Automated programs designed to artificially inflate the number of times a YouTube video is watched are a specific type of software. These programs mimic human user behavior, generating views without actual human engagement. An instance of this would be a script that repeatedly loads a video, simulating multiple viewers from different IP addresses to increase the view count.
The perceived value of increased viewership is a significant driver for the employment of such methods. Historically, higher view counts were directly correlated with increased visibility within the YouTube algorithm and perceived popularity, thus incentivizing their usage. However, the practice is generally considered unethical and violates YouTube’s terms of service.