What is the average RPM for YouTube Shorts?

The average RPM for YouTube Shorts typically ranges from $0.01 to $0.08 per 1,000 views. This is much lower than long-form videos because Shorts rely on a pooled ad revenue model where creators keep 45% of allocated funds, rather than individual direct ad placements.

Why is long-form YouTube RPM so much higher than Shorts?

Long-form videos support high-value ad placements (such as pre-rolls, mid-rolls, and post-rolls) where advertisers pay a premium for viewer attention and intent. Shorts display ads in a swipeable feed between videos, which yields lower click-through rates and shorter ad engagement times.

Should I focus on YouTube Shorts or long-form videos?

Most creators use a hybrid strategy. YouTube Shorts are exceptional for discoverability, algorithm push, and rapid subscriber growth. Long-form videos are essential for generating sustainable ad revenue (since their RPM is 50x to 200x higher) and building deep viewer engagement.

How is YouTube Shorts ad revenue calculated?

Shorts revenue is calculated using a pooled model: all ad revenue from the Shorts feed in a country is pooled together, a portion is deducted to pay for music licensing, and the remaining Creator Pool is distributed to monetized creators based on their share of total country views. Creators receive 45% of their allocated share.

Can YouTube Shorts count toward monetization requirements?

Yes. You can qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) by gaining 1,000 subscribers and reaching either 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in 365 days, or 10 million valid public Shorts views in 90 days.

YouTube Shorts vs Long-Form Earnings Estimator

Compare estimated earnings of YouTube Shorts and long-form videos. Input your views and niche RPMs to find the most profitable content strategy.

YouTube Shorts Parameters

Monthly Shorts Views

Shorts RPM ($ per 1k views)

YouTube Long-Form Parameters

Monthly Long-Form Views

Long-Form RPM ($ per 1k views)

Display Currency

Shorts vs Long-Form Estimator

Enter view counts and RPM rates for both Shorts and long-form videos to compare payouts and understand the revenue contribution of each format.

Mathematical Audit

Shorts vs Long-Form Revenue Calculations

Estimated revenue is calculated by dividing monthly views by 1,000 and multiplying by the respective RPM (Revenue Per Mille) rate.

Shorts Revenue = (Shorts Monthly Views / 1000) * Shorts RPM

Long-Form Revenue = (Long-Form Monthly Views / 1000) * Long-Form RPM

Total Combined Revenue = Shorts Revenue + Long-Form Revenue

Shorts Revenue Share % = (Shorts Revenue / Total Revenue) * 100

Because Shorts RPM ($0.01-$0.08) is highly depressed compared to Long-form ($2.00-$20.00), you need roughly 100x to 200x more Shorts views to match long-form income.

Operational Guide

How to Compare YouTube Shorts & Long-Form Revenues

Enter Shorts Views & RPM

Input your monthly YouTube Shorts views and your current or estimated Shorts RPM (standard is $0.03-$0.05).

Enter Long-Form Views & RPM

Input your monthly long-form video views and average RPM (dependent on niche, standard is $4.00-$8.00).

Review Revenue Projections

Examine the monthly and annual projections for both formats to see which accounts for the majority of your earnings.

Plan Your Content Strategy

Determine if you need to adjust your ratio of Shorts to long-form videos to maximize your monetization ROI.

Real-World Scenario Example

"A creator gets 5,000,000 Shorts views at a $0.04 RPM, and 150,000 long-form views at a $6.00 RPM."

Inputs

shortsViews:5000000

shortsRpm:0.04

longformViews:150000

longformRpm:6

Result

Shorts earn $200.00/mo. Long-form earns $900.00/mo. Total monthly revenue is $1,100.00. Even with 33x more views, Shorts only account for 18.2% of the channel's revenue.

Important Disclaimer

Projections are estimates. Actual RPM rates fluctuate dynamically depending on audience geographic location, niche seasonality, and advertiser demand.

Internal Linking

Calculator Inputs

YouTube Shorts Parameters

YouTube Long-Form Parameters

Calculation Results

Shorts vs Long-Form Estimator

Shorts vs Long-Form Revenue Calculations

How to Compare YouTube Shorts & Long-Form Revenues

Enter Shorts Views & RPM

Enter Long-Form Views & RPM

Review Revenue Projections

Plan Your Content Strategy

Real-World Scenario Example

Important Disclaimer

What is the average RPM for YouTube Shorts?

Why is long-form YouTube RPM so much higher than Shorts?

Should I focus on YouTube Shorts or long-form videos?

How is YouTube Shorts ad revenue calculated?

Can YouTube Shorts count toward monetization requirements?

Related Calculators

YouTube Shorts Revenue Estimator

YouTube Shorts Growth Velocity Planner

YouTube AdSense RPM/CPM Forecaster

Calculator Inputs

YouTube Shorts Parameters

YouTube Long-Form Parameters

Calculation Results

Shorts vs Long-Form Estimator