By Naomi 
YouTube’s recommendation system is key in shaping what we watch. It drives 70% of watch time, making it crucial to manage your YouTube recommendations for a personalized experience. Many find it hard to filter their YouTube feed, leading to unwanted content.
YouTube has tools to help manage the algorithm, but they might not be enough. For example, marking a video as “Not interested” can still lead to 115 similar suggestions over seven months. This shows the need for a better way to curate your feed.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to filter your YouTube feed and control what you watch. Keep reading the rest of the article for step-by-step tips and strategies.
Understanding YouTube’s Recommendation Algorithm
The YouTube recommendation engine looks at billions of data points to suggest videos. It uses our watch history, search habits, and interaction with videos to make these suggestions.
YouTube wants us to watch more and see more ads. It often shows us videos that match what we already like. This can lead to us watching more, sometimes getting into extreme views.
A study found that 44% of 300 adult YouTube users in the US didn’t know about the “Not interested” button. But, 82.8% of those who did use it to block unwanted videos. They found it effective, rating it 3.42 out of 5.
Elena Hernandez, a YouTube spokesperson, says they don’t block whole topics to avoid echo chambers. Some users say they see extreme or wrong content. The algorithm’s complexity makes it hard to understand fully.
Identifying Unpopular Videos in Your Feed
YouTube’s algorithm decides what you see, affecting 70% of what you watch. Spotting unpopular videos in your feed is key for a good viewing experience. These can include mature or inappropriate content that YouTube’s systems miss.
YouTube analytics reveal that ‘Dislike’ or ‘Not interested’ only stops 12% and 11% of unwanted videos. However, ‘Don’t recommend this channel’ blocks 43% of unwanted content. Also, removing videos from your history cuts down on unwanted suggestions by 29%.
Even with efforts to improve, users still find bad recommendations. Some users struggle to avoid certain content, like crypto scams or disturbing videos. Learning how social media platforms work helps users manage their feeds better.
To fight this, stay alert and use tools to control your feed. Remember, rejecting one video can lead to about 115 more unwanted suggestions over time. By actively managing your feed, you can make YouTube more enjoyable for yourself.
Managing Your YouTube Feed
To improve your YouTube experience, start by adjusting your viewing habits. Like videos you enjoy and subscribe to channels with consistently great content — this helps YouTube understand your preferences. Watch videos you value for longer and avoid clicking on ones that don’t interest you, as each action influences future recommendations.
You can further refine your feed using YouTube’s “Not interested” feature. On most devices, simply click “More” next to a video title and select “Not interested.” You can also specify why you’re not interested, like “I’ve already watched this” or “I don’t like this video.”
This helps YouTube filter out similar content. However, according to a Mozilla study, using this feature alone may only block about 11% of unwanted videos. For best results, continue to engage thoughtfully with content and use other methods to tailor your feed.
With patience and consistency, your YouTube experience will become more enjoyable and aligned with your interests.
Clearing Your YouTube Watch History
Want to start fresh on YouTube? Clearing your watch history is a smart move. It helps YouTube better understand your current interests.
To clear your history, go to your Google My Activity page. Look for “Other Google activity” and find the option to delete your YouTube watch history. This action can greatly change your video suggestions. Just remember that it might reset your personalized recommendations.
Did you know YouTube uses over 80 billion pieces of information to pick videos for you? That’s why managing your watch history is key. If you’re worried about privacy, Google has an auto-delete option for YouTube history. You can set it to erase data older than three or 18 months automatically.
Clearing your history doesn’t mean YouTube stops learning about you. It will still notice your interests over time. For a more controlled experience, consider disabling watch and search history. This stops YouTube from using your past behavior for personalized recommendations.
Managing Your YouTube Search History
Your youtube search history greatly affects your video recommendations. By managing it, you can make your youtube homepage show videos you like. YouTube looks at over 80 billion pieces of information, including your searches, to suggest videos.
To control your recommendations, go to myactivity.google.com. There, you can see and edit your YouTube activity. It’s good to check and delete searches you don’t want regularly. This keeps your suggestions fresh and relevant.
You can also set your YouTube history to auto-delete. You can choose to delete history older than 3, 18, or 36 months. After deleting, it might take time for your recommendations to change. Be patient and start watching videos you enjoy to improve your feed.
Customizing Your YouTube Account Settings
YouTube lets you customize your viewing experience with various settings. One important feature is the restricted mode. It filters out mature content. This is great for parents or teachers who want a safer viewing space.
To turn on restricted mode on the YouTube app, sign in and tap your profile photo. Then, go to Settings, then General, and enable restricted mode. On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner. Scroll down to find and turn on the restricted mode toggle.
