# YouTube view counting methodology update > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/youtube-view-counting-methodology-update > Updated: 2026-09-09T05:30:31.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. YouTube has implemented a new “exposure-based model” for counting video views across all formats, including long-form videos, Shorts, podcasts, and live streams. Beginning August 24, a public view is registered as soon as the first frame plays, even if a user is merely hovering over a thumbnail or if the video plays automatically in a feed. This change aims to align YouTube’s metrics with competitors like TikTok and Instagram. While this shift is expected to cause a significant increase in displayed public view counts, it does not impact creator revenue. YouTube continues to use a separate metric, referred to as “engaged views” and “engaged watch time,” to calculate ad payouts and determine Partner Program eligibility. Data indicates a growing gap between public and engaged metrics. An analysis of 75,000 videos showed that public views outnumber engaged views by an average of 1.67 to 1. This discrepancy, alongside declining average watch durations, suggests that relying solely on public view counts may distort the perceived value of advertising partnerships and audience engagement. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: YouTube updates public view counting methodology YouTube has changed its public view counting to trigger from the first frame of a video, causing a surge in displayed views that may not reflect actual viewer engagement or monetization metrics. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/youtube-updates-public-view-counting-methodology ### 2026-08-30: YouTube adopts exposure-based model for video views YouTube is transitioning to an “exposure-based model” where views are counted from the first frame, including thumbnail hovers, to align with competitors like TikTok and Instagram. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/youtube-adopts-exposure-based-view-counting-model --- Cite as: YouTube view counting methodology update. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/youtube-view-counting-methodology-update