Top 5 Weird & Obscure YouTube Niche Ideas That Surprisingly Have the Highest CPM!

 

YouTube isn’t just for vlogs, gaming, or beauty tutorials anymore. Some of the highest-earning YouTubers don’t even cover mainstream topics—instead, they dive into weird and obscure niches that attract high-paying advertisers.

But here’s the real shocker: these unusual YouTube niche ideas actually have some of the highest CPM rates on the platform!

If you’ve ever wondered how some small, unknown YouTube channels manage to earn big money, it’s all about finding the right niche. Advertisers are willing to pay premium rates for certain types of content—especially those that attract an engaged audience with strong buying intent.

Why You Should Consider a Weird & Obscure YouTube Niche?

If you're thinking about starting a YouTube channel, you might assume that bigger is better—but that’s not always the case. Choosing an obscure but high-CPM niche can help you:

✅ Make more money with fewer views (higher CPM means better earnings).
✅ Avoid high competition (less competition = easier growth).
✅ Attract premium advertisers who pay top dollar for targeted content.
✅ Stand out from the crowd in a unique, niche category.

But what exactly is CPM, and why does it matter so much? Let’s break it down before diving into the top 5 weird & obscure YouTube niche ideas that surprisingly have the highest CPM.

1. What is YouTube CPM & Why Niche Selection Matters?

What is CPM & How Does It Affect YouTube Earnings?

Before picking a high-earning YouTube niche, it’s important to understand CPM (Cost Per Mille). CPM refers to the amount advertisers pay for every 1,000 views on your video that includes ads.

📌 Formula for YouTube CPM:

CPM = (Total Revenue/ Total Ad Impressions) x 1000

In simple terms, if an advertiser pays $20 for 1,000 ad views, your video’s CPM is $20. However, not all YouTube videos get the same CPM. Some niches earn just $2 per 1,000 views, while others can make $50+ per 1,000 views!

Here’s a comparison of CPM rates for different YouTube niches:

YouTube Niche	Average CPM ($USD)
1. Personal Finance	$30 - $50
2. Tech Reviews	$15 - $40
3. Legal & Business Content	$20 - $50
4. Gaming	$2 - $8
5. General Entertainment	$1 - $5
6. Obscure & Weird High-CPM Niches	$25 - $60+

As you can see, the right niche can make a huge difference in earnings—even with the same number of views.

Why do Advertisers Pay More for Certain YouTube Niches?

Not all content is equally valuable to advertisers. Here’s why some weird and obscure YouTube niches get higher CPMs than mainstream ones:

🔹 High Purchase Intent: Viewers in finance, legal, and business-related niches are actively looking to spend money, which makes advertisers pay more.
🔹 Low Competition: Less crowded niches allow advertisers to bid more aggressively for ad space.
🔹 Longer Watch Time: Longer videos = more ad placements, which increases CPM.
🔹 Targeted Audience: Advertisers prefer focused audiences rather than general entertainment content.

For example, a personal finance video on investing will likely attract banks, stock brokers, and fintech companies—all of whom have big marketing budgets. On the other hand, a gaming channel may attract lower-paying mobile game ads with a much lower CPM.

What Makes a YouTube Niche "Obscure" Yet Highly Profitable?

Now, let’s talk about what makes a niche both weird and profitable. A high-CPM obscure niche has:

✔ A passionate audience: Even if small, the audience is deeply engaged.
✔ Limited competition: Fewer creators mean a better chance to stand out.
✔ High advertiser demand: Brands are willing to spend big in the niche.
✔ Evergreen potential: Topics that stay relevant over time.

1. Automated AI & Robot Content (CPM: $30 - $60+)

When you think of YouTube, you probably don’t picture a channel run entirely by AI—but that’s exactly what’s happening in this niche. The AI & automation niche is not only weird but also one of the most profitable on YouTube.

Why AI & Robot Content Has a High CPM?

