How much did YouTube pay me for 1 million views?

When I wanted to get monetized on YouTube, I watched all sorts of films trying to work out what I might expect to earn. There were huge channels with millions of followers and they earned millions of dollars, but what about a small art channel? Would I ever make any money or would I always be doing it for the love of watercolour (I would probably still do this if I earned nothing, but something really helps!!). It was hard to find information, so I thought I would share how much I made in 2023, in case you are thinking of building your channel next year.

I got monetized in June 2022. I am an artist in the UK and my channel is all about watercolour. I had been on YouTube since 2010, but only to watch. I uploaded one film in 2013 and did nothing more until 2018. Then a few in 2019 - mostly about artwork or exhibitions. Well 2020 struck and I started making films for my art class students, as we could not meet during lockdown. I realised more than my students were watching and I go a few subscribers, but as a New Year resolution I decided to upload a film every week in 2022 and to try and get monetized. I did it in June and from there the channel has gradually grown. 2023 is the first full year of monetization. I uploaded 77 films, got 50000 likes and one million views. I now have 34,000 subscribers (which is irrelevant for the amount you get paid). So what did all that mean I got paid?

Every week I share a tip, trick or technique I wish I had known when I started painting, so if you enjoyed this please like, comment and subscribe. Or if you have a watercolour problem, let me know and maybe I can help?

#lizchaderton #myyearonyoutube2023 #whatigotpaid

[northdixie]

When you said, "I'm a woman, sitting in a shed, talking about watercolor" I hit the subscribe button. 🌟😂🌟

[aartadventure]

I suspect you will get a large boost in subscribers from this video. You presented the information in a clear and easy to understand way. It's a shame YouTube doesn't even have a category for art and artists, but all the best for continued success and fun in 2024!

[RikMaxSpeed]

You’re the first YouTuber i’ve ever seen openly divulging these numbers! And I love your artwork, subscribed! 🎉

[cat_]

Because of your honesty in showing the views and how you made, you earned my subscription. This video is inspiring. Thanks for making it

[apembertonfowler]

This is the first time I’d seen anyone break down how YouTubers get paid so I decided to watch. When you said you were a watercolor artist, I decided to subscribe. Watercolor has always been my favorite medium when it comes to painting. I’m a retired teacher now, not interested in starting a YouTube channel, but I will be watching your lessons and techniques on watercolor painting. Thank you in Virginia Beach, VA. ✌🏽🙏🏽

[corneliusb]

I found this so interesting! A glimpse behind the curtain of YouTube creators. Thank you!

[MarionKTarot]

This video was recommended by YouTube. I'm delighted it was! You're charismatic and funny whilst giving such valuable information.
I hit the subscribe button after about 2 minutes! Here is to 50k subs this year 💜

[SimoneWhippArtist]

This was so interesting and informative Liz not only for art YouTubers but for anyone wanting to get monetised on this platform. I hope it goes viral for you!

[annevanderlaan]

I clicked on this and love your voice. Grateful you shared what you made and how it works.
I will spend time watching your films.

[gailfisher]

I don’t have any suggestions because I don’t know why you showed up in my feed as I am a quilter not an Artist! But I know a thumbs up and a comment always helps so here you go!

[Cynthia.B]

Thank you for being so transparent! Honestly, you and your content are the true GOLD of YouTube. I don't know those millionaires, and I'm really not interested in them. I am interested in learning from down to earth, talented people, with a sense of humor, to boot - people like you! I think you definitely deserve a lot more. This year, I purchased your beautiful book, Painting Animals in Watercolour, and I think it's so great, filled with your practical advice and great "tips and tricks". Thanks! What would I like to see more of? Any animal paintings tutorials, maybe outdoor/wilderness sketching (vs. urban buildings), and any advice on organizing your materials and your time, etc. I don't need any more art supplies, but I appreciate how when you review a product, you usually do a demo painting. Thank you so much for creating this channel. Wishing you the best of luck in 2024! I'm sure you'll get to 100K subscribers soon! ❤🍀🌟🍀❤

[yvonnemunro]

Hello from Australia. I stumbled across your channel and subscribed. I enjoyed the way you presented the information about monetisation. I will look at all of your previous videos about art as I’ve always wanted to learn to paint however I’ve never had the confidence.

[jcgillies]

Came across this purely by chance - fascinating!

[bigblue]

Well done, Liz. Onward and upward.

YouTube Shorts are more like making advertisements for you channel, only you don't have to pay for your adverts to be shown. I've started following several channels which I came across through YouTube shorts. So it may be worth your while doing an abbreviated version of your video and invite people to come and watch the full version.

[tiredguy]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I had always wondered how the monetization worked with YouTube. You did such a nice job of explaining it simply and clearly.

[ilkacave]

Loved watching. Thank you for your lovely disposition and frankness.

[COCOChatnails]

You deserve every penny they grant you! Many thanks for your so helpful and pleasant videos Liz <3

[chrismountford]

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing Liz, so informative. I’m sure your subscriber numbers will increase this year as your films are so relevant, thank you for them. All the best! 😊

[NancyMontgomery-jdpc]

Delightful to meet you, Liz! More helpful video than you know. I’m a new subscriber!

[wimotten]

I like your honesty about the financial aspects of having a youtube channel. Youtube is not a favorite of mine because of their policies, so I watch only a few select channels there. Including yours😄. And I think you deserve every penny that you get from them. I heard that on rumble you can earn more money per view, but the audience on that platform is smaller. So if you can and want, please keep giving us some nice tips👍🏻 even when it’s on youtube 🤣. Also, still love your gold leaf paintings behind you. Beautiful!