File Format Conversion

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

What is the MP4 Video File Format?

MP4 file refers to the digital media file format that is officially known by .mp4 file extension. It is solely used for the purpose of audio and video file storage. Other forms of media like stagnant images and subtitles etc. can also be stored in this file format.

This file format is one of the highly accessible, easy-to-use and most convenient formats worldwide at the same time. This is a safe and protected file format by using the DRM technology which performs copyrights protection of the digital media files.

It can be imagined as a container that contains the combination of audio, video, still images and subtitles, all in a single consolidated file. Advanced data like users’ interactivity, menus, and 3D Graphics can also be stored in this format.

Key Features of MP4

• Open standard format used worldwide
• Easy to use file format
• Highly accessible
• Compatible with all operating systems, thus allow convenience in distribution and sharing
• Reliable file format
• Captures precise, vivid and sharp imaging of high mobility content which makes it perfect for video recording.
• The most convenient and high-quality choice for online video streaming and editing.
• The conversion into MP4 file format preserves the original content quality
• Supported by almost all video-based applications.

MP4 Usage

Be it a YouTube video or any video related content, MP4 file format is compatible in every domain over the internet.

The highlighting feature of this file format is that it converts into the targeted file formatting by occupying relatively smaller disk storage yet gives an impeccable output quality. The ease of use and wide range of benefits are the reasons why this file format is being used worldwide. This format is mainly used in online video streaming and in the creation of exclusive web-supported videos.

You may also like: How to Convert Youtube to MP3[Three Ways]

How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 File Format on MAC/Windows [Best Converters Provided]

There are various converters and players that support this file format. So in this part, we will show you how to convert YouTube to MP4 safely step by step. Besides, some popular safe video format converters will also be introduced to you.

Best Video Converter for Windows/Mac: Wondershare Filmora

There is a pool of software available for you to convert YouTube videos into an MP4 file format. But to level it up, Filmora is an option that not only gives promising yet professional results but is compatible with Windows and Mac both operating systems. So if you are looking for a safe YouTube to MP4 video file converter then look no further!

It’s free to download the link of Filmora for Mac and Windows operating systems.

Key Features:

• Noise reduction
• Audio transitions
• Enhances video quality by lessening the size
• Fast import and export option
• Available for both platform MAC and Windows
• User-friendly interface
• The pool of advance options available

Step-By-Step Guide to Convert YouTube to Mp4 Safe Using Filmora:

Step1: Load the Filmora package and run the program. Import the YouTube targeted video file by simply drag and drop option onto the main interface.

Step 2: After successfully importing the file, click on the export button and “Local” to save on the device storage.

Step 3: Click on “setting” to set the desired parameters of the targeted video.

Step 4: Choose the file format “MP4” on the left pane and click on “Export”. Wait for a few minutes and you are done!

For a video tutorial on converting YouTube videos into MP4, refer below.

You may also like: How to Change Video Format [Free Tutorial] >>

What Is Meant By Unsafe Video File Conversion?

When you opt for any free and open-source web application in order to convert the video format of any targeted video, you may find not be able to rectify the vulnerabilities behind the application but it may cost you with your privacy, data theft or lousy file conversion.

Just because it is free doesn’t always ensures the reliability of the application.

You may encounter:

• Malware or viruses that may result in breaching your private data
• May give you lousy quality after transcoding
• Lossy compression format in the end

Tips To Prevent Unsafe Video File Format Conversion

It is always preferable to be safe and cautious beforehand rather than curing the disease afterward. There are some useful tips and tricks that you can always use while not only using and downloading the video format converters but any software in general.

So here we are to save you from any potential vulnerabilities that might come across with the use of YouTube video format converters:

1. Always download the converter from an authenticated/official website.
2. When coming across Ads or pop-ups, never click on it.
3. Never enter your personal credentials unnecessarily like username, password, credit card number or phone number. That might be a trap to hack and breach your privacy for data theft or any other undesirable purposes.
4. Check for reviews of the website or software before downloading it.
5. Download a good antivirus and scan your downloads for any potential viruses.
6. Prefer to download YouTube videos from YouTube sites only. As others might download a file from an illegal video archive.
7. The tool ought to work as it was promised/advertised to work like, having the same features and gives the promised result without taking extensive time.
8. Monitor the behavior of your PC.

