Your inbox pings. A brand wants to collaborate. Your heart races as you read their message, but then comes the million-dollar question: “What are your rates?”
If you’ve ever felt that mix of excitement and panic, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve got 10,000 subscribers or 1 million, pricing your first (or fifteenth) sponsorship can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.
Here’s the thing: Markiplier charges upwards of $25,000 per sponsored video. Meanwhile, mid-sized tech channels like Austin Evans command between $2,500 to $9,000 per collaboration. But what about your channel? Let’s cut through the confusion and break down exactly what you should charge.
No more underselling your value or pulling numbers from thin air. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to price your sponsorships based on your niche, audience, and content type. And yes, we’ll look at real numbers from real channels – because theoretical advice only gets you so far.
Speaking of numbers that might surprise you: channels with just 10,000 to 50,000 subscribers regularly secure deals worth $850 to $2,240 per video. That’s not chump change, especially when you’re just starting to monetize your content.
Data from SocialBlade
The game has changed. Gone are the days when sponsorships were reserved for million-subscriber titans. Today’s brands care more about engagement, audience quality, and niche relevance than raw subscriber counts. A focused channel with 20,000 true fans can often command better rates than a general entertainment channel with 200,000 passive subscribers.
Remember: pricing sponsorships isn’t just about today’s paycheck. It’s about setting precedents that will affect your earning potential for years to come. Ready to get this right? Let’s dive into the exact numbers and formulas you need to know.
Let’s talk cold, hard numbers. Based on our analysis of thousands of sponsorship deals across different niches, here’s where the market stands in 2024.
First up, the benchmark everyone loves to quote: Cost Per View (CPV). Most channels charge between 1 to 10 cents per view. Simple, right? Not quite. Tech channels like Linus Tech Tips can command up to 10 cents per view, while general entertainment might settle for 2-3 cents. It all depends on your niche’s buying power.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Successful channels rarely stick to just CPV. They use what I call the “Triple Threat” pricing model:
Base Rate + View Guarantee + Engagement Premium
Take Joshua Weissman’s cooking channel as an example. With 9.85 million subscribers, he doesn’t just charge per view. His sponsorship packages start at $9,000 and scale based on performance. Why? Because his audience doesn’t just watch – they buy the cooking tools he recommends.
Data from SocialBlade
Here’s what real channels are charging in 2024:
For smaller channels (1,000-10,000 subscribers):
- Starting rate: $850 per sponsorship
- View guarantee: Usually 2-3x your average views
- Engagement premium: +10-20% for high-performing niches
Mid-sized creators (10,000-50,000 subscribers):
- Base rate: $850-$2,240
- View guarantee: 1.5-2x average views
- Engagement premium: +15-30% for specialized content
Larger channels (50,000-500,000 subscribers):
- Base rate: $2,240-$5,859
- View guarantee: Minimum view count guarantee
- Engagement premium: +20-40% for premium niches
Want to really maximize your earnings? Tools like Storiella can help you create high-production sponsored content that commands premium rates. With its AI-powered video creation capabilities, you can deliver polished, professional content that justifies higher pricing tiers.
Remember: these aren’t just random numbers. They’re based on real deals from channels like yours. The key is understanding where you fit in this spectrum and adjusting based on your unique value proposition.
Think of your YouTube channel like a house on the market. Just like property values aren’t determined by square footage alone, your sponsorship rates aren’t just about subscriber count. Let’s peek behind the curtain at what really drives your channel’s value.
The Power of Your Niche
Tech channels are crushing it right now. Take MKBHD (Marques Brownlee) for instance. With his tech-savvy audience and high production values, he commands premium rates between $15,000 to $35,000 per sponsorship. Why? Because his viewers are actively looking to buy the products he reviews.
But here’s the plot twist: smaller niche channels can sometimes charge more per viewer than bigger general entertainment channels. A focused finance channel with 50,000 subscribers might earn more per sponsorship than a meme channel with 500,000 subscribers. It’s all about audience buying power and intent.
