Over the past months, Iranian (Persian‑language) YouTubers have faced an unprecedented shock: a sudden and massive drop in ad revenue, with some creators reporting declines of 80–100% despite stable or even growing view counts.
This is not a rumor or a temporary glitch. According to multiple Persian and English news outlets, the collapse is tied to recent YouTube/Google monetization and ad‑delivery changes, combined with long‑standing sanctions and advertiser restrictions.
In this article on PersianYouTubers.com, we explain what really happened, why Iranian creators were hit harder than anyone else, and why alternative platforms like Kick are now part of the conversation.
What Actually Happened?
1. A Major YouTube / Google Update
Recent reports indicate that YouTube has significantly improved its ability to detect the real geographic location of viewers, even when VPNs are used.
As a result:
- Views coming primarily from inside Iran are now far less likely to receive ads
- Many videos show normal views but near‑zero ad impressions
- RPM and CPM for Persian channels dropped sharply
For many Iranian YouTubers, this update alone wiped out most of their AdSense income.
2. Iranian Traffic Has Very Low Advertising Value
Advertising value depends heavily on audience location. Due to:
- International sanctions
- Limited advertiser access to the Iranian market
- Compliance and payment restrictions
YouTube advertisers generally do not target Iran. When YouTube began identifying Iranian traffic more accurately, monetization for those views collapsed almost overnight.
In short: the views are still there — the ads are not.
3. This Is Not Only an Iranian Problem — But Iran Is Hit Hardest
Globally, many creators have reported declining YouTube revenue due to:
- Reduced advertising budgets
- Algorithm changes
- Increased competition
However, Iranian YouTubers are affected far more severely because their baseline CPM was already low, and now in many cases effectively zero.
Why This Feels Like the “End of Dollar Income” for Iranian YouTubers
For years, many Persian creators relied on:
- VPN usage
- Foreign‑based AdSense accounts
- International payment intermediaries
The new system has reduced the effectiveness of these workarounds. Even when channels remain monetized, actual earnings no longer match previous levels.
This has led to frustration, burnout, and serious questions about the future of Persian YouTube.
Why Platforms Like Kick Are Now Being Discussed
With YouTube ad revenue no longer reliable, creators are looking elsewhere — and Kick has become one of the most talked‑about alternatives.
Why Kick Attracts Iranian & Persian Creators
- Much higher creator revenue share compared to YouTube
- Strong focus on direct fan support (subscriptions, donations)
- Less dependence on traditional advertising
- Growing global audience for live content
Kick is not a full replacement for YouTube, but it offers something critical right now: income that does not depend on Iranian ad traffic.
Important Reality Check About Kick
Kick is best suited for:
- Live content
- Community‑driven creators
- Influencers with loyal audiences
It will not instantly replace YouTube’s reach or long‑form discovery. However, as a secondary or parallel platform, it can significantly reduce financial risk.
Other platforms Persian creators are exploring include Patreon, Rumble, Odysee, and direct sponsorship models.
What Iranian YouTubers Should Do Now
1. Stop Relying Only on AdSense
Ad revenue alone is no longer sustainable for most Persian channels.
2. Diversify Income Sources
- Sponsorships and brand deals
- Affiliate marketing
- Digital products or services
- Fan memberships and donations
3. Expand Beyond One Platform
- Use YouTube for reach
- Use Kick or similar platforms for monetization
- Build direct relationships with your audience
4. Target International Audiences
- Add English subtitles
- Choose globally relevant topics
- Create bilingual or English‑friendly content
Final Thoughts
The collapse of YouTube income for Iranian creators is real — and largely out of individual creators’ control. But this does not mean the end of Persian content creation.
Creators who adapt, diversify, and embrace platforms like Kick alongside YouTube will be far better positioned to survive — and even grow — in this new reality.
At PersianYouTubers.com, our goal is to help Persian creators understand these changes and build sustainable futures beyond AdSense.