In the dynamic world of online content creation, understanding the nuances of YouTube monetization is essential for creators looking to become full-time YouTubers and turn their passion into profit. But approaching YouTube as a revenue source can be confusing - how exactly do you earn money as a YouTube content creator, and just how much revenue can you earn?

Let's demystify the process of how YouTube pays, and get you some insight to help to guide you towards realistic revenue. Whether you're an experienced YouTuber or just starting out as a YouTube content creator, this information will prove invaluable in navigating the landscape of YouTube earnings. Let’s go!

How Much Does YouTube Pay Per View?

Every YouTube creator has the same question: how does payment per view on YouTube work?

While there isn't a definitive per-view amount publicly available, what we do know is that cost per mille (CPM)—the amount advertisers pay for 1,000 monetized video views—is a key factor. Advertising revenue is partially linked to the number of YouTube views you get, but the amount earned depends on whether those views come from monetized videos with ads.

YouTube shares a cut of ad revenue with eligible creators when viewers watch ads on their videos. Therefore, what really matters is ad views, not just video views. For example, if your video gets a million YouTube views but has no ads enabled, it won’t generate any YouTube ad revenue.

Earnings Breakdown:

• For 1,000 Views: On average, YouTube creators can earn anywhere from $10 to $30 per 1,000 monetized video views, based on an estimated cost per mille of $0.01 to $0.03 per view. This means most creators earn around $0.018 per view. However, actual earnings vary depending on factors like niche, audience demographics, and geographic location. YouTube requires creators to reach a $100 payment threshold before payouts are made.
• For 100,000 Views: With 100K YouTube views, creators can earn between $250 and $3,000. The higher end of this range usually applies to monetized videos in high-value niches and content targeting audiences from countries with higher CPM rates.
• For 1,000,000 Views: Creators with a million YouTube views may earn anywhere between $1,500 and $30,000. This wide range depends on the niche, the percentage of monetized views, and audience demographics. High-performing niches and premium CPM rates lead to better monetization and higher earnings.

Once you qualify for YouTube ad revenue, you may also unlock earnings through YouTube Premium. With YouTube Premium, members pay to watch videos ad-free and can download content for offline viewing. This creates an additional revenue stream for creators alongside earnings from ads on monetized videos.

What Determines Your Revenue on YouTube?

Much like YouTube ads, YouTube payouts are not a one-size-fits-all equation; they depend on various factors that collectively shape a creator's earnings. Here are the basics:

Channel Size:

• Subscriber Count: This one's simple: a larger viewer base means more views, which can translate into higher earnings.
  
  
• Watch Time: Longer watch times for YouTubers also lead to increased earnings.
  
  

Content Niche:

• Advertiser Demand: Lucrative niches attract higher YouTube ad rates. Some of the best YouTube creator niches for 2024 include tutorial/educational videos, cooking, fashion, and motivational/entrepreneurial videos.
  
  
• Audience Engagement: Advertisers want to see engaged viewers on your YouTube channel, as those viewers are more likely to also engage with brands once you monetize. Having good metrics here could also result in additional brand deals for you.
  
  

Engagement Levels:

• Likes, Comments, Shares: Higher engagement affirms that you're providing valuable content for your viewers and subscribers, which can result in higher earnings.
  
  
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): A higher CTR, which measures how many viewers watch your video after initially clicking on it, means more people will see your videos in their suggestions, and positively impacts ad revenue.
  
  

Ad Format:

• Ad Types: Different formats have varying payout rates, influencing overall earnings.
  
  Ads on YouTube include skippable in-stream ads, non-skippable in-stream ads, bumper ads (these are generally just a few seconds and are non-skippable), outstream ads (mobile only), masthead ads, and in-feed video ads.
  
  

Location:

• Audience Location: Ad rates vary by country, affecting earnings.
  
  

These elements all collectively contribute to your overall revenue on YouTube. Creators must navigate this multifaceted landscape by building a dedicated audience, creating engaging content, and understanding the dynamics of ad revenue and monetization to optimize their YouTube earnings.

