YouTube redefines 'view' from 24 August 2026

From 24 August 2026, YouTube will apply a new, uniform definition of a view: every impression counts from the first frame, regardless of format: Shorts, Long Form, Podcasts or Live. The former definition of a view will henceforth be referred to as an engaged view: an impression in which the viewer watches beyond the first frame or actively clicks to watch the video.

Thumbnail impressions without interaction continue to be excluded. When a user hovers over a thumbnail and autoplay starts, this will count as a view going forward. If the user then continues watching, an engaged view is also recorded. Clicking or tapping on a thumbnail immediately results in both a view and an engaged view.

Metrics such as CTR, AVD and retention remain based on engaged views. The recommendation algorithms and the YouTube Partner Program also remain unchanged. The most significant change therefore lies in the total number of reported views. Because from 24 August every started first frame can count as a view, advertisers and media planners will need to account for the distinction between views and engaged views when comparing YouTube figures.