THE KDCC RESOURCE LIBRARY

YOUTUBE GLOSSARY & CREATOR DICTIONARY

The KDCC YouTube Glossary is a creator first dictionary that explains YouTube terms in plain English. From CTR and AVD to RPM, impressions, retention, and the YouTube algorithm, this page breaks down the language of YouTube growth so creators can make better decisions, faster.

175+

Terms Defined

A

A/B Testing

A method of comparing two versions of content (like thumbnails or titles) to determine which performs better. YouTube allows creators to test multiple thumbnails on the same video through YouTube Studio's "Test & Compare" feature.

A-Roll

The primary footage in a video, typically featuring the main subject speaking directly to camera or the core narrative content. A-Roll is your main story while B-Roll provides visual variety and context. Most talking-head YouTube videos are primarily A-Roll.

Example: In a product review, A-Roll is you talking about the product; B-Roll is close-up shots of you using it.

Ad-Friendly Content

Videos that meet YouTube's advertiser guidelines and are eligible for full monetization. Content must avoid excessive profanity, violence, adult themes, and controversial topics to receive the green monetization icon ($) in YouTube Studio.

AGI (Artificial General Intelligence)

A theoretical form of AI that can understand, learn, and apply intelligence across any task, like a human. Unlike current AI tools used by creators, AGI would match human cognitive abilities. Relevant for creators following AI developments and future content trends.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Technology that enables machines to perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence. For YouTube creators, AI powers tools for thumbnail generation, video editing, scriptwriting, voice cloning, translation, and content optimization. Also refers to YouTube's algorithmic recommendation systems.

Example: Tools like ChatGPT for scripts, Midjourney for thumbnails, and Opus Clip for repurposing are AI-powered creator tools.

AI Tools

Software applications using artificial intelligence to help creators produce content faster. Categories include: scriptwriting (ChatGPT, Claude), thumbnail design (Midjourney, DALL-E), video editing (Descript, Opus Clip), and voiceover (ElevenLabs). Increasingly essential for competitive content production.

Algorithm

YouTube's recommendation system that determines which videos appear in search results, suggested videos, home feeds, and Shorts feeds. The algorithm analyzes viewer behavior, watch history, and engagement signals to match videos with interested audiences.

Analytics

YouTube Studio's data dashboard showing channel and video performance metrics including views, watch time, subscriber growth, revenue, audience demographics, and traffic sources. Essential for data-driven content strategy and the "D" in The KDCC's KANDO Method.

Aspect Ratio

The proportional relationship between a video's width and height. Standard YouTube videos use 16:9 (widescreen), while Shorts use 9:16 (vertical). Proper aspect ratio prevents black bars and optimizes viewing experience.

Ask Studio

YouTube's AI-powered assistant within YouTube Studio that answers questions about your channel's performance, provides insights, and offers recommendations. Allows creators to ask natural language questions like "What's my best performing video this month?" or "Why did my views drop?"

Audience Retention

A graph in YouTube Analytics showing the percentage of viewers still watching at each point in a video. High retention signals quality content to the algorithm. Key metric for understanding where viewers drop off and which segments resonate.

Auto Chapters

YouTube's AI feature that automatically generates chapter markers for videos when creators don't add their own timestamps. Can be disabled in upload settings. Manual chapters typically perform better for SEO and user experience.

AVD (Average View Duration)

The average length of time viewers watch a video before leaving. Calculated by dividing total watch time by total views. A critical algorithm signal, higher AVD typically leads to more impressions and recommendations.

Example: A 10-minute video with 5-minute AVD has 50% average percentage viewed.

Average Percentage Viewed (APV)

The average percentage of a video that viewers watch, expressed as a percentage. A 60% average percentage viewed (APV) on a 10-minute video means the average viewer watches 6 minutes. Higher percentages signal engaging content to YouTube.

