Sell My YouTube Channel – AI-Powered Brokerage & Valuation

Q: How long does it take to sell a YouTube channel?

Most sales complete in 2–4 months from preparation to close, depending on size, audience quality, buyer fit, and data‑room readiness.

Q: How much is my YouTube channel worth?

Valuation is typically a multiple of annual net profit (SDE) adjusted for growth, watch time/retention, RPM/CPM, audience GEO mix, monetisation diversification, key‑person risk, and strike‑free history. We produce a defensible range using AI‑assisted comps and sensitivities.

Q: How are views and revenue verified?

Via YouTube Analytics and AdSense exports, affiliate dashboards, invoices, and bank statements with reconciliation to detect anomalies in RPM, fill rate, or traffic sources.

Thinking of an exit? Get a data-driven valuation, a buyer-ready package, and a confidential process designed for creators and media brands.

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How Much Is My YouTube Channel Worth?

Short answer: Valuation ≈ Annual Net Profit (SDE) × market multiple, adjusted for view/revenue growth, audience quality (watch time, retention, geo), monetisation mix (AdSense, sponsors, affiliates, products), key‑person risk, and copyright/brand safety.

Valuation, in brief (5 steps)

Choose method: SDE multiple for most channels; EBITDA for larger teams/brands with systems.
Normalise metrics: monthly views, watch time, RPM/CPM, revenue by stream, creator compensation, add‑backs.
Benchmark with comps: niche, audience GEO (Tier‑1 vs Tier‑2), RPM bands, growth/seasonality, Shorts vs long‑form mix.
Adjust for risk: strikes/claims history, key‑person dependency, content/IP rights, platform/policy exposure.
Run scenarios: base / upside / de‑risked (e.g., +sponsor fill, RPM uplift, evergreen content %), then set a defensible range.

YouTube Channel Valuation Multiples in 2025 (Indicative)

Ranges vary by size, quality, niche, and buyer type. Treat these as directional bands, not guarantees.

Profile	Basis	Indicative Range*
Owner‑operated, <$200k annual profit	SDE multiple	~2.0×–3.5× SDE
$200k–$1m annual profit, steady growth	SDE multiple	~2.75×–4.5× SDE
$1m+ annual profit, brand‑like operation	EBITDA multiple	~3.0×–6.0× EBITDA

*Illustrative bands only; actual outcomes depend on growth, RPM, audience GEO mix, revenue diversification, risk, buyer type, and market conditions.

How We Value Channels: Views/Watch Time, RPM, Audience, Mix

Driver	Strong Signal	Effect on Multiple
Revenue/Views Growth	Consistent MoM growth with forecast/pipeline (sponsors)	Higher (durability of growth)
Retention & Watch Time	High AVD/retention; strong CTR; evergreen library	Higher (predictable reach)
Monetisation Efficiency	RPM/CPM above niche median; LTV from sponsors/affiliates	Higher (efficient monetisation)
Gross Margin	≥ 80% with controlled production costs	Higher (profit potential)
Concentration Risk	Diversified traffic & revenue (no source/sponsor > 15%)	Higher (lower volatility)
Contracts & IP	Transferable Brand Account; clean copyrights; no strikes	Higher (smoother diligence)

SDE vs EBITDA for Channels: Which One Matters?

Smaller, creator‑led channels are commonly priced on SDE (profit + reasonable creator compensation + normalised add‑backs). Larger, systemised media brands trend to EBITDA. We compute both and align to the likely buyer pool.

How our AI model improves the valuation

Maps your metrics to live deal/comparable bands (niche, RPM, GEO mix, growth, content type).
Runs sensitivity on RPM, sponsor fill, editing cadence, and evergreen ratio to show multiple uplift.
Ranks buyer fit (aggregator vs strategic media) to indicate likely price/structure scenarios.

Example (illustrative): Net profit $300k; 30% YoY revenue growth; RPM $12; AVD 7.5 min; 45% US/UK/CA audience; no strikes → AI comps produce a defensible range and show how +$2 RPM or +10% sponsor fill can shift the range upward.

What to prepare (faster valuation)

Last 24 months P&L + balance sheet; monthly revenue by stream (AdSense, sponsors, affiliates, products).
YouTube Analytics exports: views, watch time, AVD/retention, CTR, RPM/CPM; Shorts vs long‑form split.
Top 50 videos performance; evergreen vs trend content; upload cadence & production SOPs/team costs.
Audience GEO/demographics; traffic sources (search/suggested/external); email list & off‑YouTube assets.
Contracts/IP checklist: music/licence rights, trademarks, sponsor contracts, strikes/claims history, Brand Account transfer steps.

Quick answers:

Is a channel valued on revenue or profit? Mostly on profit (SDE). Revenue multiples apply to larger, diversified media brands.

Do subscriber counts matter? Only indirectly. Buyers weight revenue stability, watch time/retention, RPM, traffic sources, and strike‑free history more.

