Ignore Facebook Video View Stats

​A question multiple clients asked: How come when I release a new video, I get great video view numbers on Facebook, but much lower numbers on YouTube?

Most people do not change their Facebook default setting. As a result, when they are scrolling through their newsfeed and come across a video, it starts playing automatically on mute. If a video plays for just three seconds – even with the sound off – Facebook counts this as a view. 

So if you pause your newsfeed scroll to read a post and right below that is a post with a video playing, even though you are not looking at it or hearing it, Facebook counts that as a view.

If you are scrolling through your newsfeed, come to a video that starts playing automatically, and then look away from your computer or phone to talk to someone, Facebook counts that as a view.

If you are looking at Facebook, set your phone down next to you on the couch, and your cat steps on the screen moving the newsfeed to a video that starts playing, Facebook counts that as a view.

Video can make for great social media content, but the view numbers mean nothing.