YouTube has taken the world by storm, with an estimated 2 billion active monthly users watching over 1 billion hours of content every day. The platform has become a go-to destination for people seeking entertainment, education, or just a way to pass the time.
One of the most fascinating aspects of YouTube is how creators can earn money from their content. Unlike traditional media outlets, which rely on advertising and subscription revenue, YouTube allows creators to generate income through a variety of channels.
The most common method is through ad revenue, where creators receive a portion of the money paid by advertisers to run ads on their videos. But there are also sponsorships, merchandise sales, and other revenue streams available to those who build a large enough following.
In this article, we’ll dive into the question that many aspiring YouTubers are eager to know: how much money can a creator make from 100 million views?

The YouTube Partnership Program
What to Know? | Brief Information |
Factors That Impact YouTube Revenue | Various factors can impact a YouTube creator’s revenue potential, including niche audience size, engagement rates, subscriber count, and optimizing content. |
Niche Audience Size | The size of a creator’s target audience can greatly impact their revenue potential. |
Engagement Rates | The engagement rate of a creator’s audience can also impact their revenue potential. |
Subscriber Count | The number of subscribers a creator has can also impact their revenue potential. |
Optimizing Content and Marketing Strategies | Creators can optimize their content and marketing strategies to maximize their revenue potential. |
Examples of Successful YouTube Creators | YouTube creators have leveraged various strategies to build their audience and increase their revenue potential. |
If you’re a content creator on YouTube, you may have heard of the YouTube Partnership Program (YPP).
This program is an exclusive opportunity for creators to monetize their content and access additional resources to grow their channels.
What Is the YouTube Partnership Program?
The YPP is a program that allows creators to monetize their content and access additional resources and support from YouTube.
To be eligible for the program, creators must meet certain requirements, including a minimum number of subscribers and views on their channel.
How to Join the YouTube Partnership Program?
To join the YPP, creators need to apply through their YouTube account. Here are the steps to follow:
- Check your eligibility: Before applying for the YPP, creators need to ensure they meet the minimum requirements. As of 2023, these are:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 watch hours throughout the past year
- Observing YouTube’s community guidelines and terms of service
- Submit your application: Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you can submit your application through your YouTube account. YouTube will review your channel and content to ensure it meets their standards for advertiser-friendly content.
- Wait for approval: YouTube will notify you if your application is approved or rejected. Be patient; this procedure might take many weeks.
Benefits of Joining the YouTube Partnership Program
So why should creators strive to join the YPP? Here are some of the benefits:
- Monetization features: Perhaps the most significant benefit of the YPP is the ability to earn money from your content through ads. Creators can earn a portion of the revenue generated by ads on their videos, as well as from YouTube Premium subscribers watching their content.
- Additional resources: Creators in the YPP also gain access to additional resources and support from YouTube. These include:
- A dedicated team of YouTube staff who can help creators with any issues they encounter.
- Access to tools that help creators manage their content and prevent copyright infringement.
- A library of educational resources to help creators improve their content and grow their channel.
- Community perks: Joining the YPP also gives creators access to a community of fellow creators who can offer advice, support, and collaboration opportunities.

YouTube Ad Revenue
YouTube creators can monetize their content and earn money through various channels, with ad revenue being one of the most significant sources of income.
Here’s how it works.
How YouTube Ad Revenue Works?
The process of earning ad revenue on YouTube is straightforward: creators allow ads to be placed on their videos, and in return, they receive a portion of the revenue generated by those ads.
The amount of money a creator can earn from ad revenue is influenced by a variety of factors.
Factors Impacting Ad Revenue
Several factors can influence the amount of money a creator can earn from ad revenue, including:
- Ad format: The format of the ad can impact revenue, with skippable ads generally paying less than non-skippable ads.
- Viewer demographics: The age, gender, and location of viewers can impact the amount of ad revenue earned. To target particular audiences, advertisers could have to spend more.
- Engagement rates: Creators with higher engagement rates, such as longer watch times and higher click-through rates, are typically more attractive to advertisers and can earn more ad revenue.
Types of Ads on YouTube
YouTube videos may contain a variety of advertisements, including:
- Pre-roll ads: These ads play before a video starts and can be skippable or non-skippable.
- Display ads: These ads appear as banners or overlays on the video player and can be clicked to go to the advertiser’s website.
- Sponsored cards: These are ads that appear as small boxes within a video and can be clicked to reveal more information or links.

