What YouTube engagement rate means
YouTube engagement rate is the share of viewers who liked or commented on a video. It shows whether a video connects with people beyond just being watched.
How to calculate engagement rate on YouTube
YouTube engagement rate = (likes + comments) ÷ views × 100
Example: 400 likes + 50 comments on 10,000 views = 4.5%. You can find likes and comments on the video page, and views in YouTube Studio.
Why not divide by subscribers?
Many views come from search and suggestions, not subscribers, so views are the fairer base. Also look at view rate and watch time, which YouTube weighs heavily.
Is your YouTube engagement rate good?
See what a good engagement rate is for context.
How to calculate engagement rate on YouTube
YouTube Studio does not show an engagement rate, so creators and brands work it out from views, likes and comments. Open the video's analytics, choose the Engagement tab for likes and comments, and use views from the overview. Dividing by views keeps the rate fair between a channel with 10,000 subscribers and one with a million.
YouTube engagement rate formula
YouTube engagement rate = (likes + comments) ÷ views × 100
Shares can be added if you track them, but likes and comments are the two numbers that are public on every video, which makes this formula useful for checking other channels too.
YouTube engagement rate meaning: what the number tells you
A high engagement rate means viewers cared enough to react, which is a good sign for sponsors. It does not measure watch time. Read it next to average view duration: a video with strong engagement and short watch time often has a great hook but a weak middle.
How to use this calculator
Enter video views, likes and comments. The result updates as you type, so you do not need to press Calculate after each change. Use Copy result to paste the figure into a report, or Share link to send the calculator with your numbers already filled in.
Related calculators
You may also want the Engagement Rate Calculator, Facebook Engagement Rate Calculator, LinkedIn Engagement Rate Calculator. Browse everything in engagement & reach calculators.
Frequently asked questions
Do dislikes count?
Dislikes are only visible to the creator. Most people leave them out.
Shorts or long videos?
Calculate them separately. Shorts and long videos behave differently.
Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter and are not financial advice.