B

B-Roll

Supplementary footage that cuts away from the main A-Roll to add visual interest, illustrate points, or cover jump cuts. Includes shots of products, locations, screen recordings, stock footage, or any visuals that support your narrative. Essential for professional-looking videos.

Example: While explaining a recipe, B-Roll shows close-ups of ingredients, cooking techniques, and the finished dish.

Bitrate

The amount of data processed per second in a video file, measured in Mbps (megabits per second). Higher bitrates generally mean better quality but larger file sizes. YouTube recommends 8-12 Mbps for 1080p uploads and 35-45 Mbps for 4K.

Brand Account

A Google account type that allows multiple users to manage a YouTube channel without sharing personal login credentials. Essential for team-managed channels, businesses, and collaborations with multiple channel managers.

Branding

The visual identity elements that make your channel recognizable: banner, profile picture, watermark, thumbnail style, intro/outro, colors, and fonts. Consistent branding builds trust and helps viewers instantly recognize your content.

Branding Watermark

A clickable logo or image that appears in the bottom-right corner of your videos. When viewers click it, they're prompted to subscribe. Set in YouTube Studio under Customization > Branding. Can appear at custom time, end of video, or entire video.

Example: Many creators use their channel logo or a "Subscribe" button graphic as their branding watermark.

Browse Features

A traffic source category in YouTube Analytics representing views from the YouTube homepage, subscription feed, and other browsing surfaces. Indicates how well the algorithm is recommending your content to viewers.

Bumper Ads

Non-skippable video ads up to 6 seconds long that play before, during, or after YouTube videos. These ads are charged on a CPM basis and contribute to creator ad revenue.

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C

Cards

Interactive elements that appear during videos, prompting viewers to watch another video, visit a playlist, subscribe, or click a link (for eligible channels). Visible as a small "i" icon that expands when clicked.

Channel Customization

The YouTube Studio area where you control your channel’s presentation, including layout settings, featured content, and basic branding elements. Channel customization is how you shape the channel experience for new viewers and returning subscribers.

Channel Description

The text on your channel’s About page that explains what your channel is about, who it is for, and what viewers can expect. This helps with clarity for new viewers and can support discoverability by reinforcing your topics and niche.

Channel Keywords

Hidden metadata in YouTube Studio that describes your channel’s topics and brand name variations. These are less important than video titles and thumbnails, but they can still help with channel context, especially for name variations and common misspellings.

Channel Layout

The structure of your channel homepage, including what shows up first for returning subscribers and for new viewers. Layout choices (featured video, playlists, Shorts shelves, sections) help guide people to the best starting point and can increase session time on your channel.

Channel Memberships

A monetization feature allowing viewers to pay monthly for exclusive perks like custom emojis, badges, members-only videos, and community posts. Requires 1,000+ subscribers and YPP membership. Pricing tiers from $0.99-$99.99/month.

Channel Permissions

Access levels granted to team members in YouTube Studio: Owner (full control), Manager (most features), Editor (content management), Editor (Limited), and Viewer. Essential for delegation without sharing login credentials.

Channel Profile

Your channel’s public identity, including profile image, channel name, handle, banner, description, and links. A clear profile helps viewers understand what you do fast, and it helps YouTube classify your channel more accurately.

Channel Profile Links

Clickable links shown on your channel banner and About page. Creators use these for websites, newsletters, Discord, merch, affiliate pages, and other important destinations. These links help move viewers from YouTube into your ecosystem.

Chapters

Video segments with timestamps and titles, visible in the progress bar and description. Created by adding timestamps starting at 0:00. Improves viewer experience, SEO, and can increase watch time by letting viewers jump to relevant sections.

Example: 0:00 Intro | 1:30 First Tip | 4:45 Common Mistakes | 8:00 Conclusion

Clickbait

Thumbnails and titles designed to generate clicks through sensationalism or emotional triggers. While clickbait can boost CTR, misleading content hurts retention. Effective strategy uses "curiosity gap" without deceiving viewers.

