the top gaming creators on YouTube pulled in over 300 million subscribers collectively.

 With numbers like that, it's safe to say that interest won't be declining any time soon; viewers will embrace gaming content for years to come.

Maybe that's why creators in the vidIQ community choose to leverage this popular niche. To prove that point, here are the top 15 gaming channels from the last month that outperformed everyone else!

Ready, Set, Game: Discover the Top YouTube Gaming Niches for 2023

 creates content around car simulation games.

is an FPS gamer who plays multiple titles.

is a content creator who likes animal survival games.

 does gameplay walkthroughs on popular titles.

uploads content on time simulation games.

creates gameplay videos on puzzle-based games.

 plays a variety of games and uploads walkthroughs.

 makes entertaining videos based on puzzle games.

makes tips and tricks videos as well as memes on popular games.

creates entertaining gaming content on several titles.

Congrats to every gaming creator who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

 and get robust tools, data, and video ideas.

Plus, check out these top YouTube channels to discover even more creators:

Person holding black Xbox controller playing video game on TV screen at home

Saluting gaming's newest YouTube stars! This list showcases 15 creators from the vidIQ community who defied the 'saturated niche' myth to grow their channels!

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [December]

 for many creators, especially those looking to quit their jobs and create full-time. It takes determination and informed strategy to take the leap into full-time content creation, backed by data and best practices. The best way to soften the landing, even as a large creator, is to estimate how much money you'll make.

One of the most common questions we receive is: "

How much does YouTube pay for 1 million views

" This question drives our research-based approach. After all, that's a massive number. Surely 

 can survive with that many views, right?

 to see how much money we'd make ourselves. Over 18 months, we meticulously tracked revenue across long-form content, YouTube Shorts, and livestreams to provide concrete payout examples. Now, we have 

Ready to see how much money we made? Watch the video below to hear Rob Wilson, our YouTuber-in-residence, reveal the payout for 1 million views. Or, keep scrolling to read the answer!

Before we get started, it helps to understand how YouTube monetization works. There are some tricky terms and abbreviations, so we'll demystify those and explain everything in detail.

Google AdSense, or video advertising revenue, is the main source of income for most monetized creators. Making money through this revenue stream is pretty straightforward: When viewers watch or click on ads inside of a video, the creator of that content makes money. Over time, thousands of ad views can amount to 

Learn beginner YouTube monetization tips and requirements

YouTube uses two metrics, CPM and RPM, to estimate a creator's earnings. 

 (cost per mille) is how much an advertiser pays per 1,000 views to run ads on YouTube videos. For example, some videos earn a CPM of $5, which means advertisers pay $5 per 1,000 views to promote their products and services.

However, YouTube splits all the advertising revenue with creators; they get 55% while YouTube takes the remaining 45%. So, 

 (revenue per mille) is a better estimate of a creator's take-home pay. It's what they make after YouTube takes its share of advertising and 

YouTube Revenue for 1 Million Video Views

OK, we won't keep you in suspense now that we've covered the basics. Our data shows that for 1 million views, the estimated payout was approximately $3,231.42 – a figure primarily driven by ad views and YouTube Premium revenues. Video ads and YouTube Premium collectively contribute to over 90% of total revenue, highlighting the critical role of ad engagement.

$3,231.42 sounds low for 1 million views. 

But Rob says it's because not every playback is monetized, as ad blockers and viewer behavior can significantly reduce the number of qualifying ad views.

"From these 1 million views, almost a quarter of a million were monetized views with a CPM of over $13," he says.

Detailed chart illustrating a $13.29 CPM with 249,557 monetized views from 1M+ total views

If we break this down, it looks something like this:

Even if you get 1 million views, it doesn't mean you'll automatically become rich and quit your day job. Other factors are at play, such as how many views YouTube 

 to monetize on your channel. You also have to consider seasonality, the location of your viewers, and the topic of your videos. When you're trying to get paid, all of these variables make a difference.

Understand that YouTube pays per ad view, not per total video view.

CPM and RPM metrics are key to estimating earnings.

Seasonality and viewer location significantly influence ad rates.

Different video types (long-form, Shorts, live) yield varying revenues.

