Calculate potential earnings from your YouTube views based on CPM rates and niche
YouTube doesn't pay a fixed amount per view. Instead, creators earn money through ads shown on their videos, measured by CPM (Cost Per Mille - cost per 1,000 views) and RPM (Revenue Per Mille - actual revenue per 1,000 views after YouTube's cut). YouTube takes 45% of ad revenue, leaving creators with 55%.
The actual earnings per view vary dramatically based on factors like viewer location, content niche, video length, audience engagement, and ad types. A view from the US typically generates 10-20x more revenue than a view from a developing country due to advertiser demand and purchasing power.
The amount advertisers pay YouTube for 1,000 ad impressions. This is the gross revenue before YouTube's cut.
Typical Range: $2-$30
Varies by niche and location
Your actual earnings per 1,000 views after YouTube takes its 45% share. This is what you see in YouTube Analytics.
Typical Range: $1-$15
About 55% of CPM
Different content niches attract different advertiser demand and CPM rates. Finance and business content typically commands the highest rates because advertisers in these sectors have higher customer lifetime values and are willing to pay more for targeted viewers.
US, Canada, UK, and Australia viewers generate the highest CPMs ($10-$30). European viewers typically earn $5-$15 per 1,000 views. Viewers from developing countries may only generate $0.50-$3 per 1,000 views due to lower advertiser demand.
Videos over 8 minutes can include mid-roll ads, significantly increasing earnings. A 15-minute video with 3-4 mid-roll ads can earn 3-5x more than a 5-minute video with the same view count. Longer videos also tend to have higher watch time, which YouTube's algorithm favors.
Viewers aged 25-54 with higher purchasing power attract premium advertisers. Content that appeals to professionals, business owners, or high-income individuals commands significantly higher CPMs than content targeting younger audiences or students.
CPMs spike during Q4 (October-December) due to holiday shopping, often 2-3x higher than January-March. Back-to-school season (August-September) also sees increased rates. January typically has the lowest CPMs as advertisers reduce budgets after the holidays.
1 million views/month
$15,000-$25,000
Monthly earnings
High CPM niche ($15-$25) with US/UK audience. 10-15 minute videos with multiple mid-roll ads. Additional revenue from affiliate links and sponsorships.
500,000 views/month
$4,000-$7,000
Monthly earnings
Medium-high CPM ($8-$14) with tech-savvy audience. 8-12 minute product reviews. Strong engagement rates and loyal subscriber base.
2 million views/month
$4,000-$8,000
Monthly earnings
Lower CPM ($2-$4) but high view count. Younger audience with global reach. Compensates with sponsorships, merchandise, and Twitch streaming.
While ad revenue is important, successful YouTubers diversify their income streams. Many creators earn more from sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and digital products than from YouTube ads alone.
Brand deals typically pay $10-$50 per 1,000 views, far exceeding ad revenue. A video with 100,000 views could earn $1,000-$5,000 from a single sponsorship.
Product recommendations with affiliate links can generate 5-20% commissions. Tech reviewers often earn more from Amazon Associates than YouTube ads.
Courses, ebooks, templates, and coaching services leverage your expertise. A single course sale can equal thousands of video views in revenue.
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