The first second of playback is when YouTube counts views

This Monday, YouTube said that, as of August 24, it will change how it counts the views of its videos so that a visit is recorded at the exact moment the video starts to play.

Following the implementation of the same criteria in its short films, or Shorts, last year, this upgrade aims to standardize the measurement throughout its platform.

With this modification, YouTube’s counter will function similarly to rival social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which also incorporate a view from the initial frame.

The X platform, on the other hand, counts a visualization following two seconds of playback.

YouTube notes today – in a statement – that “this change will not affect creators’ income or access requirements for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).”

“Creators’ revenue will continue to be based on ‘Shorts Views with Engagement’ and ‘Watch Hours with Engagement,’” the company notes.