Does rewatching a YouTube video count as a view? This has been a repetitively emerging question in the minds of many creators off-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 what views are valid, what watch hours qualify for channel monetization, and how you can organically increase views on your videos. Let’s begin!
How Are Views Counted On YouTube?
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 quit the video before that. This is to ensure that the view is coming from a real person.
Does Rewatching A YouTube Video Count As A View?
A brief and crisp answer would be yes. However, the topic is more nuanced than you think!
Here are two factors that YouTube algorithms will take into account.
- 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 or longer.
- 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
The viewers who are watching your videos multiple times are more likely to bring engagement as well, 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 the favourite 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 get bigger and bigger.
If you are thinking, does looping a video increase views on YouTube? Well, it’s not recommended because the algorithm might find out and penalize you for using bots.
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.
- Views of only public videos will be considered. If you gained any views through special invites when your video was private, they wouldn’t be added to watch hours.
- 4,000 watch hours on full-length videos or 10 M views on YT shorts are necessary.
If you are still wondering how is watch hours 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 considers only the first 2 or 3 watches as 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 question, “Does rewatching a YouTube 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 a good growth potential based on how often their videos have gone viral, that will increase the number of viewers on your videos too (and at less compensation).
4. Increase Engagement Activities
Liking or pinning viewer comments will force viewers to visit your video discussions, ultimately nudging them to rewatch your video. Taking ideas from polls or live chats will also build curiosity in viewers who want to know how their ideas were executed.
5. Classify Videos in Playlists
Your playlists will appear on multiple search terms containing keywords from numerous videos. This will increase the reach and searchability of your videos, which, if they are compelling enough for viewers, 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 AI YouTube Title Generator and 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 flag 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 video on YouTube.
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?
Yes. As long as you watch videos only 4 to 5 times each day, while investing minimum 30 seconds each time, you can add more views to your overall watch hours.
However, it’s humanely impossible to deliver so many rewatches. We implore you to buy YouTube views from credible sources.
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.
