10 YouTube Trends to Hop On in 2024

From new guidelines introduced to tackle AI-generated content to the expanding universe of membership programs and live video experiences, YouTube is staying ahead of the game. And here are some ways that you can leverage these trends to ensure your channel and content does, too.

At LDS we live and breathe YT trends, content, data and performance - Reach out to LDS to see how we turn brands into broadcasters on YouTube.

Don't forget to check out the YouTube Knowledge Hub for resources and guides on making the most of your YT performance!

Cracking the Code: Understanding YouTube's Algorithm in 2024

Navigating YouTube's algorithm is like solving a complex puzzle where the pieces are constantly changing. In 2024, the platform's algorithm is evolving, placing a premium on viewer engagement and interaction more than ever before. Here's how you can align your content strategy with the inner workings of YouTube's algorithm:

Engagement is King

YouTube's algorithm favours videos that keep viewers on the platform longer. This means metrics such as watch time, session duration, and viewer retention rates are crucial. To enhance these metrics:

• Create Compelling Content: Produce content that is engaging, informative, or entertaining from start to finish to keep viewers watching.
• Use Interactive Elements: Use features like polls, end screens, and cards to encourage viewers to interact with your content.

YouTube is changing, and learning how to create and promote content on a platform that is now behaving more like a TV platform than ever before is essential to staying ahead. Check out our YouTube Resources Hub for a downloadable whitepaper on navigating these changes.

Quality Over Quantity

While it might seem tempting to upload frequently to stay visible, YouTube's algorithm values the quality of engagement over sheer volume. That’s not to say that consistent posting isn’t important, but high-quality videos that prompt viewers to like, comment, and share have a better chance of being promoted by the algorithm. Focus on creating content that sparks conversation and community building around your channel.

Personalisation and Recommendations

YouTube's algorithm tailors recommendations to individual user preferences, based on their past viewing habits. To tap into this personalisation:

• Create Targeted Content: Everyone wants to get to that viral video moment, but creating videos that appeal to the specific interests and needs of your target audience rather than aiming for mass appeal increases the likelihood of your content being recommended to like-minded viewers.
• Use Series and Playlists: Develop series or playlists on related topics to encourage binge-watching, which can signal the algorithm to recommend your videos more often.

YouTube Search Strategies

Even in 2024, traditional SEO tactics remain relevant on YouTube. The algorithm uses metadata like titles, descriptions, and tags to understand and categorise your content. Optimise these elements with relevant keywords and search terms, along with clear, descriptive language to improve your video's discoverability.

Viewer Satisfaction and YouTube Video Performance

Like any social media platform, what the audience thinks is essential to success. YouTube's algorithm also considers viewer satisfaction signals, such as the ratio of likes to dislikes, the quality of comments, and the click-through rate (CTR) of your video thumbnails. High satisfaction metrics can lead to better visibility and higher rankings in search results and suggested videos.

• Engaging Thumbnails and Titles: Design thumbnails and craft titles that accurately represent the content of your videos, but also entice viewers to click.
• Community Engagement: Actively engage with your audience through comments, live streams, and community posts to build a loyal following and improve satisfaction signals.

Adapt and Evolve With Your YouTube Channel

Finally, it's essential to stay adaptable. YouTube's algorithm is not static; it changes based on user behaviour, platform updates, and broader internet trends. Keep on top of these changes and be ready to tweak your content strategy accordingly.

10 YouTube Trends to Watch Out for in 2024

So, how do you create content that truly connects? By embracing the trends shaping the future of YouTube:

1. Short & Sweet: The Rise (And Fall?) of YouTube Shorts

Channel the power of TikTok and Instagram Reels with YouTube Shorts. These bite-sized bursts of entertainment are captivating audiences around the globe. Think quick cuts, trending sounds, and relatable humour – all under 60 seconds. Remember, attention spans are precious, so hook viewers fast and leave them wanting more.

YouTube Shorts has exploded over the last couple of years (by October 2023, viewership of Shorts had reached over 70 billion daily!), but that doesn’t mean you should discount long form video. In fact, this type of content on the platform is also on the rise. From podcasts to documentaries, users are turning more and more to YT for longer video content. Learn more about this and other trends in our YouTube Knowledge Hub.

In the sports industry? Download our whitepaper on leveraging YouTube Shorts as a sports rights holder!

2. Get Interactive, Get Immersive

Take audience engagement to new heights with interactive features. Live streams, polls, and Q&A sessions bring viewers closer to your brand and foster a sense of community. Push the boundaries even further with VR and 360-degree videos, creating truly immersive experiences that transport viewers to your world.

3. Find Your Niche, Build Your Tribe

In a sea of content, stand out by focusing on a specific niche. Become the go-to expert in your chosen field, attracting a dedicated audience who values your unique perspective. Think cooking enthusiasts, tech gurus, or DIY masters – the possibilities are endless! Let your passion shine through and watch your community flourish. At Little Dot, our digital broadcast network includes 70+ genre-based content channels - Check out the full list here!

4. Do Good, Feel Good: Sustainability & Social Responsibility

Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands and creators who align with their values. Embrace sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical practices in your content to resonate with this growing movement. Showcase eco-friendly products, highlight diverse voices, and promote positive change – your audience will reward you for it. But be warned - “greenwashing” is easy to detect, so make sure your sustainability content reflects real, verifiable commitments and achievements in this space.