Strategic ad placement and content niche can boost earnings.

Typically, the higher your YouTube CPM climbs, the more money you make. But did you know that CPMs fluctuate throughout the year? That's why a channel can experience revenue spikes and dips as the seasons change. In fact, CPMs on the vidIQ channel jumped from $9.21 in January to $13.42 in October.

Graph of rising YouTube CPMs over the year illustrating seasonality effects

"You might be working just as hard in January as you are in December, but the time of the year does dictate how much you're going to get paid," Rob says.

Another factor impacting your YouTube revenue is where your audience lives. Some regions have bigger economies than others, so advertisers pay more money to run ads. This leads to higher CPMs in places like the US and lower CPMs in places like India.

For example, Rob says we earn an average CPM of $1.36 in India. But in the US, that figure rises to $18.88.

"Ten percent of our audience is watching from India, which is over half a million views a month," Rob says. "But if you look at the contrast in CPMs [for India and the U.S.] that's a 10X difference."

A table showing higher CPMs for U.S. views and lower ones for Indian views

The topic of your videos can also affect your YouTube revenue. We've noticed that some videos have lower CPMs, while others are well into the double digits.

For example, we posted two videos on our channel: one about gaining subscribers and another about the YouTube algorithm. The algorithm video has a CPM of $20.67, but the subscriber one is stuck at $1.13.

It turns out that more US viewers watched the algorithm video, which 

 the overall CPM. On the flip side, more Indian viewers watched the subscriber video, which 

"The topic and the terminology used in the packaging of the video can drastically impact the demographics of the audience, which, in turn, changes the revenue a video can potentially make," Rob says.

Revenue for 1 Million YouTube Shorts Views

So far, we've shared our revenue for long-form videos only. But what about 

If you know anything about Shorts revenue, then you know it's a lot lower than other types of content. From November 4-21, we only made 

 after getting 1 million views. That's an RPM of $0.09 per 1,000 views, which is pretty low.

YouTube Shorts revenue of $95.29 for 1 million views

"At this rate, you need 100 million views to bring in $10,000," Rob admits.

Unlike Shorts, you can earn a lot of money with live content. In fact, the vidIQ YouTube channel made 

 after reaching 1 million streams! That's an RPM of $10.69 per 1,000 views, which is outstanding.

"This is because you can tap into your audience directly using features like 

Infographic showing livestream revenue exceeding $10,800 for 1M views

A breakdown of livestream revenue, including Super Chats, ads, and memberships

Most of the revenue comes from Super Chats, which are "tips" that can only be sent during livestreams. But what inspires our viewers to donate them so frequently?

The secret is that we go live every week and answer 

 When creators send us a Super Chat, we prioritize answering their questions on the livestream!

Comparing Video Types for Maximum Revenue

After reaching 1 million views, it's clear that some video types are more lucrative than others. If we had to rank them, the order would be:

This table compares YouTube monetization metrics for long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams, including total views, monetized views, CPM, and revenue.

This depends on channel size, topic, and viewer engagement, but the trend is clear. Livestreams offer dual revenue streams—through real-time fan funding and ongoing ad revenue—making them one of the most lucrative formats for creators.

CPM (cost per mille) rates vary significantly across regions, reflecting differences in advertising budgets, economic conditions, and audience purchasing power. In high-income markets like the United States or Western Europe, advertisers invest more in reaching audiences, driving CPMs considerably higher. Conversely, regions such as India or parts of Latin America may see lower CPMs due to smaller ad spending and varying consumer behavior.

These regional disparities can have a profound impact on overall earnings, as a creator's audience composition may determine the average revenue per thousand monetized views. Understanding these variations is crucial for creators aiming to optimize their content strategy. By analyzing their audience demographics, creators can tailor their content to attract viewers from regions with higher CPMs, potentially increasing revenue. 

Additionally, creators might consider partnering with brands or running targeted campaigns that appeal specifically to lucrative markets. Monitoring analytics and adjusting content strategies can help maximize earnings even if a channel has a diverse global audience. 

