How Much YouTube Paid Me for 2,500,000 Views and Why…

[@ZackarySmigel]

I think creator transparency isn't talked about enough, and there shouldn't be a taboo surrounding the topic. Do you agree? Also, this video is sponsored by my cat Zoey use coupon code: MEOW for imaginary internet points in the comment section below! www.patreon.com/ZackarySmigel twitter.com/zas11s instagram.com/zas11s/

[@vizzzyy190]

tbh i think its a wider taboo across the united states culture, where no matter what your job is, youre not supposed to share your salary. it shouldnt be taboo to share how much you make, and the only reason i can think that it is, is to avoid unionization

[@LukeSmith1984]

the cat here is the real mvp

[@nicole-ls4jb]

Zoey is so cute! MEOW 😸

[@ACE112ACE112]

Love the transparency. Would love to see a Wawa gas station 30 day $330 challenge like you did at Sheetz. Would like to know which one is better. Don't have them in the west coast so can't compare.

[@KrooTon]

The bots found your channel, just reported a fake one that replied pretending to be you on this vid, on a comment I left when it came out.

[@tonydecicco9728]

I have no idea why your channel was recommended, but I'm glad to have found you. I'm way outside your demographic, at 77 years old. Good stuff, Zackary.

[@Waligug]

1:46 that is my video, for those curious that video paid me $11,115.00 as of Jan 2nd 2024

[@ZackarySmigel]

The legend himself shows up!

[@SEO-biz]

Chase money, become rotten inside 👍

[@Jen-Chapin]

the differences in RPM are super crazy. my RPM last month was over $25. i think it must be due to audience demographics? great video! love your channel 😊

[@ZackarySmigel]

Demographics definitely play a major role which I likely could've covered more in depth. Thanks for the kind words!!!

[@izzyshandle]

ZACKARY IS THE HERO WE NEVER KNOW WE NEEDED

[@briancordry8165]

love the transparency and the earnestness in all of your videos

[@Kalitayy]

Holy crap, I didn't expect you to show the literal numbers. Thank you for being very transparent. A lot of people are misinformed about KZbinrs and think being a KZbinr necessarily means you're guaranteed to become rich and famous. Becoming a full-time content creator is so glorified, that this video is very eye-opening to me. I've gotten so much sh*t because I upload videos that are meaningful to me instead of the trending topics that would blow up my channel. I've only seen success stories about how people quit their job to become a full-time KZbinr. They talk about it as if having a "normal job" is the worst thing in the world that the only thing that would bring happiness is the creative freedom of being a content creator. While in reality, a lot of KZbinrs are fine with treating KZbin as a side hustle. You are the 2nd KZbinr I know that does YT as a side gig, 1st being a youtuber called Flowstate. This actually makes me feel more motivated to pursue my goal to become an established (hopefully also full-time) KZbinr. KZbin is a genuinely nice and highly rewarding hobby. I'm okay with not being a full-time KZbinr, I can still be happy and I know I'm not alone.

[@kaeskii802]

i will say this whole heartedly; you are one of my favorite creators! i absolutely loved your sheetz video and how you set up the entire story, it was so simple yet entertaining. you bring something awesome to this platform and i can't wait to see what content you put out next!

[@ZackarySmigel]

Thank you so much!! That means a lot. More coming soon!

[@Pividol]

This dude is genuinely one of the best youtubers right now, intriguing personality, catchy and enjoyable content. And you take the time to make the chapters which is huge.

[@strictlymoe]

I'm gonna take a wild guess and say; not enough

[@ZackarySmigel]

Honestly, I can't complain! Just happy to be here.

[@TheFreestylebeast]

7k in 4 months is a lot

[@FrogOnADogsSittingOnALog]

@@TheFreestylebeastnot a lot for a full time job though.