You may also like: How to Record YouTube Videos on Your PC [Only 5 Steps] >>

Conclusion

Without bounding yourself with the restriction of the internet, you can now access your favorite playlist in the best MP4 quality using any of the above-mentioned software.

But, the free availability, the utmost reliability, fast speed transcoding and lastly, software compatibility in both the platform, Mac and Windows makes Filmora the most feasible, safe and easily accessible software to convert YouTube videos to mp4 safe.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Viewing the videos online is not always feasible, limiting you to go connection-oriented.

So if you are looking for ways to entertain yourself without network limitation while enjoying the best quality video then you utterly need a YouTube video converter to convert YouTube to mp4 safe.

Here we present some of the best applications to easily and safely convert your YouTube video to MP4 within few clicks. Let’s get deep into it!

You will Learn :

• What is the MP4 Video File Format?
• How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 File Format?
• What Is Meant By Unsafe Video File Conversion?
• Tips To Prevent Unsafe Video File Format Conversion

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

What is the MP4 Video File Format?

MP4 file refers to the digital media file format that is officially known by .mp4 file extension. It is solely used for the purpose of audio and video file storage. Other forms of media like stagnant images and subtitles etc. can also be stored in this file format.

This file format is one of the highly accessible, easy-to-use and most convenient formats worldwide at the same time. This is a safe and protected file format by using the DRM technology which performs copyrights protection of the digital media files.

It can be imagined as a container that contains the combination of audio, video, still images and subtitles, all in a single consolidated file. Advanced data like users’ interactivity, menus, and 3D Graphics can also be stored in this format.

Key Features of MP4

• Open standard format used worldwide
• Easy to use file format
• Highly accessible
• Compatible with all operating systems, thus allow convenience in distribution and sharing
• Reliable file format
• Captures precise, vivid and sharp imaging of high mobility content which makes it perfect for video recording.
• The most convenient and high-quality choice for online video streaming and editing.
• The conversion into MP4 file format preserves the original content quality
• Supported by almost all video-based applications.

MP4 Usage

Be it a YouTube video or any video related content, MP4 file format is compatible in every domain over the internet.

The highlighting feature of this file format is that it converts into the targeted file formatting by occupying relatively smaller disk storage yet gives an impeccable output quality. The ease of use and wide range of benefits are the reasons why this file format is being used worldwide. This format is mainly used in online video streaming and in the creation of exclusive web-supported videos.

You may also like: How to Convert Youtube to MP3[Three Ways]

How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 File Format on MAC/Windows [Best Converters Provided]

There are various converters and players that support this file format. So in this part, we will show you how to convert YouTube to MP4 safely step by step. Besides, some popular safe video format converters will also be introduced to you.

Best Video Converter for Windows/Mac: Wondershare Filmora

There is a pool of software available for you to convert YouTube videos into an MP4 file format. But to level it up, Filmora is an option that not only gives promising yet professional results but is compatible with Windows and Mac both operating systems. So if you are looking for a safe YouTube to MP4 video file converter then look no further!

It’s free to download the link of Filmora for Mac and Windows operating systems.

Key Features:

• Noise reduction
• Audio transitions
• Enhances video quality by lessening the size
• Fast import and export option
• Available for both platform MAC and Windows
• User-friendly interface
• The pool of advance options available

Step-By-Step Guide to Convert YouTube to Mp4 Safe Using Filmora:

Step1: Load the Filmora package and run the program. Import the YouTube targeted video file by simply drag and drop option onto the main interface.

Step 2: After successfully importing the file, click on the export button and “Local” to save on the device storage.

Step 3: Click on “setting” to set the desired parameters of the targeted video.

Step 4: Choose the file format “MP4” on the left pane and click on “Export”. Wait for a few minutes and you are done!

For a video tutorial on converting YouTube videos into MP4, refer below.

You may also like: How to Change Video Format [Free Tutorial] >>

What Is Meant By Unsafe Video File Conversion?

When you opt for any free and open-source web application in order to convert the video format of any targeted video, you may find not be able to rectify the vulnerabilities behind the application but it may cost you with your privacy, data theft or lousy file conversion.

Just because it is free doesn’t always ensures the reliability of the application.

You may encounter:

• Malware or viruses that may result in breaching your private data
• May give you lousy quality after transcoding
• Lossy compression format in the end

Tips To Prevent Unsafe Video File Format Conversion

It is always preferable to be safe and cautious beforehand rather than curing the disease afterward. There are some useful tips and tricks that you can always use while not only using and downloading the video format converters but any software in general.

