Why do Popular Quorans Get a Few 100 Upvotes Despite Thousands of Followers?

The fascinating aspect of the Quora platform is its diversity and complexity, which often leads to unexpected outcomes, such as why highly followed Quorans may not always receive the same level of upvotes as they garner views for their answers. This phenomenon has puzzled many users, and the specific reasons behind it are not entirely clear. In this article, we will explore the key factors that contribute to this occurrence, focusing on the ratio of upvotes to views and the significance of the relationship between followers and answer performance.

Understanding the Key Metrics

When analyzing the performance of Quora answers, it is crucial to focus on the ratio of upvotes to views. A well-performing answer typically has a high ratio, indicating that the content is compelling and valuable to the audience. While a large group of followers can certainly generate a significant number of views, the actual upvote rate often depends on the quality and relevance of the answer itself. This is where the specific metric of 'upvotes per views' (or UPV ratio) becomes highly relevant.

The Typical Upvote-to-View Ratio

A typical answer by a Top Writer on Quora usually achieves an upvote-to-view ratio of 3 to 5. Answers with a ratio above 5 generally receive considerable attention and admiration from the community. For example, GV's answer to a specific question, which currently has 251 upvotes and 4,100 views (resulting in a ratio of approximately 6), is considered to be highly performing. It is worth noting that despite GV's massive following of 105.2K, only a small fraction of his followers (about 4%) may have actually seen and upvoted his answer, given the vast number of unique daily visitors to Quora.

The Role of Followers and Expectations

Some popular Quorans with thousands of followers might expect their answers to receive more upvotes automatically due to their large following. However, this is not always the case. The number of followers can increase expectations, but it is not a guarantee of upvote success. The reasons for this variance can be complex and multifaceted. Some popular Quorans might have specific answers that resonate with their followers and become widely shared, leading to a surge in upvotes. Conversely, answers on less familiar or niche topics may still achieve a decent level of viewership but may not receive the same number of upvotes, as the audience might lack the specific knowledge or interest to engage with the content.

Influences on Answer Performance

Several factors contribute to the performance of a Quora answer, beyond just the number of followers. These include the quality of the content, the uniqueness of the topic, and the timing of the post. For instance, if a popular Quoran writes an answer on a topic that their followers are deeply familiar with or find highly relevant, the likelihood of upvotes increases. However, if the answer deviates from their usual expertise or covers a less familiar topic, the engagement rate may be lower, despite the high number of followers.

Conclusion: The Interplay Between Followers and Performance

While the relationship between followers and upvotes is a complex one, it is clear that the ratio of upvotes to views provides a clearer picture of an answer's performance on Quora. High followers can increase views, but the actual upvote rate depends on the answer's quality, relevance, and the audience's engagement. This understanding is crucial for Quorans who aim to boost their answer performance and foster a vibrant community on the platform.