My YouTube RPM (revenue per mille) is £1.78. This means that over every view I've had (both with and without ads) over the last 28 days, this is how much I earn per 1,000 views.

You would have to watch a video from me 1,000 times a month to help me earn £1.78.

This is why video creators have turned to Patreon. My videos are free on YouTube, and always have been, and that is why some may think "well why should I have to pay for them NOW?" but I hope this gives some insight on how much more helpful £1 a month on Patreon is to creators.

£1 a month = £12 a year. For people to say "I support content creators, there are ads on the videos I watch!" I'm bad at math, but I think you'd personally have to watch my videos 6,741 times with or without ads to help me earn £12 a year.

Not begging. I know people have more important things to pay for than opting to support creators/artists right now. This isn't a sympathy blag! I'm just hoping this thread helps explain why so many of us now use these platforms. I know it can be frustrating, but it's necessary.