How to Calculate YouTube Video CPM
In video advertising, CPM measures the cost an advertiser pays for every 1,000 video ad impressions delivered across desktop, mobile, tablet, and connected TV devices:
YouTube Video CPM Formula
YouTube CPM
=
(
Video Ad Spend
Video Ad Impressions
)
×
1,000
Video Ad Impressions vs Total Video Views
When analyzing YouTube metrics, distinguishing between video ad impressions and total video views is important:
- Video Ad Impressions: The number of times a paid video ad was actually served and displayed before, during, or alongside video content.
- Total Video Views: The total count of times the host video was watched by users. Not every view serves an ad (due to ad-blocking, user subscription tiers, or ad frequency caps).
Understanding the Difference Between CPM and RPM
In digital video marketing, CPM and RPM reflect the two opposing perspectives of the video advertising marketplace:
| Metric | Perspective | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| CPM (Cost Per Mille) | Advertiser | Gross cost paid by the advertiser to buy 1,000 video ad impressions. |
| RPM (Revenue Per Mille) | Content Creator / Publisher | Net revenue earned by the creator per 1,000 total video views. |