After putting in so much effort into managing a growing channel, it is normal for creators to seek some form of reward. This is why YouTube has many monetization mediums, including the popular Creator Fund, where YouTubers get a share of the ad revenue the platform makes from their videos.
So the question of how much one can make on YouTube becomes a prominent one.
While YouTube typically pays per 1000 ad views, known as Cost per Mille, we found that many YouTubers want to know their potential earning when they hit the landmark 100k subscribers.
At 100k subscribers, YouTube sends a Silver Play Button to acknowledge the creator’s efforts. But that’s not the only reward, as you always get access to more monetization channels and potentially more earnings from YouTube.
Which is why we’ll be showing you what a typical 100k YouTube channel earns from the platform. Let’s start with the basics.
Want to take your videos to the next level?
The 100k Milestone – What It Means
Starting on YouTube is a challenging adventure, but an interesting one nonetheless, as you have to put in the effort to stand out from the crowd. With over 100 million active YouTube channels, competition has never been stiffer.
Going from your first 1000 subscribers, where you get monetized, to 100k subscribers, where you receive the Silver Play Button, is no small feat. It shows the effort and time you’ve put into making videos that viewers love.
From your ideation to smart editing that lets videos transition smoothly, it takes a whole lot to get to 100k subscribers on your channel. Most channels outsource tasks like video editing to professional editing services so they can focus on video creation.
Hitting 100k subscribers shows YouTube that you’re the real deal, and the algorithm starts to prioritize your videos too. Brands also take notice as your channel’s brand itself starts to grow. Now there are more or bigger brands ready to work with you.
However, you should know that just numbers do not translate to extra earnings. A channel with 100k subscribers who don’t watch videos and ads will not result in more money.
If it isn’t obvious already, the key to more earnings is in the views and engagements. While the overall strategies you employ to make money on the platform will also come into play alongside your niche. Some niches generally pay more than others.
How YouTube Earnings Work?
Now, to how it really works, since numbers don’t directly mean more earnings. You have to understand how these figures come about, especially their relationship to AdSense. Two of the most vital things to consider when trying to make sense of earnings on the platform are the YPP and the metrics that matter for it.
YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
The YouTube Partner Program allows creators to monetize their content through ads. To qualify, a channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months, or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days.
Once accepted, creators earn revenue from ads displayed on their videos. YouTube takes a 45 percent cut of ad revenue, leaving creators with 55 percent.
The primary metric for ad earnings is CPM, or cost per mille, which represents the amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad views.
CPM varies widely based on niche, audience location, and content type, typically ranging from $2 to $6 for most channels. High-value niches like finance or tech can see CPMs of $10 to $30.
When it comes to RPM, or revenue per mille, it reflects the actual earnings per 1,000 views after YouTube’s cut. For example, a $5 CPM translates to an RPM of about $2.75 for the creator.
Key Metrics for Earnings
At the risk of repetition, it is vital to mention once more how subscriber count is not the only requirement for earnings. Several factors determine a channel’s earnings beyond subscriber count. Below are the key metrics with explanations:
1. Views vs. Ad Views
While views are vital, the metric that actually matters to make money from ads on the platform is ad views. Your audience has to watch the ads before you can get paid for them, which is why audience retention is a critical metric here.
You can always see the rate report for any of your videos in the analytics section. However, there must be a good number of views for this report to be available.
2. Watch Time
Total watch time measures how long viewers stay engaged with your content. YouTube’s algorithm favors videos with higher watch time, increasing their visibility and ad placement opportunities.
For example, a 10-minute video watched for 8 minutes generates more watch time than a 5-minute video watched fully, boosting revenue potential.
3. Audience Retention
Retention measures the percentage of a video viewers watch. High retention signals engaging content, leading to more ad placements and better algorithm recommendations. If your videos have low retention rates, you risk fewer ads and reduced visibility, lowering earnings.
4. Video Length
Longer videos, especially those over 10 minutes, allow multiple ad placements (pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll), increasing revenue. On the other hand, shorter videos under 8 minutes typically have only one pre-roll ad.
Creators can manually place mid-roll ads or use YouTube’s automatic placement, but you don’t want to add too many ads as this can reduce retention, so balance is key.
How Much Does a Channel With 100K Subscribers Earn?
Creators want to know how much they can expect to earn on YouTube when they get to 100K subscribers and collect the Silver play button. Well, the truth is that this figure is not linear and depends on a couple of factors, one of which is the niche, if the ad view is similar.
A 100K subscriber channel can earn $1,500 to $12,800 monthly by combining earnings from some of the top mediums. However, all this depends on your monetization strategy, as some channels choose to focus only on a few avenues.
There will be lots of assumptions when making this estimate of earnings at 100k subscribers due to the numerous factors involved.
A YouTube channel with 100,000 subscribers can generate multiple income streams, each varying based on niche, audience engagement, and content strategy. Below is a detailed breakdown of the primary revenue sources, including estimated earnings.
1. Ad Revenue
This is arguably the most common monetization medium for creators on YouTube and involves an ad-sharing formula between creators and YouTube for ad revenue from their videos.
