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How Much YouTube Pays for 1,000 Subs

The video dissects the often‑misunderstood earnings landscape on YouTube, focusing on what creators actually make once they hit the 1,000‑subscriber and 4,000‑hour thresholds. It clarifies the distinction between CPM (advertiser cost) and RPM (creator revenue), explains the two‑step monetization process, and warns that short‑form videos generate dramatically lower payouts than long‑form content. Key data points illustrate the variance: a short that amassed 2 million views earned only $197 (≈$0.11 CPM), while a 20‑minute video with 93,000 views earned $727 (≈$7.83 CPM). Geography also matters—channels with audiences in lower‑paying regions like Egypt see RPMs around $2, versus $6‑$7 in Western markets. The creator‑provided tier list shows finance/education at the top (RPMs up to $658), kids/family and photography in the A tier, travel in B, fitness in C, and gardening in D. Examples punctuate the analysis: Jess and Dave earned $1,716 CAD in six months with a $6.77 RPM; Adriel’s 6.9 million views yielded $4,471, most of which came from two long‑form videos; Paul Stingray’s shorts generated pennies compared to modest earnings from long‑form. The finance creator George Alexander saw his RPM climb from $2.73 to $658 within six months, underscoring niche premium. The takeaway for creators is clear: prioritize long‑form content, target high‑value niches, and consider audience location when forecasting revenue. Set up AdSense as soon as you meet the 500‑subscriber/3,000‑hour milestone to avoid weeks of lost earnings, and maintain realistic expectations about “life‑changing” income until you reach higher RPM tiers.