So here we are to save you from any potential vulnerabilities that might come across with the use of YouTube video format converters:

1. Always download the converter from an authenticated/official website.
2. When coming across Ads or pop-ups, never click on it.
3. Never enter your personal credentials unnecessarily like username, password, credit card number or phone number. That might be a trap to hack and breach your privacy for data theft or any other undesirable purposes.
4. Check for reviews of the website or software before downloading it.
5. Download a good antivirus and scan your downloads for any potential viruses.
6. Prefer to download YouTube videos from YouTube sites only. As others might download a file from an illegal video archive.
7. The tool ought to work as it was promised/advertised to work like, having the same features and gives the promised result without taking extensive time.
8. Monitor the behavior of your PC.

You may also like: How to Record YouTube Videos on Your PC [Only 5 Steps] >>

Conclusion

Without bounding yourself with the restriction of the internet, you can now access your favorite playlist in the best MP4 quality using any of the above-mentioned software.

But, the free availability, the utmost reliability, fast speed transcoding and lastly, software compatibility in both the platform, Mac and Windows makes Filmora the most feasible, safe and easily accessible software to convert YouTube videos to mp4 safe.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Keeping Viewers Hooked: The Ultimate Guide for Enhanced Audience Loyalty on YouTube

6 Ways To Increase Audience Retention on YouTube

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Audience retention is one of your most important stats on YouTube. It is even more important than your view count. Your view count really only tells you how many people are finding and clicking on your videos, not whether they are actually watching them. Audience retention refers to how much of a video a viewer watches before clicking away, which is very useful information to have. If you know when people are leaving your videos then you know what you need to work on.

You May Also Like: How to analyse your and your competitors’ YouTube Channel >>
How to structure a YouTube video >>

• Part 1: What is Audience Retention?
• Part 2: How to See Your Audience Retention Report in YouTube?
• Part 3: What is a Good Audience Retention Rate on YouTube?
• Part 4: 6 Ways to Increase YouTube Audience Retention

Part 1: What is Audience Retention?

To put it in simple terms, YouTube audience retention is about how much of each video your viewers watch. It’s usually expressed as a percentage, so if your viewer gets half way through, they will have a retention of 50 per cent.

For YouTube analytics, audience retention is taken as a mean of the retention figures for each of your viewers. For example, if you post a ten-minute video and half your viewers get to the five-minute mark, that’s a retention of 50 per cent. If the other half watch it right to the end, that’s a retention of 100 per cent. The mean of these two figures is 75 per cent, and that’s what YouTube will use as your audience retention figure.

This retention rate affects how highly your video is ranked on YouTube, with videos boasting higher audience retention rates appearing higher in the search results than those which do not. This is because both YouTube and Google are highly focussed on customer satisfaction, and a long watch time means a very happy customer was watching that video. For this reason, it’s well worth considering how to increase YouTube audience retention as it demonstrates that you’re making great content as well as helping you get more viewers.

Part 2: How to See Your Audience Retention Report in YouTube?

YouTube will produce reports to help you keep track of your audience retention. There are two types of audience retention reports; absolute and relative. Absolute allows you to view a graph of your video’s retention and see when people might be clicking away, or if they are skipping to later parts of your video. If you lose a lot of viewers in the first 15 seconds of your videos then that is a clear indication that your content is not what the viewers who find your videos really want. The relative report is where your video is compared to the average retention of similar videos.

Note that by ‘similar videos’, YouTube means videos of a similar length. There is no way to compare your videos only to other videos in your genre. The relative report will always be somewhat skewed because your videos will be measured against very different content.

To see an audience retention report log into your YouTube account and go to yourCreator Studio. There, selectAudience RetentionunderAnalytics.

Part 3: What is a Good Audience Retention Rate on YouTube?

When you’re considering how to increase YouTube audience retention, it can be good to have a goal in mind. Obviously 100 per cent is going to be the Holy Grail of retention rates, but how many videos are actually going to achieve that? It only takes for one person to ‘accidentally’ click on your video and rapidly click away, or for someone to have to stop for outside reasons, to drag your average down.

According to the YouTube community, a good goal to aim for is around 50 per cent, but as there is a lot which can affect your retention rate, that number may be different for you. Low view numbers sometimes get higher retention rates because it’s mainly subscribers watching, whereas channels with millions of views may suffer due to more people abandoning. Rather than setting yourself a golden number, focus instead on increasing your retention rate from wherever it is now, and celebrate your own success instead of measuring yourself against others.