5. Try Video Podcasting or “Vodcasting”

Video podcasting, or "vodcasting," merges the auditory experience of traditional podcasts with the dynamic appeal of video, creating a multifaceted content format that engages audiences on a deeper level. This trend capitalises on the visual aspect, allowing viewers to connect more personally with the hosts and guests, see expressions, and feel more involved in the conversation. Vodcasts are distributed on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, enhancing the accessibility and reach of podcast content. By integrating video, podcasters can tap into a larger audience, catering to those who prefer visual media while retaining the authenticity and depth of podcasting. This format is especially effective for topics that benefit from visual aids, such as demonstrations, interviews, and panel discussions, making it a powerful tool in today's digital content landscape.

6. Knowledge is Power: The Enduring Appeal of Educational Content

People are hungry to learn, whether it's mastering a new skill or diving into fascinating topics. Educational and how-to content is booming, presenting a golden opportunity for brands to showcase their expertise and offer genuine value. Think tutorials, explainer videos, and insightful interviews – empower your audience and reap the rewards.

7. YouTube Introduces Guidelines for AI-Generated Content

As AI-generated content becomes more common, YouTube is stepping in to ensure that this new wave of content is both responsible and transparent. In 2024, expect to see further updates to the new AI guidelines that creators must follow when posting AI-generated videos.

These rules include disclosing when videos contain AI-generated elements to maintain transparency with viewers. This move is designed to help viewers make informed decisions about the content they consume, ensuring a trust-based relationship between channels and their audience.

8. Membership Programmes

Membership programmes on YouTube are becoming a significant trend, offering creators a new way to monetise their content and connect with their fans. These programs allow viewers to pay a monthly fee to support their favourite channels in exchange for exclusive perks like special badges, access to members-only content, and more. 

As we move into 2024, it’s expected that more and more creators will adopt this model, providing fans with unique ways to engage and show their support.

9. Live Video

Live video is not a new concept for YouTube, but its popularity is soaring to new heights. More creators and brands are leveraging live video to interact with their audience in real-time, hosting Q&A sessions, product launches, tutorials, and more.

This immediacy creates a unique, interactive experience that pre-recorded videos can't match. As technology improves and internet speeds increase, expect live video to become an even more integral part of YouTube's content ecosystem in 2024.

10. Authenticity, Storytelling, and Longform Video

In a digital age where users crave genuine connections, authenticity, and storytelling are becoming increasingly important. Creators who share their true selves and tell compelling stories are forging deeper connections with their audience.

Moreover, there's a growing appetite for longform content that dives deeper into topics, offering more detailed and immersive experiences. In 2024, anticipate a rise in content that prioritises authenticity and narrative depth, catering to viewers seeking more meaningful and engaging content.

Best Practices for YouTube Content Creation in 2024

Succeeding on YouTube goes beyond just uploading videos; it's about being strategic, consistent, and understanding what your audience wants. Here are some refined practices to help you stand out:

Audience Insights

Content is king on YouTube, but so are the audiences who watch and engage with it:

• Know Your Audience: Use YouTube Analytics to understand your audience's preferences, demographics, and viewing patterns. Tailor your content to match these insights, making your videos more appealing to your current viewers and attracting similar audiences.
• Feedback Loop: Pay attention to the feedback your audience gives, both in terms of comments and video performance metrics. This feedback can guide your content strategy, helping you to refine your approach and create more of what your audience loves.
• Test and Learn: Embrace experimentation with your content to find out what truly resonates with your audience. YouTube provides a flexible platform to test different formats, lengths, and styles of videos. Analyse how these variations perform and learn from the results to continuously evolve and enhance your content strategy. This approach not only keeps your channel fresh and engaging but also allows you to stay ahead of trends and adapt to changing viewer preferences effectively.

Become Search Savvy

Understanding and leveraging YouTube's search algorithm is crucial. Start by crafting video titles, descriptions, and tags that are not only eye-catching but also rich in relevant keywords.

This SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) approach will help your videos become more discoverable, increasing their chances of appearing in search results and suggested video lists. Do your research to find out what your target audience is searching for and tailor your content to meet those queries.

Engagement Engine

YouTube prioritises videos that engage viewers. To harness this, you should:

• Start Strong: The first few seconds of your video can make or break viewer retention. Use compelling hooks to grab attention early.
• Use Calls to Action: Encourage viewers to like, comment, and share your videos. Engaging with your audience in the comments section can also boost your video's visibility.
• Keep on Top of Trending Topics: Incorporate current trends into your content when relevant. This can increase your content's appeal and relevance, attracting more viewers. On YouTube, click the “Trending” button under “Explore” in the left hand panel to see a list of trending videos and topics.

Quality & Consistency

YouTube (and its user base) rewards high-quality content from channels that post consistently.

• High-Quality Content: Invest time and resources into producing high-quality videos. This includes good storytelling, clear audio, high-resolution visuals, and engaging editing. Quality content is more likely to be shared and recommended by viewers.
• Consistent Schedule: Establish and maintain a consistent posting schedule. Regular uploads can help build a loyal audience as viewers often look forward to new content from their favourite creators.