Australia, with its robust economy and thriving online community, presents a fantastic opportunity for content creators to make money on YouTube.
With a population that embraces technology and digital media, there are numerous ways to turn your passion for video creation into a profitable venture.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make money on YouTube in Australia.
1. Understanding the YouTube Landscape in Australia
Australia’s internet population consists of 21 million users, 15 million of whom are active YouTube users. With a reach that extensive, YouTube offers an incredible platform to communicate, entertain, and monetize.
Unique Niches in Australia:
Travel and Adventure: Australia’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal location for travel and adventure vlogging.
Wildlife: Australia is home to unique fauna and flora, providing ample content for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cuisine: The Australian cuisine, blending various culinary traditions, offers a wide scope for food vloggers.
Sports and Outdoor Activities: Surfing, rugby, and cricket are part of the Australian culture, offering sporting content creators a niche audience.
2. Monetization Strategies
YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
To start earning from YouTube, you must join the YouTube Partner Program. Requirements include:
Adherence to all YouTube’s policies and guidelines
Ad Revenue
YouTube offers different types of ads like display ads, skippable video ads, and more. Australian YouTubers typically earn an average CPM (Cost Per Mille) of $5 – $8.
These tables present an overview of YouTube usage in Australia, potential earnings from various monetization strategies, and the popularity of different content niches.
It’s important to recognize that these numbers can vary widely depending on individual circumstances, content quality, audience engagement, and other factors.
Conclusion
Making money on YouTube in Australia is a viable and exciting opportunity. The journey requires understanding the unique Australian landscape, identifying your niche, and employing various monetization strategies. Persistence, creativity, and adherence to the guidelines will enable you to turn your passion for video creation into a profitable venture.
In today’s digital landscape, YouTube has emerged as a go-to platform for content creators looking to share their passions, expertise, and stories with the world.
With over 2 billion logged-in monthly users and a staggering 500 hours of video uploaded every minute, it’s no wonder that understanding key metrics is essential for creators seeking to stand out and succeed on YouTube.
One of the most important, yet often overlooked, metrics for YouTube success is Average View Duration. This vital statistic not only helps creators gauge the effectiveness of their content, but also plays a significant role in how the YouTube algorithm determines which videos to promote. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Average View Duration, discuss the factors affecting it, and provide actionable tips for improving this crucial metric.
So, whether you’re a seasoned YouTuber or just starting your channel, keep reading to unlock the secret to creating more engaging content.
What is Average View Duration?
Average View Duration (AVD) is a metric that represents the average amount of time a viewer spends watching a particular video. It is calculated by dividing the total watch time of a video by its total number of views.
This metric helps creators understand how well their content is holding the viewer’s attention and maintaining engagement throughout the video.
How it differs from other metrics like Watch Time and Views
Average View Duration, on the other hand, focuses on the quality of engagement by assessing how long viewers stay on a video on average. A high AVD indicates that viewers are finding the content engaging and relevant, whereas a low AVD suggests that viewers may be leaving the video early due to lack of interest or poor quality.
Why Average View Duration is important for YouTube algorithm and audience retention
The YouTube algorithm uses Average View Duration as a key factor when deciding which videos to recommend and promote. Videos with higher AVDs are more likely to appear in search results, suggested video lists, and on users’ homepages. This is because the algorithm interprets a higher AVD as a sign of quality content that keeps viewers engaged.
Moreover, maintaining a high Average View Duration helps in building a loyal audience, as viewers who consistently watch a significant portion of your videos are more likely to subscribe, share, and engage with your content. In turn, this boosts your channel’s overall growth and visibility on the platform.
Factors Affecting Average View Duration
There are many factors that can impact your Average View Duration. Lets list what these are and deep dive into how and why they can be so influential on your results.
Video length
You need to match the video length to the audience expectations. Nobody wants to watch a 4 hour explainer lecture when they just need a 15 second how-to tutorial.
Pros and cons of short and long videos
Short videos have the advantage of being easily consumable and shareable, often leading to higher view counts. However, they may not provide enough depth or information for viewers seeking comprehensive content. On the other hand, long videos can thoroughly cover a topic and potentially increase total watch time. However, they risk losing viewer interest if the content is not engaging enough.
Identifying the sweet spot for your content
Finding the right video length for your content depends on various factors such as your target audience, the nature of your content, and your presentation style. Experiment with different video lengths and analyze your AVD to determine the optimal duration that keeps your audience engaged.
Content quality
Relevance to the target audience
Ensuring your content is relevant and valuable to your target audience is essential for maintaining their interest. Conduct research to identify topics and trends that resonate with your viewers, and create content that addresses their needs and preferences.
