Accumulated viewing time, measured in hours, from valid public videos on a YouTube channel is a key metric. This figure represents the total duration for which viewers have watched content on the channel that is available for public consumption. For instance, if a channel hosts ten public videos, and each video has been watched for an average of six hours, the channel’s accumulated viewing time would be sixty hours.
This metric is a crucial criterion for YouTube Partner Program eligibility. Reaching a specific threshold of accumulated viewing time within a 12-month period demonstrates channel viability and audience engagement to YouTube. This indicates that the channel provides content of value to viewers, thus increasing the likelihood of monetization and access to enhanced platform features. Originally, monetization criteria were less stringent, but the platform has tightened requirements over time to ensure content quality and platform stability.