Let’s be real: if you’re starting a YouTube channel, you want it to grow, to inspire, and yes — to pay.
But not all YouTube niches are created equal.
Some pull in pennies per thousand views… and others rake in up to $50+ per 1,000 views.
That’s where RPM comes in — Revenue Per Mille.
AKA how much you actually earn per 1,000 views after YouTube’s cut.
It’s the clearest signal of what niches advertisers are throwing money at.
This post reveals the 13 highest RPM niches on YouTube.
This post is backed by real data, creator reports, and advertiser behavior.
Plus…. what makes each niche profitable, how to stand out, and whether it’s beginner-friendly.
13 Top Money-Making Niches on YouTube (Based on Real RPM Data)
1) Personal Finance
Estimated RPM: $15–$40+
It’s no surprise that talking about money… makes money.
Creators in the personal finance space often report insanely high RPMs.
Think budgeting tips, credit cards, investing, saving hacks, side hustles, and taxes.
Why it’s so lucrative:
Advertisers in this space are financial services.
Services like — banks, fintech apps, credit cards, tax software.
And….they’re willing to pay top dollar to acquire customers.
Top creators:
- Graham Stephan
- Nate O’Brien
- Her First 100K
Make it fun by:
Using real-life challenges, “I Tried Living on $1 a Day,” or transparent income breakdowns.
People love seeing how others handle their money.
Beginner-friendly? Yes — especially if you document your own journey.
Related: How to Make Serious Money on YouTube: 7+ Income Streams
2) Real Estate
Estimated RPM: $15–$50
From house tours to flipping investments to Airbnb side hustle strategies — real estate content has a rich, ready-to-spend audience.
Why it pays well:
Real estate buyers, sellers, and investors are high-value targets for platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and investment firms.
Top creators:
- Ryan Serhant
- Enes Yilmazer
- Shelby Church (Airbnb investing)
How to stand out:
Use local angles (“What $300K Buys You in [Your City]”).
Or break down your own property journey with personality.
Beginner-friendly? Yes – if you’re already dabbling in property or documenting the learning curve.
3) Make Money Online / Side Hustles
Estimated RPM: $10–$30+
This niche exploded post-2020, and it’s still thriving.
People want to quit their 9–5, and they’re searching for online income solutions daily.
Why it pays:
Courses, business apps, freelance platforms, and tools are fighting for attention — and paying well to get it.
Top creators:
- Ali Abdaal
- Erika Kullberg
- AutoMattic Media
What sells:
Real case studies and “I Tried [Weird Hustle] for 7 Days” videos.
Also, selling your own digital products alongside YouTube = $$$.
Beginner-friendly? Yes, but aim for transparency.
Fake guru vibes = unsubscribe city.
Related: 20+ Best Side Hustles To Start With Little Or No Money
4) Education & Online Courses
Estimated RPM: $12–$25+
Whether you’re teaching coding, design, music theory, or academic skills — educational content is a long-game goldmine.
Why it earns:
Brands like Skillshare, Coursera, and Grammarly spend big on placements.
Plus, evergreen videos keep earning long after upload.
Top creators:
- CrashCourse
- Thomas Frank
- Learn with Jason
Creative angle:
Use storytelling to make even boring topics interesting.
Think “I Failed Math — Then Built a 6-Figure Tutoring Business.”
Beginner-friendly? Yes — if you have one strong skill to share.
Related: 12 Real Ways for Teachers to Make Good Money in the Summer
5) Tech Reviews & Tutorials
Estimated RPM: $8–$20+
Tech creators don’t just earn through RPM.
They also kill it with affiliate links and sponsorships.
Why advertisers love it:
People searching for phones, laptops, or software are already in “buy mode.”
Brands want to be the one they click on.
Top creators:
- Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)
- Justine Ezarik (iJustine)
- TechLinked
How to stand out:
Cover under-the-radar products or niche tools (e.g., “Top 5 AI Tools for Content Creators”).
Beginner-friendly? Yes – if you already love gadgets and don’t mind editing.
Related: 19 Beyond Easy to Source Products that Sell Like Crazy on Amazon FBA
6) Health & Fitness
Estimated RPM: $7–$20
Fitness niches cover workouts, nutrition, supplements, and transformation stories.
And they’re evergreen!
Why advertisers pay:
Fitness brands, gyms, supplements, and meal plans are always hunting new customers.
Top creators:
- Chloe Ting
- Pamela Reif
- Jeff Nippard
Hook ideas:
“30 Days of 10,000 Steps,” “Beginner Gym Girl Diaries,” or “What I Eat to Lose Fat (On a Budget).”
Beginner-friendly? Yes — especially if you share your own progress.
Related: 30+ Small Business Ideas to Become Your Own Boss (& Take Back Your Time)
7) E-Commerce & Dropshipping
Estimated RPM: $12–$30
This niche attracts entrepreneurs hungry for tutorials, strategies, and results from Shopify, Amazon FBA, Etsy, or digital products.
Why it’s gold:
Platforms like Shopify and ad tools like Canva, Printify, and Google Ads are aggressive with marketing budgets.
