How to Sell Your YouTube Channel
Get an instant AI-powered channel valuation, then sell to verified buyers on the world's largest digital asset marketplace.
Can You Sell Your YouTube Channel?
Yes, you can sell your YouTube channel—and it's completely legal. YouTube doesn't prohibit channel transfers, though they don't officially facilitate them either.
Minimum to sell:
- ✓ 5,000+ subscribers
- ✓ 6+ months monetized
- ✓ No active strikes
Premium prices:
- ★ 50,000+ subscribers
- ★ $1,000+/month revenue
- ★ Multiple income streams
- ★ Faceless/evergreen content
How Much Is Your Channel Worth?
The most common question sellers ask is simple: what's my channel actually worth? Most channels sell between 12x and 36x their monthly revenue.
Example: $5,000/month revenue
$60K
12x (Low)
$120K
24x (Mid)
$180K
36x (High)
The Revenue Multiple Formula (12x-36x Explained)
YouTube channels are typically valued using a revenue multiple—a multiplier applied to your average monthly net profit. Most channels sell between 12x and 36x their monthly earnings.
Example: If your channel generates $5,000 per month in net profit:
- Conservative estimate (12x): $60,000
- Mid-range estimate (24x): $120,000
- Premium estimate (36x): $180,000
| Monthly Net Profit | Low Estimate (12x) | Mid Estimate (24x) | High Estimate (36x) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $12,000 | $24,000 | $36,000 |
| $3,000 | $36,000 | $72,000 | $108,000 |
| $5,000 | $60,000 | $120,000 | $180,000 |
| $10,000 | $120,000 | $240,000 | $360,000 |
| $25,000 | $300,000 | $600,000 | $900,000 |
6 Factors That Determine Your Channel's Value
The revenue multiple isn't arbitrary. Buyers evaluate these six factors when determining what they're willing to pay:
Monthly Net Profit
This is the most important factor. Buyers want channels that generate consistent, verifiable income. They'll typically request 6-12 months of revenue data to assess stability.
Monetization Diversity
Channels with multiple income streams (AdSense, sponsorships, affiliates, merchandise, memberships) command higher multiples than those relying solely on ad revenue.
Niche and Audience Quality
Some niches are more valuable than others. Finance, business, technology, and education channels typically sell for higher multiples because advertisers pay premium CPMs.
Traffic Source Quality
Channels with strong organic search traffic and suggested video performance are worth more than those dependent on external promotion or viral spikes.
Owner Involvement Level
Faceless channels or those with minimal owner dependency sell for significantly more. If the channel's success is tied to a specific personality, buyers face transition risk.
Content Library & Evergreen Potential
A back catalog of evergreen content that continues generating views months or years after upload adds substantial value. Time-sensitive content is worth less.
Get Your Free AI Valuation in 2 Minutes
Our AI valuation tool analyzes all six factors to give you an instant, accurate estimate of your channel's worth. No login required, no commitment—just straightforward numbers based on real market data.
Get Your Free Channel Valuation
Flippa's AI-powered tool analyzes your channel's metrics, niche, and growth potential to give you an accurate market valuation in minutes.
- Instant AI valuation based on real sales data
- Access to 47,000+ verified buyers
- No commitment required - 100% free
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Answer 8 quick questions about your channel and get your valuation instantly.
5 Signs You're Ready to Sell
Timing matters. Selling during a growth period yields significantly higher returns than selling during a decline.
Stable Revenue 6+ Months
Buyers pay premium prices for consistency. If your monthly revenue has been steady or increasing over the past six months, you're in a strong negotiating position.
Strong Engagement
High watch time, healthy comment sections, and strong click-through rates signal an active, valuable audience. Buyers analyze these metrics carefully.
Hit a Major Milestone
Channels crossing 100K subscribers, reaching 1 million monthly views, or achieving YouTube Partner Program milestones attract more buyer interest.
Active Brand Deals
Ongoing sponsorship relationships increase buyer confidence. They demonstrate that the channel has commercial value beyond AdSense.
Ready to Move On
Personal readiness matters. The best time to sell is when you're genuinely ready for your next chapter—whether that's a new project or cashing out.
When NOT to Sell
Avoid these scenarios to maximize your sale price
- During a significant revenue decline (wait for stabilization)
- Immediately after algorithm changes (give it time to recover)
- If you have unresolved copyright claims or strikes (fix them first)
- When you're emotionally attached and not ready (you'll undervalue your channel)
How to Sell in 6 Steps
A structured process that requires preparation, documentation, and secure transaction handling. Follow this proven path to maximize your sale price.
