YouTube has become a platform for individuals to share their talents and passions, but it has also become a lucrative business opportunity for many content creators. With millions of views on popular videos, one might wonder just how much money YouTubers make per view in 2017. In this article, we will explore this topic from various perspectives, shedding light on the different factors that contribute to a YouTuber’s earnings.
1. Ad Revenue
One of the main sources of income for YouTubers is through ad revenue. YouTube displays ads on videos and content creators earn a portion of the revenue generated from these ads. The earnings from ad revenue are influenced by factors such as the number of ads displayed, viewer engagement with ads, and advertiser demand.
Ad revenue is typically calculated using CPM (cost per thousand) or CPC (cost per click). CPM refers to the amount advertisers pay for every thousand ad impressions, while CPC refers to the payment received when viewers click on an ad. The actual rates vary depending on the niche, audience demographics, and ad campaign performance.
2. Monetization Eligibility
Not all YouTubers can monetize their videos and earn money per view. In order to be eligible for monetization, content creators must meet certain criteria set by YouTube. These criteria include having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. Once a YouTuber meets these requirements, they can apply for the YouTube Partner Program and monetize their videos.
3. Subscriber Base
The number of subscribers a YouTuber has plays a crucial role in their earnings. Subscribers are loyal viewers who tend to engage with the content consistently, increasing the overall view count. Additionally, a larger subscriber base can attract more advertisers and lead to higher ad rates.
However, it’s important to note that the quality of subscribers also matters. Active and engaged subscribers are more valuable than inactive ones, as they are more likely to watch the entire video and interact with the ads.
4. Video Length
The length of a video impacts a YouTuber’s earnings. Longer videos tend to have more ads, resulting in higher ad revenue. However, it is essential to strike a balance between video length and viewer engagement. Videos that are too lengthy can lead to higher drop-off rates, reducing the overall earnings potential.
5. Video Content
The content of a video is a significant factor in determining a YouTuber’s earnings per view. Advertisers are more interested in placing ads on videos that align with their target audience. Videos focusing on popular and highly engaged topics or niche markets tend to attract more advertisers and command higher ad rates.
Furthermore, YouTubers must ensure that their content is advertiser-friendly, avoiding controversial or sensitive subjects that may deter advertisers from placing ads on their videos.
6. Geographic Location
The region or country a YouTuber’s audience is primarily located in can influence the earnings per view. Ad rates vary based on the advertiser demand and purchasing power of viewers in different regions. For example, ads targeted at viewers from developed countries may have higher rates compared to ads targeted at viewers from developing nations.
In addition, some advertisers may choose to only show their ads in specific regions, limiting the potential ad revenue for YouTubers with a global audience.
7. Audience Engagement
Viewers’ engagement with the content, such as liking, commenting, and sharing, can indirectly impact a YouTuber’s earnings. Higher engagement indicates an active audience that is more likely to generate ad clicks or conversions for advertisers. This, in turn, can lead to increased ad rates for the YouTuber.
Content creators often strive to foster a community-like atmosphere, encouraging viewers to engage with their videos through calls to action or interactive content.
8. Brand Sponsorships and Partnerships
Aside from ad revenue, YouTubers can earn money through brand sponsorships and partnerships. Brands may approach YouTubers to promote their products or services, either through sponsored videos or integrated product placements. These partnerships can provide a significant additional source of income for YouTubers, beyond the earnings generated from ad revenue.
The amount of money earned through brand sponsorships varies widely depending on factors such as the size of the YouTuber’s audience, their niche, and the scope of the partnership.
9. Content Repurposing
Some YouTubers repurpose their videos and upload them on other platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram. This allows them to reach a wider audience and potentially earn additional revenue through ad placements or brand collaborations on those platforms.
10. Content Frequency
The frequency at which a YouTuber uploads content can impact their earnings per view. Regularly uploading new videos keeps the audience engaged and results in more views and potential ad impressions. However, it is crucial to find a balance between quantity and quality to maintain viewer interest and avoid burnout.
11. Video Thumbnails and Titles
The visual appeal of the video thumbnail and the compelling title can significantly impact the number of views a video receives. An attractive thumbnail and an intriguing title can attract more viewers, resulting in higher overall view counts and potential earnings.
12. Video Promotion
YouTubers who actively promote their videos on other platforms, such as social media or their own website, can increase their view counts and earnings per view. By leveraging existing audiences and driving traffic to their YouTube channel, content creators can expand their reach and attract more advertisers.
13. Average Watch Time
The average watch time of a YouTuber’s videos is an important metric that impacts their ad revenue. If viewers tend to watch a significant portion of the video, it indicates high viewer engagement and increases the likelihood of ads being viewed or clicked on. Higher watch times can result in higher ad rates and ultimately higher earnings per view.
14. Seasonal Trends and Events
Seasonal trends and events can influence a YouTuber’s earnings per view. Advertisers may increase their spending during peak seasons or around specific events, resulting in higher ad rates. For example, YouTubers who create content related to holidays or major sporting events may experience an increase in earnings during those periods.
15. YouTube Red Revenue
YouTubers can also earn a share of the revenue generated through YouTube’s premium subscription service, YouTube Red. While the earnings from YouTube Red are not directly tied to views, it can provide an additional source of income for content creators, based on factors such as watch time and viewer engagement.
Conclusion
Earnings for YouTubers per view in 2017 can vary significantly based on several factors. Ad revenue, subscriber base, video content and length, geographic location, audience engagement, brand sponsorships, content repurposing, and many other aspects influence the overall earnings potential. YouTubers need to consider these factors strategically to optimize their revenue and create sustainable businesses on the platform.
References:
1. Smith, J. (2017). Understanding the YouTube CPM. Creator Academy. Retrieved from https://creatoracademy.youtube.com/page/lesson/ad-rates
2. Wainwright, C. (2018). How to Monetize Your YouTube Channel. HubSpot. Retrieved from https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-monetize-your-youtube-channel
3. YouTube. (n.d.). YouTube Partner Program Overview. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/partner.html
About the author:
John Smith is a digital media strategist with expertise in content monetization and audience growth. He has helped numerous YouTubers and digital content creators optimize their revenue streams and establish successful online businesses. John is also an avid photographer and the creative mind behind the featured image in this article.