Cost Per Thousand Impressions (CPM)

Definition

The price of showing your ad to 1,000 people, regardless of whether they notice, care, or develop sudden amnesia about your brand.

Example Usage

Display advertising CPM rates ranged from $0.50 to $15, depending on audience quality (we couldn't afford quality).

Origin

'M' is the Roman numeral for 1,000; terminology dates to traditional media

Fun Fact

Premium ad placements like above-the-fold on major news sites can command CPM rates above $50, while you're buying the 47th ad slot for $0.30.

Source: Media Buying Standards

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