Production value and editing
High-quality production and editing can significantly impact AVD. Crisp visuals, clear audio, and smooth transitions can help maintain viewer interest, while poor production quality may cause viewers to leave the video early. Invest time and effort in improving your production and editing skills to create more engaging content.
Audience targeting and demographics
Understanding your audience’s preferences
Knowing your audience’s preferences, such as their age, location, interests, and viewing habits, can help you tailor your content to their tastes. Use YouTube Analytics to gather insights about your audience and make data-driven decisions to improve your content strategy.
Catering content to their interests
Once you have a clear understanding of your audience’s preferences, create content that speaks to their interests and expectations. By doing so, you’re more likely to maintain their attention and increase your AVD.
Tips to Increase Average View Duration
Lets help to get you more views and keep them hooked for longer.
Grab viewers’ attention in the first few seconds
Importance of a strong hook With the abundance of content available on YouTube, it’s crucial to capture your viewer’s attention right from the start. A compelling hook in the first few seconds can entice viewers to continue watching and increase your AVD.
Examples of engaging openings
Pose a thought-provoking question
Share an interesting fact or statistic
Preview the video’s key takeaways
Use humour or tell a personal story
Optimize video structure and pacing
You need to make your videos more consumable and binge worthy. The easier it is to watch your video the more likely people are to stick around. Here are some ways to make your content more easy on the eye.
Break content into sections
Organize your content into clear sections to help maintain viewer interest and make your video more digestible.
Use headings, bullet points, and visuals to separate ideas and guide your audience through the video.
Use timestamps and visual cues
Adding timestamps to your video description or as a pinned comment can help viewers navigate your content more easily. This allows them to jump to specific sections of interest, increasing the likelihood that they will remain engaged throughout the video. Visual cues, such as text overlays or graphics, can also help emphasize key points and maintain viewer interest.
Encourage interaction and engagement
The more they engage the more YouTube can see they are satisfied with the content and willing to share across the platform to new audience members.
Asking for likes, comments, and subscriptions
Prompting viewers to like, comment, and subscribe not only fosters interaction and community building, but also signals to the YouTube algorithm that your content is engaging. However, ensure that your call-to-action is genuine and relevant to the content, rather than being overly repetitive or intrusive.
Incorporating polls and quizzes
Including polls, quizzes, or other interactive elements can boost audience engagement and encourage viewers to spend more time on your video. These features can also provide valuable feedback on your content, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve your AVD.
Analyzing Average View Duration for Continuous Improvement
The more stats you have the more you can learn from what does well, and what doesn’t. If you are looking to grow on youtube you need to hone in what works and refine those into an ongoing strategy for continuous improvement.
Accessing YouTube Analytics
To access and analyze your Average View Duration data, navigate to YouTube Studio and click on the “Analytics” tab.
Here, you will find a wealth of information about your video performance, including AVD, Watch Time, Views, and other valuable metrics.
Identifying trends and patterns in your data
Analyze your AVD data over time to identify trends and patterns that may indicate what resonates with your audience.
Look for videos with particularly high or low AVD and try to determine what factors might be contributing to these results. Consider the following questions:
Are there any similarities among videos with high AVD?
Does a particular topic or format perform better than others?
Are there specific points in your videos where viewers tend to drop off?
Adjusting content strategy based on insights
Once you’ve identified trends and patterns in your data, use these insights to adjust your content strategy accordingly.
For instance, if you find that your audience prefers shorter videos with a specific format, consider creating more content in that style to boost your AVD.
Continuously monitor your analytics and adapt your approach to ensure that you are providing content that keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.
YouTube Average View Duration Stats and User Behaviour
Average View Duration by Content Category
Content Category
Average View Duration
Educational
7 minutes
Lifestyle & Vlogging
10 minutes
Tech Reviews & Tutorials
6 minutes
Gaming
12 minutes
Health & Fitness
8 minutes
Travel
9 minutes
DIY & Crafts
5 minutes
*Please note that these numbers are approximations and may vary depending on the specific niche and creator.
Viewer Retention by Video Length
Video Length
Viewer Retention
Under 2 minutes
70%
2-5 minutes
60%
5-10 minutes
50%
10-15 minutes
40%
15-30 minutes
30%
Over 30 minutes
20%
*These percentages represent the average proportion of viewers who complete watching videos of various lengths.
Table 3: Impact of Viewer Interaction on Average View Duration
Interaction Type
Average Increase in View Duration
Likes
10%
Comments
15%
Shares
12%
Polls & Quizzes
18%
*These values represent the estimated increase in Average View Duration when viewers interact with a video in various ways.
Please note that these statistics are approximations based on available data and may not be universally applicable. They should be used as a starting point for understanding trends and patterns in YouTube user behaviour. Always analyse your own channel’s data to make informed decisions about content strategy and optimization.
