How to Beat the YouTube Shorts Algorithm (Makeup Tutorials Edition)
Understand and optimize for the YouTube Shorts algorithm as a Makeup Tutorials creator.
Want to grow your Makeup Tutorials content on YouTube Shorts? YouTube Shorts tests with small audiences then expands based on swipe-away rate (people not swiping to next video) and completion rate. For Makeup Tutorials creators specifically, this means understanding what Makeup enthusiasts want and how YouTube Shorts's system rewards content that delivers. This guide covers exactly how to make YouTube Shorts's algorithm work for your Makeup Tutorials content.
How YouTube Shorts's Algorithm Works for Makeup Tutorials Creators
Understanding YouTube Shorts's system helps you work with it, not against it:
- YouTube Shorts tests with small audiences then expands based on swipe-away rate (people not swiping to next video) and completion rate
- For Makeup Tutorials content, swipe-away rate is the biggest negative signal—if people swipe past, YouTube stops showing your Short
- YouTube Shorts's Shorts viewers can become subscribers who watch your long-form content—a unique funnel no other platform offers means Makeup Tutorials creators can reach Makeup enthusiasts without existing followers
- The algorithm categorizes your content—use Makeup Tutorials signals (hashtags, topics) to reach the right audience
Pro Tip: ViralNow predicts how your Makeup Tutorials content will perform before you post.
What Actually Drives Makeup Tutorials Growth on YouTube Shorts
Forget "algorithm hacks." These fundamentals work for Makeup Tutorials creators:
- Prevent the swipe-away in the first second. Titles matter here unlike TikTok—make them searchable—this is critical for Makeup Tutorials content targeting Makeup enthusiasts
- Deliver value throughout—Makeup Tutorials viewers stay when every second matters
- Educational hooks work better here than pure entertainment. YouTube's audience wants to learn something
- Post when Makeup enthusiasts are active (check your YouTube Shorts analytics)
- Reply to comments—YouTube Shorts sees conversation as quality signal
Growth Myths Makeup Tutorials Creators Should Ignore
Don't waste time on these for YouTube Shorts:
- Exact posting times matter less than content quality for Makeup Tutorials
- Hashtags matter less than titles and descriptions—YouTube is a search engine. #Shorts tag is optional
- Buying followers destroys your reach—YouTube Shorts knows and penalizes
- There's no magic posting frequency—consistency beats volume for Makeup Tutorials
- Cross-posting without optimization hurts—adapt Makeup Tutorials content to YouTube Shorts's style
YouTube Shorts vs Other Platforms for Makeup Tutorials
YouTube Shorts has specific strengths for Makeup Tutorials creators:
- YouTube Shorts is search discovery and building a subscriber base—Shorts have longer shelf life and can rank in YouTube search
- YouTube's audience is broader (all ages) and more information-seeking than pure entertainment
- Shorts viewers can become subscribers who watch your long-form content—a unique funnel no other platform offers works well for Makeup Tutorials discovery
- Slower than TikTok but Shorts continue getting views for weeks/months—more evergreen
- Consider YouTube Shorts as your primary or secondary platform based on where Makeup enthusiasts spend time
Frequently Asked Questions
How does YouTube Shorts's algorithm work for Makeup Tutorials content?
YouTube Shorts tests with small audiences then expands based on swipe-away rate (people not swiping to next video) and completion rate. For Makeup Tutorials content specifically, swipe-away rate is the biggest negative signal—if people swipe past, YouTube stops showing your Short. The algorithm categorizes your content based on signals—using #makeup and #makeuptutorial helps YouTube Shorts show your Makeup Tutorials videos to Makeup enthusiasts.
Why isn't my Makeup Tutorials content going viral on YouTube Shorts?
On YouTube Shorts, swipe-away rate is the biggest negative signal—if people swipe past, YouTube stops showing your Short. For Makeup Tutorials specifically: Is your hook grabbing Makeup enthusiasts in the first second? Prevent the swipe-away in the first second. Titles matter here unlike TikTok—make them searchable Check if you're using Makeup Tutorials-relevant hashtags—generic tags put you against everyone. Educational hooks work better here than pure entertainment. YouTube's audience wants to learn something
How long does it take to grow a Makeup Tutorials account on YouTube Shorts?
Slower than TikTok but Shorts continue getting views for weeks/months—more evergreen For Makeup Tutorials with very-high competition, expect similar patterns. Focus on each video being better than the last. In Makeup Tutorials, your unique angle matters more than posting frequency—Makeup enthusiasts follow creators who offer something different.
What makes YouTube Shorts different from other platforms for Makeup Tutorials creators?
YouTube Shorts is search discovery and building a subscriber base—Shorts have longer shelf life and can rank in YouTube search. YouTube's audience is broader (all ages) and more information-seeking than pure entertainment For Makeup Tutorials creators, this means Makeup Tutorials content should be adapted to fit YouTube Shorts's style. Educational hooks work better here than pure entertainment. YouTube's audience wants to learn something Your Makeup enthusiasts on YouTube Shorts may behave differently than on other platforms.
Related Guides
YouTube Shorts Algorithm Explained: How It Actually Works
Complete guide to algorithm on YouTube Shorts. Learn proven strategies to grow faster and reach more people.
Platform GuideHow to Grow on YouTube Shorts: Complete 2026 Guide
Complete guide to growth on YouTube Shorts. Learn proven strategies to grow faster and reach more people.
Platform GuideHow to Make Money on YouTube Shorts
Complete guide to monetization on YouTube Shorts. Learn proven strategies to grow faster and reach more people.
Platform GuideBest Times to Post on YouTube Shorts
Complete guide to best time to post on YouTube Shorts. Learn proven strategies to grow faster and reach more people.
Platform Guide