Let’s face it, nobody loves ads. Especially right as the video starts rolling - cue the interruption by a loud insurance pitch. That’s where YouTube Premium comes in.
But here’s the bigger question: if users are skipping ads, are creators losing money?
Spoiler: not even close. In fact, YouTube Premium revenue might be your channel’s most underrated income stream in 2025.
What Exactly Is YouTube Premium?
If you still think YouTube Premium is just “YouTube without ads,” you’re missing the bigger picture.
Yes, it blocks every pre-roll, mid-roll, and banner ad. But it’s also a full-on upgrade for how millions of people now experience YouTube, over 125 million users, to be exact.
Here’s what users really get with Premium today:
- No ads, anywhere (including YouTube Kids);
- Background play - keep the video going even with your screen off;
- Offline viewing - download any video or song and watch anytime;
- Access to YouTube Music Premium - ad-free music, background play, exclusive remixes;
- YouTube Originals - exclusive content you won’t find on the free tier;
- AI tools - like “Ask Music” for instant playlist building;
- Early access to features via YouTube’s experimental Beta Lab.
In short, it’s a seamless, binge-worthy experience for power users - and YouTube is evolving it fast.
How Creators Earn from YouTube Premium
Ad revenue is all about views. But YouTube Premium revenue plays a different game.
When a Premium member watches your content, you earn a portion of their subscription fee - and it’s based on watch time, not clicks. The longer they watch, the more you make.
That means:
- Ad revenue = paid per view;
- Premium revenue = paid per minute.
And here’s the best part: both models run side by side.
You don’t lose money when someone watches ad-free - you just earn differently. That’s why YouTube Premium vs ad revenue isn’t either-or. It’s both.
More views? Great.
More minutes? Even better.
In 2025, creators are optimizing for both.
Already Monetized? Start Using It
Why wait 30 days for your YouTube payout when you can have it now? With MilX, you can access your future ad revenue instantly - no paperwork, no banks. Use it to upgrade your gear, boost your ads, or just keep your channel running smoothly. Monetization works better when your cash flow does too. Try MilX free and get paid like it’s already yours.
YouTube Monetization 2025: It's All About Retention
In 2025, clicks aren’t king - watch time is.
The algorithm rewards creators who can hold attention, not just attract it. That’s why long-form content, tutorials, deep dives, vlogs, and bingeable series are leading the pack.
Why? Because watch time = revenue, especially from YouTube Premium.
YouTube Premium creator earnings aren’t tied to CPM, ad impressions, or volatile ad budgets. They’re tied to how long Premium users watch your videos - plain and simple. That puts more control in your hands.
Want to maximize your YouTube revenue this year? Focus on the minutes, not the views.
One of the best YouTube monetization tips today? Focus on long-form content that keeps viewers engaged.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Make longer, better videos - depth beats fluff;
- Hook fast, hold longer - your first 30 seconds still matter;
- Study your analytics - track Premium views under the Revenue tab;
- Use YouTube’s new AI tools - like Ask Music and Beta Lab features to enhance experience;
- Give more to Premium fans - early access, bonus footage, or exclusives go a long way.
Retention isn’t just good for the algorithm - it’s great for your YouTube Premium earnings.
Is It Worth Promoting Premium to Your Audience?
Absolutely - especially if your content is made to be watched, not skipped.
When viewers sign up for YouTube Premium, they’re not costing you ad revenue - they’re unlocking a new way to support you. Every minute they spend watching your videos boosts your Premium earnings, without a single ad.
Your YouTube Premium watch time now plays a direct role in how much subscription revenue lands in your account.
YouTube Premium revenue now makes up a serious part of their income. Why? Because their content is long-form, high-quality, and built for deep engagement - exactly what Premium viewers are looking for.
If your content is bingeable, detailed, or just too good to interrupt, encouraging Premium upgrades might actually increase your total revenue.
It’s better for your audience.
It’s smarter for your business.
Don’t Sleep on Premium Lite
Not everyone wants the full package. That’s why in 2025, YouTube introduced Premium Lite - a cheaper version offering just one thing: ad-free video viewing.
No downloads. No music. Just uninterrupted watching. And it still contributes to Premium revenue for creators.
It’s part of YouTube’s new tiered model:
- Premium Lite – budget-friendly, ad-free YouTube;
- Full Premium – all features, including YouTube Music and background play;
- Bundles – combined with Google One or Family plans.
Think of it like streaming services: some users want everything, others just want peace and quiet. YouTube gives them both - and creators benefit from every view, no matter the tier.
Every view from a Lite subscriber adds to your YouTube Premium revenue share. And with a lower price point, more users are signing up - expanding your reach without cutting into your income.
More tiers = more subscribers.
More subscribers = more watch time.
More watch time = more earnings.
It’s a leaner plan for viewers and a wider opportunity for you.
Pro Tip: Use YouTube Analytics Like a Business Tool
If you’re not checking your Revenue tab in YouTube Studio, you’re skipping insights and leaving cash behind.
This is where you’ll see exactly how much YouTube Premium income your content is generating, and which videos are resonating most with Premium viewers.
Look for trends. Spot your top performers.
Then double down on what’s working.
Treat your channel like a business. Data tells you where the money is, you just have to follow it.
How to use YouTube Analytics in the right way - discover in our blog.
Flexible Payouts. No Limits
MilX supports 40+ currencies and 10+ payout methods, including bank transfers, Payoneer, PayPal, cards, and even crypto. Whether you’re in LA, Berlin, or Manila - your YouTube money moves when you say so. Withdraw what you need, when you need it, how you want it. MilX is built for creators who work across borders - and platforms.
Bonus Revenue Stream: $2 Super Chats
Not part of Premium, but definitely part of the plan.
$2 Super Chats let your fans pay to highlight their messages during live streams. It’s a simple way to earn extra while building real-time engagement.
Hosting a Q&A? Running a poll? Streaming a game? Super Chats turn casual viewers into active supporters - and active supporters into revenue.
Pair it with your Premium content, and you’ve got double monetization: One from long watch time. One from live interaction.
Super Chats = instant income + deeper connection.
Want to Scale Faster? MilX Can Help With Cash
While YouTube Premium gives you more ways to earn, MilX helps you access that income, faster.
Instead of waiting for monthly payouts, MilX Active Funds unlock up to 6 months of your future YouTube earnings upfront. Fuel your growth now, not later.
With MilX app you stay in control:
- Automatic repayment (5% from future income);
- Withdraw anytime - to bank, card, wallet, or even crypto;
- Pay editors, designers, and collaborators in seconds - no fees, no hassle. Only with the MilX app.
Creative growth shouldn't come with debt.
Try MilX for free and see what your channel qualifies for.