Advertisers in the tech, software, and automation industries have huge marketing budgets. They’re willing to pay premium rates to reach audiences interested in AI tools, machine learning, and robotics.

Here’s why the CPM is so high in this niche:

✅ Big tech companies are the main advertisers (Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia).
✅ AI is a trending topic, attracting high-engagement viewers.
✅ Viewers have strong buying intent (they’re searching for AI tools & software).
✅ Longer videos = more ads, increasing revenue potential.

Weird & Unique Video Ideas for This Niche?

You don’t need to be an AI expert to start a high-earning YouTube channel in this niche. Many successful channels use AI-generated scripts, voices & animations to create content.

Here are some strange but profitable AI YouTube channel ideas:

🔹 AI vs. Human Challenges: Videos showing AI trying to beat humans in creative tasks (e.g., "Can AI Write a Better Song Than a Human?").
🔹 AI Voice & Deepfake Experiments: Creating celebrity AI voiceovers or deepfake videos for fun.
🔹 Robot Reviews: Testing different AI-powered gadgets and robotics.
🔹 "AI Predicts the Future" Content: Using AI to forecast trends, stocks, or world events.
🔹 AI-Generated Stories & Narratives: Creating entire sci-fi stories written and narrated by AI.

These videos are super engaging and can go viral while also attracting premium advertisers.

Case Study Example – Small AI Channel Earning Big Money

A small YouTube channel called "AI Experiment" started in 2023 with just 10,000 subscribers, but their CPM is over $50!

💡 How? They focus on:

✔ AI-generated news updates (tech companies love advertising on these).
✔ Machine learning tutorials (drawing high-value advertisers like IBM & AWS).
✔ Long-form AI experiments (allowing more ad placements).

Even though their views are lower than mainstream channels, they make thousands per month because of their high CPM niche.

How to Start an AI & Automation YouTube Channel?

📌 Step 1: Pick a specific AI-related topic (e.g., AI tools, AI-generated content, robotics).
📌 Step 2: Use free tools like ChatGPT, ElevenLabs, & MidJourney to generate video content.
📌 Step 3: Edit videos using DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro.
📌 Step 4: Upload consistently and optimize for high CPM keywords ("best AI tools 2025," "AI automation business," etc.).
📌 Step 5: Monetize through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links for AI products.

This niche is growing fast, and new creators can still enter before it becomes oversaturated.

Who Should Start an AI & Automation YouTube Channel?

This niche is perfect for:

✔ Tech enthusiasts who love AI and automation.
✔ Entrepreneurs looking for a profitable, low-competition YouTube niche.
✔ Anyone comfortable using AI tools to automate video creation.

With a CPM of $30 - $60+, this weird but high-paying niche is one of the best options for YouTube creators in 2025.

2. Luxury & Wealth Lifestyle Content (CPM: $50 - $100+)

Believe it or not, videos showcasing extreme luxury, wealth hacks, and high-end lifestyles have some of the highest CPMs on YouTube. Even if the niche seems niche weird—because most viewers aren’t millionaires—advertisers pay top dollar to be featured in front of an audience interested in wealth & success.

Why Luxury & Wealth Content Has a High CPM?

Luxury brands and financial companies compete fiercely for advertising space on these videos. Here’s why:

✅ Wealth-focused viewers are high-value customers.
✅ Luxury and finance brands target these audiences (Lamborghini, Rolex, American Express).
✅ Big-ticket items = high advertiser spend.
✅ Topics attract long watch times, leading to higher ad revenue per video.

Unique & Obscure Video Ideas in This Niche

This niche isn’t just about showing off mansions & supercars. Some of the most profitable luxury YouTube videos don’t even require being rich—you just need creative ideas.

