Most creators look at likes and views. Pro creators dig deeper. Understanding your analytics transforms random posting into strategic content creation.
The Metrics That Actually Matter
Completion Rate
What percentage of viewers watched until the end? This is arguably the most important metric. High completion rate signals quality content to the algorithm.
Average View Duration
How long do viewers actually watch? If your videos are 60 seconds but average view duration is 15 seconds, you have a retention problem.
Retention Graph
The visual representation of where viewers drop off. Steep early drops = hook problems. Mid-video drops = pacing or content issues.
Traffic Sources
Where do your views come from? FYP/For You = algorithm distribution. Search = SEO working. Profile = audience loyalty.
Engagement Rate
(Likes + Comments + Shares + Saves) รท Views. This measures how compelling your content is. Higher rates signal quality.
How to Use This Data
- Identify Patterns: Compare your top 10 videos. What do they have in common?
- Diagnose Problems: Where are viewers dropping off? Fix those specific issues.
- Double Down: What content type performs best? Make more of it.
- Test Strategically: Make one change at a time and measure results.
The ReelRise Advantage
ReelRise simplifies analytics by providing a single "Performance Score" that accounts for all these factors. See at a glance which videos worked and why.
Key Takeaways
- Completion rate matters more than likes
- Use retention graphs to diagnose specific problems
- Track traffic sources to understand discovery
- Identify patterns in your top-performing content
ReelRise Editorial Team
Expert insights on short-form video growth strategies, backed by AI analysis of millions of viral videos.