YouTube also lets you manage subscriptions, customize your feed, and control notifications. By learning how to create and optimize your YouTube channel, you can fine-tune these settings even further. Optimizing your subscriptions and notifications can improve your YouTube experience, ensuring you see more of what you like and less of what you don’t.
While settings like restricted mode are helpful, they’re not perfect. It’s wise to watch content with younger viewers. By using these customization options, you can make YouTube more enjoyable and personal for yourself.
Subscribing to Curated Channels
Subscribing to curated channels can make your YouTube experience better. By picking channels that interest you, you help YouTube suggest better videos. This way, you avoid seeing videos that don’t matter to you.
To find great channels, use the search bar and check the “Channels” section. YouTube suggests related channels in the sidebar, helping you find new creators. Also, watch for collaborations between your favorite YouTubers. They often introduce you to other great channels.
It’s important to manage your YouTube subscriptions well. Only subscribe to channels that make videos you like. This tells YouTube’s algorithm what you prefer, making recommendations better. Focus on the quality of channels, not how many you have.
Curating your subscriptions shapes your YouTube experience. It makes sure your feed has videos you’ll enjoy more. This reduces the chance of seeing videos that are not good or don’t interest you.
Exploring Playlists and Surfacing Quality Content
YouTube playlists are a great way to find and organize quality content. With billions of users every month, YouTube is a huge library of videos on many subjects. You can make playlists that match your interests, giving you a better viewing experience.
Curating content on YouTube is more than just saving videos. The platform’s algorithm uses your playlist interactions to suggest videos. This means your playlists can lead to more videos you’ll like. YouTube Music, for example, is known for its smart playlist suggestions.
Sharing playlists with friends can also help you find new, great content. This way of discovering content together can make your viewing more varied and interesting. Meta’s new research initiative shows how important it is to understand how social platforms affect us.
Engaging With Community Posts
YouTube community posts are a great way to find new content. With 2.5 billion monthly users, creators have many chances to connect with people. Channels with over 500 subscribers can use the Community Tab for more engagement.
Creators share sneak peeks, highlights, and collaborations through community posts. This helps build a strong bond with viewers. It also grows your audience and keeps them coming back.
The Community Tab is a place for creators to network. It helps them find new audiences and make unique content. By participating in discussions, you tell YouTube what you like. This can lead to more recommendations for you.
Engaging with community posts keeps you in the loop with new trends. It helps you find content that interests you. Choose the posts you engage with carefully to get the most out of YouTube.
Leveraging YouTube’s ‘Explore’ Section
The YouTube Explore section is a great way to find new videos. It shows trending and popular videos in different categories. You can discover hidden gems and new creators here.
Visiting the Explore section often helps YouTube suggest better videos for you. When you like a video, YouTube learns what you like. This makes your YouTube experience better.
Did you know that 75% of YouTube traffic comes from recommended videos? Using the explore section helps you find great videos. It’s good for you and YouTube.
The explore section is more than just new videos. It introduces you to content you might not otherwise see. It can spark new interests. So, explore YouTube’s section next time you’re on. You might find something amazing!
Feedback and Reporting Issues
YouTube has over two billion users every month. It needs your help to keep the content good. The feedback system is key, as 70% of what people watch comes from recommendations.
With 500 hours of new videos every minute, it’s important to report bad content. This helps YouTube make a safer place for everyone.
To report a video, just tap the three-dot button. Then, select “Report” and choose why you’re reporting it. Your help makes YouTube better for everyone.
Research shows that 9.2% of users watch videos from extremist channels. This shows how crucial it is to report bad videos. Your feedback helps YouTube keep its content safe and positive.
By giving feedback and reporting bad videos, you help YouTube. You ensure the platform offers better, more diverse content, and your efforts make a big difference for all users.
Conclusion: Master Your YouTube Feed and Watch What Matters Most
Your YouTube feed doesn’t have to be a random collection of videos that leave you uninterested or frustrated. By actively managing your watch habits, clearing your history, and using features like “Not Interested” or “Don’t Recommend This Channel,” you can create a more tailored and enjoyable viewing experience.
The algorithm works for you, but only if you guide it. Be mindful of your interactions, explore curated content, and engage with the community to discover videos that truly resonate with you. It might take some time and effort, but the result is a YouTube experience that feels personal, relevant, and worth your time.
Are you tired of frustrating recommendations? On Social Meep, you can discover more tips to optimize your social media experience and take control of your digital platforms. Keep exploring for smarter ways to enjoy your favorite apps!