YouTube has changed how public views are counted

Beginning from 08/24/26, a view will be counted the moment a video begins to play - from the very first frame. This was how public views were being counted for Shorts, but now it will apply across all formats (short and long form).

The original view metric, called “Engaged views,” will be available in YouTube Analytics > Advanced Mode so creators can see how many viewers choose to continue watching their video.

A week ago, YouTube increased the criteria to be eligible for YPP. Creators will require 8000 qualified watch hours in the last 365 days (previously 4000 hours) or 20M qualified shorts views in the last 90 days (previously 10M). This will take effect on February 1, 2027.

🔗 Google
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