YouTube Shorts offers content creators an opportunity to earn money, but the payout for viral videos is significantly lower compared to traditional YouTube videos and other platforms like TikTok. The average revenue for Shorts is about $0.05 per thousand views, meaning one million views can generate around $32. This is much less than the earnings on platforms like TikTok, which can range from $20 to $40 per million views.

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Creator Reveals Surprising Earnings for 1 Million Views on YouTube Shorts

Content creators who have ventured into the world of YouTube Shorts may be wondering how much money they can make from their viral videos. Recently, one creator revealed the surprisingly low amount he was paid for one million views on the platform, shedding light on the financial realities for many creators.

How Much Can Creators Earn on YouTube Shorts vs. TikTok & Instagram

In the competitive world of content creation, turning your passion into a profitable career often depends on how well you can monetize your content. Unfortunately, not all social media platforms are created equal, and some offer far better earning potential than others. So, just how much can creators earn from YouTube Shorts, and how does it compare to other platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

How Much Can You Earn on YouTube Shorts?

As a relatively new feature of YouTube, Shorts is not yet on the same level as traditional YouTube videos when it comes to earning potential. The platform has its own model for calculating revenue, which significantly impacts how much money creators can make.

According to TubeBuddy, the average revenue per thousand views (RPM) for a traditional YouTube video is about $3 (£2.46). In simpler terms, a video with 100,000 views would typically earn a creator around $300 (£244). However, earnings can vary widely, with some creators making much more and others making significantly less.

In comparison, the RPM for YouTube Shorts is much lower. On average, creators earn around $0.05 (£0.04) per thousand views, meaning that for the same 100,000 views, the income would be much less. This reflects the fact that YouTube Shorts is still growing and may not yet offer the same financial rewards as longer, traditional videos.

Earnings for One Million Views on YouTube Shorts

The reality becomes even clearer when looking at one million views. TubeBuddy, a popular tool used by YouTube creators, revealed that they made a total of $99 (£81) for 3.1 million views on their Shorts. This means that for every million views, creators are earning roughly $32 (£26). While this might sound like a decent payout at first glance, it’s important to remember that the amount is much lower than what can be earned from longer videos on the platform.

Credits: Tube Buddy

How Does YouTube Shorts Compare to Other Platforms?

YouTube Shorts isn’t the only platform that uses the RPM model to calculate creator earnings. TikTok, another major platform for short-form videos, also pays creators based on a similar model. However, the payout varies depending on the creator and the region.

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TikTok Creators Can Earn $20-$40 Per Million Views, But Eligibility Varies

Reports suggest that TikTok creators can earn anywhere from $20 to $40 (£16-£32) per million views through the TikTok Creator Fund or TikTok Creativity Program. This is noticeably higher than what creators make on YouTube Shorts. However, it’s worth noting that not all TikTok creators are eligible for these funds, especially those from certain countries. For many, this means relying more heavily on brand sponsorships and other revenue streams to make a living.

In conclusion, while YouTube Shorts offers an opportunity for creators to earn money from their viral content, the earnings are still relatively low compared to other platforms like TikTok. As the platform continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether YouTube will increase its payout rates for Shorts creators to remain competitive in the short-form video space.