Calculating Revenue from 100 Million Views
Now that we have a better understanding of how YouTube ad revenue works, let’s dive into the big question: how much money can a YouTuber make from 100 million views?
The answer to this question isn’t straightforward, as the revenue generated from ads on a video can vary depending on various factors.
Average CPM Rates for YouTube Ads
CPM, or “cost per thousand” impressions, is the amount of money a YouTuber can earn for every thousand ad views on their video. CPM rates can vary widely depending on the type of ad and the audience demographic. According to recent studies, the average CPM rates for YouTube ads are around:
- $7.60 for display ads
- $9.68 for overlay ads
- $6.25 for sponsored cards
- $20 for skippable video ads
- $0.30 for non-skippable video ads
It’s important to note that these are just averages and that CPM rates can fluctuate significantly based on several factors.
Factors That Impact CPM Rates
Several factors can impact the CPM rates for YouTube ads. Some of these include:
- Seasonality: Advertisers tend to spend more money on ads during certain times of the year, such as the holiday season.
- Advertiser demand: The number of advertisers bidding on ad space can also impact CPM rates. If there are many advertisers competing for ad space, CPM rates may increase.
- Ad format: Different ad formats have different CPM rates, as we saw earlier.
Example Calculations
Let’s take a closer look at how much money a YouTuber can make from 100 million views. We’ll use the average CPM rates listed above to estimate revenue, but keep in mind that these are just estimates and that actual earnings can vary widely. Here are a few examples:
- Display ads: At an average CPM rate of $7.60, a YouTuber can earn $760 for every 1000 ad views. With 100 million views, this translates to approximately $760,000 in revenue.
- Skippable video ads: At an average CPM rate of $20, a YouTuber can earn $20 for every 1000 ad views. With 100 million views, this translates to approximately $2 million in revenue.
- Non-skippable video ads: At an average CPM rate of $0.30, a YouTuber can earn $0.30 for every 1000 ad views. With 100 million views, this translates to approximately $30,000 in revenue.
Keep in mind that these calculations are just estimates and that a YouTuber’s actual earnings can vary widely based on several factors.

Other Revenue Sources for YouTube Creators
YouTube ad revenue is a significant source of income for many creators, but it’s not the only way to make money on the platform.
Here are some other ways that creators can earn money on YouTube:
1. Sponsorships
Sponsorships are a popular revenue source for YouTube creators. Brands will pay creators to promote their products or services in their videos. Creators with large followings and engaged audiences are particularly attractive to brands.
To secure sponsorships, creators need to build their brand and reputation as a trusted voice in their niche. Creators can also sign up for influencer marketing platforms that connect them with brands looking for influencers.
2. Merchandise Sales
Many YouTube creators sell merchandise to their fans. Creators can sell a wide variety of products, such as clothing, phone cases, and posters, with their branding and logos. Creators can also create custom products related to their niche, such as cooking utensils or workout equipment.
Creators can set up their own online stores or use third-party platforms like Teespring or Redbubble to sell merchandise.
3. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon allow creators to receive ongoing financial support from their fans.
Creators can offer exclusive content or perks to their supporters, such as early access to videos, shoutouts, or behind-the-scenes content.
Successful Creators With Diverse Revenue Streams
Many successful YouTube creators have built diverse revenue streams beyond ad revenue alone. Here are some examples:
- Rhett and Link from Good Mythical Morning have built a media empire that includes merchandise sales, a podcast, and a live tour.
- Lilly Singh, known as Superwoman on YouTube, has released a book and hosted her own talk show in addition to her YouTube content.
- Nate O’Brien, a personal finance creator, has a Patreon page where he offers exclusive content and access to his Discord community.
Diversifying revenue streams is a smart strategy for YouTube creators, as it provides a more stable income and protects against changes in ad revenue rates or changes to the YouTube algorithm.

Factors That Impact YouTube Revenue
1. Niche Audience Size
- The size of a creator’s target audience can greatly impact their revenue potential.
- A smaller niche audience may have fewer advertisers targeting them, resulting in lower CPM rates.
- However, a smaller niche audience may also be more engaged and willing to support the creator through other revenue streams.
- On the other hand, a larger, more mainstream audience may have more advertisers and higher CPM rates but may be less engaged with the creator’s content.
2. Engagement Rates
- The engagement rate of a creator’s audience can also impact their revenue potential.
- A higher engagement rate, such as more likes, comments, and shares, can signal to advertisers that the audience is more likely to pay attention to their ads.
- This can lead to higher CPM rates and more revenue potential.
3. Subscriber Count
- The number of subscribers a creator has can also impact their revenue potential.
- A larger subscriber count can attract more advertisers and lead to higher CPM rates.
- However, it’s important to note that a large subscriber count doesn’t necessarily equate to a large engaged audience, and engagement rates should also be considered.
4. Optimizing Content and Marketing Strategies
- Creators can optimize their content and marketing strategies to maximize their revenue potential.
- This includes creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with their target audience, and leveraging SEO and social media marketing to reach a wider audience.
- Creators can also experiment with different revenue streams beyond ad revenue, such as sponsorships, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding.
Conclusion
- YouTube ad revenue is an important source of income for many creators, but it’s not the only one. Diversifying revenue streams can help mitigate risks and increase overall revenue potential.
- Successful YouTube creators understand the importance of building a strong brand, engaging with their audience, and leveraging a variety of revenue sources.
- Beyond ad revenue, creators can generate income through sponsorships, merchandise sales, crowdfunding, and other strategies.
- By optimizing their content and marketing strategies, building a loyal following, and exploring new revenue streams, YouTube creators can achieve significant success and financial stability.