What is cost per completed view (CPCV)?
Cost Per Completed View (CPCV) is a key metric that tells how much you pay only when a viewer watches an entire video ad.
đź’ˇ While Cost Per View (CPV) charges for any video view (even if a user skips after a few seconds), CPCV enables advertisers to only pay when the ad is fully watched.
❓ How platforms define a “completed view”
Each advertising platform has its own standard for what qualifies as a full view:
- YouTube Ads (Google Ads): A user watches the entire ad or at least 30 seconds if the ad is longer.
- Facebook & Instagram Video Ads: The ad is played to 100% completion, regardless of length.
- TikTok Ads: The ad plays in full or if the user interacts before it ends.
- Programmatic Video Ads (DV360, The Trade Desk): At least 97% of the ad duration is completed.
Benefits of cost per completed view
CPCV helps businesses optimize video ad spending and fully deliver the ad message.
- Better ad engagement: Advertisers only pay when the audience watches the entire ad.
- Higher brand recall: Full views mean better chances of the message sticking.
- More cost-efficient: Compared to CPV, CPCV ensures you’re paying for actual engagement, not accidental or skipped views.
- Predictable ROI: As only completed views are counted, it’s easier to track effectiveness and optimize budget allocation.
đź’ˇ CPCV is especially effective for product launches, storytelling campaigns, and brand awareness.
How to calculate CPCV?
Formula
CPCV = Total Ad Spend Total Completed Views
CPCV vs. other advertising pricing models
To choose the right strategy for your business, you should understand how CPCV compares to other ad pricing models.
| Pricing Model | How it works | Best for | Key difference from CPCV |
| CPCV (Cost Per Completed View) | Advertisers pay only when a user watches an ad in full. | Brand awareness, storytelling ads | Ensures full ad engagement before charging. |
| CPV (Cost Per View) | Advertisers pay when a user views part of the video (e.g., 5+ seconds). | General video ad exposure | Charges even if the ad is skipped. |
| CPM (Cost Per Mille) | Advertisers pay for every 1,000 ad impressions (views or not). | Maximizing reach | CPCV guarantees engagement; CPM does not. |
| CPC (Cost Per Click) | Advertisers pay only when someone clicks the ad. | Traffic & conversions | CPC focuses on clicks, CPCV focuses on full video views. |
đź’ˇ If your goal is to maximize engagement and brand recall, CPCV is a more reliable pricing model than CPV or CPM.