Location, Location, Location
Your audience’s geography plays a crucial role in determining sponsorship rates. Research shows that channels with audiences primarily in regions with higher purchasing power, like the United States, consistently command higher sponsorship rates. Brands consider this geographic data when determining sponsorship value, as it directly correlates with potential return on investment.
Here’s how audience location affects rates:
- Regions with high purchasing power (US, UK, Canada, Australia): Premium rates
- European markets: Competitive rates varying by country
- Emerging markets: Rates vary based on market potential and brand objectives
Engagement is King
Remember VanossGaming? With 25.9 million subscribers and consistently high engagement rates, they can charge between $15,000 to $49,000 per sponsorship. Their secret? An incredibly active community and strong viewer retention.
As of 2024, here’s what constitutes good engagement:
- The platform average engagement rate is 3.87%
- Watch time above 70% is considered excellent
- Strong comment sections and community interaction boost value
Production Quality Matters
Here’s where tools like Storiella become your secret weapon. High-quality video production can justify higher rates, and Storiella makes it easy to create professional-looking content consistently. Sponsors pay premium rates for videos that look and feel premium.
Pro tip: Use Storiella to create test versions of sponsored content. Show potential sponsors exactly how their product will be featured, with professional narration and visuals. This kind of preparation can demonstrate your production value and justify higher rates.
Brand Safety Score
Hidden factor alert: your content’s brand safety score significantly impacts rates. Family-friendly channels like DanTDM can charge premium rates ($15,000 to $49,000 per sponsorship) because they’re safe for all advertisers. Meanwhile, channels with edgier content might need to accept lower rates or work with specific types of brands.
Seasonal Considerations
Sponsorship rates can fluctuate throughout the year based on advertising cycles and market demands. While rates often peak during major shopping seasons and holidays, the specific increases vary by niche and market conditions. Smart creators plan their sponsorship strategies around these market trends while maintaining consistent value for their partners.
Remember, these factors don’t exist in isolation - they work together to determine your channel’s value proposition. Understanding how they interact is key to pricing your sponsorships effectively.
Time to get down to brass tacks. You’ve probably seen those fancy YouTube sponsorship calculators online, right? While they’re nice starting points, let’s dig into the actual math that’ll put more money in your pocket. No more shooting in the dark or underselling yourself.
The Magic Formula (That Actually Works)
Remember when everyone said “charge $50 per thousand views” and called it a day? Yeah, that’s like using a flip phone in 2025. Here’s the real deal:
Your Base Rate = (Average Views / 1000) × Your CPM × Engagement Multiplier
Let’s break this down using real numbers. Say you’re a tech channel averaging 50,000 views per video. The tech niche typically commands a CPM of $20-$30. With decent engagement (above that 3.87% platform average we talked about), you’re looking at:
(50,000 / 1000) × $25 × 1.2 = $1,500 base rate
But wait – we’re not done yet.
Package Like a Pro
Here’s where most creators leave money on the table. Instead of offering single videos, structure your packages like this:
Basic Package:
- One dedicated video mention
- Base rate applies
Pro Package (1.8x base rate):
- 60-second dedicated segment
- One pinned comment
- Usage rights for clips
- Social media cross-promotion
Premium Package (2.5x base rate):
- Everything in Pro
- Two video integrations
- Custom branded content
- Exclusivity in your niche
Pro tip: Create these packages using Storiella’s video creation tools. You can quickly mock up different sponsorship integration styles to show brands exactly what they’re getting. Seeing is believing, and high-quality previews can justify higher rates.
The “Hidden” Multipliers
Remember how we mentioned engagement rates earlier? Here’s where they really shine. Your rate can increase based on these factors:
- Watch time above 70%? Multiply by 1.2
- Engagement above platform average? Multiply by 1.15
- Premium niche (tech, finance, etc.)? Multiply by 1.3
Take TED-Ed as an example. With 20.8 million subscribers and stellar engagement, they command rates between $15,000 to $45,000 per sponsorship. Why? Because they nail every multiplier – premium educational content, high watch time, and engaged viewers who take action.
