YouTube Case Study: How Comment Likes Impact Comment Ranking
This may come as no surprise, however, comment rankings play a crucial role in user engagement and visibility. But how exactly do likes on comments influence their position in the YouTube comments section? Our team conducted four in-depth case studies to understand the impact of YouTube comment likes across various scenarios, and prove how this metric influences comment rankings.
We analyzed how many comment likes did a YouTube comment need to reach the top of the comments section, examined how comment recency affects ranking, how gradually sending (drip-feeding) comment likes compares to large upfront boosts, and whether relevant or generic comments perform better.
Additionally, we cross-referenced the differences in how boosted comments performed on traditional YouTube videos compared to YouTube Shorts. These case studies offer valuable insights into optimizing comment ranking for better engagement and visibility on YouTube.
YouTube Case Study #1
In this case study, we tested how many YouTube comment likes are needed to secure a top-ranking position in both YouTube videos and shorts. By analyzing comments with varying engagement levels—receiving 10%, 30%, and 50% of the top comment’s likes—we track their performance over five days. Our goal is to determine the average percentage of likes required to break into the top 5 and whether constant support is necessary to maintain that position.
Objectives
- Determine the average percentage of likes, relative to the top comment, required to secure a position in the top 5 in an active comment section.
- Will the comments need constant support to climb and stay at the top of the comment section?
Definitions
- Low Engagement Video Comment (10%): The video comment that received 10% of the top comment’s likes.
- Moderate Engagement Video Comment (30%): The video comment that received 30% of the top comment’s likes.
- High Engagement Video Comment (50%): The video comment that received 50% of the top comment’s likes.
- Low Engagement Shorts Comment (10%): The video comment that received 10% of the top comment’s likes.
- Moderate Engagement Shorts Comment (30%): The video comment that received 30% of the top comment’s likes.
- High Engagement Shorts Comment (50%): The video comment that received 50% of the top comment’s likes.
The Process
- We pick a Video and a Shorts of similar theme and recency (less than a week old)
- We post 3 comments on each video of similar context.
- We deliver an increasing number of likes to each of our comments based on the likes of the top comment.
- The Video Top Comment like count: 212 likes
- The Shorts Top Comment like count: 90 likes
- We monitored their performance over the next 5 days.
- We sent additional likes to our best performing comment until it reaches the number 1 position.
Results
After 1 Hour
Video:
Due to high engagement on the video, our comments initially ranked lower. Each received YouTube Comment Likes at 10%, 30%, and 50% of the top comment. In the first hour, the average position boost was 67%. Interestingly, the High Engagement Video Comment (50%) had the least improvement (~51%), while the others improved by an average of 74%.
Shorts:
Our comments ranked sporadically due to ongoing engagement. Like in the Video, they received likes at 10%, 30%, and 50% of the top comment’s total. Within an hour, all three climbed into the top 3 positions, confirming that Shorts comments perform better when receiving comment likes.
Day 1
Video:
After 24 hours, the High Engagement Video Comment (50%) began to outperform the others, achieving an ~80% overall improvement. This reinforced that more comment likes yield better results over time, even though the initial performance was not as good as the other comments. We added an additional 10% (~20 likes) to boost its position, as the 20% increase in organic comment likes it received still wasn’t enough to claim the first position.
Shorts:
All three comments remained strong in the top 4 after 24 hours, though none retained the top position. Despite losing #1, their performance was solid given the constant engagement the Shorts received. We didn’t need to send additional likes since the comments were still averaging 35% natural engagement.
Day 2
Video:
Despite initial improvements, reaching the top of the comment section remained challenging. The additional likes boosted our position, but natural engagement slowed, prompting us to send another batch of 20 likes. Meanwhile, the Moderate Engagement Video Comment (30%) climbed a notable 30%.
Shorts:
Performance remained stable for most comments, except the Low Engagement Shorts Comment (10%), which dropped out of the top 5. The High Engagement Shorts Comment (50%) achieved a 60% boost in natural engagement, but to enhance its performance further, we sent an additional batch of 10 likes (10%).
Day 3-5
Video:
After the second batch of likes, the High Engagement Video Comment (50%) finally surpassed the top comment but struggled to maintain that position. We continued delivering likes every 24 hours, yet even with a higher like count, it couldn’t secure a lasting top 3 position. Ultimately, it settled at #5 for most of the testing phase.
Shorts:
Despite strong initial performance, securing the top spot was challenging. The High Engagement Shorts Comment (50%) held the top position for a few hours on Day 3 before dropping to third place, a trend that continued over the following days. However, it achieved an impressive 103% boost in likes through natural engagement, in addition to the likes we provided.
