Most RPM guides rely on estimates—but this breakdown is based on actual reports from real YouTubers across Reddit and other communities. These creators have shared what they earn per 1,000 views across different content types and regions. Whether you’re in finance, gaming, or vlogging, this real-world data can help you understand what to expect—and where the earning potential really is, whether you compare your YouTube RPM by category or by country.
Before diving into the RPM data, you can quickly check what your channel might already be worth. Our YouTube Money Calculator lets you input your views and CPM to estimate how much you could be earning from ads alone. It’s a fast, practical way to see where you stand—and where you might want to improve.
What Does RPM Stand for on YouTube?
RPM, or Revenue Per Mille, tells you how much you actually earn per 1,000 views on YouTube. It includes ad revenue, YouTube Premium payouts, channel memberships, and other monetized features. Unlike CPM, which shows what advertisers are paying per 1,000 ad impressions, RPM reflects what lands in your account—after YouTube’s cut, unpaid views, and ad blockers are factored in. That’s why your CPM might be $20, but your RPM ends up closer to $8.
Highest YouTube RPM by Category in 2025 (With Creator Reports)
Some categories reliably attract advertisers willing to pay more per viewer. These are the top categories based on user reports:
Finance / Investing – Regularly hits $15–$40 RPM. Personal finance, saving hacks, investing tips, and budgeting all fall here.
Business / SEO / Blogging – High demand. $10–$50+ possible with B2B audiences, especially in topics like affiliate marketing, ecommerce, and side hustles.
Real Estate – RPMs between $13–$30 thanks to high-ticket buyers and local service ads.
Law / Legal Commentary – Niche but valuable. Legal explainers and case analysis bring in $20+ RPM.
Crypto & Web3 – Volatile but rewarding during hype cycles. Creators reported $7–$25, sometimes higher.
Productivity & Tech Reviews – Tech-focused content often gets $5–$15, especially when paired with affiliate income.
Online Education / Self-Improvement – Often underrated, but creators report $7–$12, with steady interest and consistent watch time.
These categories thrive because they align with high-intent users—people likely to buy services or tools, which advertisers love.
Low-RPM Niches
These categories tend to attract massive audiences but bring in less per view:
Music Channels – Average RPM is $0.25–$1 due to revenue sharing and copyright restrictions.
Gaming – Creators typically earn $1–$4 RPM. Popular genre, but flooded with competition.
Vlogging / Lifestyle / Entertainment – RPM ranges from $1–$5. Monetization relies heavily on brand deals or merchandise.
Reactions, Skits, Commentary – Engagement may be high, but RPM isn’t. Often in the $1–$4 range unless tied to a high-value niche.
Even with low RPM, many creators in these niches succeed through sheer view volume, loyal fans, or monetization beyond ads.
How to Rank YouTube RPM by Country
Your content category isn’t the only factor. Where your viewers are from heavily influences RPM.
US, UK, Canada, Australia – These are high-value markets with strong advertiser competition. RPMs of $5–$15+ are common here.
Germany, Norway, Netherlands – Less talked about, but also high-RPM regions with strong ecommerce advertisers.
India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia – RPMs are often $0.20–$2, even for long videos with good engagement.
Latin America & Africa – RPMs vary, but often range $0.40–$2.50, depending on category and demand.
So even if you’re based in a lower-RPM country, targeting international or English-speaking audiences can help boost your earnings.
What Actually Affects Your RPM
RPM is complex—but there are ways to increase it intentionally:
Audience Location: Your RPM mostly reflects where your audience lives, not where you film. If most of your viewers are from countries with low ad spend, your RPM will stay low, even in a high-value category.
Video Type & Watch Time: Videos over 8 minutes allow mid-roll ads. Longer watch times = more ads shown = more money earned. Some creators make 15-minute videos just for this reason.
Monetization Mix: AdSense isn’t the only game in town. YouTube Premium views, Super Thanks, memberships, and affiliate links all count toward RPM. If your viewers use Premium, you’re more likely to get stable, ad-free earnings—and you won’t have to worry about interruptions from things like the shuffle feature.
Advertiser Intent: Categories where viewers are ready to buy—like finance or tech—naturally attract higher-paying advertisers. Categories that are just for fun? Not so much.
FAQs About YouTube RPM
Why Is My RPM So Low Compared to Others?
Common reasons:
- You’re in a low-RPM category like music or vlogging.
- Your audience is mostly from low-ad-spend countries.
- Your videos are short or not monetized beyond ads.
- You haven’t enabled other income options like memberships or affiliates.
Can I Raise My RPM Without Changing My Niche?
Yes—optimize your titles to attract a more valuable audience, make longer videos, and diversify your income sources. You can also check what similar creators are doing and adjust your content strategy. If you’re stuck in a niche with limited growth, try finding similar YouTube channels to see what’s working in parallel categories.
What RPM Is Considered “Good”?
For most categories, $5+ RPM is solid. $10+ is excellent. Some creators hit $30+—but that’s usually rare, tied to business or finance, and dependent on location.
Smart Ways to Boost Your RPM
- Make Long-Form Evergreen Content – Tutorials, reviews, and explainers tend to get more ads and more watch time.
- Use Affiliate Links or Brand Deals – A low RPM doesn’t matter if you’re earning on the back end.
- Target Higher-RPM Viewers – Consider how your title, language, and SEO strategy can pull in viewers from better-paying regions.
- Leverage Community Posts and Comments – Comments help videos get surfaced more. Learn how comments likes impact growth to drive views and revenue in low-RPM niches.
Final Thoughts
RPM isn’t a guarantee of success. It’s a number—and one that shifts depending on country, topic, audience, and time of year. But it can be a powerful tool for making informed content decisions. Whether you’re looking to understand your YouTube RPM by category or by country, it’s just as important to know how to increase it—and turn your content into a sustainable, profitable channel regardless of what you post.
If you’re just starting out, don’t obsess over hitting a magic RPM. Focus on your niche, understand your audience, and optimize your monetization strategy. With time, your income will reflect your strategy, not just your topic.