For a 100K subscriber channel uploading two videos per week, each averaging 50,000 to 100,000 views, monthly ad earnings typically range from $600 to $1,800. This assumes a CPM of $2 to $5, with only about 15 percent of views counting as ad views due to ad-blockers or skipped ads.
Several factors influence ad revenue:
- Niche: High-value niches like finance or tech command CPMs of $10 to $17, while gaming or vlogging often see $2 to $5.
- Viewer Demographics: Audiences in countries like the United States, Canada, or Australia generate higher CPMs due to advertiser demand, whereas viewers in regions like India may yield lower rates.
- Seasonality: Ad rates tend to peak in Q4 due to holiday advertising but dip in Q1.
2. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
Another popular monetization channel is sponsorship and brand deals where creators get paid for promoting a brand.
At 100K subscribers, channels become even more attractive to brands seeking niche influencers since they know these creators have built a strong brand for themselves.
Typical rates for a 100K subscriber channel range from $500 to $5,000 per sponsored video, depending on engagement rate, niche, and audience demographics. Make use of platforms like YouTube BrandConnect and Grapevine to get brand deals.
Key factors include:
- Engagement: Brands prioritize channels with high likes, comments, and shares, as these indicate an active audience. You can demand a higher fee when your engagement is high.
- Niche Relevance: Tech or fitness channels often secure higher-paying deals due to specialized audiences. Earnings from sponsorships depend on your niche.
- Content Quality: Professional production and a clear brand fit increase deal value. Use YouTube video editing services if you can afford it.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to start making money on YouTube, as there aren’t any subscriber requirements. It gets even better with a higher subscriber count, say 100k.
Here’s how much you can make from your 100k subscriber channel. Including commissions from promoting products via links in video descriptions or pinned comments:
For a 100K subscriber channel with an active affiliate strategy, monthly earnings typically range from $100 to $1,000, depending on product type and audience trust.
Common affiliate programs include:
- Amazon Associates: Offers 1 to 10 percent commissions on purchases made via links, ideal for tech or lifestyle channels.
- Niche-Specific Programs: Software or course platforms pay $5 to $50 per conversion. With YouTubers like Ali Abdaal adding affiliate links in their video description, like this one promoting BetterHelp subscription.
- High-Ticket Items: Promoting high-ticket items provides the highest income from affiliate marketing. Tech channels like Linus Tech Tips promoting cameras or laptops can earn $50 to $200 per sale.
4. Merchandise Sales
Selling branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, hoodies, or mugs, becomes viable at 100K subscribers, especially for channels with loyal fanbases.
Which means you have to focus on building a connection with your subscribers with quality video edits from services like Your Video Editor, one of the ways to achieve this.
Platforms like Printful handle production and shipping, with creators earning profits per sale. Monthly earnings typically range from $500 to $2,000 for channels actively promoting merchandise.
However, there are a few challenges to overcome here first, including upfront design costs and inventory risks. Thankfully, print-on-demand services alleviate this.
Factors affecting merch revenue:
- Audience Loyalty: Fans of gaming or lifestyle channels with strong community ties are more likely to buy.
- Design Quality: Simple, niche-specific designs sell better than generic items like this from VanossGaming.
- Promotion: You can drive merch sales by regularly mentioning it in videos, pinned links, and social media posts.
5. Channel Memberships and Super Chat
YouTube’s channel memberships allow fans to pay monthly for perks like exclusive videos, badges, or emojis. Don Townsend has a two-tier membership that he sometimes adds to his comment sections.
Super Chat and Super Stickers enable paid comments during livestreams. For a 100K subscriber channel with an engaged community, these can generate $200 to $1,000 monthly.
Key considerations:
- Community Engagement: Channels with active fans, like gaming or art, see higher membership uptake.
- Livestream Frequency: Regular streams boost Super Chat earnings, with top fans paying $5 to $50 per comment.
- Perk Value: Compelling perks, like behind-the-scenes content, encourage sign-ups.
6. Crowdfunding and Fan Funding
While not many YouTubers make use of this monetization medium, it is still an effective way to make money through crowdfunding and fan funding. YouTuber James Rolfe has utilized platforms like Indiegogo to crowdfund his movie Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie.
Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, Indiegogo, or Buy Me a Coffee allow fans to support creators with one-time or recurring donations, often in exchange for exclusive content.
For a 100K subscriber channel, this can yield $100 to $2,000 monthly, depending on audience size and perk quality.
Factors for success:
- Exclusive Content: Early video access, tutorials, or Q&A sessions attract patrons.
- Fan Connection: Channels with personal storytelling excel at crowdfunding.
- Tier Structure: Offering tiers from $1 to $50 with varying perks maximizes contributions.
Factors That Affect Earnings at 100K Subscribers
There are tons of factors that affect how much you can earn from YouTube using your channel with 100K subscribers. And we’ll be considering all these factors and how they can affect the exact figure you earn on YouTube with 100K subscribers.
