What is CPV (Cost Per View)?

Master video advertising with Cost Per View pricing and learn how to maximize engagement at the lowest cost.

CPV Definition

CPV (Cost Per View) is a video advertising pricing model where advertisers pay each time a user watches their video ad. This model is specifically designed for video campaigns and is commonly used on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Unlike CPC where you pay for clicks or CPM where you pay for impressions, CPV focuses on actual video engagement. You only pay when someone watches your video for a meaningful duration (typically 30 seconds or the full video if shorter) or interacts with it. This ensures your budget goes toward users who are genuinely interested in your content.

How Does CPV Work?

Set Your Bid

Determine the maximum amount you're willing to pay for each video view.

Video Displayed

Your video ad is shown to users based on targeting and bid amount.

User Watches

When a user watches for the required duration or interacts with your video.

You're Charged

You pay the agreed CPV amount only when a qualified view occurs.

How to Calculate CPV

CPV = Total Ad Spend ÷ Number of Views

Example Calculation

If you spend $200 on video advertising and receive 2,000 views:

CPV = $200 ÷ 2,000 = $0.10 per view

This means you paid $0.10 for each user who watched your video. Lower CPV means more efficient video advertising.

CPV Bidding Strategies

TrueView In-Stream

Skippable video ads where you pay only if viewers watch 30+ seconds.

In-Feed Video

Video ads in social feeds charged per view or click.

Maximum CPV

Set the highest amount you'll pay per view with manual control.

Target CPV

Set a target average CPV and let AI optimize bidding.

Maximize Views

Get as many views as possible within your budget.

View-Through Rate

Optimize for viewers who watch your entire video.

CPV Costs by Platform

Platform

Average CPV

Engagement Quality

YouTube Ads

$0.10-$0.30

Medium to High

Facebook/Instagram

$0.05-$0.25

Medium

TikTok Ads

$0.10-$0.20

Medium to High

Paidwork Ads

$0.02-$0.08

Very High

Why Choose CPV Advertising?

Pay Only for Actual Views

Build Brand Awareness

High Engagement Rates

Perfect for Storytelling

Measurable View Metrics

Cost-Effective Video Marketing

CPV Advertising with Paidwork Ads

Get the lowest CPV rates in the industry with Paidwork Ads. Our average CPV of $0.02-$0.08 is 60-80% lower than platforms like YouTube ($0.10-$0.30) or Facebook ($0.05-$0.25). With 30M+ active users who genuinely engage with video content, AI-powered optimization for maximum completion rates, and verified quality audience, you get maximum video views at minimal cost.

CPV Performance: Paidwork Ads vs Traditional Platforms

$0.02-$0.08

Paidwork Ads CPV

$0.10-$0.30

YouTube Ads CPV

70%

Cost Savings

85%

Avg Completion Rate

30M+

Active Viewers

160+

Countries Available

Frequently Asked Questions About CPV

What does CPV stand for in advertising?

CPV stands for Cost Per View. It is a video advertising pricing model where advertisers pay each time a user watches their video ad. Typically, a "view" is counted when someone watches your video for a minimum duration (usually 30 seconds or the full video if shorter) or engages with it by clicking.

How is CPV calculated?

CPV is calculated by dividing the total advertising cost by the number of video views. The formula is: CPV = Total Ad Spend ÷ Number of Views. For example, if you spend $200 on video ads and receive 2,000 views, your CPV is $0.10. Lower CPV means you're paying less for each video view.

What is a good CPV for video advertising?

A good CPV varies by platform and targeting. YouTube CPV typically ranges from $0.10-$0.30, Facebook/Instagram video ads average $0.05-$0.25, and TikTok ranges from $0.10-$0.20. On Paidwork Ads, average CPV is $0.02-$0.08, which is 60-80% lower than traditional platforms while maintaining high engagement and completion rates.

What counts as a view in CPV advertising?

View definitions vary by platform. YouTube counts a view after 30 seconds (or full duration if shorter) or when someone interacts with the video. Facebook counts views after 3 seconds for in-feed videos. Most platforms also count clicks and interactions as views. The key is that users must actively engage with or watch the video for a meaningful duration.

What is the difference between CPV and CPM for video ads?

CPV (Cost Per View) charges you when someone watches your video, while CPM (Cost Per Mille) charges you for every 1,000 impressions regardless of whether people watch. CPV is better for engagement-focused video campaigns since you only pay for actual views. CPM is better for broad reach and brand awareness where views aren't the primary goal.

How can I lower my CPV?

To lower CPV: create compelling video content that hooks viewers in the first 3 seconds, target the right audience who wants to watch your content, optimize video length (shorter videos often have lower CPV), use eye-catching thumbnails, improve video quality and production value, test different targeting options, and choose platforms like Paidwork Ads with naturally lower CPV rates.

When should I use CPV instead of CPC pricing?

Use CPV when running video advertising campaigns focused on brand awareness, storytelling, product demonstrations, tutorials or educational content, app promotion videos, or building audience engagement. Use CPC when driving immediate traffic to your website or when clicks matter more than video watch time. CPV is specifically designed for video campaign goals.

What is the average CPV on Paidwork Ads?

On Paidwork Ads, average CPV ranges from $0.02 to $0.08 depending on targeting and video length, which is 60-80% lower than traditional platforms. This low CPV is achieved through highly engaged users who actively watch video content, AI optimization that shows videos to interested viewers, quality audience that completes videos, and performance-based incentives ensuring genuine engagement.

Ready to Start Your Video Campaign?

Launch cost-effective CPV campaigns with Paidwork Ads. Get 70% lower costs than traditional platforms with guaranteed views.