Part 4: 6 Ways to Increase YouTube Audience Retention

If you’re serious about learning how to increase YouTube audience retention, here are five of the best ideas for you:

1. Compare your videos

Investigating your audience retention report will highlight the videos where you achieved maximum success. Think about what you did here, and work to replicate that technique. Perhaps you were talking about a product, or maybe your structured your video slightly differently. It’s up to you to dissect your video and find out what it was that kept people watching for longer, so that you can repeat this success in the future. You can also use some influencer marketing platform such as InflueNex to take a look at the videos in your similar channels, and learn the popular videos on their channels.

2. Get on with it

Research shows that YouTube viewers have an incredibly short attention span. Depending on who you believe, you could have as much as six seconds or as little as just three to grab their attention and compel them to carry on watching. If you want to improve your audience retention, coming in with an engaging, attention grabbing statement right at the start is crucial to your success. Nobody wants to waste their time watching someone waffle on for ages about their granny or their favorite hobbies, so get right down to it straight away, by telling them what’s in store.

3. Make it visually engaging

Perhaps all you’ve got is a presentation to make. You’re not a gamer, you’re not showing clips of your cat and you’re not doing a makeup tutorial, so surely all you need is a camera, good lighting and your face, right? Wrong. Viewers like to see the visual content changing, and videos which have a range of scenes are usually far more successful than those where it’s just a person talking to camera. Think about how you can insert cutaways, pop up text, different footage and other graphics to keep it interesting for your viewers.

4. Make it shorter

This one is a no brainer really. If you make a one-minute video, how hard is it going to be to keep viewers watching to the end compared to a 20-minute marathon. However, going too short can be negative too, unless you really do have something very quick and simple to showcase. Long videos work well for YouTubers in the gaming niche, in particular, because viewers want to know the end result, but for most of us, these sorts of viewing statistics are hard to reach.

If you consider a viewer who watches three minutes of your content, would you rather they watched three minutes of a ten-minute video and then clicked away bored, or would you rather they finished an entire video that was only three minutes long? Both in terms of audience retention and of your own reputation, having a viewer finish a short video is much more valuable to you than losing someone half way through a long one. That person probably enjoyed your content to the end and will more than likely watch another one of your videos. Conversely, the one you lost half way through was bored enough to stop watching and will probably not bother viewing any other videos of yours in future.

5. Keep them hooked

Think carefully about your YouTube video structure. Ideally, you will tell them at the very start that you’ve got something amazing to share with them later on. This could be a tip, a tutorial, a new product reveal or even something funny. Whatever it is, tell them they’re going to love it from the start, and keep reminding them to watch from the end to get this gift. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them great content all the way through, just that you should save a carrot for the end of the ride to reward those loyal viewers.

So, now you know how to increase YouTube audience retention, what are you going to do about it? Have a go at modifying your videos to boost the numbers who will watch to the end and let us know how you got on.

6. Use an Excellent Video Editor

Content is the king. It is necessary to use a powerful video editor to help you edit videos. With an excellent video editor like Filmora, you can custom stunning videos effortlessly.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Audience retention is one of your most important stats on YouTube. It is even more important than your view count. Your view count really only tells you how many people are finding and clicking on your videos, not whether they are actually watching them. Audience retention refers to how much of a video a viewer watches before clicking away, which is very useful information to have. If you know when people are leaving your videos then you know what you need to work on.

You May Also Like: How to analyse your and your competitors’ YouTube Channel >>
How to structure a YouTube video >>

• Part 1: What is Audience Retention?
• Part 2: How to See Your Audience Retention Report in YouTube?
• Part 3: What is a Good Audience Retention Rate on YouTube?
• Part 4: 6 Ways to Increase YouTube Audience Retention

Part 1: What is Audience Retention?

To put it in simple terms, YouTube audience retention is about how much of each video your viewers watch. It’s usually expressed as a percentage, so if your viewer gets half way through, they will have a retention of 50 per cent.

For YouTube analytics, audience retention is taken as a mean of the retention figures for each of your viewers. For example, if you post a ten-minute video and half your viewers get to the five-minute mark, that’s a retention of 50 per cent. If the other half watch it right to the end, that’s a retention of 100 per cent. The mean of these two figures is 75 per cent, and that’s what YouTube will use as your audience retention figure.

