What is a YouTube channel actually worth?

The same one million monthly views can return $2,000 or $30,000 depending on niche.

Finance and tech channels can run a $20–$50 CPM. Gaming and vlog channels often run $1–$5 for the same monthly views. That spread carries straight through to earnings.

A useful valuation collects every input separately, then shows you the range — not a fake-precise single number.

The full stack: ad revenue, YouTube Premium revenue, channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Thanks, BrandConnect sponsorships, Shopping affiliate revenue, and direct off-platform deals.

Subscriber count is a leading indicator but a lagging input. Watch time, click-through-rate on titles, and 30-day rolling view velocity are stronger predictors of forward earnings.

A clean channel with documented CPM history, consistent upload cadence, and transferable content IP clears at a higher multiple than a channel with comparable subscribers but weaker monetization.

Buyers also check for moderation risk, copyright strikes, and brand-deal exclusivity clauses that survive transfer. These are uncertainty discounts, not show-stoppers.