A good RPM for music channels varies by audience tier and format. Tier 1 can see $2–$6, Tier 2 is often 30–50% lower, Tier 3 can be under $1. Here is how to nudge it higher.
A “good RPM” for music channels is not one number. It depends on who watches you, where they live, and how long they watch.
For many music channels, Tier 1 audiences land around $2–$6 RPM, while Tier 2 often runs 30–50% lower and Tier 3 can dip below $1.
Longer videos and older, higher-income viewers tend to push RPM up because they generate more monetized minutes.
If you want a single north star, aim to beat your own 90-day median RPM, not someone else’s headline.
Benchmarks by audience tier and format
Audience tier
Typical RPM band
Notes
Tier 1 (US, UK, CA, AU, DE)
~$2–$6 for music, $8–$15 if “music business” or production tutorials
Stronger advertiser demand, older audiences help
Tier 2 (Eastern EU, LatAm, parts of APAC)
~30–50% lower than your Tier 1 RPM
Niche and session length matter more
Tier 3 (developing markets)
~$0.20–$1
Focus on long sessions and playlists to compound ads
RPM is a YouTube Analytics metric that reflects your earnings per 1,000 views after YouTube’s share. It blends ads, Premium, and other revenue sources. Read YouTube’s definition here: About RPM in YouTube Analytics.
Set realistic goals and lift RPM
Small levers move RPM without changing your genre:
Aim for 8–12 minute cuts so you can include a mid-roll without hurting flow.
Sequence related videos into playlists to turn one session into several monetized plays.
Attract older listeners in Tier 1 regions with value adds like behind-the-scenes or gear breakdowns.
Keep early retention tight, especially the first 30–60 seconds, since weak starts lower total monetized minutes.
Track RPM by geography and by video. Improve one lever at a time, then re-check your 28- and 90-day medians.
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