[@TheFreestylebeast]

@@FrogOnADogsSittingOnALog yeah true, but as a side income you aren’t beating it

[@EarthlingNews]

Pretty sure that guy that robbed me at gunpoint was making more lol

[@CApt-NinJA]

Thank you for being honest and transparent!

[@Κ41]

If creators remain transparent and honest while they’re growing (and doing stuff like releasing behind the scenes videos and qnas which I feel like have disappeared in modern KZbin), it makes them seem more relatable and down to earth even after they get big Also your advice is great, mad respect to your content grind, hope you grow enough to reach your goal of doing it as a full time job!

[@Κ41]

also you should be honored that you're a big enough channel that spam bot accounts are replying to comments in your comment section lmao

[@shepskydad]

You're becoming one of my favorite people on this platform. Very excited for what this year has to bring for you. Also... cool Pokémon cards 😎

[@Pepeutra]

holy smokes it pokemon content creator and father of shepsky ShepskyDad

[@TekedixXx]

Something to consider: saying you made 8k in a year doesn't sound like a lot. Saying you started a small business on the side that generated you an extra 8k this year sounds like a great success that anyone would want to achieve

[@CarsSimplified]

Many, many years ago, Google did have a bit of fine print about not sharing ad rates/revenue data, and as far as I'm aware, they never made any sort of announcement about removing it. While I can see some creators assuming that rule is still in effect, it's a benefit of the doubt that I would only grant to someone with a very old channel.

[@ZackarySmigel]

That's the thing; after hundreds, likely thousands of creators have publicly posted their ad rates/revenue data on KZbin, I'm not buying that creators believe that rule is in effect. To me, it's mostly creators just wanting to hide behind that excuse. I am not saying everyone needs to make a video like I did, but if someone asks, I think you, as a viewer, have a right to know.

[@CarsSimplified]

For sure! Though, even with a ton of videos out there, there are still some creators, new and old, that don't watch a lot of videos, and I'd imagine if viewing time is limited, videos about how much other creators make is a low viewing priority. There also could be NDAs for direct sponsorships; having a personal zero disclosure policy prevents any accidental undesired disclosures from happening. None of this is criticism of the video, by the way, just some additional stuff I figured some may find interesting. I agree with what you've said here.

[@MarcelVos]

@@ZackarySmigel I don't think people have a right to know, but I do think that saying "I'm not allowed to tell you" is scummy. Just say you don't want to and it's fine.

[@ZackarySmigel]

@MarcelVos That's a better way to put it. Agreed!

[@Kirstie72]

@@MarcelVosI think people do have a right to know. They’re making money off of our views.

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

This is the 2nd video I have watched of yours. I gotts say, it's refreshing to see someone on yt talk so openly about their experiences on the platform. I feel like big channels often take views for granted because every video take them further and further away from their "beginning". Props to you bro

[@woodardchuckleson3090]

The Sheetz video must be a slam dunk as far as the algorithm is concerned. It's been showing up on the right side of my screen for like a month. I just got around to clicking it and it was a great video. Hopefully it's the start of what's to come with your channel.

[@getyourownshoe]

I adore your videos, they are like having a chat with an awesome co worker who works in a different department but is super happy to help you out and show you the ropes. Your openness and sense of humor are icing on the cake. Wishing you an awesome 2024!!

[@ZackarySmigel]

Thanks for the kind words! Hope you have a fantastic 2024 too!

[@TheTalentlessWriter]

My numbers loving brain always gets excited when I see RPM breakdown videos. Some data on my end for anyone curious about my niche, in 2023 I got 7.8 mil views and made a total of $10,562

[@jhxc64]

Great vid, man! I just wanna add, as a KZbinr myself; that $7,735 figure is not guaranteed. I just reached a lifetime channel viewership of 2 million views, and yet I've made only a third of what you made ($2.5k). As far as I'm aware, there's no real way to control how much the RPM will be, aside from making longer videos in certain niches. And with how youtube can just demonetize you indiscriminately, It's simply not stable enough to live off of.

