YouTube Earnings Calculator
Estimate YouTube revenue using RPM (fast) or CPM with monetized playbacks (advanced). Works for long-form videos and Shorts across multiple regions and content niches.
Estimate your YouTube revenue using RPM (recommended) or enter your own RPM from YouTube Analytics for accurate projections.
Estimated monthly earnings
Based on 100,000 views at $5.70 RPM
* These are estimates based on industry averages. Actual YouTube earnings vary significantly based on content quality, niche, audience engagement, ad formats, seasonality, CPM rates, and many other factors. For accurate projections, use your own RPM from YouTube Analytics. Results are automatically saved in your browser.
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Frequently asked questions
What is RPM on YouTube?
RPM (Revenue Per Mille) is your estimated revenue per 1,000 views shown in YouTube Analytics. It includes all revenue sources including ads, channel memberships, YouTube Premium revenue, Super Chat, and Super Stickers. For Shorts, RPM is calculated per 1,000 engaged views, which is the metric used for Shorts ad revenue sharing. You can find your RPM in YouTube Studio under Analytics → Revenue tab.
What's the difference between RPM and CPM?
CPM (Cost Per Mille) is what advertisers pay for 1,000 ad impressions, while RPM is what you actually earn per 1,000 views after YouTube's revenue share. Playback-based CPM is the cost advertisers pay for 1,000 video playbacks where an ad is displayed. Your RPM is always lower than CPM because YouTube keeps 45% of ad revenue for long-form videos (you get 55%). For Shorts, the revenue share varies based on the Shorts revenue pool.
How do YouTube Shorts payouts work?
YouTube Shorts use a revenue pool model where creators share in ad revenue based on their share of total Shorts views and music usage. The exact revenue share varies month to month, so using your actual RPM from YouTube Analytics is the simplest and most accurate way to estimate Shorts earnings. Shorts typically earn $0.03-$0.15 RPM, which is significantly lower than long-form videos ($1.50-$8.00 RPM) due to the different monetization model.
How accurate are these estimates?
These are rough estimates based on industry averages and typical RPM ranges. Actual earnings vary significantly based on content niche, audience location, watch time, engagement, ad formats, seasonality (Q4 typically earns more), and many other factors. For the most accurate projections, use the custom RPM option and enter your actual RPM from YouTube Analytics. This calculator should be used as a general guide, not a guarantee of earnings.
What are YouTube Partner Program eligibility requirements?
To join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and start earning money, you need to meet one of these thresholds: (1) 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months, OR (2) 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days. You must also be 18+ years old, follow YouTube's monetization policies and Community Guidelines, have two-step verification enabled, have an active AdSense account, and live in a country where YPP is available. The review process typically takes about one month.
Why do earnings vary by region?
YouTube earnings depend heavily on where your viewers are located because advertiser demand and CPM rates vary dramatically by country. US traffic typically earns 3-5x more than Indian traffic due to higher advertiser spending and competition. For example, a Finance channel with US viewers might earn $15-25 RPM, while the same channel with Indian viewers might only earn $2-5 RPM. This is why understanding your audience demographics in YouTube Analytics is crucial for accurate revenue projections.
How much do big YouTubers make?
Top YouTubers can earn millions annually through multiple revenue streams. For example, a channel with 1 million views per month at $5 RPM earns about $5,000/month ($60,000/year) from ads alone. Channels in high-CPM niches like Finance or Business can earn $10-25 RPM, meaning 1 million monthly views could generate $10,000-$25,000/month. However, most successful creators also earn from sponsorships, merchandise, memberships, and other sources that often exceed ad revenue. The key is consistent content, audience engagement, and diversified income streams.
What factors affect YouTube earnings?
YouTube earnings are influenced by content niche (Finance earns more than Gaming), audience location (US/UK earn more than developing countries), video length (longer videos = more ad placements), watch time (higher retention = better ad performance), engagement (likes, comments, shares), ad formats (skippable, non-skippable, bumper ads), seasonality (Q4 holiday season earns 20-50% more), viewer demographics (age, interests), and content quality. Optimizing these factors through strategic content creation and audience building can significantly increase your RPM over time.
How do I increase my YouTube RPM?
To increase your RPM: (1) Create content in high-CPM niches like Finance, Business, or Technology, (2) Target audiences in high-paying regions like US, UK, Canada, (3) Make longer videos (8-15 minutes) to include more ad placements, (4) Improve watch time and audience retention, (5) Use mid-roll ads strategically, (6) Create content that attracts premium advertisers, (7) Avoid controversial topics that limit ad suitability, (8) Build an engaged audience that watches ads, (9) Optimize for Q4 when ad rates are highest, and (10) Diversify revenue with memberships, Super Chat, and merchandise.
Can you help with YouTube thumbnails and video editing?
Yes! We specialize in creating eye-catching YouTube thumbnails, professional video covers, motion graphics, and full video editing services. Our unlimited design subscription includes all these services with fast turnarounds. We understand what makes thumbnails click-worthy and can help optimize your channel's visual branding. For growing channels, we offer partnership opportunities and service exchanges based on your channel's growth potential. Get started or contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.
When will I receive my YouTube payments?
YouTube pays creators monthly through AdSense, typically between the 21st and 26th of each month for the previous month's earnings. You must reach the payment threshold of $100 (or equivalent in your currency) to receive payment. Payments are made via wire transfer, check, or other methods depending on your location. You'll need to verify your address and provide tax information before receiving your first payment. Finalised earnings appear in your AdSense account between the 7th and 12th of each month.
What's the YouTube revenue share?
For long-form videos, YouTube keeps 45% of ad revenue and creators receive 55%. For YouTube Shorts, the revenue model is different—creators share in a revenue pool based on their share of total Shorts views, with music licensing costs deducted first. The Shorts revenue share typically results in 45% going to creators after music costs. For YouTube Premium revenue, creators receive a share based on watch time from Premium members. These revenue shares are consistent globally and not averaged between creators.
Is this calculator affiliated with YouTube or Google?
No, this calculator is an independent tool created by Renlar for informational purposes only. YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC. This tool is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by YouTube or Google LLC. We have no partnership or business relationship with YouTube or Google. All company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For official YouTube information, monetization policies, and support, visit YouTube Creators or YouTube Help Center.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. YouTube® is a registered trademark of Google LLC. This tool is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by YouTube or Google LLC. We have no partnership or business relationship with YouTube or Google. All company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Estimates are based on industry averages and typical RPM ranges. Actual YouTube earnings vary significantly based on content niche, audience location, watch time, engagement, ad formats, seasonality, content quality, and many other factors. Results can vary dramatically by region, country, content type, and individual circumstances. There is no guarantee or commitment that you will earn the estimated amounts. This tool should not be used as the sole basis for business or financial decisions. Always verify information with YouTube Analytics and your AdSense account for accurate earnings data. For official YouTube Partner Program information, eligibility requirements, policies, and support, visit youtube.com/creators. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.
About YouTube Partner Program
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) gives creators access to monetization features including ad revenue sharing, channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and YouTube Premium revenue. Creators receive 55% of ad revenue for long-form videos and share in the Shorts revenue pool. To join YPP, you need 1,000 subscribers with either 4,000 watch hours (long-form) or 10 million Shorts views. YouTube is owned and operated by Google LLC. For official information, eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit youtube.com/creators.