Is YouTube Still Profitable in 2026? Here Is What the Data Shows
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Yes, YouTube remains highly profitable in 2026. Average CPMs have increased 8-12% compared to 2024, and the platform now offers multiple revenue streams including ads, memberships, Super Chats, and the Shopping affiliate program.
Use our free YouTube Money Calculator to calculate your exact earnings based on views, country, and niche.
Earnings Breakdown
| Revenue Stream | Avg Monthly (10K subs) | Avg Monthly (100K subs) |
|---|---|---|
| Ad Revenue | $200 – $1,000 | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| Memberships | $50 – $300 | $500 – $5,000 |
| Super Chats | $20 – $200 | $200 – $2,000 |
| Sponsorships | $500 – $2,000 | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Affiliate/Shopping | $100 – $500 | $1,000 – $10,000 |
YouTube in 2026 vs Previous Years
YouTube has steadily increased creator monetization options. The introduction of the Shopping affiliate program, improved Shorts monetization, and higher ad rates in the post-pandemic economy all contribute to a more profitable ecosystem.
Our Analysis
The creators who struggle on YouTube in 2026 are typically those who rely solely on ad revenue. The most successful creators diversify across ads, sponsorships, memberships, and digital products. Our calculator data shows that a creator with 100K subscribers can realistically earn $5,000-$30,000 per month when leveraging all available revenue streams.
Calculate Your Own Earnings
These are general estimates based on average CPM data. Your actual earnings depend on your specific audience, content niche, and engagement rates. For a personalized estimate, try our YouTube Money Calculator with real CPM data adjusted by country and niche.
Try Our YouTube Calculator
Want to see exactly how much you could earn? Use our free YouTube Money Calculator with real CPM data adjusted by country, niche, and content type.
Calculate Your Earnings →Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by The Creator Paycheck Team
Our research team analyzes creator earnings data across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and OnlyFans. We aggregate publicly available CPM data, creator earnings reports, and industry benchmarks to provide accurate, transparent income estimates for content creators worldwide.