🔹 "Inside the Most Expensive X" – Showcasing the most expensive hotel rooms, private jets, jewelry, watches, or tech gadgets.
🔹 Billionaire Daily Routines – Breaking down the habits of the richest people in the world.
🔹 "How Millionaires Make Money" – Explaining how rich people build wealth through businesses, investments, and passive income.
🔹 Weird Luxury Purchases – Highlighting ridiculous high-end products, like gold-plated fidget spinners or diamond-encrusted iPhones.
🔹 Secret Millionaire Clubs – Investigating exclusive groups like The Trillionaire Club, Bohemian Grove, & Private Investor Societies.

These topics attract a high-spending audience, which increases ad bid prices and boosts CPMs dramatically.

Case Study Example – Small Luxury Channel Earning $10,000+ Monthly

A YouTube channel called "Luxury Secrets" started in 2022 with only 15,000 subscribers but makes over $10,000 per month!

💡 How?

✔ They target high-CPC topics like "How Billionaires Invest."
✔ Their videos are longer (10+ minutes), increasing ad placements.
✔ They use stock footage & AI voiceovers (no need to be on camera!).

Even with just a few thousand views per video, their CPM is often $80+, making it an insanely profitable niche.

How to Start a Luxury & Wealth YouTube Channel?

📌 Step 1: Choose a specific luxury topic (high-end travel, luxury cars, billionaire habits).
📌 Step 2: Use free stock footage (Pexels, Pixabay, Envato Elements) for visuals.
📌 Step 3: Use AI-generated narration (like ElevenLabs or Murf AI) if you don’t want to use your voice.
📌 Step 4: Create engaging titles & thumbnails (e.g., "Inside the $500M Secret Billionaire Club!").
📌 Step 5: Monetize through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing (luxury watches, private jet services, etc.).

Luxury and wealth-related videos attract premium advertisers, making this one of the highest-earning weird YouTube niches.

Who Should Start a Luxury YouTube Channel?

✔ Finance & business enthusiasts interested in high-end topics.
✔ Content creators who don’t want to show their face (AI & stock footage works!).
✔ Anyone looking for a high-CPM, scalable YouTube niche.

With CPMs ranging from $50 - $100+, this niche can generate big revenue with relatively few views!

3. Insurance & Legal Advice Content (CPM: $70 - $150+)

This might sound like one of the strangest YouTube niches, but insurance & legal topics have some of the highest CPM rates on the platform. Why? Because insurance companies, law firms, and financial institutions pay huge amounts to get their ads in front of people actively looking for legal or financial guidance.

Why does Insurance & Legal Content Have a High CPM?

Most YouTubers avoid this niche because they think it’s too technical or boring, but that’s exactly what makes it low competition yet highly profitable. Advertisers in this space pay top dollar for ad placements due to:

✅ Legal and insurance services have massive profit margins, so they can afford higher ad spend.
✅ Viewers searching for legal and insurance topics are highly targeted (they need solutions and are ready to pay).
✅ Keywords in this niche have extremely high CPC rates (e.g., "best life insurance plan," "how to file a lawsuit," "car accident lawyer advice").
✅ Law firms and insurance companies bid aggressively for ad placements, pushing CPMs to insane levels.

Unique & Weird Video Ideas in This Niche

You don’t have to be a lawyer or an insurance agent to create high-earning videos in this niche. There are many easy, creative, & even weird angles that work exceptionally well:

🔹 "Strangest Insurance Claims Ever Filed" – Covering bizarre real-life insurance claims, like a person insuring their mustache or a singer ensuring their voice.
🔹 "Weirdest Laws in the World" – Showcasing unusual and funny laws that actually exist in different countries.
🔹 "What to Do If You Get Sued" – Breaking down legal steps in simple, engaging terms.
🔹 "Crazy Court Cases That Actually Happened" – Reviewing real-life, ridiculous lawsuits that made headlines.
🔹 "Life Insurance Secrets That Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know" – Discussing lesser-known loopholes and strategies.

This content can be made entertaining and engaging while still attracting high-value advertisers.

Case Study – Small Legal Advice Channel Earning $20,000+ Per Month

A small insurance & legal channel called "Legal Insider" started in 2021 with just 25,000 subscribers but is now pulling in over $20,000 per month with a CPM of $100+.