[@ZackarySmigel]

Thanks! Agreed. Which is what I tried to stress at the end. Viewership on KZbin can be all over the place. So you definitely have to diversify your income. I will say some channels can do it though, my old channel for example the ad revenue was consistent and stable.

[@JamishioASMR]

Zoey rolling over at the end made my heart melt 💓

[@nadirqg]

Every time I hear a KZbinr say it's not allowed to disclose ad revenue, I directly put them in the liars basket. Just say you don't want to share it. Thanks for the knowledge Zack !

[@coltonkruse2313]

lmfao that RuneScape cut was sick.

[@LordWhirlin]

I'm commenting because I liked the video, I've voted it up, subscribed, and all the other good metrics. Hopefully this helps you. very nice to see something so transparent, and hopefully you can continue to see that great growth and live a little more comfortably in 2024.

[@jpgames4073]

5:02 - someone gotta loop this golden clip

[@Decepticrumb]

I’m so glad I found your channel! (The Sheetz video was in my recommended). Love your honesty and fresh voice.

[@BetaComboZ]

You've become my favorite KZbinr up next to: NakeyJakey, Manley Reviews, and other creators like that. You're doing great man! I know that this video will pick up views like crazy!

[@boisesoccer]

All the best in your KZbin journey this year!

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

I watched your gas station food video yesterday and almost subscribed but I’ve gotten a little more cautious with the current KZbin landscape about doing that when I’ve only seen a video or two. Watching this video now I decided to scroll though your channel while watching and realized I’ve actually seen a few of your videos over the last few months and your personality in the last and your transparency here definitely makes you someone I want to see more content from. I’m glad to see creators like you on the platform!

[@TheBiddy100]

I'm really glad you came up on my recommended. You seem like a genuine down to earth guy and I'm happy to see your channel grow!

[@KaitheArtGuy]

I've been preparing to go full time on youtube for the last 3 years, my channel is so small and I'm honestly really concerned about my odds of making it. Thank you for showing these stats as they will certainly help me with my own decision. Wish me luck!

[@SpookyDeer]

LOVE SOME TRANSPARENCY - its easier for everyone to know how to succeed if you can see how things actually work behind the scenes

[@Qwinnlan]

Not only are you hilarious, but you've proven to be articulate and insightful too! I'm so glad to have subbed as I wildly anticipate more amazing content from you this year and beyond! I love your vibe! 💕🙏

[@snorlaxiumrelaxium]

Love the runescape music in your vids bro, get that feeling of nostalgia every time I hear it

[@MasterEth]

That gas station video was some of your best work, can't wait to see more videos from you!

[@fookdatchit]

Fun channel Zack. Really enjoyed the gas station post. Good luck mate

[@ZackarySmigel]

Thanks for the kind words! Hope Spain is everything you want and more!

[@arthuruchoa4211]

Watched one of your videos some months ago about KZbin being weird and the new contents and etc, found the video really cool and didn’t understand why the channel wasn’t big now I see that you’ve being growing really well! And it makes me happy to see someone that puts a lot of work and is passionate about this I will always be here to support you! 2024 you will get even bigger!

[@ao4698]

You’re definitely my new favourite KZbinr. Loved the last video about the gas station, I love the range of your content

[@RegginaldRiglet]

Newly subbed. The challenge video was great. Your overall aura is just positive/inquisitive and I can’t what to see what content you produce next!

[@YellowMelon12]

Hey Zackary! Found you and your channel just now through your gas station video and, I have to say, you're awesome! Stay humble and true to yourself, I'm going to stick with you through your journey!

[@AloneRacecar]

From my experience from being both a watcher and amateur creator on KZbin. The only true wealth a KZbinr can make is a loyal community and to hopefully be someone’s best few seconds/minutes of their day. 👍

[@Asleh_bash]

For showing something related to Pokémon, already a 10/10 vid,😎 For me the best way to live of KZbin would be to have multiple channels(though I have not tried this fully yet) but it can be worth considering. Thank for you sharing ❤.