Top creators:
- Biaheza
- Wholesale Ted
- Alex Hormozi (business crossover)
Be different by:
Testing real products or case studies — “We Launched a $1K Store in 48 Hours: Here’s What Happened.”
Beginner-friendly? Yes, if you’re documenting your journey.
Related: 17 Most Profitable E-Commerce Niches That Practically Sell Themselves
8) Self-Improvement / Productivity
Estimated RPM: $10–$25
From habit stacking to dopamine detoxes, productivity content has a loyal, educated audience.
And excellent monetization potential!
Why it pays:
Tool companies like Notion, Pomodoro timers, online journals, and coaching services throw cash at this niche.
Top creators:
- Matt D’Avella
- Ali Abdaal
- Rowena Tsai
Hot content:
“I Woke Up at 5 AM for 30 Days,” “I Quit Social Media for a Week — Here’s What Happened.”
Beginner-friendly? Yes — if you’re walking the talk, not just giving advice.
Related: Top 10 Free Courses to Help You Make More Money Online & in Your Career
9) Travel & Digital Nomad Life
Estimated RPM: $6–$15
Travel content is visually rich and aspirational.
Great for brand deals and affiliate links, even if RPM is mid-range.
Why it still makes bank:
Airbnb, Booking.com, credit card companies, and luggage brands want their name in front of travel-hungry viewers.
Top creators:
- Kara and Nate
- Lost LeBlanc
- The Bucket List Family
Unique angle:
Try “Cheap Countries to Live In Under $1K,” or “I Tried Traveling the World With No Luggage.”
Beginner-friendly? Yes.
But….travel vlogging is costly unless you already live somewhere interesting.
Related: 25 Epic Jobs That Pay You to Travel the World ($5,000+ a Month)
10) Credit & Credit Repair
Average RPM: $12 – $22+
Monetization:
- Affiliate links
- Courses
- Digital downloads
- Brand sponsorships
Okay, let’s talk about the internet’s dirty little secret: bad credit is everywhere.
Millions of people are silently panicking about their credit score.
And they’re searching YouTube at 1AM for answers.
That’s where you come in.
If you’ve ever fixed your own credit score, applied for a credit card, or even disputed a negative mark, congratulations!
You already have enough experience to start in this niche.
And guess what? It pays like crazy.
Why It Works:
Advertisers in this niche are banks, credit card companies, credit repair services, and mortgage lenders.
That means they’re spending big to reach your viewers.
One viewer could become a very high-value customer.
Beginner-friendly? Yes.
But you’ll want some personal experience here or at the very least a recognized trade qualification.
11) Pets & Animal Care
Estimated RPM: $5–$15
Animal lovers are everywhere — and pet brands know it.
Why it works:
Pet food companies, dog toy startups, and grooming brands are targeting this niche more than ever.
Top creators:
- The Dodo
- K’eyush the Stunt Dog
- Gone to the Snow Dogs
Make it pop:
“I Let My Dog Choose My Schedule for a Day,” or pet training transformation videos.
Beginner-friendly? 100% — especially if you already have a furry co-host.
Related: How to Start a Successful Dog Treat Business From Home ($4,000+ a Month Idea!)
Related: 25 Custom Pet Product Ideas to Make and Sell for Animal Lovers [That Are Instant Best-Sellers]
12) Gaming (Specific Sub-Niches Only)
Estimated RPM: $2–$8 (but higher with sponsorships)
Gaming is massive — but RPMs vary wildly.
Depends what you’re playing and how you’re monetizing.
Top-paying sub-niches:
- Mobile game reviews
- Strategy or puzzle games
- Gaming business (“How I Make $5K/Month Playing Minecraft”)
Top creators:
- Ludwig
- Valkyrae
- PointCrow
Monetize better by:
Using affiliate links (gear or in-game purchases), merch, and Patreon.
Beginner-friendly? Yes — but saturation means you need a standout personality.
13) DIY / Home Renovation
Estimated RPM: $6–$20+
DIY content (woodworking, crafts, home reno) performs amazingly with niche audiences.
It can explode with the right thumbnail.
Why advertisers pay:
Hardware stores, paint brands, furniture makers, and even real estate agents advertise here.
Top creators:
- Mr. Build It
- XO MaCenna
- Home RenoVision
Idea to try:
“We Renovated a Room with Just $100,” or “Thrifted Furniture Flips That Made $1,000.”
Beginner-friendly? Yes — especially if you’re documenting your real projects at home.
Related: 19 Small Woodworking Projects That Sell Like Crazy to Make 6 Figures a Year!
So, What Should You Choose?
Here’s the truth: YouTube is a business!
Like any smart business, you want to operate where the money flows.
High RPM = high potential
Success still comes down to:
- Making content people actually want to watch
- Posting consistently
- Evolving your storytelling and editing skills
- Monetizing outside of ads (products, affiliate links, sponsors)
So, pick a niche that you won’t burn out on.
Blend profit potential with passion.
Because the best part of YouTube?
You can be making $10,000 a month doing what you love — in your bedroom, garage, or kitchen.
And if you ever needed a sign to start, this is it!