While ad revenue forms the core of YouTube earnings, creators can unlock additional income streams to boost overall revenue. Diversifying monetization methods helps mitigate the fluctuations inherent in ad-based income. For example, brand partnerships and sponsorships allow creators to secure fixed deals that often pay more reliably than variable ad revenues. 

Membership programs and channel subscriptions also offer a steady income, providing exclusive perks to dedicated followers. Livestreams can further enhance earnings through Super Chats, where fans directly contribute during live sessions, creating a more interactive revenue model. Merchandise sales and affiliate marketing are other avenues that help supplement earnings by leveraging the creator’s brand. 

Now that you how much YouTube paysfor 1 million views, here's what YouTube pays for 1,000 subscribers!

A man smiling below the number 1 million in yellow font

Smiling man with beard celebrating 1,000,000 views and money in the background.

Have you ever wondered what YouTube pays creators who earn 1 million views? Today, we'll reveal the answer!

How Much Does YouTube Pay for 1 Million Views?

Whether you're looking at individual videos or your entire channel, 

 are more than just a vanity metric. They reveal how often (and how well)  you seek to build a community, engage with viewers, and increase your visibility. 

So, how many likes have you gotten lately? Most aren’t aware, but 

 is more likely to promote videos where people have completely 

That's why every creator, big and small, should ask a simple question: 

Every channel is different, so there is no “one-size fits all” answer to this question. For smaller channels, even a few dozen likes can be significant, while larger channels may aim for thousands. Aiming for a like rate of about 

 (of total views) is a reasonable benchmark.

So far, we know that likes can improve your visibility on YouTube. But did you know they can also boost your channel's authority? Viewers tend to click on videos with thousands of likes and views, improving search rankings for that content. 

? Just follow these steps, and let the likes roll in.

The cornerstone of any successful YouTube channel is compelling content. Your videos should resonate with your audience 

 provide value, whether it's through entertainment, information, or inspiration. Learn your viewers' core desires, then make videos that speak directly to those interests and needs.

A good way to do this is by making incentive-based content for your viewers. That way, it feels like they're part of the creation process. 

 viewers to reach a specific number of likes, then do a special giveaway if they're successful.

 viewers to vote for their preferences with the like button. For example, if they want a specific video posted, ask them to reach 1,000 likes, 5,000 likes, 10,000, etc.

 pinned comments to encourage viewers to hit the like button.

Building a loyal community is key, especially if you want people to take specific actions on your channel. You can start by:

These are natural ways to connect with your audience and get them used to engaging with you. Once they're actively participating, it won't seem like a stretch to do other things too (like tapping the like button). 

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

It's hard to get more likes on YouTube if no one's watching your content. First impressions do matter, so make sure your titles and thumbnails are borderline 

. They should be clear, attractive, and reflective of your video's topic. And most importantly, thumbnails need to stand out amongst the competition.

Collaboration is a powerful tool. By partnering with other creators, you can tap into new audiences and bring fresh eyeballs to your content. If they like what they see, they may drop a like on your video.

Plus, this is a fantastic way to collect likes from people who haven't seen your videos before. And when they do hit that thumbs-up button, YouTube will suggest your content to 

The Top 5 YouTube Collaboration Ideas to Try Right Now

One thing to optimize within your content (and it's very subtle) is the total length of your video. Do your best to align every minute of screen time with the value of your content, and resist the urge to go a second longer! After all, a video won't be engaging if it drags on unnecessarily. Film concise yet exciting content that makes people lean in for a like.

It seems obvious, but the only way to get more likes is to, well...



Upload content regularly, and your audience will keep coming back for more, raising the chance of more likes. After all, 

. So, don't leave your viewers hanging for weeks on end with no new videos. Give them what they want so they can 

One of the best predictors of earning more YouTubes likes is getting more people to watch your content. And you can do that by:

Share them on other platforms to drive traffic back to your channel, increasing views and likes simultaneously.

video descriptions and titles to get your content discovered and create opportunities for more likes.

Encourage viewers to watch more of your content in a single session, so they can like multiple videos.

Trending content is more likely to be shared and liked, as it resonates with what viewers are currently interested in.

Review your YouTube analytics to refine your content strategy and attract more likes.