Real Talk: Minimum Rates
Even if your numbers are small, never go below these minimums:
- 1,000-10,000 subscribers: $850 minimum
- 10,000-50,000 subscribers: $2,240 minimum
- 50,000+ subscribers: $5,859 minimum
Why these specific numbers? They’re based on actual market data from successful channels. Going lower devalues not just your content, but the entire creator ecosystem.
The Multi-Video Sweet Spot
Here’s a secret the big channels use: multi-video deals. Instead of charging $1,500 for one video, offer:
- 3 videos for $3,600 (20% discount)
- 6 videos for $6,300 (30% discount)
- 12 videos for $10,800 (40% discount)
This might seem like you’re making less per video, but here’s why it’s genius:
- Guaranteed income
- Better results for brands (which means renewals)
- More efficient content planning
- Higher total revenue
Ready to put this into action? Grab a calculator (or better yet, open a spreadsheet) and let’s run your numbers. And remember – these aren’t just theoretical formulas. They’re based on real deals happening right now on YouTube.
Picture this: You’ve done your homework, crunched the numbers, and know exactly what you’re worth. Now comes the fun part – convincing brands to pay it. Spoiler alert: It’s less about hard bargaining and more about showing brands why you’re worth every penny. Let’s dive into the art of the deal, creator style.
The Media Kit Magic
First things first – your media kit is your secret weapon. Think of it as your channel’s highlight reel, but with a business twist. But here’s where most creators mess up: they turn their media kit into a boring PDF that could cure insomnia.
Instead, do what emma chamberlain did. With 12.1 million subscribers, she landed deals with Louis Vuitton and Cartier not just because of her numbers, but because she showed brands exactly how she could transform their stuffy luxury image into something Gen Z would actually care about.
Here’s what your media kit needs to scream (without actually screaming):
“I’m not just another YouTuber – I’m your next best marketing decision.”
Pro tip: Use Storiella to create a quick video version of your media kit. Nothing says “I create engaging content” like, well, engaging content. Plus, it immediately shows brands your production quality and creativity.
The Art of the Counter-Offer
When a brand slides into your DMs with an offer that makes you laugh (or cry), here’s how to turn that lowball into a home run:
Instead of: “That’s too low” Say: “Based on my average of X views and Y engagement rate, similar partnerships typically start at [your rate]. Here’s what that investment would get you…”
Remember Joshua Weissman? He didn’t just become a 9.85M subscriber cooking channel by accident. When negotiating his early sponsorships, he focused on one thing: results for brands. Now he commands rates starting at $9,000 per video.
Package Deals: The Ultimate Power Move
Here’s a negotiation ninja move: Never show up with just one option. Create three tiers of offerings:
Basic Package (Your calculated rate):
- Standard integration
- Basic usage rights
- Single platform
Pro Package (1.8x your rate):
- Premium placement
- Multi-platform rights
- Custom content elements
Enterprise Package (2.5x your rate):
- Everything plus exclusivity
- Advanced analytics reporting
- Multiple touchpoints
Why does this work? Because it shifts the conversation from “yes/no” to “which one?” Psychology for the win!
The Numbers That Make Brands Say Yes
When Babish Culinary Universe pitches to sponsors, they don’t just talk about their 10.3 million subscribers. They focus on their 3.2 million average views and their uber-engaged cooking enthusiast audience. Result? Sponsorship rates between $9,000 to $25,000 per video.
Your turn. Don’t just share your subscriber count. Talk about:
- View-through rates (how many people watch most of your video)
- Comment engagement (proof your audience trusts you)
- Click-through rates on previous sponsorships (if you have them)
- Audience demographics that match their target market
The Power of Saying No
Here’s something most guides won’t tell you: Sometimes the best negotiation move is walking away. If a brand won’t meet your minimum rate, it’s not just about the money – it’s about setting precedents for future deals.
Remember those minimum rates we talked about? Stick to them. Because here’s what happens when you don’t: You end up working harder for less money, and other brands start thinking that’s what you’re worth.