[@DarthCiliatus]

I absolutely loved the gas station food video. Excellent concept and excellent execution. It's clear why that video did so well for you.

[@merk.9285]

Subbed as soon as the osrs music started playing

[@Steven-kb7yy]

Zackary REAL af. Fan from Canada!

[@Muhluri]

My guess is at least $3000. Edit: dang I was far off. I used to do gaming content and the gaming niche pays jack shit. I get around $12 for 10,000 views each month. I also make $3 for 40k shorts views

[@ZackarySmigel]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah unfortunately gaming is all over the place in terms of RPM/CPM. Interestingly something I didn't mention is some games have higher numbers than others.

[@AlphaShark]

This is so funny, I'm just about to release a video sort of similar to this about how 'Being a content creator isn't all it's cracked up to be' since revenue shifts and sometimes videos you work really hard on don't pay off in views and how that can skew your perception of what's good or not. I really liked this video Zack! CPM is so strange and I will never fully understand it.

[@WhelmedCupCake]

id like to see an update on this every 6 months or so, since some videos can blow up later, love the transparency and well done videos!

[@ggcelina]

4:49 i feel called out, and i do not regret x) and i'm half surprised a lot of creators aren't transparent with their income! really interesting. also your expression at the end is priceless with your cat 😂

[@TJKlimoski]

Once you start getting sponsorships id love to see a similar video. Sponsorships on youtube seem to be another black box in terms of how they work and pay from a viewers point of view.

[@noot-noot-pingu-noot-noot]

As far as I know most sponsorship contracts also include an NDA about the terms of the agreement (including how much they are paid for the sponsorship), so it might be harder for creators to talk about the money they make from them

[@BOSSLYninja]

This is only the second video of yours I’ve seen. First was the sheetz and I enjoyed it. Now this one, and I have a great deal of respect for you for deciding to be transparent. Thought I’d add to your engagement with a comment and let you know to keep up the awesome work!

[@OkMirko]

Well done, we are proud of you!

[@BandannaBread]

Good video. I was watching videos while working on stuff, and I ended up stopping what I was doing and giving my full attention to your video lol

[@BandannaBread]

If things keep going well, I could see you getting to at least half a million subs by the end of the year. 100k is a good goal in the short term though. I think you'll get to 100k after another long form video or two. Also, I really like the message of the video. It's nice to hear, wholesome, and you're proof that dedication and hard work can help you achieve something. People like Ludwig have also showed before that KZbin isn't entirely luck based. Part of it is luck, yeah, but he made a channel that got a lot of traction with just 1 video on a new channel with nothing about him attached. That channel is gone now (Repurposed for his music stuff iirc), but there should still be a video about it on his main channel. Edit: Zoey vibing in the background is great. I really like cats lol

[@IQdog-dj4sq]

i love this channel so much, its basically the only genuine channel on youtube

[@clarkus11]

Dude I hope you can become a full time youtuber you seem genuine and deserve it. I started a small gaming channel last year and was off to a great start but quickly realized how time consuming it was especially while working full time. Hopefully I can get it started up again, this was a good bit of motivation to get it going.

[@DamnAwesome]

Awesome video! I really like how transparent you are!

[@unnamedman666]

i 100% think you can make this full time man. from one human to another, and realistically if you dont make it full time, (i dont think it will be a problem) dont beat yourself up much. you can sit and say you had the perfect potential all day but like you said, its the constant grind and motovation to get what you want. you have it yo. stay humble, and i wish the best for you. i am certain ill be telling people “been watching him for years” if you keep this attitude going. keep being you

[@DungeonKeys]

Fantastic work dude!

