Save 50% on a 3-month Digiday+ membership. Ends Dec 5.
YouTube’s “301+” view count is down for the count — for good.
For years, newly uploaded videos to the Google-owned company that were quickly racking up views stalled out at 301+ until YouTube could verify the actual number of views that weren’t from spam bots. It wasn’t until hours later that a number was posted.
Well, that’s all over now.
In a tweet from YouTube Creators, the site said it has figured out a way to verify views from people (not bots) so view counts will continue to refresh automatically. YouTube explained it a helpful infographic, seen below:
We’re saying goodbye to 301+ and hello to more up-to-date video views. pic.twitter.com/33OQuOvxcs
— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) August 5, 2015
It doesn’t mean much for the average view, but the move is good for advertisers who need an accurate count to see how their content is performing. Creators will also no longer have to wait for hours to see how viral their video is. But judging by these tweets from YouTubers, even they were surprised with the news:
301+ views is gone on YouTube O_O what is this witchcraft
— Jordan Maron (@CaptainSparklez) August 5, 2015
Holy crap, guys. No more 301+ on Youtube??! That’ll help clean the comment sections up. “1,500 likes and only 301 views? Illuminati.”
— McJuggerNuggets (@McJuggerNuggets) August 5, 2015
The ‘301+ club’ is dead. Also, you’re getting older every day. Your childhood TV shows look old. Your children will laugh at how you lived.
— Emma Blackery (@emmablackery) August 5, 2015
Remember when every new YouTube redesign sent everyone into uproar? Now they’re on a roll: Transparent player, no more G+ and no more 301+
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) August 5, 2015
More in Media
How AI’s hit to publisher traffic is quietly rewiring media M&A
Publishers’ AI-driven traffic declines are cooling M&A, stalling deals and lowering valuations. Some analysts are optimistic about 2026.
Digiday+ Research: Where publisher revenue stands with ads, video, content licensing and subscriptions
Digiday+ Research conducted a survey among nearly 40 publisher professionals in Q3. Here is what they had to say about their different revenue sources.
AI-powered professional learning: Inside the launch of Deloitte’s Scout
Deloitte last month launched Scout as part of its Project 120, the company’s $1.4 billion investment in professional development.