Views in the first 24 hours are important, but watch time is the ultimate metric for ranking.
While a strong start can give your video an initial boost, YouTube's algorithm ultimately prioritizes watch time. A high number of views in the first 24 hours can signal to the algorithm that your video is popular and engaging, which can lead to increased visibility. However, if viewers click away quickly, it will negatively impact your ranking. Focus on creating high-quality content that keeps viewers engaged for the entire duration.