[@DinosaursRuledin1982]

Thanks for this one! I've always wondered what a real estimate of a content creator's income would be, and how someone like you would go about supplemental side-hustles. I worked for many years in the event production world, and the realism of doing it full time for most people I worked with is sort of the same as you describe in this video. Always gotta work side hustles during the non-festival season (or just have another full-time job & make yourself a little insane, like I did most of the time, lol). Consider me subscribed. Plus, you have nice pacing to the few vids I've now sampled & a very pleasing/calming voice). Just needs more background kitty shots!

[@SansaStarkw]

i have never heard of this channel, but it's a nice title and i love your transparency i could never let myself be a youtuber myself and want a real job myself but i'll subscribe to your channel.

[@tylerhackney1604]

Okay so for starters you truly are a genius and honestly I think you may be one of the smartest people in our generation. I stumbled across your channel laying in bed on your Sheetz video I happen to love video documentary’s and I like late night rabbit holes so I jumped in. The layers of planning and preparation the way you targeted specific demographics with specific videos to adjust the growth of your channel to a maintainable data pool for analysis in this final video is absolutely incredible. I swear you are playing 3D chess with this channel and I’m truly hooked as I’ve always wanted to do what you’ve done it’s truly my passion but life took me a different direction and I’m content now but to see this come full circle and for a fellow Ohioan I wish that I’d have met you in my life because the way you plan is exactly how I have lived my early years of adulthood and I wish I had more friends like you. I just wanted to acknowledge you and all of the effort and hard work and dedication to your passion I don’t comment on videos I don’t like videos I mindlessly consume League of legends content and random video game speedruns or lore deep dives usually but to have found such a thought provoking and impressive accomplishment is truly refreshing and I wish you the absolute best in your journey and you can bet on me being a viewer!

[@tylerhackney1604]

I wanted to add I’m 24 turning 25 a Veteran and work in the data center industry doing networking programming and electrical work as a clarification for when I said my early adulthood to show I’m not a kid and get roasted haha

[@ZackarySmigel]

Thanks for your service and thanks for the kind words! I definitely wouldn't say I'm a genius lol. But I definitely have put a lot of thought into my content and I appreciate it when people notice! Thank you!

[@mendedarrows9394]

Gonna watch the back catalogue and try to comment on each on as I go to help you get that bag. Keep em comin.

[@Xzeon55]

Please show more Pokemon cards. You know theres whole channels dedicated to just cracking booster boxes. I would love some Pokemon content! Also really loved the Sheetz video, cant wait for the Wawa follow up! Take care!

[@OliveXC]

I want to emphasize a key point from your video - the significance of watch hours over mere viewership in driving value to your KZbin channel. Typically, shorter videos tend to yield a lower CPM/RPM compared to longer ones, which explains the success of your extensive fast-food documentary. As an example, my KZbin channel centers around a single indie game, where the extended duration of each session results in a significantly higher CPM and, consequently, RPM. Despite having just under 2000 subscribers, I managed to generate approximately $1000 in revenue this year after achieving monetization midway through. This was largely due to many videos accumulating 500+ watch hours per video or more. This video was just amazing overall. I eagerly anticipate more in-depth explorations like this in the future.

[@labellabeach631]

Keep up the great content Zack ! You are a pleasure to watch and always enjoy seeing what you have next in store for us. Glad I subscribed!

[@AnOtterNamedMoMo]

Really love your content. It's informative to someone like me who enjoys the process of creating videos and analyzing how my own videos do, but hasn't gotten to the point to where I can start collecting my own data for this part of the process.

[@ianhaggertyrsa6575]

For my one short that got over 100 000 000 I got less than $1000 better than nothing 😊😊😊

[@EditedbySilvers]

Real educational! Good job Zack!

[@pignuss6243]

Loving the videos. So glad to see the gas station did so well. It was so well made and so entertaining. All I can say is thank god the algorithm sent me to you.

