YouTube Keeps Old View Metric as 'Engaged Views' Alongside Instant-Play Counting

YouTube will count a view from the first frame starting August 24, 2026, replacing its 30-second threshold. The old duration-based metric survives as "Engaged views" in YouTube Analytics, letting creators and advertisers separate raw reach from retention. Earnings and Partner Program eligibility are unaffected. TikTok and Instagram already count views on playback start.