What is the average CPM on YouTube?
Third-party benchmarks put US skippable in-stream ads at about $5 to $10 per 1,000 impressions, and $10 to $25 for tightly targeted audiences. CPM rises sharply in Q4. Google does not publish official averages.
YouTube CPM Calculator and Rates
YouTube skippable in-stream ads cost about $5 to $10 per 1,000 impressions in the US, rising to $10 to $25 for tightly targeted audiences. Shorts ads average around $4. Creators typically earn an RPM of $1 to $10 per 1,000 long-form views, but only a few cents to about $1.50 on Shorts. Sponsored integrations usually cost brands $15 to $40 per 1,000 views.
CPM
$10.00
Cost per 1,000 impressions or views.
YouTube CPM rates in 2026
| What | Per 1,000 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-stream ads, US | $5 to $10 | Up to $10 to $25 for in-market and custom intent audiences |
| Shorts ads, US | About $4 | Per 1,000 impressions |
| Long-form creator RPM | $1 to $10 | Finance and B2B channels reach $15 to $30 |
| Shorts creator RPM | $0.02 to $1.48 | Usually a small fraction of long-form RPM |
| Sponsored integrations | $15 to $40 effective CPM | Falls over time as the video keeps earning views |
YouTube does not publish official CPM or RPM benchmarks. These ranges are third-party estimates gathered in October 2026 and vary by country, niche, and season. Check your own analytics for actuals.
Pay YouTube creators by CPM
Set a rate per 1,000 views and a budget cap. Creators and clippers post, and you pay only for verified views on approved posts. Creators can join live clipping bounties and earn the same way.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between YouTube CPM and RPM?
CPM is what advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions. RPM is what the creator earns per 1,000 video views after YouTube takes its share and after views with no ad are counted. RPM is always lower than CPM.
How much do YouTube Shorts pay per 1,000 views?
Shorts RPM ranges from about $0.02 to $1.48 per 1,000 views in published channel data, a small fraction of long-form RPM in most niches. Music is the main exception.