Cost per View (CPV)
01 Definition
Cost per View (CPV) meaning: The average price paid each time someone views a video ad.
Cost per View is a video pricing model where you pay when a viewer watches your ad or reaches a set duration. On YouTube, a view often counts at 30 seconds or the full ad if shorter, or on an interaction. CPV equals video ad cost divided by views.
Why it matters
How Cost per View (CPV) fits the work
CPV ties spend to actual video views rather than impressions, which suits campaigns focused on watch time and awareness.
In context
A YouTube campaign spends $500 and earns 5,000 qualified views, giving a cost per view of $0.10.
Practical note
The definition of a "view" varies by platform and format, so check the threshold before comparing CPV across channels. Skippable and non-skippable formats count views differently.