5 Key metrics every creator should track (And why they actually matter)

Cut through the noise and track what actually drives growth.

Last updated: July 11, 2025

Author: Megan Schmidt, Writer & podcast producer

Being a successful creator isn’t just about making great content, it’s about understanding how people engage with what you make. Whether you're posting to YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or publishing a podcast, tracking performance metrics helps you grow strategically.

But here’s the catch: there’s a lot of data out there. Instead of drowning in numbers, focus on these five key metrics that give you the clearest picture of what’s working (and what needs tweaking).

1. Reach vs. impressions: know who you’re really reaching

Let’s clear this up:

• Reach = the number of unique viewers who saw your content
• Impressions = the total number of times your content was shown (including repeat views from the same person)

These numbers tell different stories:

• High impressions, low reach = your audience is engaged, but you’re not pulling in new viewers.
• High reach, low impressions = new people are seeing your content — but not sticking around.

Most platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) break this down for you — use it to understand your content's exposure and appeal.

2. Engagement rate: Your audience’s attention score

The engagement rate combines likes, comments, and shares into a single, powerful percentage:

(Likes + Comments + Shares) ÷ Followers (or Reach)

This stat gives a snapshot of how strongly your content resonates. It's often more meaningful than follower count alone, especially for brands looking to partner with creators who have active audiences, not just large ones.

Want to boost engagement? Ask questions, spark conversations, and use CTAs that invite people to interact. No one wants to talk to a wall.

3. Follower growth: Track the trend, not just the total

Your follower count matters, but how it changes over time is what really tells the story.

Pay attention to:

• Spikes after key posts or collabs
• Hashtags that drive new eyes
• Whether growth aligns with posting consistency

If you’re seeing flat or declining growth, it might be time to adjust your strategy or revisit what kind of content actually lights your audience up.

4. Retention rate: Why are people dropping off?

This metric tracks how long people stay tuned in before tapping out. For podcasters and video creators, retention is gold.

• On TikTok and Instagram, you can view where viewers drop off — helpful for improving pacing or opening hooks.
• On Spotify or Apple Podcasts, you’ll see where listeners lose interest.
• On YouTube, audience retention charts offer an overall view of when people tune out.

If tons of people leave at the same time, dig into why. Was the section boring? Confusing? Too long? Sometimes it’s just bad timing, but patterns are where the real insight lies.

5. Saves, shares & comments: The “quality” engagement signals

Not all engagement is created equal. Likes are easy. Saves, shares, and comments? That’s where the real value lives.

• Likes = quick and easy
• Saves = “I’ll want this later”
• Shares = “Someone else needs to see this”
• Comments = “I care enough to respond — or argue!”

These actions show deeper investment and help feed the algorithm. Plus, they’re great indicators that your content is hitting a nerve.

Bonus tip: Pick your battles

There’s a mountain of data out there; you don’t need to climb it all. Start by choosing one or two metrics that align with your current goals.

Want to grow your audience? Prioritize reach and follower growth. Want to build community? Watch engagement rate and comments. Trying to tighten your content? Focus on retention.

Not every metric is in your control, but by watching the ones that matter most, you can work smarter — not harder — and keep your creative engine running strong.

About the author: Writer, comedian, podcast producer: Megan loves stories that stick, told sometimes with words, sometimes with waveforms, always with heart.