Currently, public sub counts are abbreviated in most but not all places across YouTube. In August, we’ll make this more consistent by always showing abbreviated sub counts publicly. Creators: You’ll still see your full sub count in Studio! Learn more → http://yt.be/help/abbrev-count …pic.twitter.com/pmaKk4EU4k
I think having it abbreviated in certain places but not others is a good system. It keeps a cleaner look on some places while allowing for people to see a more detailed look at channels in other places