Understanding YouTube Earnings: Long Videos vs Shorts – A Detailed Comparison

If you’re a content creator or aspiring YouTuber, one of the most important questions you might have is: “How much money can I actually earn from YouTube videos?” In this article, we’ll dive deep into the earnings comparison between long-form YouTube videos and YouTube Shorts based on real analytics, giving you a clear picture of what to expect.

Understanding YouTube Earnings: Long Videos vs Shorts – A Detailed Comparison

💡 Long Videos vs Shorts: A Quick Overview

Let’s compare the two content formats based on actual data:

📽️ Long Video Analytics

  • Views: 310,000
  • Earnings: $187 (Approx. ₹15,895)
➕ Earnings Per 1000 Views (Long Videos)
  1. Total Earnings: ₹15,895
  2. Total Views: 310,000
  3. Per 1,000 Views = ₹15,895 / 310 = ₹51 per 1,000 views

That’s a fairly decent RPM (Revenue Per Mille), especially for creators targeting niches with higher CPM (Cost Per Mille).


🎞️ YouTube Shorts Analytics

  • Views: 2,300
  • Earnings: $1.65 (Approx. ₹140.25)
➖ Earnings Per 1000 Views (Short Videos)
  1. Total Earnings: ₹140.25
  2. Total Views: 2,300
  3. Per 1,000 Views = ₹140.25 / 2.3 = ₹60 paise per 1,000 views

That’s a massive difference compared to long-form videos. As shown here, Shorts bring significantly less revenue per view.


📊 What This Means for You as a YouTuber

If you’re considering YouTube as a career or side hustle, it’s crucial to understand where your income will come from:

TypeViewsEarningsPer 1,000 Views
Long Video310,000₹15,895₹51
Shorts2,300₹140.25₹0.60

🎤 Is This Earning Enough for You?

Creating content requires investment in:

  • A professional microphone
  • Studio lighting
  • A powerful editing laptop/PC

Considering the low monetization from Shorts, many creators may find it hard to cover even basic expenses if relying solely on them. Long videos provide better income potential and are more sustainable in the long run.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why are YouTube Shorts earnings so low?

  • Shorts rely on a separate monetization model called the YouTube Shorts Fund (now evolving into ad revenue sharing). RPM is significantly lower than long-form videos.

Q2: Are long videos better for monetization?

  • Yes. Long-form videos support mid-roll ads, sponsorships, and better CPM rates.

Q3: Can Shorts help grow a channel faster?

  • Absolutely. Shorts help increase visibility and subscribers quickly, but not earnings.

Q4: Should I focus only on long videos then?

  • Use a hybrid strategy. Grow with Shorts, earn with long-form.

✅ Final Advice

If you’re entering YouTube full-time, rely more on long-form content for monetization. Use Shorts to build audience reach and brand awareness. Just keep in mind the cost-to-revenue ratio, especially if you’re running a dedicated setup.


🔗 Tools You May Need


📌 Tags:

youtube monetization, long videos vs shorts, youtube earnings, youtube shorts income, content creation, youtube strategy, monetization comparison

📢 Hashtags:

#YouTubeEarnings #YouTubeShorts #ContentCreation #MonetizationTips #LongFormContent #YouTubeAnalytics #RPM #CPM #YouTubeStrategy


⚠️ Disclaimer:

The earnings shown in this article are based on actual YouTube analytics from one creator and may vary depending on content type, location, audience, niche, and other factors. Always track your own analytics in YouTube Studio for the most accurate data.


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Sneha Rao

Sneha Rao

Sneha is a hardware reviewer and technology journalist. She has reviewed laptops and desktops for over 6 years, focusing on performance, design, and user experience. Previously working with a consumer tech magazine, she now brings her expertise to in-depth product reviews and comparisons.

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