And finally…
As we’ve seen throughout this blog post, Average View Duration is a crucial metric for gauging audience engagement and ensuring success on YouTube. By understanding and optimizing your AVD, you can create more compelling content that resonates with your audience and captures the attention of the YouTube algorithm.
To improve your AVD, don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats, lengths, and styles. Analyze your data, identify trends, and adapt your content strategy based on the insights you gather.
Now that you have a better understanding of Average View Duration and its importance, it’s time to apply these insights to your own YouTube channel. Keep your audience engaged, monitor your analytics, and watch your channel grow as you unlock the secret to creating more engaging content.
Q: What is Average View Duration?
A: Average View Duration (AVD) is a metric that represents the average amount of time a viewer spends watching a particular video. It is calculated by dividing the total watch time of a video by its total number of views.
Q: How does Average View Duration impact YouTube growth?
A: A high AVD indicates that viewers are finding the content engaging and relevant, which helps creators build a loyal audience. Additionally, the YouTube algorithm uses AVD as a key factor when deciding which videos to recommend and promote, leading to increased visibility and growth for channels with higher AVDs.
A: While a high view count can contribute to a video’s overall success, a low Average View Duration may indicate that viewers are not fully engaging with the content. This may negatively impact the video’s visibility within the YouTube algorithm, as the platform prioritizes videos with higher engagement levels.
Q: How can I improve my Average View Duration?
A: To improve your AVD, focus on creating engaging, high-quality content that caters to your target audience’s interests. Experiment with different video lengths, formats, and styles, and analyze your performance data to identify trends and adjust your content strategy accordingly.
Q: What is the ideal Average View Duration for my channel?
A: There is no universal ideal AVD, as it depends on your target audience, content niche, and presentation style. However, a higher AVD generally indicates better audience engagement and content quality, leading to increased growth and visibility on YouTube.
Q: How do I access my Average View Duration data?
A: To access your AVD data, navigate to YouTube Studio and click on the “Analytics” tab. This will provide you with a wealth of information about your video performance, including AVD, Watch Time, Views, and other valuable metrics.
Q: Can I increase my Average View Duration by making all my videos shorter?
A: While shorter videos may lead to a higher AVD due to their easily consumable nature, it is important to strike a balance between video length and content quality. If your videos are too short, they may not provide enough depth or information for viewers seeking comprehensive content, which could negatively impact engagement and audience retention.
Starting a YouTube channel presents a number of hurdles to jump at the best of times, and that is only more evident when you are getting out of the gate with a number of restrictions on what you can make.
One of the more common restrictions that people place on themselves when starting a YouTube channel is to enact a “no-face” rule. We’ll look at why this might be the case below, but the rule is simple enough; some YouTubers don’t want (or, in some cases, can’t have) their face on camera. For those people, the techniques and formats available to them are a little more restrictive than your average YouTuber, but it is far from impossible to find a way to make it work.
Obviously such a YouTuber won’t be making your stereotypical vlogs, where they talk directly to the camera for five minutes with their face front and centre. We’re going to give you a quick run down of ideas for videos without showing your face at the end of this post, but that’s a topic that deserves a post of its own, so we won’t dwell too long on the ideas side of things here. Instead, we’re going to look at how best to make your faceless YouTube channel work, including areas that should be be focussed on to make up for the lack of a face to put to the channel.
Why Would a YouTuber Not Want to Show Their Face?
The most obvious reason a YouTuber might want to keep their face offscreen is shyness. It may sound a little counterintuitive that someone might want to create and run a YouTube channel but is too shy to be on camera, but it’s not a particularly uncommon phenomenon. You only need to look at the creative world for a brief time and you should be able to find plenty of musicians, directors, even actors who are happy to ply their craft in front of thousands of people, or on movies that will be seen by millions, and those people are still awkward in front of a camera doing a plain interview.
There is also the matter of anonymity. Anonymity can be desired for a number of reasons, from just plain not wanting to have your identity out there, to protecting yourself or your family from the potential backlash of things you might be saying or doing on your channel. It could also be a for safety reasons, such as would be the case for YouTubers in countries with oppressive laws and a dim view about criticising the government.
The Faceless Stats
Videos without showing the creator’s face have gained popularity across various genres on YouTube. Here are some interesting statistics and facts about faceless videos and the creators behind them.
Faceless Video Categories on YouTube:
Category
Percentage of Faceless Videos
ASMR
45%
Cooking & Food
25%
Art & Animation
15%
Gaming
10%
DIY & Crafts
5%
Top 5 Faceless YouTube Creators (by subscribers as of September 2021):
How to Make YouTube Videos Without Showing Your Face
Making videos without showing your face makes things a little trickier, but not too much. We’re going to go over some things you should focus on to make sure your faceless videos still do the job.