Valuation & channel optimization
Documentation & marketplace listing
Negotiate & secure transfer
Get an Accurate Channel Valuation
Before listing your channel, you need to know what it's worth. An accurate valuation prevents two common mistakes: underpricing (leaving money on the table) and overpricing (scaring away serious buyers).
What you'll need:
- • Average monthly revenue (last 6-12 months)
- • Current subscriber count
- • Monthly view count
- • Primary monetization sources
- • Content niche
Prepare Your Channel for Sale
First impressions matter. Buyers evaluate channels based on their current state, so take time to optimize before listing.
Preparation checklist:
- ☐ Remove or private any underperforming or controversial videos
- ☐ Resolve all copyright claims and community guideline issues
- ☐ Update channel art and description if outdated
- ☐ Ensure all videos have proper titles, descriptions, and tags
- ☐ Verify monetization status is active and in good standing
- ☐ Check that AdSense account is properly linked
Gather Documentation Buyers Want
Serious buyers conduct due diligence. Having documentation ready speeds up the process and builds trust.
Essential documents:
- • YouTube Studio analytics (last 12 months)
- • Revenue reports showing monthly earnings
- • Traffic source reports
- • Audience demographics data
- • List of all monetization sources
- • Existing sponsorship agreements
Pro tip:
Export analytics as PDFs or screenshots. Buyers will want to verify numbers before making offers. The more transparent you are, the faster the sale process moves.
List on a Trusted Marketplace
Where you list matters. The right marketplace exposes your channel to qualified buyers and provides transaction security.
Our platform connects directly with Flippa—the world's largest digital asset marketplace with over 47,000 monthly active buyers. Listing through our integration gives you access to:
- • Verified buyer pool actively looking for YouTube channels
- • Built-in escrow protection for secure payments
- • Standardized listing format that highlights key metrics
- • Support throughout the selling process
Vet Buyers and Negotiate
Not all offers are equal. Take time to evaluate potential buyers before accepting.
What to look for in serious buyers:
- • Clear questions about performance and strategy
- • Proof of funds or financing capability
- • Previous experience buying digital assets
- • Realistic expectations about transition
- • Willingness to use escrow
Negotiation tips:
- • Don't accept the first offer
- • Justify your asking price with data
- • Consider deal structure (lump sum vs. payments)
- • Get everything in writing
Complete Secure Transfer with Escrow
The final step is executing the transfer safely. Never transfer channel access before receiving payment—always use escrow.
Transfer process:
- 1.Buyer deposits payment into escrow (held by a neutral third party)
- 2.You initiate channel transfer by adding buyer to your Brand Account
- 3.Buyer verifies access and confirms everything matches the listing
- 4.Once buyer approves, escrow releases payment to you
- 5.You remove yourself from the Brand Account, completing the handoff
AdSense considerations:
Your AdSense account is separate from the channel. During transfer, you'll disconnect your AdSense, and the buyer will connect their own. Make sure to settle any pending AdSense payments before initiating transfer.
Why Creators Sell Through This Platform
The right platform affects everything—from price to transaction security. Access 47,000+ verified buyers through our Flippa integration.
Instant AI Valuation
Get an accurate channel valuation in minutes, not days. Our AI analyzes real market data to give you a defensible asking price before you even create a listing.
Access to 47,000+ Verified Buyers
Through our Flippa integration, your listing reaches the largest pool of digital asset buyers in the world. More buyers means more competition—and higher sale prices.
Secure Escrow Protection
Every transaction is protected by escrow. Your payment is held securely until the channel transfer is complete and verified. No risk of fraud or non-payment.
Transparent Process
No hidden fees, no surprise deductions. You'll know exactly what you're paying and what you're getting throughout the entire process.
Expert Support
Questions about valuation, listing optimization, or transfer mechanics? Our team helps sellers navigate the process from start to finish.
Proven Track Record
Average profit multiple of 2.26x (top channels up to 3.71x). 75% of channels sell within 91 days with average time to sell of 42 days.
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Average profit multiple | 2.26x (top channels up to 3.71x) |
| Average time to sell (under $250K) | 42 days |
| 75% of channels sold within | 91 days |
Is It Legal to Sell a YouTube Channel? What You Need to Know
Yes, selling a YouTube channel is legal.
YouTube's Terms of Service don't explicitly prohibit selling or transferring channels. While YouTube doesn't officially facilitate channel sales, they also don't prevent them. Thousands of channels are bought and sold every year through established marketplaces.