💡 How?

✔ They create short, easy-to-understand legal videos.
✔ They focus on "high-value" topics like lawsuits, car accidents, and insurance claims.
✔ They use AI-generated voiceovers and stock footage—no face required!

Their videos only get 50,000 - 100,000 views per month, but since insurance and law firms bid aggressively for ads, they make as much money as bigger channels in entertainment niches with millions of views.

How to Start an Insurance & Legal YouTube Channel?

📌 Step 1: Pick a niche within legal or insurance content (e.g., lawsuits, car accidents, legal loopholes).
📌 Step 2: Research high-CPC topics using Google Keyword Planner or TubeBuddy.
📌 Step 3: Use AI tools like Murf AI or ElevenLabs to create voiceovers.
📌 Step 4: Find stock footage from Pexels, Pixabay, or Envato Elements.
📌 Step 5: Optimize your videos with high-CPC keywords (e.g., "car accident lawyer," "best life insurance for families").

With CPMs reaching $150+, this is one of the weirdest but most lucrative niches for YouTube creators.

Who Should Start an Insurance & Legal Advice YouTube Channel?

✔ People who enjoy breaking down legal/financial topics into simple explanations.
✔ Creators who don’t want to be on camera (stock footage & AI voiceovers work well).
✔ Anyone looking for an ultra-high CPM niche with long-term potential.

Even with low views, this niche can generate huge earnings due to high advertiser competition.

 

4. E-Commerce & Dropshipping Tutorials (CPM: $50 - $120+)

You’ve probably heard of dropshipping, but did you know that YouTube videos about e-commerce and online business have some of the highest CPM rates?

Advertisers in this space—such as Shopify, Wix, print-on-demand suppliers, and e-commerce automation services—are willing to pay top dollar to promote their platforms. This niche may not be as weird as others, but it’s surprisingly underutilized and extremely profitable for content creators.

Why E-Commerce & Dropshipping Content Has a High CPM?

📈 E-commerce is booming – More people are starting online stores than ever before.
💰 Advertisers pay premium prices to reach potential store owners.
🎯 Viewers are highly targeted – People watching these videos are actively looking for tools, platforms, and services to start a business.
📊 High-value keywords like “best Shopify themes” or “how to start dropshipping” push CPM rates above $100.

This niche isn’t just about Shopify or dropshipping—it includes print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, automation tools, and business coaching.

Weird & Obscure E-Commerce Video Ideas That Work

🔹 "I Tried Dropshipping With $0 – Here’s What Happened" – A case study on launching a store with no money.
🔹 "Bizarre Dropshipping Products That Actually Sell" – Reviewing unusual but successful e-commerce products.
🔹 "Print-on-Demand Horror Stories – Avoid These Mistakes!" – Covering real dropshipping disasters.
🔹 "Weirdest Shopify Stores That Are Making Millions" – Showcasing unique yet successful online stores.
🔹 "AI Business Ideas – How to Start a Store with ChatGPT" – Using AI to automate an online business.

This content doesn’t require you to own a store—you can review tools, analyze trends, or showcase real-life case studies.

Case Study – Small Dropshipping Channel Earning $15,000+ Monthly

A small YouTube channel, "Ecom Unlocked," started in 2022 with just 30,000 subscribers but now earns over $15,000 per month from ads alone!

💡 How?

✔ They focus on high-CPM topics like "best dropshipping suppliers" and "Shopify vs. WooCommerce."
✔ They use AI voiceovers and stock video footage—no face required.
✔ They promote affiliate links, boosting revenue beyond ad earnings.

Even though their videos don’t go viral, their CPM rates (above $90) ensure they earn thousands of dollars each month.

How to Start an E-Commerce & Dropshipping YouTube Channel?