The Follow-Up Formula
After sending your proposal, don’t just sit there refreshing your inbox like it’s a TikTok feed. Here’s your follow-up timeline:
Day 3: Quick check-in Day 7: Share a relevant success story Day 14: “Last call” with a time-sensitive bonus
And here’s the kicker – use this time to create content that shows exactly what they’re missing out on. Nothing motivates a brand like FOMO.
You’re not just selling ad space – you’re offering brands a ticket to ride on your rocket ship. Make them want to get on board, then make them pay for their seat.
Alright, time to level up your sponsorship game with some serious firepower. We’re talking tools that’ll make you look like a seasoned pro, even if you’re just starting out. Think of this as your YouTube sponsorship utility belt – Batman would be jealous.
Content Creation: Your Secret Weapon
First up, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: creating sponsor-worthy content. This is where Storiella becomes your best friend. Why? Because brands aren’t just buying your audience – they’re buying into your production quality.
Storiella’s AI-powered video creation takes your sponsored content from “meh” to “mind-blowing.” Imagine turning a simple product mention into a visually stunning story that has viewers reaching for their credit cards. The best part? You can create multiple versions of your sponsorship segments to A/B test what works best.
Sponsorship Platforms That Actually Work
Forget those sketchy “influencer marketplaces” that promise the moon but deliver cheese. Here are the platforms that top creators actually use:
YouTube BrandConnect
- The OG of sponsorship platforms
- Direct connection to vetted brands
- Higher rates but harder to get in
- Must be in YouTube Partner Program
Take Tasty for example. With 21.4 million subscribers, they leverage YouTube BrandConnect to secure those juicy $15,000-$45,000 sponsorship deals. But they didn’t start there – they built their way up using platforms like…
Izea & The Shelf
- Perfect for lifestyle and food niches
- Easier to get started
- More flexible requirements
- Great for building your portfolio
Pro tip: Don’t put all your eggs in one platform basket. The real money comes from being on multiple platforms while building direct brand relationships.
The Money Management Stack
Here’s what the pros use to track and maximize their sponsorship revenue:
- Makrwatch
- Free creator dashboard
- Revenue tracking
- Brand collaboration tools
- DonationXChange
- Professional sponsor management
- Custom application workflows
- Perfect for scaling up
Production Tools That Make You Look Expensive
Remember when I mentioned Storiella earlier? Here’s how to use it specifically for sponsorships:
- Create custom video templates for different types of sponsorships:
- Product reviews
- Service demonstrations
- Brand stories
- Tutorial integrations
- Use AI-generated narrations to test different script versions
- Generate matching visuals that align with brand guidelines
- Mix everything together with professional transitions
The result? Sponsored content that looks like it cost 10x what you actually spent to make it.
Your Sponsorship Tech Stack
Here’s what your complete toolkit should look like:
For Content Creation:
- Storiella for video production
- YouTube Create for quick edits
- Stock footage subscriptions (worth every penny)
For Management:
- Spreadsheet templates (grab them below)
- Contract templates (essential for big deals)
- Rate calculators (remember our formulas!)
For Analytics:
- YouTube Studio metrics
- Social Blade for competitive research
- Google Analytics for website traffic
The Growth Hack Nobody Talks About
Here’s a power move: Use Storiella to create quick “spec” videos for brands you want to work with. Show them exactly what their sponsorship could look like. It’s like sending a movie trailer instead of a script – way more compelling.
This is exactly how Babish Culinary Universe landed their Made In Cookware sponsorship. They didn’t just pitch – they showed. And now they’re earning $9,000 to $25,000 per sponsored video.
The Ultimate Time-Saver
Time is money, especially in YouTube land. Here’s your workflow to handle sponsorships like a boss:
- Morning: Check BrandConnect and other platforms
- Afternoon: Film/edit using Storiella
- Evening: Schedule and interact with brands
The best tools aren’t always the most expensive ones – they’re the ones that actually save you time while making you look like a million bucks. Start with what you need, then scale up as your sponsorship game grows.
Ready to put all this into action? Grab your first tool (hint: start with Storiella) and let’s turn those sponsorship dreams into dollar signs.