Important legal considerations:
Ownership verification
You must be the legitimate owner of the channel you're selling. Selling a channel you don't own is fraud and will result in the transaction being reversed (and potential legal consequences).
Brand Account transfers
The safest way to transfer a YouTube channel is through Google's Brand Account system. This allows you to add the buyer as an owner, then remove yourself—cleanly transferring control without sharing personal Google account credentials.
Tax implications
Selling a YouTube channel is a taxable event in most jurisdictions. The sale proceeds are typically treated as capital gains or business income depending on your situation. Consult with a tax professional to understand your obligations.
Contractual obligations
If you have active sponsorship agreements or affiliate contracts tied to the channel, review them before selling. Some agreements may have clauses about ownership changes or assignment rights.
What YouTube does NOT allow:
- • Selling access to someone else's channel
- • Transferring channels to evade platform bans
- • Selling channels created through fraudulent means (purchased subscribers, fake engagement, etc.)
As long as you're the legitimate owner selling a legitimately grown channel, you're operating within legal and platform boundaries.
YouTube Channel Sale Checklist: What to Prepare Before Listing
Use this checklist to ensure you're fully prepared before listing your channel for sale.
Channel Health
- ☐No active community guideline strikes
- ☐No unresolved copyright claims
- ☐Monetization enabled and in good standing
- ☐AdSense account linked and receiving payments
- ☐Channel verified with YouTube
Content Audit
- ☐Removed or privated underperforming videos
- ☐Removed controversial or problematic content
- ☐Updated channel description and about section
- ☐Refreshed channel art if outdated
Documentation Gathered
- ☐12 months of YouTube Studio analytics exported
- ☐Monthly revenue breakdown prepared
- ☐Traffic source reports saved
- ☐Audience demographics documented
- ☐All monetization sources listed with estimates
- ☐Active sponsorship or affiliate agreements documented
Valuation Complete
- ☐Used AI valuation tool to determine price range
- ☐Researched comparable channel sales
- ☐Set realistic asking price based on data
Listing Prepared
- ☐Written compelling channel description
- ☐Highlighted key metrics and growth potential
- ☐Prepared to answer buyer questions about content strategy
Transfer Ready
- ☐Channel is on a Brand Account (or can be migrated)
- ☐Understand the transfer process
- ☐Prepared for 30-day transition support period
15 Questions Answered
Is it legal to sell a YouTube channel?
Yes. YouTube doesn't prohibit channel transfers, though they don't officially facilitate them. As long as you're the legitimate owner selling a legitimately grown channel, you're operating within legal and platform guidelines. Thousands of channels are bought and sold every year.
Why would someone want to buy a YouTube channel?
Buyers purchase channels to skip the difficult early growth phase. A monetized channel with an established audience provides immediate revenue and a platform for content distribution. For investors and media companies, it's often more cost-effective than building from scratch.
How do I calculate my YouTube channel's value?
The standard method is applying a revenue multiple (typically 12x-36x) to your average monthly net profit. A channel earning $5,000/month might sell for $60,000-$180,000 depending on factors like niche, growth trajectory, and owner dependency. Our AI valuation tool calculates this automatically.
What's the average price for a YouTube channel?
Prices vary enormously based on channel size and revenue. Small monetized channels (under 50K subs) typically sell for $5,000-$50,000. Mid-size channels (50K-500K subs) range from $50,000-$500,000. Large channels can sell for $1 million or more. Revenue is the primary driver, not subscriber count.
How much is a 100K subscriber channel worth?
Subscriber count alone doesn't determine value—revenue does. A 100K subscriber channel earning $3,000/month might sell for $36,000-$108,000, while another 100K channel earning $10,000/month could sell for $120,000-$360,000. The valuation depends on monetization, not just audience size.
Can I sell a YouTube channel with active monetization?
Yes, and monetized channels are significantly more valuable than non-monetized ones. Active monetization proves the channel generates revenue and is in good standing with YouTube's policies. Buyers specifically seek monetized channels.
Do subscribers transfer when I sell the channel?
Yes. When you transfer ownership of the channel, everything transfers—subscribers, videos, playlists, comments, watch history data, and monetization status. The new owner takes over exactly what you built.
How does AdSense work when selling a channel?
Your AdSense account is separate from your channel. During the transfer, you disconnect your AdSense account, and the buyer connects their own. Make sure to receive any pending AdSense payments before initiating the transfer. The buyer will start earning from the channel once their AdSense is linked.
What documents do I need to sell my channel?
