Iranian YouTubers face severe revenue drop after a recent YouTube algorithm update. Many creators now see dramatically lower earnings. The decline in Iranian YouTubers’ revenue signals major challenges for digital content production across the country. The update improves YouTube’s detection of virtual private networks, or VPNs. Previously, many users masked their locations, making traffic appear from countries with higher ad rates. Now, most views are counted as coming from Iran, where advertising payouts are extremely low.
Several creators report staggering losses. Some have seen revenue drop by as much as 90% since December. Gaming YouTuber Aria Keoxer reported earning only $400 from a video with 400,000 views, down from thousands before the update. Previously, Iranian YouTubers earned between $3 and $11 per 1,000 views. Now, many earn just 20 cents to $1. Not all channels are equally affected. Some report losses of around 20%, but many fear ad revenue can no longer sustain their work. One Persian creator said continuing without sponsorships has become nearly impossible.
Iran’s digital economy has grown despite sanctions. E-commerce revenue reached $15-16 billion in 2025, with roughly 12% annual growth. Social media advertising, including local apps and platforms, generates about $430 million annually. However, the YouTube revenue drop threatens potential growth for online content creators. Political and technical factors worsen the situation. Users rely on VPNs to bypass internet censorship, and past internet shutdowns have disrupted access. Government promises to expand online freedoms have made little progress, leaving creators vulnerable to policy changes.
Experts warn that Iranian YouTubers may need to shift toward sponsorships or alternative platforms. Some suggest exploring local platforms or paid content models to maintain operations. The long-term outlook remains uncertain, and creators must adapt quickly or risk losing audiences. The decline in Iranian YouTubers’ revenue highlights the broader impact of global platform policies on local digital economies. As monetization rules evolve, Iranian creators face a critical turning point in sustaining their channels.