This retention rate affects how highly your video is ranked on YouTube, with videos boasting higher audience retention rates appearing higher in the search results than those which do not. This is because both YouTube and Google are highly focussed on customer satisfaction, and a long watch time means a very happy customer was watching that video. For this reason, it’s well worth considering how to increase YouTube audience retention as it demonstrates that you’re making great content as well as helping you get more viewers.

Part 2: How to See Your Audience Retention Report in YouTube?

YouTube will produce reports to help you keep track of your audience retention. There are two types of audience retention reports; absolute and relative. Absolute allows you to view a graph of your video’s retention and see when people might be clicking away, or if they are skipping to later parts of your video. If you lose a lot of viewers in the first 15 seconds of your videos then that is a clear indication that your content is not what the viewers who find your videos really want. The relative report is where your video is compared to the average retention of similar videos.

Note that by ‘similar videos’, YouTube means videos of a similar length. There is no way to compare your videos only to other videos in your genre. The relative report will always be somewhat skewed because your videos will be measured against very different content.

To see an audience retention report log into your YouTube account and go to yourCreator Studio. There, selectAudience RetentionunderAnalytics.

Part 3: What is a Good Audience Retention Rate on YouTube?

When you’re considering how to increase YouTube audience retention, it can be good to have a goal in mind. Obviously 100 per cent is going to be the Holy Grail of retention rates, but how many videos are actually going to achieve that? It only takes for one person to ‘accidentally’ click on your video and rapidly click away, or for someone to have to stop for outside reasons, to drag your average down.

According to the YouTube community, a good goal to aim for is around 50 per cent, but as there is a lot which can affect your retention rate, that number may be different for you. Low view numbers sometimes get higher retention rates because it’s mainly subscribers watching, whereas channels with millions of views may suffer due to more people abandoning. Rather than setting yourself a golden number, focus instead on increasing your retention rate from wherever it is now, and celebrate your own success instead of measuring yourself against others.

Part 4: 6 Ways to Increase YouTube Audience Retention

If you’re serious about learning how to increase YouTube audience retention, here are five of the best ideas for you:

1. Compare your videos

Investigating your audience retention report will highlight the videos where you achieved maximum success. Think about what you did here, and work to replicate that technique. Perhaps you were talking about a product, or maybe your structured your video slightly differently. It’s up to you to dissect your video and find out what it was that kept people watching for longer, so that you can repeat this success in the future. You can also use some influencer marketing platform such as InflueNex to take a look at the videos in your similar channels, and learn the popular videos on their channels.

2. Get on with it

Research shows that YouTube viewers have an incredibly short attention span. Depending on who you believe, you could have as much as six seconds or as little as just three to grab their attention and compel them to carry on watching. If you want to improve your audience retention, coming in with an engaging, attention grabbing statement right at the start is crucial to your success. Nobody wants to waste their time watching someone waffle on for ages about their granny or their favorite hobbies, so get right down to it straight away, by telling them what’s in store.

3. Make it visually engaging

Perhaps all you’ve got is a presentation to make. You’re not a gamer, you’re not showing clips of your cat and you’re not doing a makeup tutorial, so surely all you need is a camera, good lighting and your face, right? Wrong. Viewers like to see the visual content changing, and videos which have a range of scenes are usually far more successful than those where it’s just a person talking to camera. Think about how you can insert cutaways, pop up text, different footage and other graphics to keep it interesting for your viewers.

4. Make it shorter

This one is a no brainer really. If you make a one-minute video, how hard is it going to be to keep viewers watching to the end compared to a 20-minute marathon. However, going too short can be negative too, unless you really do have something very quick and simple to showcase. Long videos work well for YouTubers in the gaming niche, in particular, because viewers want to know the end result, but for most of us, these sorts of viewing statistics are hard to reach.

If you consider a viewer who watches three minutes of your content, would you rather they watched three minutes of a ten-minute video and then clicked away bored, or would you rather they finished an entire video that was only three minutes long? Both in terms of audience retention and of your own reputation, having a viewer finish a short video is much more valuable to you than losing someone half way through a long one. That person probably enjoyed your content to the end and will more than likely watch another one of your videos. Conversely, the one you lost half way through was bored enough to stop watching and will probably not bother viewing any other videos of yours in future.