For the most part, these should apply to any type of video you choose to make, though you should apply a little common sense to each. For example, you don’t need to spend money on a fancy microphone if you don’t talk!
Audio Quality
Now, we would ordinarily recommend striving for the best audio quality regardless of the type of video you are making, whether it has your face in or not. Somewhat counterintuitively for a video platform, poor audio quality is often a significant factor in driving viewers away—far more than poor video quality.
The first thing to make sure is that your video export settings are on point. If you’re getting fuzzy or crackling audio in your finished videos when it was fine going in, you probably have some export settings to tweak.
The next thing is your audio quality going in. If you are using something computer generated voices, or you are putting together compilation videos of other clips, you should do your best to make sure the input audio quality is high, because it will only get worse through the export and YouTube’s compression if it is poor going in.
Give the Viewers Something to Latch on To
Branding has become an integral part of any kind of success using the Internet. What used to be a discussion about the colours used by a corporation or the logo for a new global product release has become commonplace among individuals using YouTube and other social media.
For individuals, a face is often all the branding you need. It is recognisable, often unique, and it belongs to you. Unfortunately, if you can’t or don’t want to show your face in your videos, this branding option is off the table. But that doesn’t erase the power that branding has.
So, without your face, you need to make sure that branding void is filled. A logo is always a good start, but at the very least you should have a consistent colour scheme. The idea is that your videos (and any other media you make) are recognisably yours, even at a glance. This brand recognition helps you better retain new viewers.
Have a Clear Purpose in Mind
This one could be just as easily applied to any type of YouTube channel, and it’s just as important here. Your viewers are going to want to know what they’re getting into, and if your content is wildly different each upload, it’s going to put people off of coming back.
Now, this is a little more complicated than it seems, because what your viewers are coming there for can cover a wide range of things. For example, they may be coming for your commentary and personality, in which case that is the thing that needs to be consistent. You could be talking about completely different things from video to video, as long as you are still being you.
Similarly, if viewers are coming to your videos for the latest news from the science community, they would be put off if you randomly did a video talking about Hollywood gossip.
Stand Out
This one is perhaps one of the most important things you can do as a YouTuber. There is an unfathomable number of creators out there, each making videos on YouTube in a variety of different niches. The chance of discovering a completely untapped niche are practically zero, so you have to stand out to have a chance of succeeding.
In essence, you are giving the viewers a reason to come to your channel over a channel covering the same kind of thing. This is almost entirely down to personal preference, you are not going to be able to please everyone in this regard, but the more you stand out from the crowd, the better chance you have of attracting viewers from other channels that are doing essentially the same thing.
Play to Your Strengths
This is self-explanatory, but don’t force yourself to do something you’re not good at. If witty repartee is not your strong suit, don’t freestyle videos, script them. If you are not great at animation, don’t animate your videos (or pay someone who can animate to do it for you).
Ideas for Faceless Videos
As we said, we’re not going to devote too much effort to this section here because there’s a whole post’s-worth of information to get through, but here are a few ideas for videos that don’t involve your face to get you started.
Meditation and Mindfulness Videos
Some people love to tune out of the world and take a moment with their own thoughts. The practice of mindfulness and meditation has been embraced widely over the last few years as a why to help people sleep, study or relax.
Whether they are videos to cover a list of the best phones with a 6” screen, a series of clips of drunk people falling over, or any number of other content that people might be interested in watching, compilation videos are a great way to make content without featuring your face. Just be sure to get permission for the clips you use.
Commentary Videos
If you’ve got some interesting insight on the latest movie trailer or political event, or you’re just very good at breaking things down, you could make videos where you do that very thing over the top of newsreels or the aforementioned trailer.
Again, be conscious of whether you have the right to use any footage you use, and also bear in mind that some political commentary can get flagged for demonetisation under YouTube’s ever-changing policies.
VTubing
VTubers are YouTubers who have a digital avatar on screen. Sometimes that avatar is essentially just a mask for the YouTuber, other times it is a fully fledged character in its own right, but regardless of the dynamic, it is an onscreen presence that does not involve your actual face!
Final Thoughts
For the most part, the guidelines for running a YouTube channel without your face are the same as the guidelines for running a YouTube with your face. There are some areas to put a little extra focus on, of course, such as making sure your audio is up to scratch, but everything else is a little more universal.
The important thing to remember is that there is no reason you can’t be a very successful YouTuber when you are not showing your face on camera. Plenty of YouTubers have done it, and plenty more will do it. Why not be one of them?