Impressions vs. Views: What is the difference.

Your content isn’t failing, you’re just reading it wrong.

You post a video, check the numbers, and see 200. Your gut says: “Only 200 views? That’s a flop.”
But here’s the catch—depending on the platform, that “200” might not mean what you think it does. The difference between an impression and a view is one of the most misunderstood metrics in digital content.

What’s an Impression?
An impression is a glance. It means your content appeared on someone’s screen. They may not have stopped, clicked, or even really noticed it—but it passed in front of their eyes. Think of it like someone walking past a shop window. They saw the sign, but didn’t step inside.

What’s a View?
A view goes a step further. It means they actually stopped and engaged, even briefly. The catch is that every platform measures a “view” differently. YouTube counts a view after around 30 seconds of watch time. Instagram is much more forgiving—just a few seconds is enough to count. Either way, a view means they didn’t just scroll past.

Why Both Matter
Impressions tell you how far your content is reaching. Views tell you how many people actually cared enough to watch. You need both to build momentum. Think of it like Perth itself: from a distance, the skyline looks impressive, but it’s the hidden laneways, coffee shops, and conversations inside that give the city its life.

The Real Takeaway for Clients
The next time you look at your metrics, don’t obsess over views in isolation. If you’ve got high impressions but low views, your hook isn’t strong enough to make people stop. If you’ve got low impressions but solid views, the platform isn’t pushing you out widely yet—but the audience you do have is paying attention. And if you’ve got both high impressions and high views? That’s the sweet spot.

Your content isn’t failing. It’s telling you a story. The better you understand the difference between impressions and views, the better you can shape the next story you tell.