YouTube is a gold mine, whether you’re abroad or in Kenya. But how much can you earn on this platform? What affects the amount you can potentially make?
These are questions many aspiring content creators in Kenya are eager to answer as they embark on their YouTube journey.
We have the answers, so read on!
Also read: Easy and proven ways to Make Money Online in Kenya
How Much Does YouTube Pay for 1,000 Views in Kenya
How Much Does YouTube Pay in Kenya Infographic
In Kenya, the question of YouTube earnings is a topic of great interest among content creators.
Based on data from various Kenyan YouTubers, the average earnings per 1,000 views is approximately 100 – 130 Kenyan Shillings (KSh) ($1). This means that you can earn $1,000 (100k – 150k) per a million views. However, this figure can increase to around KSh 200 per 1,000 views, depending on factors such as traffic source and click-through rates.
YouTube earnings are typically measured using RPM (Revenue Per Mille), which represents the income generated per 1,000 views.
In Kenya, the average RPM hovers around $1, but this can vary significantly. Some videos, particularly those attracting organic traffic from the United States, can achieve RPMs as high as $5. Conversely, many YouTubers experience RPMs below $0.50. It’s important to note that RPM is not a constant figure and can fluctuate daily.
The quality and length of videos play a crucial role in determining earnings. Higher quality, longer videos tend to generate more revenue per 1,000 views. Additionally, the niche or topic of the content can impact earnings, with areas such as entertainment, sports, health, fitness, real estate, travel, cooking, and music being among the most profitable.
To put these figures into perspective, here’s an estimated earnings breakdown based on views:
| Views | Estimated Earnings (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 100 |
| 10,000 | 1,000 |
| 50,000 | 7,000 |
| 100,000 | 15,000 |
| 500,000 | 70,000 |
| 1 million | 150,000 – 200,000 |
| 2 million | 300,000 |
Note: It’s crucial to understand that substantial income from YouTube typically requires a large viewer base. Channels consistently achieving over 1 million views per video are more likely to generate significant revenue. For instance, a single video with 1 million views could potentially earn up to KSh 400,000.
Case Study From Kenyan Content Creator Thee Pluto
Kenyan YouTube creator Robert Ndegwa, better known by his online persona Thee Pluto, shed light on the earnings disparity between Kenyan YouTubers and their Western counterparts.
Utilizing his social media platforms, Ndegwa highlighted a significant challenge faced by content creators in Kenya: the considerably lower Revenue Per Mille (RPM) rates compared to those in more developed markets.
Ndegwa illustrated this disparity with an interesting comparison. He explained that for every million views a video receives, a Kenyan YouTuber might expect to earn around 100,000 Kenyan Shillings. In contrast, a content creator based in the United States could rake in up to 1.2 million Kenyan Shillings for the same number of views.
Pluto wrote:
“One challenge we face as Kenyan content creators is the RPM (Revenue Per Mille) issue. Here is a quick one. An average amount YouTube pays you for 1 million views in Kenya is 100k, and an average amount a USA YouTuber gets paid for 1 million views is 1.2 million shillings.”
YouTube Earning Requirements
To start monetizing on YouTube, creators need to meet certain criteria, including accumulating 4,000 watch hours and gaining at least 1,000 subscribers within a 12-month period. Once these requirements are met, creators can apply for the YouTube Partner Program and monetize their content through AdSense.
Let’s be more specific:
1. Subscriber Count
To be eligible for monetization, your channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers. This threshold ensures that you have a dedicated audience interested in your content.
2. Watch Time
In addition to subscribers, you need to accumulate 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months. This requirement demonstrates that your content is engaging and retains viewers’ attention.
3. Adherence to YouTube Policies
Your channel must comply with all of YouTube’s policies and guidelines. This includes following the Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and AdSense program policies.
4. Active Account
You must have an active AdSense account linked to your YouTube channel.
5. Age and Location
You need to be at least 18 years old, or have a legal guardian who can handle your payments and contracts. Additionally, you must live in a country where the YouTube Partner Program is available.
6. Content Review
Once you meet the above criteria, YouTube will review your channel to ensure it meets their standards for advertiser-friendly content.
7. Two-Step Verification
For security purposes, you’ll need to enable two-step verification on your Google Account.
After meeting these requirements, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program. If approved, you’ll gain access to various monetization features, including:
– Ad revenue
– Channel memberships
– Super Chat and Super Stickers
– Merchandise shelf
It’s important to note that meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee approval. YouTube reserves the right to deny applications if they believe a channel doesn’t meet their standards.
Maintaining Your Monetization Status
Once you’re in the program, you need to continuously meet these requirements. If your channel falls below the thresholds, you may lose your monetization privileges.
Tips for Meeting and Maintaining Requirements:
1. Create high-quality, engaging content consistently
2. Optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags for better discoverability
3. Engage with your audience through comments and community posts
4. Promote your videos on other social media platforms
5. Collaborate with other creators to expand your reach
What is RPM on YouTube: How RPM is Calculated
RPM, or Revenue Per Mille, is a crucial metric for YouTube content creators to understand when it comes to monetizing their channels.