5. Keep them hooked

Think carefully about your YouTube video structure. Ideally, you will tell them at the very start that you’ve got something amazing to share with them later on. This could be a tip, a tutorial, a new product reveal or even something funny. Whatever it is, tell them they’re going to love it from the start, and keep reminding them to watch from the end to get this gift. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them great content all the way through, just that you should save a carrot for the end of the ride to reward those loyal viewers.

So, now you know how to increase YouTube audience retention, what are you going to do about it? Have a go at modifying your videos to boost the numbers who will watch to the end and let us know how you got on.

6. Use an Excellent Video Editor

Content is the king. It is necessary to use a powerful video editor to help you edit videos. With an excellent video editor like Filmora, you can custom stunning videos effortlessly.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Audience retention is one of your most important stats on YouTube. It is even more important than your view count. Your view count really only tells you how many people are finding and clicking on your videos, not whether they are actually watching them. Audience retention refers to how much of a video a viewer watches before clicking away, which is very useful information to have. If you know when people are leaving your videos then you know what you need to work on.

You May Also Like: How to analyse your and your competitors’ YouTube Channel >>
How to structure a YouTube video >>

• Part 1: What is Audience Retention?
• Part 2: How to See Your Audience Retention Report in YouTube?
• Part 3: What is a Good Audience Retention Rate on YouTube?
• Part 4: 6 Ways to Increase YouTube Audience Retention

Part 1: What is Audience Retention?

To put it in simple terms, YouTube audience retention is about how much of each video your viewers watch. It’s usually expressed as a percentage, so if your viewer gets half way through, they will have a retention of 50 per cent.

For YouTube analytics, audience retention is taken as a mean of the retention figures for each of your viewers. For example, if you post a ten-minute video and half your viewers get to the five-minute mark, that’s a retention of 50 per cent. If the other half watch it right to the end, that’s a retention of 100 per cent. The mean of these two figures is 75 per cent, and that’s what YouTube will use as your audience retention figure.

This retention rate affects how highly your video is ranked on YouTube, with videos boasting higher audience retention rates appearing higher in the search results than those which do not. This is because both YouTube and Google are highly focussed on customer satisfaction, and a long watch time means a very happy customer was watching that video. For this reason, it’s well worth considering how to increase YouTube audience retention as it demonstrates that you’re making great content as well as helping you get more viewers.

Part 2: How to See Your Audience Retention Report in YouTube?

YouTube will produce reports to help you keep track of your audience retention. There are two types of audience retention reports; absolute and relative. Absolute allows you to view a graph of your video’s retention and see when people might be clicking away, or if they are skipping to later parts of your video. If you lose a lot of viewers in the first 15 seconds of your videos then that is a clear indication that your content is not what the viewers who find your videos really want. The relative report is where your video is compared to the average retention of similar videos.

Note that by ‘similar videos’, YouTube means videos of a similar length. There is no way to compare your videos only to other videos in your genre. The relative report will always be somewhat skewed because your videos will be measured against very different content.

To see an audience retention report log into your YouTube account and go to yourCreator Studio. There, selectAudience RetentionunderAnalytics.

Part 3: What is a Good Audience Retention Rate on YouTube?

When you’re considering how to increase YouTube audience retention, it can be good to have a goal in mind. Obviously 100 per cent is going to be the Holy Grail of retention rates, but how many videos are actually going to achieve that? It only takes for one person to ‘accidentally’ click on your video and rapidly click away, or for someone to have to stop for outside reasons, to drag your average down.

According to the YouTube community, a good goal to aim for is around 50 per cent, but as there is a lot which can affect your retention rate, that number may be different for you. Low view numbers sometimes get higher retention rates because it’s mainly subscribers watching, whereas channels with millions of views may suffer due to more people abandoning. Rather than setting yourself a golden number, focus instead on increasing your retention rate from wherever it is now, and celebrate your own success instead of measuring yourself against others.

Part 4: 6 Ways to Increase YouTube Audience Retention

If you’re serious about learning how to increase YouTube audience retention, here are five of the best ideas for you:

1. Compare your videos

Investigating your audience retention report will highlight the videos where you achieved maximum success. Think about what you did here, and work to replicate that technique. Perhaps you were talking about a product, or maybe your structured your video slightly differently. It’s up to you to dissect your video and find out what it was that kept people watching for longer, so that you can repeat this success in the future. You can also use some influencer marketing platform such as InflueNex to take a look at the videos in your similar channels, and learn the popular videos on their channels.