Of all the tips and tricks, this is the simplest one that creators forget to do. Sometimes, viewers just need a gentle nudge. Reminding them to like a video can do wonders for your numbers now and in the future.

Using all these tips will improve the number of likes on your videos and make your channel a favorite to the algorithm. 

By the way, here's how to make the algorithm recommend your videos!

Cursor hovering over blue thumbs-up like button with 4.1K likes on digital interface

Getting more YouTube likes is a great way to improve your channel's overall performance. Here's how to encourage people to hit the thumbs-up button!

How to Get More YouTube Likes [and Influence the Algorithm]

In an era where technology intertwines with our daily routines, YouTube's tech channels are a cornerstone for the digitally savvy. Not only do they help people stay updated, but they also empower others to make informed decisions about today's gadgets. From the latest smartphone features to life-enhancing software hacks, YouTubers are the gurus, guiding millions of people through the tech landscape.

In fact, YouTube's influence is undeniable. It eclipses even the most popular cable networks among adults ages 18-34 in the U.S. 

And,  64% of tech purchases are influenced by its content. 

This power has sparked a new wave of tech creators, each vying to be the trusted source for your next iPhone, tablet, laptop, and countless other devices.

As we spotlight the fastest-growing tech channels from the vidIQ community, here are 10 innovators who truly stand out.

 teaches non-technical audiences to build and automate their online businesses.

 makes insightful content on data comparisons and analyses.

 makes videos about making money online leveraging AI tools.

 tells fascinating stories about technology and engineering.

 provides informative product reviews on everything tech-related.

 specializes in giving low-cost or no-cost ways to leverage AI.

 creates tutorials for using AI platforms.

 creates tutorials on different editing platforms.

 creates comprehensive videos on all your data and analytics queries.

Congrats to every tech creator who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

Man smiling while using a white virtual reality headset against a plain background

Celebrating the latest tech stars on YouTube! This list showcases 10 tech creators from the vidIQ community who performed brilliantly!

10 Fastest-Growing Tech Channels on YouTube [November]

If you use an ad blocker on your browser and have tried to watch a YouTube video recently, you may have seen a prompt like this pop up:

“Ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service."

“It looks like you may be using an ad blocker. Video playback is blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled."

“Ads allow YouTube to be used by billions worldwide at no charge."

“You can go ad-free with YouTube Premium, and creators still get paid from your subscriptions."

YouTube's stance against ad blockers has been a topic of heated discussion among creators and viewers alike. While ad blockers may seem like a convenient way to skip through commercials, their impact on the YouTube ecosystem is far-reaching.

Let's delve into some critical questions to understand why YouTube is cracking down on ad blockers and what it means for everyone involved.

Why Is YouTube Taking a Stand Against AdBlock?

, ads have contributed the lion’s share of revenue for most creators. And, YouTube has consistently earned lots of ad revenue in comparison to other platforms. So, it’s necessary to keep the advertisers happy and returning to the platform year after year, and adblockers stand in total opposition to this.

YouTube reported a significant fall of 2.6% year over year

 as advertisers pulled back from the platform due to economic uncertainty. YouTube raked in $6.69 billion in advertising revenue in early 2023 compared to $6.87 billion during the same period last year. So, it makes sense for YouTube to become proactive now!

How Does This Affect Your YouTube Channel?

Even if you aren't monetized, YouTube's new approach to ad blockers could affect your channel. The first two sentences of the error message (above), emphasize that YouTube is responding to ad blockers by 

A monetized creator will feel the sting of this, but not as sharply as someone who isn't monetized yet. New creators need every video view and every ounce of watch time to 

 for the YouTube Partner Program and get monetized. It's hard to do that when your videos aren't being shown to some viewers!

YouTube shares ad revenue with creators, offering them healthy pay for their efforts. Ad blockers cut into this shared income, affecting the platform's financial health. 

So, the revenue generated from ads helps YouTube invest in new features and improve user experience.

Plus, these benefits are also at stake if ad revenue disappears:

 To continue producing high-quality content, creators need financial support. Ads provide that cushion.

By watching ads, viewers help to compensate creators for their effort and time.

