CPV Calculator — Free Cost Per View Calculator for Video Ads (2026)
Calculate cost per view for YouTube, TikTok, Meta, and CTV video campaigns. Includes 2026 CPV benchmarks by platform and counting methodology differences.
Cost per view (CPV) is the primary efficiency metric for video advertising, but it's deceptively tricky because every platform defines 'view' differently. A 2-second TikTok view, a 3-second Meta view, a 30-second YouTube TrueView, and a 100% completed CTV view are not comparable despite all being called 'views.' This calculator gives you CPV from spend and view counts, and the benchmarks below clarify what a fair CPV looks like per platform and counting standard.
Total amount spent on the video campaign.
Total counted views (note: platforms count views differently — see FAQ).
CPV (Cost Per View)
$0.05
Your cost per video view
How It Works
The formula is: **CPV = Total Spend ÷ Total Views**. Spend $10,000 and receive 200,000 views at a $0.05 CPV. The critical caveat: always know which view definition applies. Meta's default 'video views' counts anything over 3 seconds. YouTube TrueView counts views of 30 seconds or full duration if shorter. CTV views counted only when 100% complete. TikTok counts views at 2 seconds. A $0.03 CPV on TikTok and a $0.03 CPV on YouTube TrueView are not equivalent — the TikTok view is a 15× shorter attention commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good CPV in 2026?
Benchmarks by platform and definition: YouTube TrueView $0.05–$0.12 CPV. YouTube non-skippable $0.15–$0.30 (priced on CPM; CPV is derived). Meta 3-second views $0.01–$0.03 CPV. Meta ThruPlay (15s) $0.04–$0.08 CPV. TikTok 2-second views $0.01–$0.03 CPV. TikTok 6-second views $0.04–$0.10 CPV. CTV completed views $0.15–$0.45 CPV depending on inventory premium. Always compare against the same counting standard.
How does CPV differ from CPM?
CPM is cost per 1,000 impressions (an impression = ad loaded and served). CPV is cost per view (a view = ad watched for a minimum duration). Every video campaign generates impressions; only a subset become views because many impressions scroll past before the view threshold. On YouTube TrueView, you pay only for views (CPV pricing); on Meta, TikTok, and most CTV, you pay for impressions (CPM pricing) and view counts are derived metrics, not billed metrics.
Should I optimize to CPV or completion rate?
For awareness objectives: optimize to CPV with a minimum completion rate gate (e.g., 50% video completion rate). Chasing lowest CPV alone often drives toward 2-second scrolled views that deliver no brand signal. For consideration objectives: optimize to cost per 75% completion or cost per quartile (Q3) view. For mid-funnel action: use cost per engagement or cost per click, not CPV. CPV is a leading indicator of attention, not a complete efficiency measure on its own.
Why is my TikTok CPV so much lower than YouTube CPV?
TikTok's default view threshold is 2 seconds; YouTube TrueView's is 30 seconds. You're not buying comparable attention. To compare fairly, look at cost per 6-second view on TikTok (roughly comparable to YouTube TrueView economics) or cost per 100% completion across both platforms. On apples-to-apples comparisons, TikTok CPV is generally 30–50% cheaper than YouTube for equivalent attention in younger demos, reflecting lower advertiser demand relative to supply.
Does CPV include audio-on viewership?
Rarely. Platform view counts typically include muted auto-play views. To understand true attention, request sound-on view rate as a separate metric (most DSPs and ad servers report this). Sound-on rates: CTV 85–95%, YouTube 75–85%, Meta 15–25%, TikTok 60–70%. A low sound-on rate doesn't invalidate a CPV metric but it dramatically affects creative requirements — mute-optimized creative is a must for Meta and essential for any video relying on spoken dialogue.
Related Tools
Tools/Youtube Cpm Calculator
YouTube-specific CPM calculator, complementing CPV analysis.
Tools/Cpm Calculator
Calculate CPM alongside CPV for complete video pricing analysis.
Tools/Ctr Calculator
Pair CPV with CTR for video performance benchmarking.
Halliard
Halliard normalizes video metrics across YouTube, Meta, TikTok, and CTV.
Normalize video metrics across platforms with Halliard
Compare features, pricing, and alternatives across 40+ media planning platforms.
Browse All Tools