How Much Money Does A Million Views Get On Youtube? Let’s explore the real numbers behind YouTube earnings at money-central.com. Uncover factors like RPM, CPM, and niche that influence your income, and discover strategies to maximize your earnings and diversify your revenue streams with effective financial planning.
1. Does YouTube Pay Per View?
Yes, but not directly. YouTube pays creators based on ad views, not just video views. According to our aggregated data from AdSense and real creator numbers, you can expect to earn approximately $2,950 per million views or $2.95 per 1,000 views. This is an average, and actual earnings vary widely based on several factors discussed below.
While some sources suggest earnings as high as $0.01 to $0.03 per view, our data indicates that these figures are generally higher than average. Remember, not every view is monetized, and various factors influence the actual payout.
Some YouTubers have reported earning as little as $0.10 per 1,000 views, while others earn as much as $20 per 1,000 views. For example:
- Tatyana Savage, a new creator, reported earnings of around $2.80 per 1,000 views.
- Kevin – Financial Tutor earns $16.23 per 1,000 views in the finance niche.
Other examples of real YouTube earnings include:
- Jen Lauren, a nano-influencer with 10,000 subscribers, earned $213 in a month.
- Sarah Lavender, who creates ASMR videos with over 300,000 subscribers, earned between $1,000 and $6,000 per month.
- MrBeast, one of the most popular YouTubers, earns between $3 to $5 million each month.
2. Video Views vs. Ad Views: Understanding the Difference
It’s crucial to distinguish between video views and ad views to understand YouTube earnings.
2.1. Video Views
Video views are the total number of times your video has been watched, including repeat views from the same user. YouTube counts natural repeat views but detects and discounts artificial inflation attempts through constant refreshes or bots.
2.2. Ad Views
Ad views are the number of times ads are displayed to viewers of your video. Even if a video has millions of views, it will not generate income if no ads are shown. Setting up monetization on your YouTube channel is essential to start earning revenue.
3. Key YouTube Metrics (and How to Calculate Them)
Understanding key YouTube metrics helps you track and optimize your earnings.
| Metric | Acronym | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Mille | CPM | (Total Ad Revenue / Number of Ad Impressions) × 1,000 |
| Revenue Per Mille | RPM | (Total Revenue Earned / Number of Video Views) × 1,000 |
- Cost Per Mille (CPM): The amount advertisers pay YouTube for every 1,000 ad impressions.
- Revenue Per Mille (RPM): The amount you earn for every 1,000 video views after YouTube takes its share.
4. What Impacts Your Ad Revenue? 10 Key Factors
YouTube monetization can be complex, with numerous variables influencing creator earnings. According to YouTube, “There are no guarantees under the YouTube partner agreement about how much or whether you’ll be paid. Earnings are generated based on a share of advertising revenue from viewers watching your video.”
Here are ten critical factors that affect your ad revenue:
4.1. Location & Niche
Ad payout rates vary significantly by geographic location and channel niche. Some niches and regions attract higher advertising rates than others.
RPM Estimates by Niche/Geography
The table below shows estimates for RPM (ads only) by geography and niche. These estimates are based on Google’s AdSense calculator and creator data.
| Americas | Asia & Pacific | Europe, Mid. East, Africa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Entertainment | $1.50 | $1.82 | $1.53 |
| Beauty & Fitness | $2.58 | $2.17 | $3.03 |
| Finance | $3.37 | $5.34 | $4.33 |
| Electronics | $4.38 | $4.08 | $2.63 |
| Hobbies & Leisure | $2.72 | $2.38 | $2.83 |
| Shopping | $2.84 | $2.65 | $2.91 |
4.2. RPM Shift
RPM fluctuates throughout the year due to seasonality and changes in advertising demand. For example, the holidays may have higher advertising rates than the summer.
4.3. Ad Blockers
Ad blockers reduce ad revenue and can skew analytics, leading to higher view counts but lower ad revenue, making it difficult to determine your true RPM.
4.4. YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is an ad-free subscription service. A portion of subscription revenues is pooled and distributed to creators based on watch time. If viewers watch a high percentage of your content via YouTube Premium, that can increase your revenue.
4.5. Watch-Through Rate
A view is only counted if viewers watch the entire ad (for ads 11-30 seconds long) or at least 30 seconds of a longer ad. Clicks on ad buttons also count as engagements.
4.6. Video Length
Longer videos provide more opportunities to generate ad revenue. Videos over 8 minutes can use mid-roll ads, which can be placed manually or automatically by YouTube. A standard mid-roll ad setup includes:
- 8-minute video: 1 mid-roll ad
- 15-minute video: 2-3 mid-roll ads
- 30+ minute video: multiple mid-roll ads
However, running mid-roll ads can impact watch-through rate and viewer satisfaction.