[@BandannaBread]

I was going through my subscriptions, and noticed your channel. I didn’t recognize you just from your channel icon (Small because mobile), but I remembered good vibes lol. Once I saw your face though, I immediately recognized you. Goes to what I said earlier about your vids being pretty good lol. There were MANY other people that I was subscribed to who I couldn’t remember, let alone recognize immediately. Your vids were just good enough for me to remember you better than roughly 50 other people lol

[@ProbablyAstro]

Saw your last video and it was fantastic! Instantly subscribed. I wish they paid you more because you deserve it!! Also I want a Pokémon card reveal at 100k!!

[@Pyroman328]

I am proud to be here with the first 1000 viewers. KEEP IT UP ZACK!

[@yeetiusmaximuss]

I really like your vidoes dude. You're a super real person and keep things realistic

[@ARK613]

I love this! As your popularity increases, I hope that you can stay as honest, and as humble, as you are now.

[@SimGunther]

Glad you got enough ad monies to eat at Sheetz for a whole 3 years (before taxes)

[@ZackarySmigel]

Don't give me ideas!

[@mefferinot3671]

been wanting a video like this for quite some time. thank you!

[@KoolKitty88]

All your videos are amazing, and chill. Most youtubers do not act like you, or even explain things the same.

[@KrooTon]

*discussing his Sheetz video* "I really wanted to sink my teeth into it..." 😂 This is why I'm here. Oh, and the thoughtful content.

[@janineteneleven]

keep it up zack!! love your content even these more discussion ones ❤

[@sarahrandall8473]

Just found your page and I gotta say, I enjoy the videos a lot

[@ZackarySmigel]

Glad you like them!

[@SylvesterAshcroft88]

I'm glad KZbin is recommending more content like this recently!

[@Nurr0]

Thank you, this information is genuinely helpful. I want to try my hand at content creation but it's intimidating, risky and opaque. Appreciate your input.

[@megaprime67]

Good motivation, I can see this channel going far.

[@tightanddry]

you killed it with this vid!

[@rfgnmf-nmesofuehsdjfnrmeowfsdz]

not gonna lie mate i thought it was a one off after that gas station video but i think im gonna stick around you are actually the first person i subscribed to in the last 6ish months good luck bro

[@Jaker_zzz]

Thanks for this! Keep up the great content & hard work. Your videos are very much appreciated sir 😊

[@joejoemojo]

ive been dreaming of someone making this exact video for years, finally someone is being transparent about this

[@Rollthered]

They paid you with pokemon cards?!?! Wow!!!!11!212!2!!@!@@!21

[@Khalfas]

well said thx for the info

[@spadfinn]

This could be an interesting series. If you think about it, right now you are at your lowest subscriber base you'll ever have (most likely) which right now is just under 90k, which is a lot of people but in terms of other KZbinrs a lot of your viewers also probably watch, isn't that many. views might be a concise metric, but its something to consider

[@Axolitics]

Props to this guy for not pushing the video to be 8:00 minutes ( more money)

[@FinoClips]

I love your videos man, i know the algorithm didn't like it, but they are so much fun to watch 💪

[@cormacwyatt5220]

I really like your KZbin channel and excited to check your content out this year! 😊

[@firehot427]

Quality content. Found your channel from the sheetz stuff

[@gabeszilagyi254]

Great video cuz!

[@sassygrilledcheese]

I started in October 2023 and I really appreciate you making this! Also, congrats on your growth!

[@emerybryant]

actually. i know roughly what to expect lol youtubers in the past have shared enough info to give some vague idea. but i like the fact youre being transparent about it.

[@irvin5294]

Please keep the grind going. You and Jimmy Robbins are my favorites right now! Also sea shanty 2 when?

[@DansGuitarMusic]

Zoey says “This plan better keep my food bowl full!” Great job on your videos! Thank you!

[@agurasmask2210]

tremendous video brotha very helpful infromation you provided! :D Thank you very much :))))))))

[@ZackarySmigel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!