Codec

Software that compresses and decompresses video files. YouTube recommends H.264 (AVC) for most uploads and accepts H.265 (HEVC), VP9, and AV1. Codec choice affects file size, quality, and processing time.

Collaboration (Collab)

Creating content with other YouTubers to cross-promote channels and reach new audiences. Effective collabs involve creators in similar niches with comparable audience sizes.

Community

Your channel's audience relationships and engagement ecosystem. Building community through comments, live streams, memberships, and off-platform spaces (like Discord) increases loyalty and watch time.

Community Guidelines

YouTube's rules governing acceptable content. Violations result in strikes, three strikes within 90 days terminate a channel. Guidelines cover harassment, hate speech, spam, misleading content, and harmful acts. Read the official Community Guidelines.

Community Post

Non-video content shared on your channel's Community tab: polls, images, text updates, and GIFs. Available to channels with 500+ subscribers. Keeps audience engaged between uploads.

Community Tab

The section of a YouTube channel where creators can post updates that are not videos, like polls, images, text posts, and GIFs. It is a great way to stay top of mind between uploads and drive engagement back to your next video.

Contact Info

The business email and other details shown on your channel’s About page for sponsorships, partnerships, and professional inquiries. Keeping this updated helps legitimate brands contact you without having to hunt through old descriptions.

Content ID

YouTube's automated system that scans uploads against a database of copyrighted material. When matched, rights holders can track, monetize, or block the content.

Copyright Claim

A Content ID match indicating copyrighted material in your video. Unlike strikes, claims don't penalize your channel but may redirect ad revenue to the rights holder.

Copyright Strike

A formal legal complaint against your channel for copyright infringement. Three active strikes result in channel termination. Strikes expire after 90 days if you complete Copyright School.

CPM (Cost Per Mille)

The amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions on YouTube. CPM varies by niche (finance: $15-30, gaming: $2-8), audience location, and time of year. This is what advertisers pay, not what creators receive.

Example: $10 CPM means advertisers pay $10 for every 1,000 times their ad is shown.

CMS (Content Management System)

YouTube's Content Management System used by larger creators, networks, and media companies to manage multiple channels, permissions, and Content ID policies at scale. If you work with a network or a company channel, CMS can control who can upload, how claims are handled, and how monetization rules are applied.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Software used to organize relationships with people and companies, like sponsors, partners, clients, and leads. For creators, a CRM helps track outreach, conversations, deal stages, deliverables, and follow-ups so brand work does not get lost in DMs or email threads.

CTA (Call to Action)

A prompt encouraging viewers to take a specific action like subscribing, liking, commenting, or watching another video. Strategic CTAs placed at high-retention points maximize conversions.

CTR (Click-Through Rate)

The percentage of people who click your video after seeing its thumbnail. Calculated as: (Clicks ÷ Impressions) × 100. Average CTR ranges from 2-10% depending on content type. Key metric for thumbnail effectiveness.

Example: 1,000 impressions with 50 clicks = 5% CTR

Custom URL

A personalized channel URL (youtube.com/@channelname) instead of the random string default. Requires 100+ subscribers and a channel at least 30 days old.

D

Dark Funnel

Word-of-mouth and private sharing that can't be tracked by analytics, like someone texting a video link or mentioning it in a podcast. Represents significant but unmeasurable traffic and influence.

Demonetization

When YouTube disables ads on a video due to advertiser-unfriendly content. Indicated by a yellow $ icon in YouTube Studio. Can be appealed through the review process.

Description

The text area below a video containing information, links, timestamps, keywords, and calls to action. First 150 characters appear in search results, front-load important keywords. Maximum 5,000 characters.

Dislike

A downvote on a YouTube video. Public dislike counts are hidden since November 2021, but creators can still see dislike data in YouTube Studio. Dislikes don't significantly hurt algorithm performance.

Drop-off Points

Moments in a video where significant viewer abandonment occurs, visible as steep declines in the audience retention graph. Analyzing drop-off points helps identify pacing issues or boring segments.

