See how your next upload is landing.
Pulse follows new uploads through scheduled retention check-ins at 48 hours and seven days. Compare each upload with similar earlier videos from your own channel and review what changed.
Keep a record of what you tried
Choose your check-ins
On Plus or Pro, turn on Pulse for your connected channel and choose the 48-hour check-in, the seven-day check-in, or both. Processing may wait until YouTube provides usable retention data.
Note the change you are testing
Write down what you changed in the upload, choose a focus metric, and add a target if useful. This gives the later report a concrete question to examine.
Review the result in context
Review opening, middle, ending and overall metrics against the median of similar earlier uploads. Open the biggest drop in the video, inspect the report's baseline and caveats, and choose what to try next.
Compare observations, then choose the next edit
When both check-ins are ready, switch between the 48-hour and seven-day reports to review the change. The snapshots are cumulative: the seven-day report includes viewing from the earlier period as well.
A difference between uploads does not prove that your edit caused it. Audience mix, traffic sources and video format can also change. Pulse keeps the measured result, your saved test and the comparison context together so you can make a more informed decision.
When a report is waiting
Retention data can be delayed, missing or unusable. Check-in timing also depends on processing and provider availability. A waiting report does not mean the video retained viewers badly.
Review an upload at 48 hours and seven days · Read the audience retention guide · Explore video analysis · Compare plans
Free accounts can preview Pulse. Plus and Pro include check-ins and AI coaching.