YouTube Shorts Algorithm 2026 — How Shorts Get Views

Updated 08 Nov 2026 · 2 min read · by smmgreata team

Shorts are shown in a swipe feed, so the most important question is simple: did viewers watch, or swipe away?

Signals that matter

• Viewed vs swiped away — visible in YouTube Studio analytics for each Short.
• Average percentage viewed — above 100% means people rewatched.
• Likes, comments, shares and subscribes from the Short.

Tips

1. Start with the payoff or a bold claim — no intro.
2. Keep most Shorts under 30 seconds.
3. Add captions on screen.
4. Loop the ending into the start.
5. Post consistently — 1 to 3 a day works for many channels.
6. Use a clear title with keywords; YouTube shows titles in search.

Shorts views count toward the 10 million views (90 days) route to monetisation.