%201.png)
With more than 2 billion users, YouTube has transformed into one of the major social media platforms. It allows content creators to make high-quality videos of almost anything. From travel experiences and DIY tutorials to educational content, for every topic you can imagine, there’s always a YouTube channel.
However, how much do content creators earn for videos? Views on their own, don’t generate any income, but ads and other monetization options do. YouTube made $8.1 billion in ad revenue during 2024. But, how much of that revenue goes to creators? How much does YouTube pay for 1,000 views?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specifics of YouTube influencer marketing, including monetization, explaining how creators get paid, and the factors that influence their earnings. From high-paying niches like personal finance to the impact of location and audience demographics, we'll uncover how much you can really make from 1,000 YouTube views.
YouTube’s monetization process is primarily driven by Google AdSense, a platform that connects advertisers with content creators. By enabling monetization on their channels (we’ll get to this point later), creators allow YouTube to display ads on their videos, which helps them generate revenue based on ad views, clicks, and audience engagement.
YouTube’s payment structure is based on its Partner Program, which allows creators to earn through:
Advertisers bid for ad placements through a system called Google Ads auction, and the amount a creator earns depends on the CPM (Cost Per Mille), or the amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions.
On average, content creators make around $2 to $12 per 1,000 views.
YouTube keeps 45% of the ad revenue and creators get the remaining 55% from the platform. For example, if an advertiser pays $10 for 1,000 ad impressions, the creator would earn $5.50, and YouTube would keep $4.50.
In addition to ad revenue, creators also earn a share of YouTube Premium revenue. When Premium subscribers watch their videos, creators receive a portion of the subscription fee, based on the watch time their content generates.
Something key to understand is that YouTube does not pay per video view - they pay per ad view.
For example, if your video has 1 million views but no ads, you won’t be making any money. If your video has a million views and 30,000 ad views, you’ll be making money from those 30,000 ad views.
To be able to monetize your content on YouTube through ads, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
To join the YPP, you need to:
Next, if you want to earn money from the YPP you need to:
Read our full guide on How to Become a YouTube Influencer
When entering the world of YouTube ads you’ll bump into metrics and terms that you’re probably unfamiliar with. To truly understand your revenue potential and how to get the most of YouTube ads is key to understanding the basics.
For content creators, focusing on niches with a high RPM can be beneficial to maximize their monetization as these niches have advertisers that pay higher rates. Calculating Earnings for 1,000 Views (H3)Your earnings depend on your RPM. Here’s an example calculation:
This calculation highlights how CPM and RPM work together to determine your revenue.
The answer to the question: How much does YouTube pay for 1,000 views is not as straightforward because this depends on different factors. While the average is from $2-$12 per 1,000 views, this can be higher (or lower).
Let’s break down the main factors that influence these earnings:
The RPM (Revenue Per Mille), which means revenue per one thousand views, varies by niche, simply based on how much advertisers are willing to pay to advertise on certain videos of certain platforms.
High RPM niches, like finance, how to make money online, and technology attract higher paying ads, meaning that advertisers are paying more. As YouTube splits the money with you, you’re also getting paid more.
Channels with profitable YouTube niches, like finance for example, could make anywhere from $15-$30 per 1,000 views, while a channel with low RPM could be paying between $2-$3 per 1,000 views.
High RPM channels are:
Low RPM channels are:
The amount of money you can make per 1,000 views will also depend on the location. YouTube’s CPM is not the same for all countries. As a result, you’ll make more or less money depending on where you’re based.
These are the countries with highest CPM:
YouTube videos that have more than 8 minutes, now give you the option to do what’s called “Mid roll ads” that are ads that are not only at the beginning or the end of a video. How can you add this?
In essence, the more ad placements you add, the more ads that are going to run, and therefore, the more money you’re going to make. However, make sure that you don’t annoy your viewers with too many ads.
In the same line, another factor that impacts your earnings is the type of ads you add to your videos. These are the different advertising formats on YouTube:
Here are several advertising formats on YouTube:
Currently, YouTube eliminated individual ad format selections for the majority of ads, meaning that viewers now automatically see pre-roll, post-roll, skippable, or non-skippable ads. However, creators retain control over mid-roll ads, deciding how many to include and where to place them within their content.
What happens with that portion of users that pay YouTube to remove all types of ads? Besides having additional features of YouTube, premium users are guaranteed an ad-free experience.
In these cases, creators get based depending on how many YouTube Premium users are watching their videos and for how long.
