Gaining visibility on the platform is largely dependent on the number of times a video thumbnail is displayed to potential viewers. Each instance of this display, whether on the homepage, in search results, or as a suggested video, constitutes an impression. For example, a viewer scrolling through their YouTube feed sees a video thumbnail; that single viewing counts as one impression.
A greater frequency of these displays generally correlates with increased viewership. Historically, creators have focused on attracting subscribers; however, optimizing for impressions can broaden reach beyond the existing subscriber base. Therefore, concentrating on strategies that maximize the potential for the video to be seen is often a fundamental step toward overall channel growth and audience expansion.
