How to Use This Guide: This guide explains all possible reasons why numbers in YouTube analytics may differ from those in our platform.
Each metric includes the specific formulas, reasons for differences, and expected impact on your numbers.
Total Engagement
YouTube doesn't have a specific formula for calculating engagement.
However, the interaction metrics on a YouTube post are:
Hypes
Hype Points
Subscribers Gained
Subscribers Lost
Likes
Dislikes
Likes (vs. Dislikes)
Shares
Comments added
YouTube Hype ⇒ is a feature that allows fans to support emerging creators by giving points to their videos, which are then ranked on a country-specific leaderboard. When a viewer clicks the ‘Hype’ button, the video receives points.
→ Formula
💡Reason: API limitation - YouTube's API is restrictive, and the amount of metrics that can be retrieved is pretty limited. Hypes, hype points, subscribers gained and lost (from a post) are not available at all. Dislikes and shares are private metrics (only available for connected accounts). To enable fair competitor analysis, only public metrics are included.
However, a more standardized formula exists that most marketers commonly use.
YouTube general formula | Socialinsider formula |
likes + comments + shares | likes + comments |
Note: YouTube has stated that ‘watch time’ and ‘session duration’ are the most important ranking factors, not just the total view counts or likes
→ Content Types Included
💡Reason: API limitations - Only standard videos and Shorts are available through the API.
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→ Attribution Model
💡Reason: API constraint - post-level attribution is used for both connected and competitor accounts.
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Total Posts
Differs based on which formats and ad types are counted.
→ What is included
💡Reason: API limitations - Only standard videos and Shorts are available through the API.
YouTube | Socialinsider |
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Total Views
→ What is included
💡Reason: API limitations - Only standard videos and Shorts are available through the API.
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Subscribers' Growth
Historical values before onboarding are estimated. Tracking starts when the channel is first added to Socialinsider.
💡 Reason: API limitation on historical subscriber counts.
YouTube | Socialinsider |
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