4.7. Video Quality
Higher video quality can lead to higher ad revenue, with advertisers preferring:
- 4K or HD resolution
- Quality sound
- Smooth camera work and editing
Better quality videos attract more advertisers, increasing CPM and your potential earnings.
4.8. Ad Type
Ad revenue varies by ad type. Google outlines the different types, each with varying revenue impacts.
| Ad Type | Revenue Impact | Key Features | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-skippable In-stream | High | Highest CPM rates, guaranteed views, limited placement opportunities | 15 seconds max |
| Bumper | Medium-High | Good CPM rates, high completion rates | 6 seconds |
| Skippable In-stream | Medium | Payment only for 30+ second views, high volume compensates for skips | No max (3 min recommended) |
| In-feed | Low-Medium | Lower impression rate, but higher intent viewers | No max |
| YouTube Shorts | Low (Growing) | Newer monetization system still developing, vertical format for mobile |
4.9. Subscribers
Subscribers do not directly generate ad revenue. However, a loyal subscriber base ensures consistent views, and there are many ways to monetize subscribers beyond ads, such as memberships, Super Chats, and Super Thanks.
4.10. Engagement Rate
Engagement rate reflects how much viewers interact with your videos. High engagement rates can increase the likelihood of videos being suggested to other viewers, leading to more views and ad revenue.
5. Revealing a REAL Creator’s REAL Earnings
A creator who launched their YouTube channel recently shared their earnings data with us. This creator’s channel is in the education niche, with the U.S. as their largest market.
During their first fully monetized month, this creator earned:
- Approximately $2.89 per 1,000 views from ads and YouTube Premium.
- About $3.19 per 1,000 views when including all revenue streams.
This case study highlights the various factors influencing YouTube earnings.
“In my first full month after getting monetized, my earnings were about $2.89 per 1,000 views. But I made a total of $158.58 from all revenue streams–with 49.7k views,” the creator shared.
5.1. Total CPM
CPM represents how much YouTube charges advertisers to place ads in your content. Your RPM is 55% of your CPM, which is the actual amount you earn. The CPM varies for different videos, as each video has unique advertising values.
5.2. Ads and YouTube Premium
The creator earned $143.83 from Watch Ads and YouTube Premium combined, totaling $2.89 per 1,000 views. This breakdown is essential for understanding how ad views and YouTube Premium contribute to overall earnings.
- If only ad views are counted, the creator earned $2.20 per 1,000 views.
- Factoring in YouTube Premium payments, the creator earned $2.89 per 1,000 views.
YouTube pays creators per ad view rather than per video view. Thus, only monetized views contribute to revenue. In this case, only 74.9% of the creator’s views were monetized.
5.3. Supers and Memberships
The creator earned $14.00 from a $20.00 Super Thanks.
YouTube pays partners 70% of net revenues from Memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.
- Super Chat: A highlighted message during a livestream.
- Super Stickers: Animated stickers highlighted during a livestream.
- Super Thanks: Tips on any video.
These features help creators earn more, even without a large audience.
Channel Memberships are also a popular way for YouTube creators to earn money. If you enable Channel Memberships, profile visitors will see a “Join” button next to the “Subscribe” button, granting them access to different membership tiers with customized perks and stickers.
Our creator hasn’t set up memberships yet but is considering it.
5.4. Shorts
This creator earned $0.75 from shorts. Shorts earn money through a percentage of a dedicated Shorts Monetization fund based on watch time, with creators receiving 45% of the ad revenue from the Shorts feed.
6. How to Make Money on YouTube
There are numerous ways to make money on YouTube, both on and off the platform.
YouTube has built monetization into the platform with the following options:
- Watch ads
- YouTube Premium
- Shorts Ads
- Super Chats
- Super Stickers
- Super Thanks
- Channel Memberships
- Merch
Diversifying your YouTube income can be achieved through:
- Memberships & Community: Charge a recurring membership fee for a dedicated community space.
- Patreon & Crowdfunding: Collect donations from supporters.
- Courses: Teach what you know using a live or pre-recorded course.
- Events: Host virtual or real-life events for subscribers.
- Affiliates & Sponsorships: Share affiliate links or sponsorships in videos.
- Products & Services: Create relevant offers and sell to your subscribers.
- Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with brands to create branded content.
Our creator is only using the built-in monetization options but is considering building an online community on a separate platform.
7. How to Get Paid for Ad Revenue on YouTube
7.1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
To earn money from YouTube, you must join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
Here’s how to join:
- Follow the YouTube monetization policies.
