YouTube recently issued an announcement, announcing that it will update the way to count the number of views on YouTube videos. It will change from the previous “interactive views” algorithm to one that only needs to play the video to update the number of views, in line with IG, Douyin and its own YouTube Shorts.
According to information announced by YouTube, starting from August 24, 2026, YouTube will change the counting method of views to be calculated from the beginning of video playback (the first frame), and apply to all video formats.
The article mentioned that the purpose of this update is to allow creators to more intuitively understand the true exposure amount, and it does not affect creators’ modifications; the latter will continue to be calculated based on “number of interactive short video views” and “interactive viewing time”.
Mobile Magazine’s short comment: Currently, YouTube videos need to be played for 30 seconds before they are counted as views. After the update, the algorithm will be in line with YouTube Shorts, IG and Douyin, and the calculation method will be relatively clear.
Source: YouTube
