Yes, YouTubers get paid even if you don't watch the whole video. YouTube's monetization system works based on ad revenue, which is primarily determined by ad views.
Here's how it works:
- Ad Impressions: When an ad appears on a video, whether you watch it or not, the YouTuber earns a small amount of money. This is called an ad impression.
- Ad Views: If you actually click on an ad and watch it, the YouTuber earns a bit more. This is called an ad view.
- Watch Time: Although watch time is not directly tied to ad revenue, it plays a significant role in YouTube's algorithm. Videos with higher watch time are more likely to be recommended to other viewers, leading to more potential ad impressions and views.
Therefore, even if you only watch a few seconds of a video, the YouTuber still earns a small amount of money from the ad that was displayed. However, the more of a video you watch, the more likely you are to see an ad and contribute to the YouTuber's earnings.