YouTube has been working on making ads more relevant and less intrusive, which could improve the overall viewing experience.

Ad revenue creates long-term sustainability for the platform.

With reduced revenue, YouTube might find it challenging to support creators, which could lead to a decline in content quality.

Just Got Monetized on YouTube? 4 Tips to Boost Your AdSense Revenue

How to Increase Views, Revenue, and Watch Time Despite Ad Blocking

Now that you know how ad blockers affect your channel, is there anything you can do to keep your metrics high? Absolutely!

 how ad blockers hinder you from creating the content they love. In the same way that you ask for likes and comments, ask your viewers to disable their ad blockers. Emphasize that you love your community and you want to be there for them always. If they can't watch your videos due to ad blockers, it's almost impossible to build that relationship.

, a service that allows for ad-free viewing. 

 YouTube made it clear that using ad blockers is a no-go according to their Terms of Service. However, YouTube will warn viewers of that fact and ask them to disable any ad blockers. If the requests are ignored, that's when playback may be disabled.

The crackdown on ad blockers is not just a move to protect the platform's revenue but also an effort to sustain the community of creators who rely on that revenue. 

So, the next time you think about using an ad blocker, consider the bigger picture and how it impacts other creators.

And if you're not monetized yet, don't make these three mistakes with your channel!

Browser window with red "Skip Ad" button and cursor hand icon clicking it

YouTube revenue isn't the only thing in jeopardy when viewers use ad blockers; they also affect channel views and watch time. Here's why!

Can Ad Blockers Tank Your YouTube Views and Watch Time?

As a content creator, it's wise to approach long-form videos and YouTube Shorts differently — especially if the goal is to get more views. After all, viewers don't engage with these content types in the same manner. According to 

, Shorts are discovered, watched, and enjoyed at a different pace.

The biggest difference of all? Things like titles, thumbnails, and hashtags are crucial for longs but not as dire for Shorts. The Shorts player serves up videos in a never-ending carousel and doesn't ask you to choose anything based on "decorative" elements.

 write good titles for your Shorts? Quite the opposite! There are plenty of reasons to optimize them, even when viewers are scrolling at lightning speed.

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, look at the layout of the YouTube Shorts player. You'll notice a few things in the following order:

Admittedly, the title of the Short appears near the bottom. You might think, 

, but YouTube is drawing attention to this area with 

With related links, a viewer can now watch your Short, spot a link at the bottom, click on it, and view additional content on your channel. That could be a live stream, long-form video, or even another Short! And, by the way, those links are 

 YouTube pulls them from the title of the related video.

An even better title for the related video

For that reason alone, it makes sense to craft the best video titles for your Shorts!

If you're stuck on what kind of Shorts to make next, our 

Remember how we said Shorts are showing up in YouTube searches? This means shorter videos can also be viewed as regular YouTube content, complete with advertisements and a comment section. 

That's right! Your title serves a dual purpose on YouTube. It gives context to related links in the Shorts player 

 helps your content rank higher on search pages — especially when using relevant keywords.

Crafting the Best Title for YouTube Shorts

So, how do you write a title that does justice to your Short? Here are some actionable tips:

Your title should give viewers a snapshot of what to expect. Misleading titles might get you clicks, but they won't win you fans.

Make your audience wonder what's in the video. Pose a question, or use intriguing adjectives. The goal is to make them stop scrolling and start watching.

Analyzing Popular YouTube Shorts: What Makes Them Go Viral?

Yes, we're talking about SEO (search engine optimization) for Shorts. 

 that are both relevant to your content and what your audience is likely searching for. But remember, while keywords are important, they're not the end-all-be-all.

There was a time when YouTube Shorts titles didn't matter, but that's slowly changing. Here's why you need them, plus a few tips for writing the best Shorts titles!

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [December]

How Much Does YouTube Pay for 1 Million Views?

How to Get More YouTube Likes [and Influence the Algorithm]

10 Fastest-Growing Tech Channels on YouTube [November]

Can Ad Blockers Tank Your YouTube Views and Watch Time?

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts

5 Reasons to Start Vlogging on YouTube (and Quit Faceless Content)

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [August]

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive