To calculate VCR (Video Completion Rate), you use a straightforward formula that measures the percentage of viewers who watch a video from start to finish compared to everyone who began watching it.
Understanding Video Completion Rate (VCR)
Video Completion Rate, or VCR, is a key metric used in video analytics to understand how much of your video content viewers are actually watching. It indicates viewer engagement and the effectiveness of your video in holding attention. A high VCR suggests your video is compelling and resonates with the audience, while a low VCR might indicate issues with the content, pacing, or length.
The VCR Calculation Formula
The calculation for Video Completion Rate is based on the number of viewers who reach the end of your video relative to the total number who started watching.
According to the provided reference, the formula is:
Video Completion Rate = (Viewers who completed the video / Total viewers who started the video) * 100
Let's break down the components:
- Viewers who completed the video: This number represents the audience members who watched the video through to its conclusion. The exact definition of "completed" can vary slightly depending on the analytics platform (e.g., reaching 90%, 95%, or 100% of the video length), but it generally signifies watching the vast majority or the entirety of the content.
- Total viewers who started the video: This is the total count of individuals who initiated playback of your video.
By dividing the number of completers by the number of starters and multiplying by 100, you get the VCR as a percentage.
Why VCR Matters
Tracking VCR is crucial for several reasons:
- Audience Engagement: It's a direct measure of how engaging your video content is.
- Content Performance: It helps identify which videos are performing well and which are not.
- Optimization: Low VCR can signal that your video is too long, boring, or has issues that cause viewers to drop off early. This information can guide content improvements.
- Algorithm Signals: Many video platforms (like YouTube) use completion rate as a factor in determining how to rank and recommend videos. Higher VCRs can lead to increased visibility.
Practical Example of Calculating VCR
Let's walk through a simple example:
Scenario
Imagine you have a video with the following data:
- Total viewers who started the video: 1,500
- Viewers who completed the video: 450
Calculation
Using the formula:
Video Completion Rate = (Viewers who completed the video / Total viewers who started the video) * 100
Video Completion Rate = (450 / 1500) * 100
Video Completion Rate = 0.30 * 100
Video Completion Rate = 30%
In this example, the VCR for your video is 30%.
Tips to Improve Your VCR
If you find your VCR is lower than desired, consider these strategies:
- Hook Viewers Early: Grab attention within the first few seconds.
- Keep it Concise: Get straight to the point and avoid unnecessary padding.
- Maintain Pacing: Ensure the video flows well and keeps viewers interested.
- Improve Quality: Good audio and video quality prevent distractions.
- Know Your Audience: Create content that is highly relevant and valuable to your target viewers.
Calculating VCR provides valuable insight into how effectively your videos are retaining viewers, enabling you to create more engaging content in the future.
