Did you know Instagram Provides More Insights On Content Algorithm Measures Watch Time for Videos

 

Social media giant Instagram wants to add more transparency for creators on the app.

This is why Instagram boss Adam Mosseri is giving more insights into how the algorithm defines watch time as a percentage of the video. This is different from the binary count.

The news is great for those trying to determine the optimal means for the app’s video content. After all, views and watch time is the main factor for greater engagement across the algorithm so a lot more insights never hurt.

The details arise at a time when more creators express concerns about publishing longer videos and how that could negatively impact them through this means. See, longer content means spending more time to attain a particular percentage threshold level. This would make it all the more difficult to attain some specific levels.

Adam Mosseri explained how the system calculates not just relative watch time depending on the video’s completion but also watch time separate from that. He added that the app is not punishing creators that post longer content. This is why they only consider a percentage of the content that was seen but also the total seconds.

So for instance, if a video is for ten seconds or 60 seconds, won’t make a difference and creators don’t get punished. The Instagram boss says there are no insights regarding the algorithm weightage for every element out there today. Therefore, it’s not easy to determine if the completion rate is harder to reach drivers than the time for views.

The main point worth considering here is how the app is working to make sure creators don’t go through penalties for publishing longer videos, even if they don’t get the same rates of completion as those with shorter content.

So the next time you as a creator are hindered from publishing longer videos due to the fear that no one will watch until the end, just know that you’ll still be compensated like any other short-form content would. This is provided people still sit down and watch a chunk of your material.

Remember, the app is really trying to push for longer content as they just raised the time duration for Reels. Now, people can post clips that go up to three minutes.

At the start, the app’s interest is to ensure people keep publishing longer material as it can better engagement. As a result, there’s no reason to punish those with longer content, depending on the view rate. Yes, people watching until the end is a good indicator that they’re interested but Adam Mosseri feels that time spent is another great alternative.