SeeZisLab Team continue to break or prove myths concerning YouTube channel promotion. This time we have tested out if video resolution can really affect its positions in YouTube search results. Some youtubers are sure that higher resolution provides them with competitive advantage as for ranking.

For experiment purposes, we took two virtual machines, concomitantly registered one YouTube account for each of them, and three channels were concomitantly created for each of these two accounts. In order to obtain more precise results, a total of 15 pairs of video files were created. In each pair, the videos were identical as for their timing and bitrate; they were uploaded with the same tags, titles, and descriptions. Videos were alike, but at the same time unique. The only difference was their resolution: one file in each pair had resolution of 720p, where as the other one - 4K. Such a variance in resolution values was made on purpose, to make the influence more evident. Video files were uploaded to the channels simultaneously, by pairs.

Immediately after uploading, we took files’ rates in YouTube search results as for tags, title, and description. Paired videos were located in YouTube search results one after another, inseparable. Neither video with resolution of 4K, nor the one with 720p had the advantage. Thus, resolution of the video has no influence on its ranking.

The experiment was carried out for two weeks. We analyzed positions of videos in YouTube search results on a daily basis. In two weeks after uploading the situation did not change: paired videos were still located one after another, without significant changes.

SeeZisLab Team have proved practically that resolution of the video file has no influence on its YouTube search result ranking. But it is necessary to take into account that the viewer wants to get the picture of ever higher quality, 4K TVs are getting more popular, and smartphones have already turned from Full HD to 2K. So, when making videos (having resolution that is comfortable for you), don’t forget about viewer comfort.

If you have any further questions or remarks concerning the experiments carried out, please, write them in comments. And SeeZisLab Team will be happy to answer them.