📌 Step 1: Pick a sub-niche—dropshipping, print-on-demand, or automation.
📌 Step 2: Research high-CPM keywords using Google Trends & YouTube search.
📌 Step 3: Create content using screen recordings, stock footage, or AI voiceovers.
📌 Step 4: Optimize your video titles & descriptions with high-CPM keywords like:

• "How to Start a Shopify Store in 2025"
• "Best Dropshipping Products for Beginners"
• "How to Make Money with Print-on-Demand"
  📌 Step 5: Monetize through YouTube ads, affiliate links, and sponsorships.

Even with low view counts, this niche can generate high earnings thanks to advertiser demand.

Who Should Start an E-Commerce YouTube Channel?

✔ Anyone interested in online business & side hustles.
✔ People who enjoy researching and explaining trends.
✔ Creators who want high CPM rates but don’t want to be on camera.

5. Software Reviews & SaaS Tutorials (CPM: $40 - $100+)

One of the most underrated yet high-earning YouTube niches is software reviews and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) tutorials. While most people focus on gaming or entertainment, tech-related content—especially B2B (business-to-business) software reviews—attracts some of the highest-paying advertisers on YouTube.

Many companies in this space, including HubSpot, ClickFunnels, SEMrush, Adobe, and Microsoft, spend huge amounts of money on ads because they target business owners, marketers, & professionals willing to invest in premium software.

Why Software Reviews & SaaS Content Has a High CPM?

📌 Software companies have massive profit margins, so they aggressively bid on ad placements.
📌 Viewers searching for software reviews are ready to buy, making them high-value leads.
📌 Business-related software has high CPC (cost-per-click) keywords, such as:

• "Best SEO software for small businesses"
• "CRM vs. ERP – Which one should you use?"
• "How to automate your business with AI tools"
  📌 Many software companies also offer affiliate programs, which can boost earnings beyond YouTube ads.

This niche is surprisingly low-competition because most YouTubers avoid it, thinking they need to be tech experts. However, with simple tutorials and comparisons, you can make high-earning content without advanced knowledge.

Unique & Weird Software Review Video Ideas

🔹 "Best AI Tools You Didn’t Know Existed (That Will Blow Your Mind!)" – Reviewing hidden AI-powered software.
🔹 "The Worst Software I’ve Ever Used – And What to Use Instead" – Showcasing bad software with better alternatives.
🔹 "How to Get Expensive Software for FREE (Legally)" – Covering free trials, open-source tools, and educational discounts.
🔹 "Is This AI Tool Replacing Jobs? I Tested It!" – Reviewing automation tools that disrupt industries.
🔹 "Weirdest Business Software That Actually Makes Millions" – Highlighting strange but successful SaaS businesses.

These types of videos don’t just bring in high CPM rates—they also attract sponsorships and affiliate commissions, making them a goldmine for YouTube creators.

Case Study – Small Software Review Channel Making $25,000+ Per Month

A small YouTube channel, "SaaS Uncovered," started in 2021 with only 40,000 subscribers, but today it earns $25,000+ per month with a CPM of $80-$100.

💡 How?

✔ They focus on trending business software & AI tools.
✔ They include high-paying affiliate links in video descriptions.
✔ They use AI-generated voiceovers and screen recordings—no face required!

Even though their videos only get 100,000 views per month, the high CPM combined with affiliate earnings makes them more profitable than entertainment channels with millions of views.

How to Start a Software Review & SaaS YouTube Channel?

📌 Step 1: Choose a sub-niche—AI tools, SEO software, automation tools, or business software.
📌 Step 2: Research high-CPM software-related keywords using Google Keyword Planner & YouTube search.
📌 Step 3: Use screen recordings or stock footage (no need to show your face).
📌 Step 4: Optimize your videos with high-paying keywords, such as:

• "Best AI software for small businesses"
• "Top SEO tools for ranking websites in 2025"
• "Which CRM is best for startups?"
  📌 Step 5: Monetize through YouTube ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships.

Even with low views, this niche generates high earnings because of B2B advertiser demand.