Conclusion
- All three comments continued to climb for several days after receiving YouTube Comment Likes.
- The High Engagement Video Comment (50%) ranked the highest within 24 hours.
- Overall, we observed an 88% rank improvement across all comments, receiving an average of 40% of the likes.
- Notably, there was a 95% improvement in reaching the top 5 when receiving approximately 70% of the likes.
- Comments on Shorts consistently outperformed those on standard videos.
- Our three comments achieved a 96% overall improvement by receiving an average of 40% of comment likes, maintaining positions in the top 5 for several days without additional boosts.
- Constant engagement throughout the testing phase made securing the top position challenging, as competing comments received similar levels of interaction.
- Importantly, the High Engagement Shorts Comment (50%) gained a substantial amount of organic engagement, in both likes and replies, which solidified its position in the top 3 for an extended period of time.
Graphs
YouTube Video Performance
YouTube Shorts Performance
Key Takeaways
Comment Likes
Comments Likes
Comment Likes
Comment Likes
YouTube Case Study #2
Here we examined how the recency of a YouTube comment impacts its ranking, after receiving YouTube comment likes. By analyzing both YouTube videos and shorts, we determine how recent comments perform relative to older ones and how many likes are needed to secure top positions. Our goal was to uncover whether newer comments consistently outperform older ones and how the ranking dynamics compare between videos and shorts.
Objectives
- Find out how recent comments perform against old ones.
- Do comments on Videos perform better than on Shorts.
- What is the average amount of likes required to reach the top of the comment section?
- What is the average amount of likes required to outrank the top comment?
Definitions
- Old Video Comment: The comment made around the same time as the Video was posted.
- New Video Comment: The comment we made on the Video at the start of the testing phase.
- Old Shorts Comment: The comment made around the same time as the Shorts was posted.
- New Shorts Comment: The comment we made on the Shorts at the start of the testing phase.
The Process
- We picked a YouTube Video and Shorts of a similar theme and recency (at least 6 months old)
- We kept note of the #1 ranking comment for the Video and Shorts:
- The Video Top Comment like count: 98 likes.
- The Shorts Top Comment like count: 176 likes.
- We picked 1 existing comment on each that was posted when the video was published.
- We posted comments of our own that matched the context of the existing comments.
- We sent an equal amount of likes to both the pre-existing comments that we picked and our brand new ones
- We monitored their performances over the next 5 days.
- If deemed necessary, we sent additional likes to these comments.
Results
After 1 Hour
Video:
We determined that 20% of likes (~20 likes) would be an effective starting point. Within the first hour, both comments gained on average, an additional 45% natural engagement. The New Video Comment rose to #2, while the Old Video Comment followed at #3. This initial batch of likes improved their rankings by up to 93%.
Shorts:
The Old Shorts Comment started at #66, while the New Shorts Comment instantly claimed #3. From prior data we determined that on Shorts, 10% of likes (~20 likes) would be a good starting amount. Both comments secured the top 2 positions within the first hour, reflecting an 82% improvement despite their initial gap.
Day 1
Video:
After 24 hours, the New Video Comment held its lead over the top comment, while the Old Video Comment stayed at #3. The next step was to observe its performance during the next few days.
Shorts:
Both comments remained in the top 2. The Old Shorts Comment, despite being 8 months old, saw a 70% boost in natural engagement over 24 hours.
Day 2
Video:
The New Video Comment dropped from #1, as expected due to its recency and engagement differences compared to the top comment. We sent an extra 10% of likes (~10 likes) to both comments to help them reclaim the top positions.
Shorts:
Both comments remained stable in the top 2, with no need for additional likes yet.
Day 3-5
Video:
There were minor shifts in position after receiving additional comment likes, but not enough for claiming the top spots. After another batch, the New Video Comment took #1, and the Old Video Comment positioned at #2. Despite having fewer likes than the top comment, both held their top 2 positions for the remainder of the test.
Shorts:
Both comments stayed stable. The 10% initial boost was all it took to secure the top 2 spots. The Old Shorts Comment managed to receive organic engagement right after receiving our comment likes, despite being over 8 months old—quite impressive.
Conclusion
- Both comments improved their rank by 98% with only 20% of the top comment’s likes. The new comment consistently outperformed the older one.
- To secure a spot in the top 5, 20% of the top comment’s likes was sufficient.
- To hold the #1 spot for longer periods, around 70% of the top comment’s likes was needed.
- Both comments improved their rank by 97%, holding the top 2 spots with just 10% of the top comment’s likes.
- Comments on short videos performed better, needing 85% fewer likes to outrank the top comment.
- Newer comments rank higher and gain natural engagement more easily.