Can you envision yourself here next year, next to all of these other YouTube stars? These creators have figured out the steps to YouTube success.‍

Steps for Becoming Eligible for Ad Revenue on YouTube

To start earning via ads on YouTube, creators must first qualify for ad revenue. Next up are the essential steps for content creators to navigate the path to eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program, the gateway to monetization and ongoing YouTube revenue. The Partner Program also gives YouTubers access to YouTube's creator support teams and is a solid achievement in your content creation journey.

Account Prerequisites

Create, name, and verify your YouTube account, and familiarize yourself with YouTube's terms of service.

Channel Requirements 

Ensure your channel meets YouTube's content policies, including adherence to community guidelines and copyright policies.

Content Standards 

Create videos, livestreams, and Shorts, focusing on original, creative, and advertiser-friendly YouTube content, avoiding copyright infringement and controversial topics.

Apply for the YouTube Partner Program

Submit an application for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), meeting the requirements of 500 YouTube subscribers, 3 video uploads in a 90 day period, and either 3,000 public watch hours over the past year or 3 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

Achieving this level will unlock Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks. All three of these let your viewers and subscribers purchase live chat messages that are specially featured in chat; you get a percentage of this revenue.

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YouTubers can also then activate YouTube memberships, for which they get 70% of membership revenue after applicable taxes and fees are deducted. (This is comparable to the shares you can get from platforms like Patreon, where you keep around 88%, and Fourthwall, where you get an incredible 95%.)

Then, continue onward to notch 1,000 YouTube subscribers with 4,000 public watch hours over the past year, or 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days, to unlock revenue sharing from ads and YouTube Premium. (Be aware that public watch hours from YouTube Shorts views in the Shorts Feed won't count towards your 4,000 public watch hours.)

Once you apply, your channel will go through a standard review process for policy and guideline compliance, and if it meets those, your channel will likely be accepted into the YouTube Partner Program. (It typically takes around 30 days to get a reply.)

Optimize Your Channel for Monetization

Enhance your channel with compelling metadata, engaging thumbnails, and a consistent posting schedule. Leveraging YouTube livestreams and YouTube shorts alongside your regular video posts can help you expand your viewership and increase both your overall watch time numbers and your viewer engagement.

Keep Posting and Follow YouTube's Policies

Continue adhering to YouTube's policies to ensure continued eligibility for ad revenue; your channel must also stay active, as YouTube may turn off monetization on channels that haven't posted in six months or more.

Skyrocket Your YouTube Earnings with Fourthwall!

While YouTube monetization serves as a primary income source, it does come with challenges, such as unpredictability and low income while your channel grows. Discover Fourthwall as a solution to diversify income streams and attain financial independence.

Fourthwall empowers creators to build their own online stores and sell directly to fans, and it unlocks the potential for diverse, self-owned income streams that break free from platform limitations. Get started today!

Quick FAQs:

Do I Need a Lot of Subscribers to Make Money on YouTube? 

While subscribers contribute to potential earnings, factors like views, engagement, and niche are equally crucial. Quality content can lead to income even with a smaller subscriber count.

How Much Does 1 Million Views on YouTube Pay? 

The earnings from 1 million YouTube video views vary widely based on factors like location, niche, and audience demographics. On average, YouTube can pay out amounts ranging from $1,500 to $30,000 for 1 million YouTube views.

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Are There Other Ways to Monetize My YouTube Channel Besides Ads? 

Yes! Creators can earn money through many other alternative revenue stream options such as YouTube memberships, Super Chats/Super Stickers/SuperThanks, sponsorships and brand deals, merchandise sales through online stores like Fourthwall, YouTube channel memberships, influencer marketing, and affiliate marketing.

How Can I Track My YouTube Earnings? 

Utilize YouTube Analytics to monitor views, revenue, and audience demographics, providing valuable insights into your channel's performance.

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