YouTube RPM vs CPM
Understanding the difference between RPM and CPM
Quick Definitions:
CPM (Cost Per Mille)
What advertisers pay YouTube per 1,000 ad impressions
- This is BEFORE YouTube takes their cut
- Shown in YouTube Analytics as "Playback-based CPM"
- Typically $2-20+ depending on niche
RPM (Revenue Per Mille)
What YOU earn per 1,000 views
- This is AFTER YouTube takes their 45% cut
- Includes ALL revenue: ads, memberships, Super Chat, etc.
- Typically $1-10+ depending on niche
- RPM = roughly 55% of CPM (for ad revenue only)
The Math:
| CPM (Advertiser Pays) | YouTube's Cut (45%) | Your RPM (55%) |
|---|---|---|
| $5 | $2.25 | $2.75 |
| $10 | $4.50 | $5.50 |
| $20 | $9.00 | $11.00 |
Which Should You Track?
Track RPM - it's what actually matters to your earnings
- RPM shows your true revenue per 1,000 views
- CPM is useful for understanding advertiser demand
- High CPM doesn't always mean high RPM (if ad fill rate is low)
Example Scenario:
Video with 100,000 views:
- CPM: $8
- YouTube takes: $360 (45% of $800)
- You earn (RPM): $440 ($4.40 per 1,000 views)
Related Resources
- YouTube RPM Calculator - Calculate your revenue per mille
- YouTube CPM Calculator - Calculate advertiser rates
- YouTube Earnings Calculator - Full earnings breakdown
- How much YouTube pays for 1,000 views - RPM by niche
- How YouTubers make money - All revenue streams