E

Editing

The post-production process of assembling, cutting, and enhancing video footage. Includes trimming clips, adding B-Roll, transitions, music, sound effects, color grading, and graphics.

Embed

Placing a YouTube video on an external website using embed code. Embedded views count toward total views and watch time. Can be disabled per video in YouTube Studio.

Encoding

The process of converting raw video into a compressed format for upload. YouTube re-encodes all uploads, but starting with proper settings ensures best quality.

End Screens

Interactive elements in the final 5-20 seconds of a video that promote other content, encourage subscriptions, or link to external sites. Can include video suggestions, subscribe buttons, and channel links.

Engagement

Viewer interactions with your content: likes, comments, shares, saves, and subscribes. High engagement signals quality to the algorithm.

Evergreen Content

Videos that remain relevant long after publication, consistently generating views over months or years. How-to tutorials and educational content perform better as evergreen than news.

Example: "How to Tie a Tie" is evergreen; "iPhone 15 Review" becomes dated.

External Traffic

Views coming from outside YouTube—social media, websites, emails, messaging apps, or Google search. Tracked in Analytics under Traffic Sources.

F

Fair Use

A legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission for commentary, criticism, education, or parody. Only courts can determine fair use—YouTube cannot.

First 48 Hours

The critical initial period after upload when YouTube tests a video's performance. Strong early metrics (CTR, AVD, engagement) signal the algorithm to expand reach.

Footage

Raw or edited video clips used in content production. Includes original recordings (A-Roll, B-Roll), stock footage, and screen recordings.

Frame Rate

The number of frames displayed per second in a video (fps). Common rates: 24fps (cinematic), 30fps (standard), 60fps (smooth motion/gaming).

Funnel

The journey viewers take from discovering your content to becoming subscribers or customers. Stages: impression → click → watch → engage → subscribe → return viewer.

G

Gaming Category

YouTube's dedicated gaming vertical with specific features like game pages. Gaming content includes Let's Plays, walkthroughs, reviews, and esports—one of YouTube's largest categories.

Google Ads

The advertising platform that places ads on YouTube videos. Advertisers use Google Ads to reach YouTube audiences; creators earn from these ads through AdSense.

H

Handle

Your unique @username on YouTube (e.g., @YourChannel), used for mentions, search, and your channel URL. Different from channel name—handles must be unique.

Hashtags

Clickable tags added to titles or descriptions using # symbol. Create searchable links to topic pages. YouTube recommends 3-5 hashtags maximum.

Heatmap

Visual representation in YouTube Studio showing which video segments viewers watch, rewatch, or skip. Available for videos over 60 seconds. Hot spots indicate engaging moments.

Hook

The opening seconds of a video designed to capture attention and prevent drop-off. Effective hooks create curiosity, show value, or establish stakes. First 30 seconds often determine if viewers stay.

Example: Starting with your best moment, asking a compelling question, or showing the end result first.

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I

Impressions

The number of times your video thumbnail was shown to viewers on YouTube. Only counts when at least 50% of thumbnail is visible for at least 1 second. Foundation for CTR calculation.

Intro

The opening segment of a video, often including a branded animation. Long intros hurt retention—successful creators place intros after the hook or skip them entirely. Keep under 5 seconds if used.

J

Jump Cut

An editing technique that removes pauses, mistakes, or filler from A-Roll, creating abrupt transitions. Popular in vlogs and talking-head videos. Can be masked with B-Roll.

K

KANDO Method

A YouTube growth framework created by Andrew Kan and Ike Do, co-founders of The Kan Do Creators Community. KANDO stands for: Knowledge (understanding YouTube), Audience (knowing who you serve), News (staying current), Data (using analytics), and Optimization (continuous improvement).

Keywords

Search terms that viewers use to find content on YouTube. Strategic keyword placement in titles, descriptions, and tags improves search visibility. Research using YouTube search suggestions and analytics tools.

