YOUTUBE IS CHANGING HOW YOUTUBE SHORTS VIEWS ARE COUNTED

Summary from the TLDR Marketing newsletter

YouTube is updating how it counts Shorts views, now tracking every play or replay instead of requiring a few seconds of watch time. This change, effective March 31, aligns Shorts metrics with TikTok and Instagram Reels, helping creators better gauge reach and inform content strategies. Earnings and eligibility for the Partner Program remain based on “engaged views,” which creators can still access in YouTube Analytics' Advanced Mode.