At 900 million views and counting, “Gangnam Style” topped Justin Bieber’s “Baby” to become the most-viewed video on YouTube. But how does that translate to cold, hard cash?
TubeMogul, a video-ad-buying platform, estimated that Psy’s YouTube channel, featuring “Gangnam Style” as well as other songs and videos of his concerts, has earned the pop star and his agent a share of around $870,000 worth of ad revenue. The song has been downloaded 2.9 million times through iTunes in the U.S. alone, which, after Apple takes its cut, could earn Psy and company close to $2.6 million. Factor in other world markets and commercial use, and “Gangnam Style” could net around $8.1 million for Psy and his camp.
Hoping to prove he’s not just a one-hit wonder, Psy will drop a new album sometime in March 2013.