- Live in a country/region where the YouTube Partner Program is available.
- Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
- Ensure 2-Step Verification is turned on for your Google Account.
- Have advanced features access on YouTube.
- Set up a Google AdSense account in YouTube Studio and link it to your channel.
7.2. How to Become Eligible for the YPP
There are two routes to becoming eligible for the YPP:
- Get 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or
- Get 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
YouTube continually checks channels in the YPP to ensure they meet policies and guidelines. You decide which content is monetized through ads, allowing you to turn off ads on videos that aren’t a fit for advertisers.
YouTube reviews all applications manually, generally responding in about a month. If your application is rejected, you can appeal within 21 days or re-apply after 30 days, ensuring you comply with the YPP’s policies and YouTube’s community guidelines.
8. YouTube Revenue Share Models
Your revenue share depends on the modules you select in YouTube Studio, each with different rates and eligibility criteria.
- Commerce Product Module: Pays partners 70% of net revenues from channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.
- Watch Page Monetization Module: Pays partners 55% of net revenues from ads displayed on their public videos on their content Watch Page.
- Shorts Monetization Module: Pays partners 45% of the revenue allocated to them based on their share of views from the Creator Pool allocation.
8.1. Pros of Ad Monetization
- It’s passive income.
- Viewers are used to ads.
- You have greater freedom to create content compared to affiliates.
8.2. Cons of Ad Monetization
- Ads can be annoying and distracting.
- Monetizing with ads may yield only pocket change unless you have heavy traffic.
- It takes years to achieve significant income.
9. How to Get Started Earning on YouTube
9.1. Find Your Ideal Viewer
Figure out who you’re making content for. An Ideal Viewer is the person who needs what you have to offer.
Start with a clear niche (e.g., travel, cooking, fitness, beauty, fashion, gaming) and ask these questions:
- Who are they?
- What do they care about?
- What challenges do they face?
- What creators do they follow?
- What part of your story will they be most impacted by?
9.2. Create Quality Content
People won’t watch poorly shot or edited videos. Use a good camera, microphone, and lighting, and edit well to keep viewers captivated and subscribed.
9.3. Create Consistently
Avoid creator burnout by picking a posting schedule that works for you and planning your content strategically.
Evaluate your metrics
Determine your goals: building authority, generating revenue, or creating a community. Key metrics to look at monthly include subscribers, channel watch time, top videos, and traffic sources. Once you monetize your content, monitor ad revenue statistics.
Keep learning and growing
If your channel watch time isn’t increasing, experiment with shorter videos, new title sequences, background music, or A/B test thumbnails.
Grow your brand by collaborating with other content creators, using other content creator platforms, or creating and hosting free webinars.
10. Conclusion
Making money from YouTube views is an exciting opportunity and a strategic challenge. Diversifying revenue beyond ads is key to maximizing income. Consistency, quality content, and smart monetization strategies are crucial for success.
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11. FAQs
11.1. How does YouTube’s monetization compare to other platforms like TikTok or Instagram?
All platforms can be monetized, but TikTok has almost no native monetization features. Instagram has some great monetization options, like subscriptions, ads, and shopping. However, YouTube likely edges them out with its sheer range of monetization options and how well they fit into the platform.
11.2. What are the tax implications of earning money on YouTube?
Any money you earn on YouTube is taxable. Check the rules for your local tax jurisdiction to ensure compliance. Google AdSense will also prompt you to submit relevant tax forms.
11.3. Can YouTubers earn money from embedded videos on other websites?
Yes, you can still earn ad revenue when advertised content plays on another site. Embedding can also signal to YouTube that a video is valuable, potentially increasing its standing in YouTube search.
11.4. How does YouTube handle revenue sharing for collaboration videos with multiple creators?
Ad revenue doesn’t clearly work between creators. The person who uploads the video gets the revenue. Uploading duplicate videos on different channels may earn penalties.
11.5. Are there specific industries or niches that have stricter ad restrictions on YouTube?
Yes. There are stricter ad restrictions for gambling, alcohol and tobacco, prescription drugs, financial services, and adult or sexual content. If your content fits one of these niches, you may have a more difficult time getting and staying monetized and may have lower CPM rates.
11.6. What happens to YouTube earnings if a video gets age-restricted or limited ads?
Age-restricted content gets anywhere from 70-90% lower ad revenue. This content is rated for 18+ and requires a viewer to be logged in to watch. This kind of content scares off advertisers.
If you’re looking for more in-depth advice and personalized strategies to improve your financial situation, visit money-central.com. We offer comprehensive guides, tools, and expert advice tailored to your needs.
