One of the most common questions brands ask is: “How much should we pay a YouTube influencer?” There are many variables that influence pricing, and it can be difficult to understand the rates being charged.
We will give you a complete overview of the cost of youtube influencers, available options and best practices for negotiating. ValueYourNetworkan expert in influence marketing since 2016, has supported you in this process by providing you with precise data and powerful tools to identify and collaborate with the best YouTube influencers.
You will discover:
✅ The types of content and services you can buy from YouTubers
✅ Factors that influence their prices
✅ Common price ranges
✅ Tips for negotiating your collaborations in the best possible way
Thanks to ValueYourNetwork, you will have access to all the essential information to succeed in your influence campaign on YouTube.
What can you buy from YouTube influencers?
YouTubers offer several types of sponsored content. Here are the main formats you can purchase:
Dedicated videos
A dedicated video is a format where the YouTuber creates content entirely focused on your product or brand.
✔ Benefits
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In-depth storytelling that helps explain a product or service in detail.
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More exposure time for your brand, driving stronger engagement.
✖ Disadvantages
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This format is the most expensive.
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It may get fewer views than the creator's regular videos, especially if their audience is not used to sponsored content.
Embeds in non-dedicated videos
All integrations are advertising placements integrated into videos already planned by the influencer. They can appear before, during or after the video, and generally last between 30 and 90 seconds.
There are two types of integrations:
1️⃣ Natural integrations : Product placement is fluid and fits in with the YouTuber's content.
2️⃣ Separate commercials : the influencer announces the sponsor in a more explicit way.
✔ Benefits
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Cheaper than a dedicated video.
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Allows you to reach a wider audience while benefiting from the natural context of the video.
✖ Disadvantages
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Less control over the message and overall environment of the video.
YouTube Shorts
All YouTube Shorts, the equivalent of Instagram Reels and TikTok, are short videos (less than 3 minutes).
✔ Benefits
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A great addition to TikTok and Instagram campaigns.
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Helps reach a wider mobile audience.
✖ Disadvantages
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Often lower engagement than long videos.
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Less effective for direct conversions.
Live stream mentions
All live streams allow influencers to interact with their audience in real time.
✔ Benefits
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Unique opportunity to create a strong connection with the audience.
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Possible sponsorships on events or special collaborations.
✖ Disadvantages
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The audience can drop off quickly if the sponsored mention arrives late in the live.
Other complementary formats
Some additional options can be added to a YouTube influencer campaign:
🔹 Community posts : Post on YouTube's Community tab.
🔹 Links in the description : essential for generating traffic to your website.
🔹 Pinned Comments : allows you to display a clearly visible link below the video.
What are the criteria that influence YouTube influencers’ rates?
The YouTube Influencer Awards are mainly based on number of views obtained by their videos. However, several other elements influence the rates:
🎯 The target market : influencers based in United States, United Kingdom and Canada are generally more expensive.
📍 Ad placement : an advertisement in pre-roll (start of video) will cost more than a placement in post-roll (end of video).
🎥 The influencer niche sectors such as beauty, tech or parenting are often more expensive.
🏆 The status of the influencer : if the influencer has fame outside of YouTube (artist, athlete, etc.), he will be able to charge more.
⏳ Production times : an urgent request often results in an additional cost.
How much does an ad placement on YouTube cost?
YouTube influencer prices vary greatly depending on their audience. Here are some estimates of what they charge in the United States:
| Influencer Type | Price per integration | Typical CPM |
|---|---|---|
| Top influencers (1M+ followers) | 20K – 80K+ $ | 30 – 60 $ |
| Mid-tier (500K – 1M subscribers) | 5K – 20K $ | 20 – 50 $ |
| Micro-influencers (100K – 500K subscribers) | 500 – 5K $ | 10 – 30 $ |
| Nano-influencers (<100K subscribers) | <500 – 1.5K $ | <10 – 15 $ |
How to negotiate YouTube influencer rates?
💡 Tips for getting the best price :
1️⃣ Group your orders : ordering multiple videos often allows you to negotiate a discount.
2️⃣ Reduce the requirements : if the rate is too high, adjust the integration duration or format.
3️⃣ Look at recent campaigns : if the influencer has a lot of sponsors, check if their views are dropping.
4️⃣ Offer mixed payment combining a fixed payment and an affiliate model can reduce the initial cost.
5️⃣ Make a long-term deal : a collaboration of several months allows you to obtain better rates.
Save time with ValueYourNetwork
ValueYourNetwork allows you to quickly identify the right influencers with its advanced analysis and matching tools. You can:
✅ Find YouTubers that fit your market.
✅ Check influencers’ statistics before contacting them.
✅ Track the performance of your campaigns in real time.
With our expertise since 2016, we have helped dozens of brands collaborate effectively with influencers.
Ready to launch your YouTube campaign?
📢 Contact ValueYourNetwork today to develop a successful influencer marketing strategy and maximize your return on investment!