Updated
Cost per view (CPV) is the price you pay each time someone views your video ad. The model is best known from YouTube advertising: you do not pay for the ad simply appearing, only when someone actually watches it or interacts with it.
When does a view count?
For skippable in-stream ads, YouTube counts a view when someone watches at least 30 seconds (or the whole ad if it is shorter) or clicks on the ad. The exact rules depend on the campaign type.
How to calculate CPV
CPV = cost / number of views. If a campaign costs €300 and gets 10,000 views, the CPV is €0.03.
How to lower your CPV
- Use the first five seconds well: show the brand and the benefit straight away.
- Target precisely instead of chasing the widest reach.
- Test several video versions and switch off the weak ones.
- Use YouTube Shorts for short formats.
A low CPV is only a stepping stone. What counts is whether views lead to more branded searches, website visits and conversions.
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