What this calculator does
Cost per view is the average price paid for each view a video ad receives. Video platforms typically only charge when a viewer watches past a defined threshold, such as 30 seconds or to completion, rather than for every time the video was merely served.
Because CPV only counts genuine views rather than raw impressions, it is a closer measure of actual attention than CPM, while still being a cost of exposure rather than a cost of any resulting sale, which is what CPA measures further down the funnel.
The formula
Divide total ad spend by the number of views the video received, where a view is defined by the platform’s own counting rule.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPV | Cost per view: total spend ÷ number of views. |
| Views | The number of times the video was watched past the platform’s counting threshold. |
| Spend | The total amount spent to generate those views. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Total ad spend ($) | The total ad spend over the campaign or period being measured. |
| Views received | The number of views that spend generated, as counted by the platform. |
When to use it
Budgeting a video campaign
Knowing the CPV a platform is charging lets you estimate how many views a given budget should deliver before the campaign runs.
Comparing video platforms or formats
CPV allows a direct comparison between platforms that price and count views differently, once each is expressed as a single cost-per-view figure.
Judging creative length or format
Testing different video lengths or formats against the same audience and comparing CPV shows which version is being watched more cost-effectively.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
How CPV changes as spend increases at a fixed number of views
A fixed 15,000 views, at a range of total spend levels.
| Total spend | CPV | Views per $100 spend |
|---|---|---|
| $150 | $0.01 | 10,000 |
| $300 | $0.02 | 5,000 |
| $450 | $0.03 | 3,333 |
| $600 | $0.04 | 2,500 |
| $900 | $0.06 | 1,667 |
| $1,200 | $0.08 | 1,250 |
How CPV changes as views increase at a fixed spend
A fixed $300 budget, across a range of view volumes.
| Views received | CPV | Views per $100 spend |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 | $0.06 | 1,667 |
| 10,000 | $0.03 | 3,333 |
| 15,000 | $0.02 | 5,000 |
| 20,000 | $0.02 | 6,667 |
| 30,000 | $0.01 | 10,000 |
| 50,000 | $0.01 | 16,667 |
Questions
What counts as a "view" for CPV purposes?
It depends on the platform: some count a view once 30 seconds have played, others once the whole video finishes, and others use a different threshold entirely. Check the platform’s own definition before comparing CPV across services.
How does CPV differ from CPM for video ads?
CPM charges per 1,000 impressions regardless of how much was watched. CPV only charges when a viewer actually watches past the counting threshold, so it more closely reflects genuine attention rather than just ad delivery.
What is a good CPV?
It varies by platform, video length, targeting and industry, so there is no single figure worth quoting. Compare your own CPV across campaigns and creative variations instead.
Does a low CPV guarantee a good campaign?
No. CPV only measures the cost of attention, not what that attention led to. Pair it with conversion or brand-lift measures to judge whether the views were valuable.
For campaigns priced on impressions rather than views, see the CPM calculator. To see what those views eventually cost per customer, use the CPA calculator.