What Is CPV?
CPV (cost per view) is the amount an advertiser pays each time someone views a video ad, rather than paying per thousand impressions like CPM. It's a common pricing model for in-stream video ads on platforms like YouTube, where the advertiser only pays once a viewer actually watches or engages with the ad rather than skipping it immediately.
Because CPV ties cost to genuine attention rather than raw delivery, it shifts more of the risk of low engagement onto the platform compared to CPM.
CPV Formula
Divide total ad spend by the total number of views.
CPV = Total Cost ÷ Total Views
Worked Example
A video campaign spends $300 and generates 6,000 views.
CPV = $300 ÷ 6,000 = $0.05
Rearranged, the formula solves for total cost or total views instead, which is what the other two modes above do:
Total Cost = CPV × Total Views
Total Views = Total Cost ÷ CPV
What Affects CPV?
- Video length and pacing — ads that front-load their message tend to earn views (and lower CPV) before a viewer skips.
- Audience targeting — more competitive or niche audiences typically cost more per view.
- Ad format — skippable, non-skippable, and bumper ad formats are priced and measured differently across platforms.
- Creative quality — more compelling opening seconds reduce skip rate, which can lower effective CPV in auction-based systems.
CPV Calculator FAQ
How is CPV calculated?
CPV is calculated by dividing total ad spend by total views: CPV = Total Cost ÷ Total Views. Enter your cost and view count above to calculate it instantly.
What counts as a "view" for CPV pricing?
It depends on the platform — YouTube counts a view once someone watches 30 seconds or the whole ad (whichever is shorter) or interacts with it, while other platforms use different thresholds. Check the specific platform's definition before comparing CPV across networks.
What's a good CPV?
CPV varies by platform, audience, and video length — compare your CPV against your own account history and platform benchmarks for your specific format rather than a fixed number.
What's the difference between CPV and CPM for video ads?
CPM charges per thousand impressions regardless of whether the viewer watched the ad. CPV only charges when someone actually views (or engages with) the ad for a meaningful duration, shifting more of the risk of skipped or ignored ads onto the publisher or platform.