YouTube Shorts monetization remains one of the most misunderstood revenue streams on the platform. Creators often expect Shorts to generate the same RPM as long-form videos and are disappointed when they do not.
How YouTube Shorts Monetization Works
Unlike long-form videos which earn through direct ad placements, Shorts are monetized through a shared revenue pool. YouTube pools together ad revenue generated between Shorts in the feed and distributes a portion to eligible creators each month.
What Is the Shorts RPM in 2026?
Effective Shorts RPM is typically $0.03 to $0.08 in most markets. Shorts typically earn 95 to 98 percent less per view than long-form videos with mid-roll ads.
Shorts vs Long-Form: A Direct Comparison
A long-form tech video with 100,000 views at $10 RPM earns approximately $1,000. A Short in the same niche with 100,000 views at $0.06 RPM earns approximately $6. That is a 167x difference for the same view count.
Should You Make Shorts for Money?
If your primary goal is AdSense revenue, Shorts are not an efficient use of time compared to long-form content. The most effective strategy is a hybrid approach: produce Shorts as a top-of-funnel growth tool while monetizing primarily through long-form videos.