L

Like

A positive engagement signal (thumbs up button). Likes contribute to engagement metrics but are less important to the algorithm than watch time and CTR.

Limited Ads (Yellow Dollar Sign)

A monetization status indicated by a yellow $ icon. Means your video can run ads but with restrictions—fewer advertisers will bid, typically resulting in 30-80% lower revenue. Can be appealed.

Live Stream

Real-time video broadcasting on YouTube. Live streams can earn from ads, Super Chats, and Super Stickers. After ending, streams become regular videos.

Long-Form Content

Traditional horizontal YouTube videos (typically 8+ minutes), as opposed to Shorts. Long-form builds deeper audience relationships and earns higher RPM due to mid-roll ad opportunities.

M

Metadata

All information attached to a video beyond the video itself: title, description, tags, thumbnails, chapters, and captions. Strong metadata helps YouTube understand and recommend your content.

Mid-Roll Ads

Advertisements that play during a video rather than before or after. Available on videos 8+ minutes long. Creators can place manually or let YouTube auto-place. Significantly increases revenue.

Monetization

The ability to earn money from YouTube content. Revenue sources include ads (RPM), memberships, Super Chats, YouTube Premium revenue, and YouTube Shopping. Requires YPP membership.

MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue)

Predictable monthly income from subscriptions like channel memberships, Patreon, or courses. More stable than ad revenue which fluctuates with views and CPM.

N

Networking

Building relationships with other creators for support, collaboration, and growth opportunities. Effective networking happens in communities like The KDCC Discord, at events, and through genuine engagement.

Niche

A specific topic area or audience segment a channel focuses on. Niching down helps build a dedicated audience and improves algorithmic recommendations.

Example: "budget travel for families" is more niche than just "travel."

Notification Bell

The bell icon next to the Subscribe button. "All notifications" provides the strongest signal; "personalized" lets YouTube decide. Creators often include a CTA to "hit the bell."

O

Optimization

The "O" in the KANDO Method. The process of continuously improving content based on data, testing thumbnails, refining titles, and iterating on what works.

Organic Reach

Views gained through YouTube's algorithm without paid promotion—search, suggested videos, browse features, and Shorts feed. Earned through strong content performance and SEO.

Outro

The closing segment of a video, typically including end screens, final CTAs, and sometimes branded animation. Effective outros guide viewers to more content.

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P

Pattern Interrupt

Editing techniques that break visual or audio monotony: changing camera angles, adding B-Roll, using sound effects, zooming, or adding graphics. Prevents audience drop-off.

Playback-Based CPM

CPM calculated based on video views that included an ad, not just ad impressions. Higher than standard CPM because not every view shows an ad.

Playlist

A curated collection of videos that play sequentially. Playlists improve session time, organize content, and appear in search results. Strategic playlists increase total channel watch time.

Poll

An interactive Community Post format where viewers vote on options. Great for engagement, audience research, and content planning.

Pre-Roll Ads

Advertisements that play before a video starts. Can be skippable (after 5 seconds) or non-skippable (15-20 seconds). Automatic on monetized content.

Premiere

A feature that schedules a video to debut at a specific time with a live chat experience. Creates event-style launches, builds anticipation, and enables Super Chats.

Profile Picture

The circular avatar image representing your channel. Should be recognizable at small sizes. Recommended 800x800 pixels. Part of your channel branding.

Q

Quality Score

A concept describing how the algorithm assesses video quality based on CTR, AVD, likes, comments, and viewer satisfaction surveys. Higher "quality" videos get more promotion.

R

Reach

The total number of unique viewers who see your content over a given period. Different from impressions which count multiple exposures to the same viewer.

Real-Time Analytics

YouTube Studio data showing performance in the last 48 hours and real-time concurrent viewers. Useful for monitoring video launches.

Resolution

Video quality measured in pixels (width x height). Common: 1080p (1920x1080), 1440p (2560x1440), 4K (3840x2160). Higher resolution = better quality but larger files.

