Have you ever wondered how much money you can actually make from 1,000 views on YouTube? The answer may surprise you — because it’s not always about the views. Some creators make thousands with just hundreds of views, while others need millions to earn the same. In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of multiple YouTube channels to show you exactly how much they earn, and more importantly, six ways you can monetize your content.
Let’s dive in.
Real Example: Noelle Randall
Noelle Randall’s channel focuses on real estate investing and entrepreneurship. In November 2024, her YouTube ad revenue alone was a staggering $46,000 from 2 million views. That breaks down to a CPM (Cost Per Mille, or cost per 1,000 views) of $23.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Using YouTube search traffic, Noelle brought in nearly 85,000 views that month. Conservatively, 1,000 of those views likely generated 50 leads. Let’s say 15 of those leads hop on Zoom calls with her and 5 purchase a $2,000 program — that’s $10,000 from 1,000 views.
Breakdown:
- 2M views = $46,000 ad revenue
- CPM: $23
- But… 1,000 views from search = $10,000+ in lead revenue
Why Search Traffic Matters
Search-based views are more valuable than suggested or browse traffic. They attract people looking for answers — ideal leads for high-ticket products or services.
Six Ways to Make Money on YouTube
- Ad Revenue
YouTube shares 55% of ad spend with creators. The amount depends on your niche and CPM. - Sponsorships
Brands pay to be featured in your video. Think, “This video is sponsored by…” - Merch
Selling branded items like mugs, shirts, or accessories. This can be set up on YouTube or your own site. - Patreon or Memberships
Fans pay a monthly fee for perks like exclusive content or early access. - Products
Sell your own products—physical or digital—like Chad Littlefield’s decks of engagement cards. - Services
Offer coaching, consulting, or done-for-you services, like Jason Schroeder’s construction business consulting or Stan the Annuity Man’s financial advising.
Examples of Small Channels with Big Revenue
- Chad Littlefield: Sells physical card decks and consulting services—hundreds of thousands in revenue.
- Jason Schroeder: 32k subscribers and low view counts, yet generates 6-figure consulting income.
- Stan the Annuity Man: Under 15k subscribers, but generates 8 figures in annuity business.
Key Takeaway
Don’t get distracted by views alone. It’s all about leveraging your content to serve your business goals — especially if you’re selling a product or service.
Want to Go Deeper?
Check out my follow-up post: How Does SEO Work on YouTube? Once you understand how search works, you can rank higher, generate leads, and scale your revenue.