2. Get on with it

Research shows that YouTube viewers have an incredibly short attention span. Depending on who you believe, you could have as much as six seconds or as little as just three to grab their attention and compel them to carry on watching. If you want to improve your audience retention, coming in with an engaging, attention grabbing statement right at the start is crucial to your success. Nobody wants to waste their time watching someone waffle on for ages about their granny or their favorite hobbies, so get right down to it straight away, by telling them what’s in store.

3. Make it visually engaging

Perhaps all you’ve got is a presentation to make. You’re not a gamer, you’re not showing clips of your cat and you’re not doing a makeup tutorial, so surely all you need is a camera, good lighting and your face, right? Wrong. Viewers like to see the visual content changing, and videos which have a range of scenes are usually far more successful than those where it’s just a person talking to camera. Think about how you can insert cutaways, pop up text, different footage and other graphics to keep it interesting for your viewers.

4. Make it shorter

This one is a no brainer really. If you make a one-minute video, how hard is it going to be to keep viewers watching to the end compared to a 20-minute marathon. However, going too short can be negative too, unless you really do have something very quick and simple to showcase. Long videos work well for YouTubers in the gaming niche, in particular, because viewers want to know the end result, but for most of us, these sorts of viewing statistics are hard to reach.

If you consider a viewer who watches three minutes of your content, would you rather they watched three minutes of a ten-minute video and then clicked away bored, or would you rather they finished an entire video that was only three minutes long? Both in terms of audience retention and of your own reputation, having a viewer finish a short video is much more valuable to you than losing someone half way through a long one. That person probably enjoyed your content to the end and will more than likely watch another one of your videos. Conversely, the one you lost half way through was bored enough to stop watching and will probably not bother viewing any other videos of yours in future.

5. Keep them hooked

Think carefully about your YouTube video structure. Ideally, you will tell them at the very start that you’ve got something amazing to share with them later on. This could be a tip, a tutorial, a new product reveal or even something funny. Whatever it is, tell them they’re going to love it from the start, and keep reminding them to watch from the end to get this gift. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them great content all the way through, just that you should save a carrot for the end of the ride to reward those loyal viewers.

So, now you know how to increase YouTube audience retention, what are you going to do about it? Have a go at modifying your videos to boost the numbers who will watch to the end and let us know how you got on.

6. Use an Excellent Video Editor

Content is the king. It is necessary to use a powerful video editor to help you edit videos. With an excellent video editor like Filmora, you can custom stunning videos effortlessly.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Audience retention is one of your most important stats on YouTube. It is even more important than your view count. Your view count really only tells you how many people are finding and clicking on your videos, not whether they are actually watching them. Audience retention refers to how much of a video a viewer watches before clicking away, which is very useful information to have. If you know when people are leaving your videos then you know what you need to work on.

You May Also Like: How to analyse your and your competitors’ YouTube Channel >>
How to structure a YouTube video >>

• Part 1: What is Audience Retention?
• Part 2: How to See Your Audience Retention Report in YouTube?
• Part 3: What is a Good Audience Retention Rate on YouTube?
• Part 4: 6 Ways to Increase YouTube Audience Retention

Part 1: What is Audience Retention?

To put it in simple terms, YouTube audience retention is about how much of each video your viewers watch. It’s usually expressed as a percentage, so if your viewer gets half way through, they will have a retention of 50 per cent.

For YouTube analytics, audience retention is taken as a mean of the retention figures for each of your viewers. For example, if you post a ten-minute video and half your viewers get to the five-minute mark, that’s a retention of 50 per cent. If the other half watch it right to the end, that’s a retention of 100 per cent. The mean of these two figures is 75 per cent, and that’s what YouTube will use as your audience retention figure.

This retention rate affects how highly your video is ranked on YouTube, with videos boasting higher audience retention rates appearing higher in the search results than those which do not. This is because both YouTube and Google are highly focussed on customer satisfaction, and a long watch time means a very happy customer was watching that video. For this reason, it’s well worth considering how to increase YouTube audience retention as it demonstrates that you’re making great content as well as helping you get more viewers.

Part 2: How to See Your Audience Retention Report in YouTube?