Who Should Start a Software Review YouTube Channel?

✔ People interested in tech, software, or automation tools.
✔ Creators who want to earn money through both ads & affiliate links.
✔ Anyone who doesn’t want to be on camera (screen recordings work well!).

Even if you don’t have a big audience, software companies will pay premium ad rates for their products to be seen by even a small but targeted group of viewers.

Final Thoughts – Which High-CPM YouTube Niche Should You Choose?

Now that we’ve covered the top 5 weird & obscure YouTube niches that surprisingly have the highest CPM, let’s recap:

YouTube Niche	CPM Range	Who It's Best For?	Face Required?
1. Finance & Investment Content	$80 - $200+	People interested in money, investing, and personal finance.	No (stock footage & voiceover works).
2. Tech & Gadget Reviews	$60 - $150+	Anyone who enjoys testing new gadgets & software.	No (screen recordings work).
3. Insurance & Legal Advice	$70 - $150+	People who like breaking down legal & insurance topics.	No (animated explainer videos work).
4. E-Commerce & Dropshipping	$50 - $120+	Entrepreneurs & side hustle enthusiasts.	No (screen recordings work).
5. Software Reviews & SaaS Tutorials	$40 - $100+	Tech lovers & online business owners.	No (voiceover & screen recording work).

Which Niche Should You Choose?

✅ Want the highest CPM? – Go for finance & insurance content.
✅ Prefer an easy-to-start niche? – Software & tech reviews are a great choice.
✅ Want passive income from affiliate links? – E-commerce & SaaS videos work well.
✅ Don’t want to be on camera? – All of these niches can be done with voiceovers & screen recordings!

No matter which high-CPM niche you choose, remember:

🔥 SEO matters! Use high-value keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags.
🔥 Engagement helps! Encourage comments & likes to boost visibility.
🔥 Affiliate marketing can double your revenue! Add links to relevant products/services.

Bonus - FAQ Section

Q1: What is considered a “high CPM” on YouTube?
A1:

A "high CPM" on YouTube typically refers to rates that range between $20 & $200 or more per 1,000 ad impressions. The CPM you receive depends on factors like niche (with some niches like finance, tech, or insurance commanding higher CPMs) and the advertiser demand for your audience. Generally, a CPM over $50 is considered high. The more targeted your content is, the higher the CPM.

Q2: Do obscure YouTube niches really make money?
A2:

Yes! Obscure YouTube niches can generate significant revenue, especially when they attract high-paying advertisers. These niches may have fewer creators, but that often means less competition and higher value for advertisers seeking a specific audience. Even with a smaller but dedicated following, you can earn substantial income through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships.

Q3: How long does it take to monetize a YouTube channel in a high-CPM niche?
A3:

It typically takes a few months to a year to reach YouTube’s monetization requirements: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. However, if you're in a high-CPM niche, you could start earning revenue earlier via affiliate marketing and sponsorships. Once monetized, your earnings will depend on how well your content performs and how targeted your audience is.

Q4: Can I combine multiple weird YouTube niches for better monetization?
A4:

Yes, combining multiple high-CPM niches can help attract a broader range of advertisers. For example, a channel focused on both finance and tech can target investors interested in technology or technology enthusiasts interested in finance. Just ensure the content is cohesive and appeals to your audience's interests. Combining niches smartly can increase your advertiser appeal and income potential.

Q5: What’s the best way to attract advertisers to my niche channel?
A5:

To attract advertisers to your channel, focus on these key strategies:

1. Create high-quality, niche-specific content that resonates with a targeted audience.
2. Optimize your videos for SEO to ensure they rank for high-CPM keywords.
3. Engage with your audience through comments, community posts, and social media to show an active, engaged viewer base.
4. Collaborate with brands or affiliate programs related to your niche to build credibility and attract direct sponsorships.
5. Maintain consistency and stay updated on trending topics within your niche to keep attracting valuable advertisers.