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)

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