Let’s take a look at what RPM means, how it’s calculated, and why it’s important for YouTubers.
Definition of RPM
RPM stands for Revenue Per Mille, where “mille” is Latin for thousand. On YouTube, RPM represents the amount of money a creator earns per 1,000 video views.
Calculation of RPM
The formula for calculating RPM is:
RPM = (Estimated Revenue / Number of Video Views) x 1000
For example, if you earned $50 from 10,000 views, your RPM would be:
RPM = ($50 / 10,000) x 1000 = $5
This means you’re earning $5 for every 1,000 views on your videos.
Factors Affecting RPM
Several factors can influence your RPM. These include:
1. Geographic location of viewers: Advertisers often pay more for views from countries with higher advertising rates.
2. Type of content: Some niches attract higher-paying advertisers than others.
3. Seasonality: Advertising rates can fluctuate throughout the year, often peaking during holiday seasons.
4. Ad engagement: If viewers interact more with the ads on your videos, it can increase your RPM.
5. Video length: Longer videos may have more opportunities for ad placements.
6. Advertiser demand: When more advertisers are competing for ad space, RPM tends to increase.
How to Improve Your RPM on YouTube
While some factors affecting RPM are beyond a creator’s control, you can potentially improve your RPM by:
1. Creating high-quality, engaging content that keeps viewers watching longer.
2. Targeting topics with higher-paying advertisers.
3. Optimizing your video SEO to attract viewers from countries with higher ad rates.
4. Experimenting with video length and ad placements.
5. Diversifying your revenue streams on YouTube (e.g., channel memberships, Super Chat).
Remember, while RPM is an important metric, it shouldn’t be the sole focus of your content creation strategy. Consistently producing valuable content for your audience should always be the priority, as this will lead to long-term growth and success on the platform.
RPM vs. CPM
It’s important to distinguish RPM from CPM (Cost Per Mille). While RPM represents the creator’s earnings per 1,000 views, CPM is what advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions. CPM is typically higher than RPM because YouTube takes a portion of the advertising revenue.
Does YouTube Pay Based on Subscribers?
The short answer is no, YouTube does not pay directly based on subscriber count. However, subscribers do play an indirect role in a creator’s earning potential.
Let’s break down how YouTube monetization works and the role subscribers play in this process.
1. Ad Revenue
YouTube primarily pays creators through ad revenue. This is based on views and engagement with ads, not subscriber count. The platform uses a metric called RPM (Revenue Per Mille) to calculate earnings per 1,000 views.
2. Other Revenue Streams
YouTube offers additional monetization features like channel memberships, Super Chat, and merchandise shelf. While these can be influenced by subscriber count, they’re not directly tied to it.
While not directly tied to payments, subscriber count is important because:
– It’s an indicator of channel growth and audience loyalty.
– It can influence a video’s initial performance and discoverability.
– It’s often used as a metric of influence for brand deals and collaborations.
Tips to Increase your Pay and RPM on YouTube in Kenya
Increasing your YouTube earnings takes time and consistent effort. Focus on creating value for your audience, and the growth in views, subscribers, and revenue will follow.
Always prioritize building a genuine connection with your viewers over short-term monetary gains.
Let’s break it down:
1. Focus on High-Quality Content
Create engaging, well-produced videos that keep viewers watching longer. Higher watch time can lead to more ad placements and better RPM.
2. Choose Profitable Niches
Some topics attract higher-paying advertisers. In Kenya, consider focusing on areas like technology, finance, travel, or business, which often have better RPMs.
3. Optimize for Local and International Audiences
While targeting Kenyan viewers is important, try to create content that also appeals to international audiences, especially from countries with higher ad rates.
4. Use Effective SEO Strategies:
Optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags using relevant keywords. This can help your videos rank better in search results, potentially attracting more views.
5. Encourage Longer Watch Times
Create longer videos (10+ minutes) when appropriate, as this allows for more mid-roll ad placements. However, ensure the content remains engaging throughout.
6. Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments and create community posts. Higher engagement can lead to better performance in YouTube’s algorithm.
9. Post Consistently
Maintain a regular uploading schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
10. Create Topical and Trending Content
Stay informed about current events and trends in Kenya. Creating timely content can lead to spikes in views and potentially higher RPM.
11. Build a Strong Brand
Develop a unique brand identity that resonates with your target audience. This can lead to a more loyal viewer base.
12. Promote Across Other Platforms
Share your videos on other social media platforms to drive traffic back to your YouTube channel.
13. Consider Multi-Language Content
If possible, create content in both English and Swahili to appeal to a wider audience within Kenya and East Africa.
14. Create Evergreen Content
While timely content is important, also focus on creating evergreen videos that remain relevant over time, providing long-term views and revenue.
Happy Earning!
The reality of YouTube earnings in Kenya may differ from what you’ve heard about other countries. Factors such as audience size, engagement rates, and local advertising markets all play crucial roles in determining how much a Kenyan YouTuber can earn.
For those serious about making a living from content creation, it’s advisable to diversify income streams. Many successful YouTubers also maintain blogs, which can provide additional revenue. Starting a blog in Kenya typically costs between KSh 5,000 to KSh 25,000 (story for another day).
