[foxfired]

"Number of views in the video" was an actual problem for youtube because people gamed the algorithm by inflating views. Now "time spent watching the video" is added to confirm the view.

I understand this data is not easily accessible to a third party but it would certainly improve this algorithm.

Edit 1: If I open YouTube and the Fair trending videos were presented to me, I would probably never use YouTube again.

Edit 2: I realize that I never click on the trending tab on youtube. I take back Edit 1, I'll just never click on the trending tab again.

[ramblerouser]

Have you looked at the front page of youtube after clearing your cookies? Its not more high brow than fairtrending. The point is that media corperations are paying Youtube for placement and Youtube is hiding non-advertiser friendly content.