CPV stands for Cost Per View.
Definition of CPV (Cost Per View)
CPV is a billing model and a performance metric used primarily in video advertising (most notably on platforms like YouTube). Under this model, an advertiser pays only when a user:
- Watches the video ad for a specific minimum duration (e.g., 30 seconds in TrueView In-Stream campaigns) or watches the entire video if it is shorter.
- Interacts with the ad (e.g., clicks on a call-to-action overlay, companion banner, cards, or a link to the landing page).
Unlike CPM (where you pay for 1,000 impressions of a static ad), the CPV model focuses on actual user engagement and attention toward the video content.
CPV Formula:
CPV is calculated by dividing the total campaign cost by the number of qualifying views or interactions as defined by the platform's criteria.
CPV = Total Campaign Cost Number of Qualifying Views
Example: If 2,000 PLN was spent on a video campaign and 10,000 qualifying views were achieved, the CPV is 0.20 PLN.
CPV = 2,000 PLN 10,000 = 0,20 PLN
When is CPV used?
CPV is the ideal model for:
- Branding and Awareness Campaigns – where the goal is for as many people as possible to see the message.
- Engagement-focused Strategies – aimed at building and maintaining the audience's attention through video content.
