YouTube changes how it counts views from August 24: Videos will get a view from the first frame, but monetization is unchanged

YouTube will count video views from August 24, 2026, as soon as playback begins. This change aligns with platforms like TikTok and Instagram for consistent metrics. Creators will see higher public view counts, but earnings remain unchanged by this update. Deeper engagement metrics like watch time will become more crucial for performance evaluation. New YouTube Partner Program entry thresholds are also increasing significantly in 2027.