What improves my multiple fastest? Higher RPM & sponsor mix, evergreen content share, reduced key‑person risk, clean IP/no strikes, and diversified traffic/revenue.

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How Long Does a Channel Exit Take? (Typical 2–4 Month Timeline)

Phase	Weeks	What Happens
Preparation	1–2	Normalise financials & analytics; assemble docs; create CIM; data room setup.
Outreach & IOIs	1–3	Targeted buyer list; NDAs; teaser/CIM distribution; initial Q&A (niche & GEO fit).
LOIs & Negotiation	1–2	Term negotiation (price, structure, earn‑out); select preferred LOI.
Due Diligence	3–6	Financial, legal, brand‑safety/IP, analytics verification; sponsor/ref checks.
Closing & Handover	1–2	Legals, funds flow, Brand Account & asset transfers; transition plan.

Timelines vary by deal size, data quality, and buyer type. Strike‑free history and a complete data room compress time‑to‑close.

YouTube Channel Sale Process (Step-by-Step)

Preparation: normalise financials, verify analytics (views, watch time, RPM), review contracts, IP, licences.
Packaging: CIM/teaser, analytics/KPI deck, and secure data room.
Buyer Outreach: confidential, thesis‑based approach to qualified buyers; NDAs first.
Offers & Negotiation: manage Q&A; align on price & structure.
Due Diligence: coordinate financial, legal, and brand‑safety/analytics diligence.

IOI vs LOI: What’s the Difference?

IOI (Indication of Interest) is a non-binding price range and high-level terms used to shortlist buyers. LOI (Letter of Intent) sets a specific price/structure, exclusivity period, and key conditions; it is still largely non-binding except for exclusivity, confidentiality, and certain clauses.

Closing & Handover

Post-LOI, definitive agreements are drafted (SPA/APA), schedules completed, treatment of prepaid sponsorships/deliverables and revenue cut‑off mechanics finalised, funds‑flow and escrow arranged, and Brand Account/assets transferred. A clear transition plan reduces post‑close risk.

Due-Diligence Checklist & Data-Room Index

Financials: last 24–36 months P&L/BS/CF; revenue recognition policy; monthly revenue bridge by stream.
Analytics: YouTube exports (views, watch time, AVD/retention, CTR, RPM/CPM); Shorts vs long‑form; sponsor pipeline.
Legal: incorporation, cap table (if any), contracts (assignability), trademarks, music/licences, IP ownership, strikes/claims log.
Tech/Access: Brand Account ownership, channel permissions, recovery/security, CMS/MCN status, content storage/SOPs.
Commercial: sponsor agreements/rate cards, affiliate dashboards, pricing, top videos, audience GEO/demographics.
HR/Operations: org chart, editor/contractor agreements, SOPs, content calendar and production workflow.

Deal Structures & Terms

Element	What it is	Pros	Considerations
Asset vs Share	What the buyer purchases	Asset: cleaner; Share: simpler continuity	Tax impact; liabilities; Brand Account transfer; contract assignment
Earn-out	Deferred, performance-linked	Bridges valuation gaps	Metrics definitions (RPM, revenue); control; reporting
Seller Note	Vendor financing	Faster close, better price	Interest, security, covenant terms
Escrow/Holdback	Funds reserved post-close	Protects against surprises	Duration, claims process

Working Capital & Prepaid Sponsorships/Deliverables

Expect a normalised working‑capital target at close. For channels, prepaid sponsorships, unfulfilled deliverables, and ad revenue cut‑offs require clear treatment to avoid double‑counting or cash shortfalls. Define mechanics in the LOI.

Taxes & Legal Basics

Jurisdictions: tax outcomes differ (US/UK/EU). Obtain specialist advice early.
IP & Assignability: ensure chain‑of‑title, talent releases, music/licence rights, and Brand Account transfer rights.
Data & Security: channel access controls, recovery/security practices, compliance with platform/FTC disclosure rules.
Non-compete/Non-solicit: scope, duration, and geography matter.

This is not tax or legal advice. Engage qualified advisers in your jurisdiction.

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Who Buys YouTube Channels?

Strategic Buyers: media brands and publishers seeking audience fit, cross‑promotion, and higher potential multiples.
Financial Buyers (Aggregators/PE): disciplined underwriting, roll‑ups of channels, structured deals.
Search Funds/Entrepreneurial Acquirers: operators aiming to professionalise production and monetisation.

Broker Fees vs DIY

Path	Typical Cost	What You Get	When It Fits
Brokered	Commission (tiered) + minimal upfront	Packaging, buyer network, negotiation, DD coordination, brand‑safety/IP checks	Limited time, larger buyer pool, price protection
DIY	Low fees; high time cost	You run outreach, Q&A, negotiation, legals, analytics verification	Very small deals; existing buyer already sourced

Best Time to Sell a YouTube Channel

Sell into momentum: clean books, durable view/revenue growth, strong watch‑time/retention, rising RPM/sponsor pipeline, and a strike‑free history. If metrics are soft, a 2–3 month tune‑up (evergreen content share, sponsor fill, RPM uplift, SOPs) can lift multiples.

