Monetisation Reality
How Much YouTube Really Pays Small Creators
Most creators overestimate AdSense because they see highlight numbers in big niches. Small channels live in a different world. Here’s the honest range and why it varies so much.
Small channel RPM ranges
On small channels, RPM can range widely depending on niche, audience location, and season. Finance and software channels can see high RPMs. Lifestyle and travel often sit lower. That’s the reality, not a judgment.
Why RPM swings so much
- Audience location (US/UK often pay higher).
- Niche advertiser demand (finance > travel).
- Seasonality (Q4 is higher, Q1 is lower).
- Video length and ad density.
These factors are outside your control, which is why I don’t treat AdSense as a strategy.
AdSense is not the plan
AdSense is a baseline, not a business model. It can help, but it won’t stabilize your income alone. That’s why I recommend reading Why AdSense Alone Is a Trap and pairing it with other revenue streams.
What I tell new creators
If you’re in the first year, focus on audience fit and watch time. Monetisation is a later stage problem. If you chase money too early, you compromise the content and slow growth. The timeline piece matters here: growth takes time.
I share revenue ranges because I want you to plan realistically. If the numbers don’t work for you, adjust the strategy before you burn out.