Does rewatching a YouTube video count as a view? This has been a recurring question on many creators’ minds of late. If yes, then does it count as a watch hour? You have come to the right page if you want the answers to all your questions.
Our blog will help you determine which views are valid, which watch hours qualify for channel monetization, and how to organically increase your video views. Let’s begin!
How Are Views Counted On YouTube?
Apart from how the views are counted, how long do you have to watch a YouTube video for it to count as a view? We will answer your query and clear the confusion.
YouTube counts views only when the viewer clicks the play button and watches the video for 30 seconds or more. The view will not be counted if the viewer quits the video before that. This is to ensure that the view is coming from a real person.
Does Rewatching A Video Count As A View?
A brief and crisp answer would be yes. However, the topic is more nuanced than you think! At the same time, it is also safe to think does watching a video on loop increase views? Let us tell you the YouTube algorithm factors you must consider:
- Viewer duration: If views last barely a few seconds, they shall be disqualified. Each viewer session on your video should last at least 30 seconds.
- Viewing history: If the same individual repeatedly watches videos, then rewatches will count to some extent, but not all.
What is the Impact of Rewatching Videos?
Viewers who watch your videos multiple times are more likely to engage, such as liking or sharing the content.
Most of the rewatchers save your videos. This signals to the algorithm that the content is of value. The mere habit of rewatching favorite content will create a domino effect.
The watch time on your videos will be longer. Bounce rate will be compensated. As discussed, the rewatchers are prime viewers who will like, comment, and share. Thus, increasing the subscriber count as well.
Once the loop is formed, the algorithm will suggest the content to more viewers. If you acquire more rewatchers, the loop will keep growing.
If you are thinking, does looping a video increase views YouTube? So, if the video meets YouTube’s 30-second watch time requirement, looping it can be beneficial. Also, the video must be watched by a real person. If, for any reason, the algorithm suspects a bot, the video or channel can be penalized.
How to Increase Watch Hours on YouTube for Monetization?
Rewatches count as views, which add up to watch hours. However, as “watch hour” is a monetization criterion, knowing what watch hours matter is necessary.
- Watch hours accumulated in only the last 1 year are considered valid.
- Only public videos will be considered. If you gained any views through special invites when your video was private, those views wouldn’t be added to your watch hours.
- 4,000 watch hours on full-length videos or 10M views on YT Shorts are required.
If you are still wondering how watch hours are calculated on YouTube? Then, let me tell you the math: let’s say you uploaded a 10-minute how-to video. A viewer watched it 4 times to learn or understand.
For example, YouTube counts only the first 2 or 3 views, and the rest don’t count. Still, you are accumulating watch hours.
Even if the views are limited, the watch hours aren’t, and to get monetization, you need watch hours, not views.
You already have the answer to your question, “Does rewatching a YouTube video count as a view?” Yes, and they will also count as watch hours.
Tips To Organically Improve Views And Watch Hours
At this stage, we have practically moved beyond the question, “Does rewatching a video count as a view?” We now must ensure we can exploit this loophole to our advantage.
Here’s a list of strategies that will grow your view count tremendously.
1. Enable Video Looping
This way, your videos will replay automatically once they end, which may discourage viewers from leaving if they liked the video. This technique can be used for dance videos, songs, instrumentals, remixes, mashups, parodies, or commentary videos.
2. Allow Video Embedding
This way, you will get views on your videos from more platforms than just YouTube. However, views gained from them will qualify only if the user physically clicks the play button.
3. Collab With Creators
If you find a small-time creator with strong growth potential based on how often their videos have gone viral, that will increase the number of viewers on your videos too (at a lower cost).
4. Increase Engagement Activities
Liking or pinning viewer comments will force viewers to visit your video discussions, ultimately nudging them to rewatch your video. Drawing on ideas from polls or live chats will also spark curiosity among viewers who want to know how their ideas were executed.
5. Classify Videos in Playlists
Your playlists will appear for multiple search terms that include keywords from numerous videos. This will increase the reach and searchability of your videos, which, if compelling enough, could convert into views.
6. Prioritize Optimizations
Video descriptions and titles play a huge role in shaping viewer expectations. You can always hit the right nerves with the AI YouTube Title Generator and the AI YouTube Description Generator.
Conclusion
We conclude that rewatches count as views if you stay for at least a few seconds each time. However, don’t rewatch videos excessively, as this will raise suspicion. These views will ultimately count as watch hours. But what kind of watch hours will count at the time of monetization? We have already touched on this. We have also listed tips to help creators grow.
But if the tips we cited take a long time to show results, you can also promote a YouTube video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does watching a video 2 times count as 2 views?
So, does rewatching a YouTube video count as a view, especially if you do it twice? Yes, as long as you were present for more than 30 seconds both times.
Q2. Can I watch my own YouTube videos to get 4000 watch hours?
Firstly, it is humanly impossible to watch your own videos to complete 4000 watch hours. It won’t help you reach the goal. Although you can rewatch the video 3-4 times to increase views, the Algorithm will eventually filter the repeat views.
Q3. Does looping a YouTube video increase views?
No, it doesn’t significantly increase YouTube views because the algorithm limits repeated plays from the same user. While YouTube does count repeated views, it restricts them to around 4-5 within 24 hours to prevent manipulation.
Q4. Does refreshing YouTube add views?
No, simply refreshing the YouTube page will not increase the number of views of the YouTube video.
Summary
- YouTube counts a view only if the viewer watches the video for 30 seconds or more.
- Watch hours for monetization are calculated from public videos and only the hours accumulated in the last year are considered valid.
- Strategies to increase views and watch hours include enabling video looping, allowing video embedding, collaborating with creators, and engaging with viewers.
- Excessive rewatching can lead to penalties from YouTube; viewers should aim for organic engagement to boost views.
