Just uploaded your first video and saw words like CTR, Watch Time, RPM? Let’s decode them.
1. Watch Time
Total minutes viewers have spent watching your videos. Crucial for ranking.
2. Audience Retention
The percentage of your video that people watch. Higher = better.
3. CTR (Click-Through Rate)
How many people clicked your video after seeing the thumbnail.
4. Impressions
Number of times your thumbnail was shown to viewers.
5. RPM
Revenue per 1,000 views (your actual earnings).
6. CPM
Cost per 1,000 impressions (before YouTube’s cut).
7. Shorts vs Long-form
Shorts are under 60 seconds. Long-form builds loyalty.
8. End Screens
Clickable links at the end of your videos.
9. Content ID
YouTube’s copyright detection system.
10. Monetization Threshold
1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours watch time or 10M Shorts views.
