The Differential Impacts of Positive and Negative Emotions on Travel-Related YouTube Video Engagement

Abstract

Despite the growing importance of video-based social media content, such as vlogs, as a marketing tool in the travel industry, there is limited research on the characteristics that enhance engagement among potential travelers. This study explores the influence of emotional valence in YouTube travel content on viewer engagement, specifically likes and comments. We analyzed 4,619 travel-related YouTube videos from eight popular tourist cities. Using negative binomial regression analysis, we found that both positive and negative emotions significantly influence the number of likes received. Videos with higher positive emotions as well as negative emotions receive more likes. However, when it comes to the number of comments, only negative emotions showed a significant positive influence, while positive emotions had no significant impact. These findings offer valuable insights for marketers seeking to optimize engagement strategies on YouTube, considering the unique nature of travel products. Further research into the effects of specific emotions on engagement is warranted to improve marketing strategies. This study highlights the powerful impact of emotions on viewer engagement in the context of social media, particularly on YouTube.