YouTube Channel Brokerage Services

YouTube Channel Sale Brokerage & Exit Advisory

We guide creators and media brands through the full sale — from financials and analytics preparation to targeted buyer outreach and closing. Commission‑based; aligned with your outcome.

YouTube Channel Valuation & Exit Planning

Get an AI‑powered, confidential valuation within 24 hours and a focused plan to lift multiples (RPM, sponsor mix, evergreen ratio, SOPs).

Buy‑Side Advisory & Acquisition Search

For investors and acquirers: retained search, thesis‑matched channel deal flow, modelling and diligence support to reduce risk and speed to close.

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Case Studies (Anonymised)

Profile	Size	Outcome	Structure	Time to LOI
YouTube – tech reviews	$320k annual profit	~3.6× SDE range	Cash + 12‑mo earn‑out	5 weeks
YouTube – personal finance	$900k annual profit	~4.2× SDE range	Cash + seller note	7 weeks
YouTube – kids’ educational	$180k annual profit	~2.8× SDE range	Asset purchase	4 weeks

Illustrative examples; actual outcomes depend on metrics, risk, structure and market conditions.

About Our AI-Native Brokerage

We specialise in creator and online media M&A with AI‑assisted valuation models, buyer matching, and data‑room standards that speed diligence and protect price. Work is confidential, document‑first, and creator‑friendly.

Partnership Programme

Advisers, accountants, and operators can refer creators ready to exit. Earn partner fees while we deliver valuation, packaging, and deal execution.

Learn more about partnerships

FAQs – Selling a YouTube Channel

How long does it take to sell a YouTube channel?

Most sales complete in 2–4 months from preparation to close, depending on size, audience quality, buyer fit, and how ready your data room and Brand Account access are. See the sale process.

How much is my YouTube channel worth?

Valuation is typically a multiple of annual net profit (SDE), adjusted for revenue/view growth, watch time/retention, RPM/CPM, audience GEO mix, monetisation diversification (AdSense, sponsors, affiliates, products), key‑person risk, and strike‑free history. We produce a defensible range using AI‑assisted comps and sensitivities.

How do you value a YouTube channel (methodology)?

We use AI‑assisted market comps plus metric drivers (RPM, watch time/retention, GEO mix, sponsor fill, evergreen ratio, upload cadence) to produce a range with sensitivities. Details in How Valuation Works.

What documents do I need for due diligence?

Clean financials; YouTube Analytics exports (views, watch time, AVD/retention, CTR, RPM/CPM; Shorts vs long‑form); AdSense payouts/bank statements; sponsor contracts/invoices; IP and music/licence rights; strikes/claims log; trademarks; SOPs and production workflow. See process and value‑maximising prep.

How are views and revenue verified?

Via direct platform exports (YouTube Analytics and AdSense), affiliate dashboards, invoices, and bank statements, with reconciliation to spot anomalies in RPM, fill rate, or traffic sources. We also verify Brand Account ownership and permissions history.

Do I need audited financials?

Not always. Accurate, verifiable books with reconciled revenue and consistent analytics reporting are usually sufficient for SMB/mid‑market; larger deals may request reviews or audits.

What are typical business broker fees?

Success‑based commission (sliding by deal size) is standard. Some brokers charge optional upfront fees for valuation/exit‑readiness deliverables that reduce time‑to‑close.

How do you keep the sale confidential?

NDA‑gated data rooms, anonymised teasers, and targeted outreach to vetted buyers only. Channel identity and sensitive analytics are disclosed in stages.

What deal structures are common (cash vs earn‑out)?

A mix of cash at close plus earn‑out or deferred elements tied to revenue/RPM or sponsor deliverables is common; structure depends on risk, growth, and buyer type.

Asset sale vs share sale — what’s the difference?

Asset sales transfer selected assets (Brand Account, channels, trademarks, content library) and liabilities; share sales transfer the company as a whole. Outcomes vary by tax, liability, and operational continuity. Seek professional advice.

How are IP and accounts transferred?

Through an agreed handover plan: Brand Account owner transfer, channel permissions, trademarks, domains, music/licence rights, third‑party tools, and email lists — sequenced to avoid downtime.

What support am I expected to provide after closing?

Typically a short transition and knowledge transfer period (weeks to months) defined in the APA/SPA; may include training the buyer’s team, sponsor introductions, and SOP handover.

How can I increase my valuation before going to market?

Lift RPM and sponsor mix, increase evergreen content share, improve retention/AVD and CTR, reduce key‑person risk, clean up IP/licences, and ensure strike‑free status. Even small RPM or retention gains can move your multiple. See value maximisation.

Should I fix issues first or sell as‑is?

Fix high‑ROI items (data quality, strikes/claims resolution, clear music rights, SOPs) before launching; large creative overhauls rarely pay back pre‑sale. We’ll model the valuation impact either way.