YouTube Changes Shorts Algorithm to Favor Original Content

What happened

YouTube is updating the Shorts recommendation system to prioritize videos produced by the creators themselves. As a result, aggregator accounts, which collect and republish third-party content, are expected to lose reach.

The available information doesn't yet detail how the platform identifies what is original, but the message is clear: those who create tend to be recommended more than those who just repost.

What this means for your business

For small businesses, this is good news. Simple videos, shot on your phone and showing your day-to-day, are worth more to the algorithm than clips copied from other channels.

How to take advantage:

• Produce your own material: behind-the-scenes, product demos, answers to customer questions and quick tips for your industry.
• Avoid reposting third-party videos, even popular ones. Besides losing reach, this can lead to copyright issues.
• Repurpose wisely: one of your videos can go to Reels, TikTok and Shorts, as long as it's yours and adapted to each format.
• Show real people: team members' faces and satisfied customers reinforce authenticity.
• Be consistent: posting regularly helps the platform understand your audience and recommend your videos.

Original story: socialmediatoday.com.