How Does the Default (not logged in) Youtube Algorithm Work?
How Does the Default (not logged in) Youtube Algorithm Work?
I've found that when I'm logged into Youtube, the algorithm works fairly well to suggest videos that are at least somewhat related to my interests. I'm specifically curious about how the "default" algorithm works when not logged in.
If I open a private window and look at the front page, it almost feels like the algorithm is doing its best to show me the opposite of what I want to see. Obviously this isn't true, but I just don't get how it chooses the videos it shows. As an example, I almost always get:
- Right-wing news clips (I'm not a Republican)
- Sports (I don't watch or play sports)
- Gaming streams (I've not once watched a gaming stream)
- Christian content (I am not a Christian)
- Gen-Z and Gen-Y entertainment (I'm almost 40)
I feel like some of this is geographic. My router load-balances between two internet connections, and I can sometimes tell if it's using my "local" connection or my satellite connection (with an endpoint in another state) based on what videos it shows. Regardless, though, the content I see isn't really appropriate for the demographic in either location. Out of curiosity, I tried it with a VPN using an endpoint in Canada (I'm in the USA); the front page was mostly really crappy reality TV content (think stuff on TLC).
If I was programming the algorithm, I'd want to have it show content that applies to a broad audience, but that really doesn't seem to be the case. While I don't intend on ever using Youtube without being logged in (and having a ton of browser plugins active to improve the experience), from a technical standpoint, I'm very curious how it chooses what to put on the front page.
YouTube still tracks you based on your IP and other environmental variables. Your browser’s user agent alone can tell them something about you. The resolution your screen uses, the speed in which the page loads and many other factors all correlate with certain profile properties.
They may not have your exact name and hometown, but they can definitely generate an indication of income and general area, amongst others.
Also they keep this data over time. This combination of device attributes at a certain location at a certain time is another way they can categorize you
This actually is the broadest audience of those who watch YouTube. And it’s the same for me. I use private relay, incognito mode, a cookie less browser and still get shown about the same as you get, but more European-esque. Like some YouTuber cooking or whatever.
If the Youtube front page is representative of a general audience, we're fucking doomed.
It is and we are.