Graphs
YouTube Video Performance
YouTube Shorts Performance
Key Takeaways
Likes
Shorts Perform
YouTube Case Study #3
In this scenario, we evaluated the effectiveness of two strategies for delivering YouTube comment likes: single (full) batch delivery versus drip-feeding likes at regular intervals. By comparing the impact of both methods on YouTube videos and shorts, we determined which strategy delivers the best performance in terms of ranking and natural engagement.
Objectives
- Determine the best way to deliver YouTube Comment Likes
- Figure out the most optimal intervals to deliver likes to your comment.
- Does the same strategy apply to both long and short format videos?
Definitions
- Single Batch Video Comment: This comment received all its likes at once.
- Hourly Drip Video Comment: This comment received likes at regular 3-hour intervals.
- Daily Drip Video Comment: This comment received likes every 24 hours.
- Single Batch Shorts Comment: This comment received all its likes at once.
- Hourly Drip Shorts Comment: This comment received likes at regular 3-hour intervals.
- Daily Drip Shorts Comment: This comment received likes every 24 hours.
The Process
- We picked a Video and Shorts of similar content.
- We posted 3 comments on each video with similar context.
- We kept note of the #1 ranking comment for the Video and Shorts:
- The Video Top Comment like count: 82 likes.
- The Shorts Top Comment like count: 590 likes.
- We sent each comment the same number of likes at different intervals.
- We monitored their performance over the next 5 days.
Results
After 1 Hour
Video:
We allocated 30% (~30 likes) of the top comment likes, which effectively boosted our rankings. Within the first hour, all three comments reached the top 5 despite a surge of new comments, achieving an average rank improvement of 95%. The Single Batch Video Comment saw the most significant leap, moving from position #262 to #4. Interestingly, it was outperformed by the two comments receiving likes over time.
Shorts:
In contrast, the initial placement of comments was more balanced. We determined that 10% (~60 likes) of the top comment likes would be sufficient. As anticipated, all three comments made it into the top 5, with the Hourly Drip Shorts Comment claiming the top spot. However, the average improvement was lower at 73% since all three comments started relatively close to the top.
Day 1
Video:
The Single Batch Video Comment saw the most significant improvement, rising approximately 98% from position #262. The Hourly Drip Video Comment held onto the #1 position throughout the first 24 hours thanks to its consistent engagement boost every 3 hours. The Daily Drip Video Comment followed closely at #3, aided by a second wave of engagement after 24 hours.
Shorts:
The Single Batch Shorts Comment climbed to #3 by the end of Day 1. Meanwhile, the Hourly Drip Shorts Comment dropped from #1 to #5 despite receiving frequent engagement waves, while the Daily Drip Shorts Comment improved by 30%, securing the #2 spot. By the end of Day 1, all three comments comfortably sat within the top 5.
Day 2
Video:
The Daily Drip Video Comment snatched the #1 position from the Hourly Drip Video Comment, which dropped to #2. Both comments experienced a ~15% boost in natural engagement and replies, while the Single Batch Video Comment climbed to #4, joining them in the top 5.
Shorts:
Position changes were minimal on Day 2. The Daily Drip Shorts Comment received its final batch of likes, solidifying its #2 position. The top comment had nearly doubled its likes since the start of testing, making it tough to overtake. Nevertheless, all comments performed well, achieving a remarkable 270% increase in natural engagement. All three comments remained in the top 5.
Day 3-5
Video:
The Single Batch Video Comment fell out of the Top 5 on Day 3 but rebounded to #3 by Day 4, maintaining that position on Day 5. The Hourly Drip Video Comment briefly dropped to #3 before regaining #2, where it held steady through Day 5. The Daily Drip Video Comment gradually lost its #1 spot, settling at #5 for the remainder of the testing phase. Overall, all three comments experienced a steady 12% increase in natural engagement during this period.
Shorts:
The Single Batch Shorts Comment remained stable, finishing at #5 on Day 5. The Hourly Drip Shorts Comment fluctuated, dropping from #5 on Day 3 to #8 on Day 4, where it remained. In contrast, the Daily Drip Shorts Comment held #2 for Days 3 and 4 before clinching #1 on Day 5, achieving an impressive 92% boost in natural engagement (~200 likes) over just three days.
Conclusion
- Drip-Feeding shows better results when it comes to long term position improvement.
- When it comes to natural engagement, the short and frequent drip feeding intervals result in ~83% better performance than longer intervals, and a staggering 170% compared to single batch delivery.
- Single Batch delivery proved the most effective for immediate results, providing a 98% improvement in position within the first hour.
- Similarly, drip feeding on average resulted in 78% better ranking performance compared to single batch delivery.