Engagement is a key factor influencing ad revenue. Metrics like watch time, click-through rate (CTR), and audience retention impact how often ads are shown and how much advertisers are willing to pay.
Videos with higher engagement generally generate more revenue as they’re prioritized by YouTube’s algorithm.
Earnings can fluctuate based on seasonal trends. For example, CPMs are often higher during the holiday season, when advertisers spend more on campaigns. On the other hand, CPMs may dip during off-peak times of the year.
The perfect formula for succeeding on YouTube is to choose a niche that not only has a high RPM (Revenue Per Mille) but also aligns with your interests. This approach makes it easier to create content you genuinely enjoy while earning ad revenue.
For example, YouTubers like Marques Brownlee, who focus on technology, attract advertisers such as Apple and Samsung. These brands typically pay higher rates for YouTube ads, which translates into greater revenue for creators in this niche.
At the end of the day, your revenue is impacted by your value. What are you offering your viewers? Start by focusing on ways to increase engagement. This might involve investing in quality equipment, such as cameras and microphones, and enhancing your videos' visual appeal through thoughtful editing.
However, the true game-changer lies in your content. While many YouTubers begin with the basics, putting extra effort and thought into your content significantly increases the likelihood of your channel gaining attention.
A prime example is Call Her Daddy, a podcast that started modestly but became a massive success. This growth is largely attributed to its engaging topics and the compelling interviews hosted by Alex Cooper.
Make it easy for others to discover your channel, especially when you're just starting out. Without proper optimization, your videos may struggle to get the views you’re aiming for.
Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions to help your videos rank higher in search results. Additionally, include a clear call-to-action in your video descriptions, such as encouraging viewers to like, comment, and subscribe to your channel. These steps can boost engagement, increase visibility, and potentially lead to more views and earnings.
In addition to earning money from your long-form YouTube videos, you can also monetize your YouTube Shorts. However, since Shorts are much shorter, they typically generate less revenue per view than longer videos. The monetization process for YouTube Shorts is also different.
Unlike standard YouTube videos, Shorts don’t earn money through pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll ads. Instead, YouTube’s Shorts Monetization Module allows creators to receive a share of the revenue from ads displayed between videos in the Shorts Feed.
Shorts ad revenue is distributed based on collective views and music usage. For example, if your Shorts account for 10% of all Shorts views in the U.S., you’ll receive 10% of the revenue from the YouTube Creator Pool for that region.
Additionally, in YouTube Short music does have an impact. If your Shorts don’t include music, 100% of the revenue generated from views goes into the Creator Pool, to be shared among monetizing creators. But, when music is used, a portion of the revenue covers music licensing costs, and the remaining amount is added to the Creator Pool.
Don’t rely solely on ads to earn money from YouTube. By diversifying your income streams, you create a more stable and sustainable revenue model. Here are a few popular strategies:
Many content creators, especially those with dedicated communities, partner with brands to promote products or services naturally through their videos. While influencer pricing varies on the platform, you can earn more than $2,000 per video!
For example, Nathaniel Drew, a YouTuber and content creator known for his introspective, creative and personal development-focused videos collaborates with brands like BetterHelp, seamlessly integrating them into his content, making them authentic and relatable to his audience.
Selling digital products is another effective way to earn money. For instance, some creators offer budgeting templates, online courses, or exclusive content.
Alex Cattoni, a copywriting expert, offers insightful videos providing tips and lessons for aspiring copywriters. Additionally, she sells her programs which provides her a significant revenue source.
Besides brand deals, content creators can work with brands through affiliate marketing. You can naturally promote these products in your video, adding the links of them in the description. Each time a viewer makes a purchase using your affiliate link, you earn a commission.
Platforms like Creator Hero, offer you the possibility to easily create a storefront with a variety of brands, earning a commission between $20-$50 per sale.
Earning money on YouTube goes beyond just creating engaging content—it requires an understanding of key metrics, monetization strategies, and the factors that influence ad revenue. By focusing on high-RPM niches, optimizing audience retention, and leveraging diverse revenue streams like YouTube Premium and channel memberships, creators can maximize their earnings potential.
However, success on YouTube isn't solely about numbers; it's about connecting with your audience and delivering value. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, consistency, creativity, and an informed approach to monetization are the foundations of a thriving YouTube channel. With these insights in mind, you’ll be better equipped to turn your passion for content creation into a sustainable income.
.png)
