YouTube switches public view counts to first-frame plays, not 30 seconds

The Hollywood Reporter’s Rick Porter reports that YouTube now counts a public view from a video’s first frame instead of after 30 seconds, matching TikTok, Instagram and X. Payout thresholds still rely on engaged views and watch hours, unchanged by the switch.

Why it matters. Trailer and video “record” claims going forward need a disclaimer explaining the new counting method, since raw view totals will inflate without any change in creator pay.

Signal from hollywoodreporter.com · Rick Porter · read the original.

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