YouTube Analytics Adds Real-Time Format Filtering via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

YouTube has introduced an update to its Analytics capabilities, offering format-specific filtering for tracking realtime views.

This allows creators to monitor viewership separately for Longform videos, Shorts, and Live content.

New Functionality

The latest analytics update introduces three format filters:

• Longform videos (traditional YouTube content)
• Shorts (short-form vertical videos)
• Live streams

Available on desktop and mobile, this filtering system offers new realtime visibility into format-specific performance metrics.

Why This Matters

Before this update, realtime views from all content formats were combined into a single metric.

This made it difficult to evaluate the individual performance of different types of content.

A viral Short could mask underperforming long-form content, or a successful livestream could obscure the performance of regular uploads.

This granular view is a step forward for content creators who publish in multiple formats.

Now, you can:

• Track immediate performance by content type
• Identify trending formats in realtime
• Make data-driven decisions about content scheduling
• Optimize multi-format content strategies

Impact

The format filter lets creators make quick content decisions based on immediate audience responses.

For example, if a Short about a breaking news topic gains sudden popularity, you can quickly produce follow-up long-form content while interest is high.

On the other hand, if a format shows low realtime engagement, it may indicate the need to adjust strategies.

This update is particularly valuable for:

• News channels that need to monitor breaking news performance versus evergreen content
• Educational creators tracking engagement differences between quick tutorials and in-depth lessons
• Entertainment channels balancing viral Shorts with traditional long-form content
• Livestreamers who want to understand their realtime audience behavior separate from VOD performance

Looking Ahead

Realtime views by content type is now available to all channels.

As YouTube evolves to compete with TikTok and Instagram, detailed insights into realtime performance are essential.

This update can help you master different content formats as you learn more about audience behavior and engagement patterns.

Featured Image: daily_creativity/Shutterstock

SEJ STAFF Matt G. Southern Senior News Writer at Search Engine Journal

Matt G. Southern, Senior News Writer, has been with Search Engine Journal since 2013. With a bachelor’s degree in communications, ...