Buyers expect 12 months of YouTube Studio analytics, monthly revenue reports, traffic source data, and audience demographics. Having sponsorship agreements, affiliate partnerships, and content calendars documented also helps. The more data you provide, the faster the sale process.
How long does it take to sell a YouTube channel?
The average time to sell a channel priced under $250,000 is approximately 42 days. 75% of channels sell within 91 days. Higher-priced channels may take longer due to the smaller buyer pool and more extensive due diligence requirements.
What fees are involved in selling a YouTube channel?
Marketplace fees vary but typically range from 5-15% of the sale price. Our platform provides transparent fee structures with no hidden costs. Factor fees into your asking price when setting expectations.
Can I sell a channel with copyright strikes?
Active copyright strikes make selling extremely difficult. Most buyers won't consider channels with unresolved strikes because they pose a risk to monetization. Resolve all strikes before listing. Channels with a clean record sell faster and for higher prices.
What if my channel depends on my personal brand?
Personality-driven channels are harder to sell and command lower multiples. Buyers face transition risk when a channel's success is tied to a specific person. Faceless channels, educational content, and compilation channels sell for higher multiples because they're easier to transition.
Is using escrow necessary?
Absolutely. Never transfer a channel without using escrow. Escrow protects both parties—the buyer's payment is held securely until the channel transfer is verified, then released to you. Without escrow, you risk completing the transfer and never receiving payment.
Can I sell a channel I purchased from someone else?
Yes, as long as you're the current legitimate owner with full access and control. Channels can be resold multiple times. Just ensure you have all necessary documentation and there are no restrictions from the original purchase agreement.
Prices by Niche
Value varies by niche. Some categories command premium prices due to higher advertiser demand and audience purchasing power.
Premium niches (higher multiples, 24x-36x)
| Niche | Typical CPM | Why It's Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Investing | $15-$40 | High-value advertisers, wealthy audience |
| Business & Entrepreneurship | $12-$30 | B2B advertising demand |
| Technology & Software | $10-$25 | Tech company ad budgets |
| Real Estate | $15-$35 | High-ticket purchase intent |
| Legal & Professional | $20-$50 | Professional services advertising |
Mid-range niches (moderate multiples, 18x-28x)
| Niche | Typical CPM | Why It's Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| Education & Tutorials | $8-$15 | Evergreen content, course upsells |
| Health & Fitness | $6-$12 | Supplement and program affiliates |
| Cooking & Food | $5-$10 | Brand sponsorship opportunities |
| DIY & Home Improvement | $6-$12 | Tool and product affiliates |
| Automotive | $8-$15 | Enthusiast audience, parts affiliates |
Standard niches (typical multiples, 12x-20x)
| Niche | Typical CPM | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | $2-$6 | High volume, lower CPM |
| Entertainment & Commentary | $3-$8 | Personality dependent |
| Lifestyle & Vlogging | $3-$7 | Often personality driven |
| Music & Covers | $1-$4 | Copyright complications |
| Kids & Family | $2-$5 | Advertiser restrictions (COPPA) |
Recently Sold YouTube Channels
Real examples demonstrating active buyer demand across niches.
Automotive Review Channel
850,000 subscribers
Monthly Revenue
~$30,000
Multiple
~28x
Sale Price
$851,350
True Crime Documentary
420,000 subscribers
Monthly Revenue
~$18,000
Multiple
~33x
Sale Price
$600,000
Space & Science Education
310,000 subscribers
Monthly Revenue
~$12,000
Multiple
~29x
Sale Price
$350,000
Entertainment Compilation
520,000 subscribers
Monthly Revenue
~$14,000
Multiple
~24x
Sale Price
$330,000
Personal Finance Tips
95,000 subscribers
Monthly Revenue
~$8,500
Multiple
~26x
Sale Price
$220,000
Tech Tutorial (Faceless)
180,000 subscribers
Monthly Revenue
~$6,000
Multiple
~27x
Sale Price
$165,000
Key insight: Notice how subscriber count doesn't directly correlate with sale price. The finance channel with 95K subscribers sold for more than some channels with 500K+ subscribers because of its higher revenue and premium niche.
Ready to Find Out What Your Channel Is Worth?
You've put in the work building your channel. Now it's time to find out what that work is worth.
Our AI valuation tool analyzes your channel's revenue, niche, engagement, and growth patterns to give you an accurate valuation in under 2 minutes. No login required, no commitment—just straightforward numbers based on real market data.
Your valuation is powered by OutlierKit's AI. Channel sales are facilitated through Flippa, the world's largest digital asset marketplace.