Returning Viewers

Viewers who have watched your content before and come back. High returning viewer percentage indicates strong audience loyalty. Tracked in YouTube Studio's Audience tab.

RPM (Revenue Per Mille)

Your actual earnings per 1,000 video views after YouTube's 45% cut. Includes all revenue: ads, Premium, memberships, Super Chats. This is the number that matters for your income.

Example: $4 RPM means $400 for every 100,000 views.

S

Saturation

The level of competition in a niche or for a keyword. High saturation means many creators competing. Less saturated niches offer easier growth but smaller potential audiences.

Scheduled Upload

Setting a video to publish at a specific future date and time. Allows batch uploading and consistent posting schedules. Found in YouTube Studio's visibility settings.

Search Traffic

Views from viewers actively searching on YouTube. Indicates your content is well-optimized for search. Search traffic viewers often have high intent and strong engagement.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Optimizing your content to rank higher in YouTube search results. Involves keyword research, strategic titles and descriptions, proper tagging, and quality content that earns engagement signals.

Session Time

How long viewers stay on YouTube during a viewing session, including watching your videos and others. YouTube values content that keeps people on platform.

Shorts

Vertical videos up to 60 seconds appearing in YouTube's dedicated Shorts feed. Different algorithm than long-form, optimized for quick engagement. Can drive subscribers but typically lower RPM.

Stock Footage

Pre-made video clips available for licensing. Sources include paid (Getty, Shutterstock, Storyblocks) and free (Pexels, Pixabay) options. Useful for B-Roll.

Strike

A penalty on your channel for violating YouTube policies. Types include Community Guidelines strikes and Copyright strikes. Three active strikes = channel termination.

Super Chat

Paid highlighted messages in live stream and premiere chats. Viewers pay to have their message stand out and stay pinned. Prices range $1-$500. YouTube takes 30%; creators get 70%.

Super Stickers

Animated stickers viewers can purchase during live streams and premieres. Like Super Chats but visual. Same revenue split (70/30).

Super Thanks

A feature allowing viewers to tip creators on regular videos (not just live streams). Viewers pay to leave an animated, highlighted comment. Revenue split is 70/30.

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T

Thumbnail

The preview image representing your video. Custom thumbnails (1280x720, 16:9) significantly outperform auto-generated ones. The single most important factor in CTR.

Timestamps

Time markers in your description that create clickable links to specific video moments. When starting at 0:00 with at least 3 timestamps, they become Chapters.

Title

The text name of your video, limited to 100 characters. Critical for SEO and CTR. Effective titles balance searchability (keywords) with clickability (curiosity, emotion, specificity).

Traffic Sources

Where your views come from, tracked in YouTube Analytics. Categories include: YouTube Search, Browse Features, Suggested Videos, External, Channel Pages, and Playlists.

U

Unlisted

A video visibility setting where content is accessible via direct link but doesn't appear in search, channel page, or recommendations. Useful for sharing privately with clients or members.

Upload Time

When you publish a video. Optimal timing depends on when your specific audience is online (check Analytics). Generally matters less than content quality.

V

Velocity

How quickly a video accumulates views, especially in the first hours and days. High velocity signals to the algorithm that content is resonating, leading to more recommendations.

Views

The number of times your video has been watched. YouTube counts a view after approximately 30 seconds of watch time. View counts are audited to remove artificial inflation.

Visibility

Video privacy settings: Public (visible to everyone), Unlisted (link only), Private (only you), or Scheduled. Set during upload or changed anytime.

W

Watch Time

The total minutes viewers spend watching your content. The single most important metric for the YouTube algorithm because it directly measures viewer satisfaction. Required for YPP: 4,000 hours in 12 months.

Watch Page

The YouTube page where viewers watch your video, including the player, title, description, comments, and suggested videos sidebar.

X

XML Sitemap

A file that lists all your channel's videos for search engines. YouTube automatically generates this, but understanding it helps with advanced SEO strategies for external discoverability.