- On the contrary, on short video formats, longer drip feeding intervals show better results in both ranking and natural engagement with the Daily Drip Shorts Comment receiving an overall 600% boost in natural engagement from the start to the end of the testing phase.
Graphs
YouTube Video Performance
YouTube Shorts Performance
Key Takeaways
Performs
Performs
YouTube Case Study #4
During this case study we investigated whether the relevance of a YouTube comment on videos and shorts affects their ranking and performance. The goal was to determine if highly relevant comments consistently outperform less relevant ones and if this trend holds true across different types of YouTube content.
Objectives
- Determine whether relevancy of a comment affects its performance after gaining YouTube comment likes.
- Is the performance similar between YouTube Videos and YouTube Shorts?
Definitions
- High Relevance Video Comment: A comment that directly engages with or critiques the content of the Video, providing specific insights or opinions.
- Moderate Relevance Video Comment: A comment that expresses enthusiasm or support but lacks specific relevance to the Video content.
- Low Relevance Video Comment: A comment that has no connection to the Video topic, offering a vague or unrelated statement.
- High Relevance Shorts Comment: A comment that directly engages with or critiques the content of the Shorts, providing specific insights or opinions.
- Moderate Relevance Shorts Comment: A comment that expresses enthusiasm or support but lacks specific relevance to the Shorts content.
- Low Relevance Shorts Comment: A comment that has no connection to the Shorts topic, offering a vague or unrelated statement.
The Process
- We picked a YouTube Video and YouTube Shorts with similar content.
- We posted 3 comments of different relevancy levels.
- We kept note of the #1 ranking comment for the Video and Shorts:
- The Video Top Comment like count: 26 likes.
- The Shorts Top Comment like count: 1104 likes.
- We sent each comment the same number of likes.
- We monitored their performances over the next 5 days.
Results
After 1 Hour
Video:
The High Relevance Video Comment ranked ~50% higher than the other two, reaching the #5 spot despite the video receiving a lot of natural engagement after we started our test. All comments averaged an 83% improvement in position, with the Low Relevance Video Comment performing the lowest.
Shorts:
The High Relevance Shorts Comment started 60% higher than the others. Despite this, all three comments made it into the top 5 within the hour, leading to a 96% overall improvement. Surprisingly, the Low Relevance Shorts Comment surpassed the High Relevance Shorts Comment, claiming #2 with a remarkable 200% boost in natural engagement.
Day 1
Video:
Since the video was new, incoming engagement pushed our comments down. The High Relevance Video Comment remained the strongest, only dropping 4 positions, while the other comments fell out of the top 15, outperforming them by ~70%.
Shorts:
Position changes were minimal in the first 24 hours. Surprisingly, the Low Relevance and Moderate Relevance Shorts Comments comfortably stayed in the top 5, while the High Relevance Shorts Comment dropped to #9.
Day 2
Video:
Position changes were minimal on Day 2. The High Relevance Video Comment maintained its lead, achieving ~560% natural engagement through comment likes (~110 likes) and replies, which further widened the gap from the other comments.
Shorts:
After a slow start, the High Relevance Shorts Comment caught up and surpassed the others, climbing to position #7, indicating improved engagement over time.
Day 3-5
Video:
There were no significant position changes on Day 3. However, on Day 4, the High Relevance Video Comment broke into the top 10, while the Moderate Relevance Video Comment improved by 42%, placing at #11. This hierarchy remained unchanged for the remainder of the testing phase, with the Low Relevance Video Comment far behind. Among the three, the High Relevance Video Comment achieved the highest boost in natural engagement at 192%, compared to just 15% for the others.
Shorts:
Position changes were notable, as the High Relevance Shorts Comment gradually fell out of the top 10 while the other two comments advanced. Surprisingly, the Low Relevance Shorts Comment improved the most, rising by 95% to end the testing phase in position #7, while the High Relevance Shorts Comment improved by 80%.
Conclusion
- The relevance of comments significantly impacts their performance on YouTube Videos.
- The High Relevance Video Comment achieved an overall improvement of 192% in natural engagement, far outpacing the other comments.
- In contrast, the Low Relevance Video Comment lagged behind, emphasizing the benefits of relevance for natural interactions.
- Although the High Relevance Shorts Comment initially performed well, it ultimately finished with an 80% overall improvement, while the Low Relevance Shorts Comment surged with a 95% improvement.
- This indicated that while relevance can be advantageous, unexpected factors can influence engagement outcomes in YouTube Shorts.
Graphs
YouTube Video Performance
YouTube Shorts Performance
Key Takeaways
Perform
Perform
Achieve