YouTube Shorts

Which Shorts Niches Pay the Most? (High RPM Guide)

Not all views are equal. Discover which niches like Finance and Tech pay the highest ad rates on Shorts.

January 6, 2026 8 min read Updated: Jan 6, 2026

A million views in Gaming pays differently than a million views in Finance. Advertisers pay premiums to reach certain audiences, and understanding this can dramatically affect your earnings.

Top Paying Niches 2026

  1. Personal Finance / Crypto: Advertisers pay huge premiums for viewers interested in money management
  2. E-commerce / Business Tips: Targeting entrepreneurs with high purchase intent
  3. Tech Reviews: High-value purchase decisions mean premium ad rates
  4. Health & Fitness: Supplement and app ads drive revenue
  5. Real Estate: High-value transactions mean high CPMs

Lower Paying Niches

  • Gaming (younger audience, lower purchase power)
  • Entertainment/Comedy (broad audience, less targeted)
  • Pranks/Viral content (advertisers wary of brand safety)

Strategic Pivots

You don't have to completely change niches. Consider:

  • Adding educational elements to entertainment content
  • Covering business/money angles within your niche
  • Creating "premium" content series for higher-value audiences

Key Takeaways

  • Finance, Tech, and Business niches pay highest RPMs
  • Younger audiences generally mean lower ad rates
  • Educational content often pays better than entertainment
  • Consider adding high-value angles to your content

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ReelRise Editorial Team

Expert insights on short-form video growth strategies, backed by AI analysis of millions of viral videos.