Yes, watch time significantly affects YouTube SEO. It measures how long viewers stay engaged with your video, signaling to the algorithm that your content is valuable and worth promoting. Higher watch time boosts your chances of appearing in search results, recommended videos, and the homepage feed. To improve watch time, create strong hooks in the first few seconds, maintain a clear narrative, and deliver consistent value throughout the video. Use visuals, storytelling, and pacing to keep viewers interested. Playlists can also increase overall channel watch time by guiding viewers to more of your content. In 2025, watch time remains a key ranking factor, so optimizing for viewer retention is essential for growing your presence and visibility on YouTube.
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