1. Niche and CPM Variability
The niche of a channel significantly affects its cost per mille (CPM), the amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad views.
High-paying niches, such as finance, technology, or education, typically have CPMs ranging from $10 to $20, as advertisers value audiences interested in high-ticket products or services.
In contrast, lower-paying niches like gaming or vlogging often see CPMs of $2 to $5 due to broader, less targeted audiences. Choosing a high-value niche or creating content that appeals to advertisers can boost earnings significantly.
2. Audience Demographics
Another important factor affecting how much you earn is the demographics of your audience. And this includes their age, location, sex, among other differentiating characteristics.
Advertisers pay more to reach viewers in countries with high purchasing power, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom, resulting in higher CPMs.
Age and interests also matter; channels targeting professionals or older audiences often attract premium ads compared to those appealing to younger, less affluent viewers.
3. Content Strategy
Your channel’s content strategy directly impacts the revenue potential you can expect since it affects view count, watch time, and ad placements. Here are some of the key aspects of your content strategy you should pay attention to:
- Upload Frequency: Channels uploading daily or multiple times per week generate more views and ad revenue than those posting once weekly. However, this does not mean you should neglect video quality and focus on quantity.
- Video Length: Videos over 10 minutes allow mid-roll ads, increasing ad placements. With the average length of a YouTube video being around 12 minutes, it is usually a good length to target.
- Evergreen vs. Trending Content: Evergreen content, like tutorials or reviews, drives consistent views over time, ensuring steady income. Trending content, such as viral challenges, may spike views but fade quickly. So a nice blend of the two is a great place to start.
4. Engagement Metrics
Audience engagement, including likes, comments, shares, and click-through rates, influences both earnings and video visibility.
It’s a chain reaction. YouTube’s algorithm promotes videos with high engagement, leading to more views and ad impressions. Which then finally results in more income potential.
High audience retention, where viewers watch 50 percent or more of a video, also increases ad placements and algorithm favorability.
5. Seasonality and Trends
Another factor to consider is seasonality and trends, as in-demand videos and their topics change over time. There are also peak advertisement seasons, which will generally lead to more revenue. Ad revenue fluctuates based on seasonal advertising budgets and content trends. Key periods include:
- Q4 Peak (October to December): Advertisers increase spending during the holiday season, boosting CPMs by 20 to 50 percent. A channel earning $1,000 monthly in Q3 might see $1,500 in Q4.
- Q1 Dip (January to February): Ad budgets drop post-holidays, reducing CPMs. The same channel might earn $700 in Q1.
How To Maximize Earnings at 100K Subscribers?
These figures are not set in stone, and you can do even better with your channel that has 100k subscribers. But how? Most creators are leaving money on the table either due to their monetization strategy or some mistake. Here are some ways to maximize your earnings on YouTube:
1. Optimize for Ads
To get more revenue from your channel with 100k subscribers, start by creating ad-friendly content. This may include producing videos over 10 minutes, allowing for mid-roll ads, which multiply ad placements and boost earnings.
Making compelling thumbnails and titles that drive click-through rates leads to more views and ad impressions.
Always adhere to YouTube’s content guidelines to ensure your videos remain monetized, maintaining consistent revenue flow without interruptions from demonetization.
2. Diversify Income Streams
Relying solely on ads limits earning potential, so utilize the many different ways of making money on YouTube. It typically includes promoting relevant products through affiliate programs, offering YouTube memberships, and sponsorships.
3. Build a Brand for Sponsorships
Take advantage of sponsorships to make extra income at 100K subscribers. Take time out to create a professional media kit showcasing audience stats and engagement.
Pitching directly to niche-relevant brands with tailored proposals increases the likelihood of landing high-value partnerships or joining platforms like YouTube’s own BrandConnect
4. Leverage Analytics
YouTube Analytics provides insights to optimize earnings, and there’s no better place to see how well you’re doing than on YouTube Studio. Analyzing audience retention highlights content that keeps viewers engaged, improving ad placements and algorithm visibility.
5. Engage Your Audience
Just posting and leaving is not enough, as you hardly build a connection with your audience doing this. Here’s a better way to get a loyal and engaged audience that drives higher earnings: always reply to comments especially within the first 48 hours of posting.
Hosting weekly livestreams also fosters community connection and earns revenue through Super Chat contributions.
Final Thoughts
Reaching 100,000 subscribers on YouTube unlocks a dynamic range of revenue streams, from ad income and sponsorships to affiliate marketing, potentially generating $1,500 to $12,800 monthly.
The key to maximizing earnings lies in crafting engaging content tailored to a high-value niche, fostering audience loyalty, and diversifying income to buffer against ad revenue swings.
Partnering with professional services like Your Video Editor can elevate a channel’s potential by producing high-quality video edits that enhance viewer retention and attract lucrative brand deals. Now, creators can focus on strategy and growth.
Start today by optimizing videos for ads, securing sponsorships, and building a loyal community. With dedication and smart execution, a 100K subscriber channel can become a sustainable career for you, paving the way for even greater milestones.
