This is a common question for content creators and people looking to make money on YouTube. The amount of money you can make per 1000 views varies quite a bit based on factors like a channel’s niche, content type, audience demographics, and more. However, there are some general estimates we can look at to get an idea of potential YouTube earnings.
Short Answer
As a rough estimate, creators tend to make between $2-$7 per 1000 monetized views on YouTube. However, there is a large range based on the factors mentioned above. Top creators with dedicated audiences in high paying niches like finance can make over $10 per 1000 views.
YouTube Ad Revenue Rates
YouTube pays creators a share of the advertising revenue generated from their videos. Currently, YouTube offers a 45% revenue share from ads. Rates vary based on the advertiser and other factors, but on average:
- In-stream ads (the ads that play before/during videos) tend to pay between $0.10 – $0.30 per view.
- Overlay ads (the banner ads that appear on the bottom 20% of videos) average around $0.01 – $0.03 per view.
Combining these average in-stream and overlay ad rates, most creators make between $0.11 – $0.33 per monetized view.
RPM
RPM stands for “revenue per thousand views.” It represents how much money you make for every 1000 video views after YouTube’s cut. Industry RPM averages currently range from:
- $1 – $3 for general interest and comedy videos
- $3 – $5 for gaming videos
- $5 – $15 for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle videos
- $15+ for more niche content like personal finance and tech reviews
These are broad estimates – your RPM can vary significantly based on your channel and content specifics. Top creators in lucrative niches can achieve RPM rates of $20 or more in some cases.
Estimated Earnings Per 1000 Views
Combining the ad rate estimates with average RPM figures gives us a general earnings range per 1000 views on YouTube:
| Content Type | RPM Range | Est. Earnings Per 1000 Views |
|---|---|---|
| General Interest/Comedy | $1 – $3 | $2 – $3 |
| Gaming | $3 – $5 | $3 – $5 |
| Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle | $5 – $15 | $5 – $15 |
| Finance/Tech/Specialized | $10+ | $10+ |
As you can see, $2-$7 per 1000 views is a reasonable range for most content. However, creators in highly lucrative niches can make over $10 per 1000 views.
Factors That Impact YouTube Earnings
Your potential earnings per 1000 views depends on several key factors:
1. Video Niche
Videos in categories like finance and tech can achieve significantly higher RPMs and CPMs (cost per thousand views that advertisers pay). This is because advertisers pay more to reach these valuable audiences.
2. Video Quality & Topics
Higher quality videos on topics likely to go viral can attract millions of views and sustain audience attention for ads. This results in higher revenues.
3. Audience Demographics
Videos with audiences in high-income regions like the United States and Canada generate higher ad rates. Similarly, younger viewers attract higher CPMs from advertisers.
4. Time Watched
The longer viewers watch your videos, the more ads they are likely to see. This increases potential ad impressions and revenue.
5. Ad Density
Including more ads in your videos without decreasing audience retention will increase monetization.
6. YouTube Premium Views
Views from YouTube Premium subscribers don’t generate ad revenue. They have lower monetization rates.
Tips to Increase YouTube Earnings
Here are some tips creators of all sizes can use to maximize their YouTube earnings:
- Choose a niche with highly engaged viewers and lucrative ad rates like personal finance or tech reviews.
- Optimize your content for maximum watch time – aim for at least 3-4 minutes average view duration.
- Produce evergreen content that continues generating views long term.
- Use attention-grabbing thumbnails and titles without being clickbaity.
- Promote your videos extensively to get more views.
- Upload videos consistently to build a loyal audience.
- Use YouTube cards, end screens and links to improve viewer retention.
- Experiment with adding more ads at optimal positions.
- Analyze your metrics to see when and where viewers drop off.
- Join the YouTube Partner Program to monetize and access analytics.
Other YouTube Monetization Methods
In addition to ad revenue, creators can generate income on YouTube through:
Channel Memberships
Loyal viewers pay a monthly fee for special perks like custom emoji, badges, exclusive content and more.
Super Chats & Super Stickers
Viewers pay to pin highlighted messages and stickers during live streams and premieres.
Merchandise Shelves
YouTube allows creators to showcase branded merchandise on a shelf below videos.
Affiliate Marketing
Creators can promote relevant affiliate products and services and earn a commission on resulting sales.
Sponsorships
Big brands will pay popular creators to promote their products to receptive audiences.
Crowdfunding
Platforms like Patreon allow fans to support creators through recurring pledges and donations.
Other Factors That Affect Earnings
Beyond the factors above, here are some additional considerations when estimating potential YouTube earnings:
- Age of channel – New channels tend to have lower CPMs until they establish themselves.
- Seasonality – Ad rates and viewer engagement fluctuate depending on the time of year.
- Economic conditions – Ad rates sink during recessions when advertiser demand declines.
- Viewer geography – Certain countries have very low ad rates, pulling down averages.
- Oversaturation – Too many ads may turn off viewers and reduce overall revenues.
- YouTube policy changes – Algorithm updates or policy shifts can affect monetization rates.
Understanding these nuances takes experience. As a channel grows, its earning potential becomes clearer over time.
Adsense vs YouTube Partner Program Earnings
There are two main ways to monetize YouTube videos with ads:
Google AdSense
The traditional Google Adsense program places text & display ads around YouTube videos via an account users set up separately from YouTube. AdSense offers a 68% revenue share after Google’s cut.
YouTube Partner Program
The YouTube Partner Program allows pre-roll, overlay and other video ads to be served on your content within YouTube. As mentioned earlier, it offers a more favorable 45% revenue share after YouTube’s cut.
Due to the higher revenue percentage, most creators focus on monetizing through the YouTube Partner Program once their channel is approved. However, it’s possible to use both AdSense and YPP together as well.
Conclusion
Estimating potential YouTube earnings requires analyzing many variables. However, most non-specialized channels can expect to earn between $2-$7 per 1000 views from video ads alone. With additional monetization methods and a strategic approach, talented creators can earn even higher CPMs in the right niches. While YouTube ad earnings are complex, they present a major opportunity for those who figure out the formula for engaged audiences, high watch time, and compelling content.