YouTube will produce reports to help you keep track of your audience retention. There are two types of audience retention reports; absolute and relative. Absolute allows you to view a graph of your video’s retention and see when people might be clicking away, or if they are skipping to later parts of your video. If you lose a lot of viewers in the first 15 seconds of your videos then that is a clear indication that your content is not what the viewers who find your videos really want. The relative report is where your video is compared to the average retention of similar videos.

Note that by ‘similar videos’, YouTube means videos of a similar length. There is no way to compare your videos only to other videos in your genre. The relative report will always be somewhat skewed because your videos will be measured against very different content.

To see an audience retention report log into your YouTube account and go to yourCreator Studio. There, selectAudience RetentionunderAnalytics.

Part 3: What is a Good Audience Retention Rate on YouTube?

When you’re considering how to increase YouTube audience retention, it can be good to have a goal in mind. Obviously 100 per cent is going to be the Holy Grail of retention rates, but how many videos are actually going to achieve that? It only takes for one person to ‘accidentally’ click on your video and rapidly click away, or for someone to have to stop for outside reasons, to drag your average down.

According to the YouTube community, a good goal to aim for is around 50 per cent, but as there is a lot which can affect your retention rate, that number may be different for you. Low view numbers sometimes get higher retention rates because it’s mainly subscribers watching, whereas channels with millions of views may suffer due to more people abandoning. Rather than setting yourself a golden number, focus instead on increasing your retention rate from wherever it is now, and celebrate your own success instead of measuring yourself against others.

Part 4: 6 Ways to Increase YouTube Audience Retention

If you’re serious about learning how to increase YouTube audience retention, here are five of the best ideas for you:

1. Compare your videos

Investigating your audience retention report will highlight the videos where you achieved maximum success. Think about what you did here, and work to replicate that technique. Perhaps you were talking about a product, or maybe your structured your video slightly differently. It’s up to you to dissect your video and find out what it was that kept people watching for longer, so that you can repeat this success in the future. You can also use some influencer marketing platform such as InflueNex to take a look at the videos in your similar channels, and learn the popular videos on their channels.

2. Get on with it

Research shows that YouTube viewers have an incredibly short attention span. Depending on who you believe, you could have as much as six seconds or as little as just three to grab their attention and compel them to carry on watching. If you want to improve your audience retention, coming in with an engaging, attention grabbing statement right at the start is crucial to your success. Nobody wants to waste their time watching someone waffle on for ages about their granny or their favorite hobbies, so get right down to it straight away, by telling them what’s in store.

3. Make it visually engaging

Perhaps all you’ve got is a presentation to make. You’re not a gamer, you’re not showing clips of your cat and you’re not doing a makeup tutorial, so surely all you need is a camera, good lighting and your face, right? Wrong. Viewers like to see the visual content changing, and videos which have a range of scenes are usually far more successful than those where it’s just a person talking to camera. Think about how you can insert cutaways, pop up text, different footage and other graphics to keep it interesting for your viewers.

4. Make it shorter

This one is a no brainer really. If you make a one-minute video, how hard is it going to be to keep viewers watching to the end compared to a 20-minute marathon. However, going too short can be negative too, unless you really do have something very quick and simple to showcase. Long videos work well for YouTubers in the gaming niche, in particular, because viewers want to know the end result, but for most of us, these sorts of viewing statistics are hard to reach.

If you consider a viewer who watches three minutes of your content, would you rather they watched three minutes of a ten-minute video and then clicked away bored, or would you rather they finished an entire video that was only three minutes long? Both in terms of audience retention and of your own reputation, having a viewer finish a short video is much more valuable to you than losing someone half way through a long one. That person probably enjoyed your content to the end and will more than likely watch another one of your videos. Conversely, the one you lost half way through was bored enough to stop watching and will probably not bother viewing any other videos of yours in future.

5. Keep them hooked

Think carefully about your YouTube video structure. Ideally, you will tell them at the very start that you’ve got something amazing to share with them later on. This could be a tip, a tutorial, a new product reveal or even something funny. Whatever it is, tell them they’re going to love it from the start, and keep reminding them to watch from the end to get this gift. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them great content all the way through, just that you should save a carrot for the end of the ride to reward those loyal viewers.

So, now you know how to increase YouTube audience retention, what are you going to do about it? Have a go at modifying your videos to boost the numbers who will watch to the end and let us know how you got on.

6. Use an Excellent Video Editor

Content is the king. It is necessary to use a powerful video editor to help you edit videos. With an excellent video editor like Filmora, you can custom stunning videos effortlessly.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett