YouTube changes video view count to 'the moment it is played,' and removes the minimum watch time.
YouTube is changing its video view counting method to 'the moment the video is played,' the same method introduced for YouTube Shorts in March 2025. YouTube explains that the reason for the change is 'to maintain consistency across the platform.'
An update on how we count public views across YouTube - YouTube Community
Update to How Public Views Are Counted on YouTube - YouTube
The way a video is played varies by platform; Instagram and TikTok count it 'the moment the video is played,' while YouTube counts it 'when the minimum viewing time is exceeded.'
However, in March 2025, YouTube changed how it counts views for YouTube Shorts, eliminating the minimum time requirement and adopting the same system as Instagram and TikTok, where views are counted 'the moment the video is played.'
YouTube Shorts view counting method changed to 'counts as one view even if it's only displayed for a moment' - GIGAZINE
As a result, different view count systems were being used for each format. However, creators expressed a desire to 'accurately measure actual reach,' and in order to maintain consistency, YouTube decided to unify view counts across the board to 'the moment the video is played.' Analytics will continue to show the traditional view metric, 'engagement views,' which counts the number of people who continued watching.
Please note that YouTube Partner Program (YPP) revenue is calculated based on 'engaged short video views' and 'engaged watch time,' so it will not be affected by these changes. The YPP participation requirements also remain the same.
The new counting system will be implemented from August 24, 2026.
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in Video, Web Service, Posted by logc_nt