Previously, on YouTube, a view on a video was counted only after a minimum watch time. The company has now changed this method of counting public views on a video.
Starting 8/24, views will count the moment a video begins to play (w/ no minimum watch time) across all formats (VOD, Shorts, & Live). We’re standardizing views to reflect creators’ true exposure across YouTube, making it easier to show their value to brand partners.
This update…
— TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) August 17, 2026
Update on how public views are counted across YouTube
Starting from 24th August, a view will be counted the moment a video begins to play. This standard will now apply globally across all formats.
This update will eliminate metric confusion across different formats and help creators accurately understand their true exposure. Though the original metric “Engaged views” will be kept in YouTube Analytics> Advanced mode so creators can see how many viewers choose to continue watching their video.
It is specified that the change will not affect creators’ earnings or their eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program.
- Creator earnings will continue to be based on “Engaged Shorts views” and “Engaged Watch Hours,” which creators can view in YouTube Analytics > Advanced mode.
- There is no change to YPP eligibility. YPP entry requirements will also now be referred to as “qualified Shorts views” and “qualified watch hours” (previously known as valid public Shorts views and Valid public watch hours).
From next week, you will start to see the new metric applied wherever views are shown on YouTube.
This update is surely good news for creators, as they will see their total view counts increase faster moving forward.