Y

YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

YouTube's monetization program for creators. Requirements: 1,000 subscribers AND either 4,000 public watch hours (past 12 months) OR 10 million public Shorts views (past 90 days). Unlocks ad revenue, memberships, Super Chats.

YouTube Premium

YouTube's paid subscription service offering ad-free viewing, background play, and downloads. Creators earn a portion of Premium subscriber fees based on watch time. Included in your RPM.

YouTube Studio

YouTube's creator dashboard for managing your channel. Features include: video uploads, analytics, comments, monetization settings, copyright management, and channel customization.

YPP

Abbreviation for YouTube Partner Program. "Getting into YPP" or "reaching YPP requirements" are common creator milestones.

Z

Zero-Click Content

Content that provides full value in the thumbnail/title without requiring a click—common in social media repurposing. For YouTube, the goal is the opposite: create curiosity that drives clicks while still delivering value.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Quick answers to the most common YouTube creator questions

What is a good CTR on YouTube?

An average CTR typically ranges from 2-10%, though this varies significantly by content type and traffic source. New channels often see 2-4%, while established channels with optimized thumbnails can achieve 8-12%. Homepage and subscription feed traffic tends to have higher CTR than search or suggested videos. The key is improving your CTR relative to your own channel's average rather than chasing arbitrary benchmarks.

What's the difference between CPM and RPM?

CPM (Cost Per Mille) is what advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions. RPM (Revenue Per Mille) is what you actually receive per 1,000 video views after YouTube takes its 45% cut. RPM is always lower than CPM and represents your real earnings. RPM also includes all revenue sources ads, YouTube Premium, memberships, and Super Chats not just advertising.

Why is AVD more important than views?

AVD (Average View Duration) tells YouTube how much value viewers get from your content. A video with 10,000 views but 30 second AVD signals low quality, while 1,000 views with 8 minute AVD signals high value. YouTube rewards content that keeps viewers watching longer because it means more ad opportunities and happier users. Focus on creating content people actually watch, not just click on.

How many subscribers do I need to get monetized?

For full YouTube Partner Program monetization including ads, you need: 1,000 subscribers AND either 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months OR 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days. There's also an expanded program at 500 subscribers (with 3,000 watch hours or 3M Shorts views) that unlocks memberships and Super Chats but not ad revenue.

What does the yellow dollar sign mean?

A yellow $ icon (Limited Ads) means your video can run ads but with restrictions. Fewer advertisers will bid on your content, typically resulting in 30-80% lower revenue than fully monetized (green $) videos. Common causes include mild profanity, sensitive topics, or content YouTube considers risky for brand safety. You can request a manual review if you believe the classification is incorrect.

What's the difference between A-Roll and B-Roll?

A-Roll is your primary footage usually you speaking to camera or the main narrative. B-Roll is supplementary footage that adds visual interest: product shots, screen recordings, location footage, or anything that illustrates what you're discussing. Most professional YouTube videos use both. B-Roll breaks up monotony, covers jump cuts, and keeps viewers engaged longer.

How does YouTube's algorithm actually work?

YouTube's algorithm is a recommendation system designed to match videos with viewers most likely to enjoy them. It analyzes: click-through rate (do people click?), average view duration (do they watch?), engagement (do they like/comment/share?), and viewer satisfaction surveys. There isn't one algorithm, There are different algorithm systems such as Search, Suggested Videos, Shorts Feed, and Home. The common thread: YouTube promotes videos that create satisfied viewers who stay on the platform.

What is the KANDO Method?

The KANDO Method is a YouTube growth framework created by Andrew Kan and Ike Do, co-founders of The Kan Do Creators Community. KANDO stands for: Knowledge (understanding YouTube's systems), Audience (knowing who you serve), News (staying current with platform changes), Data (using analytics strategically), and Optimization (continuous improvement). It's taught through KDCC's courses, coaching calls, and Discord community.

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Data-Driven Strategy

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