Guide
YouTube pre-roll mention rates
Figures and workflows here are illustrations, not financial, tax, or accounting advice. Talk to a tax or finance specialist in your jurisdiction before you invoice, set payment terms, or treat a number as a rate you should charge.
Mention ladder (vs $600 mid-roll)
| SKU | What they get | Vs mid-roll | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal + end cards (≤10s) | Name, URL, cards | 0.15–0.20× | $90–$120 |
| Pre-roll scripted 15–30s | Custom open, 1 revision | 0.30–0.40× | $180–$240 |
| End integration 30–45s | Custom close + demo | 0.35–0.50× | $210–$300 |
| Pre-roll + mid-roll same video | Both segments | 1.15–1.25× mid | $690–$750 |
| Dedicated episode | Whole video | See dedicated guide | Not a mention |
First 15 seconds of the video are premium attention — if they demand cold-open branding with no organic hook first, sit at the top of the pre-roll band.
Worked quote: pre-roll only
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pre-roll 20s scripted | $210 |
| Description + pinned 12 months public | Included |
| Paid ads usage 90d of the mention cut | +$105 (50%) |
| Total | $315 |
If they upgrade to mid-roll later in the same video, re-quote — do not “just extend the read” for free.
What mention pricing is not
- Not a dedicated video.
- Not automatic Shorts.
- Not unpaid because “it’s only twenty seconds.”
Disclosure
Paid mentions still need clear disclosure. That is compliance, not a reason to discount to $0.
Sibling
Full mid-roll view math lives on the mid-roll rates page — set 1.0 there, then apply this ladder.
Related guides
Platform rates & formats
YouTube pre-roll mention questions
+How much is a YouTube pre-roll mention vs mid-roll?
Often ~0.25–0.45× your mid-roll for a 15–30s scripted open, less for a 5s verbal + end card. Example: $600 mid-roll → ~$150–$270 pre-roll.
+Is an end-screen mention the same SKU?
Cheaper sibling — often ~0.15–0.25× mid-roll if it is visual cards + short VO. A 45s custom close is closer to mid-roll territory.
+Does a mention include description links forever?
Description / pinned comment for the life of the public video is usually included. Paid ads of the mention clip are not.
+Can brands ask for pre-roll and mid-roll in one video?
Yes — quote both lines. A common bundle is ~1.15–1.25× mid-roll when both appear in the same upload, not mid-roll only.
+How many revisions on a mention?
One pass on the scripted lines. Rewriting the entire video intro for brand tone after approval is a new fee.
List mentions under mid-roll
BlueRateCard packages keep pre-roll, mid-roll, and dedicated as separate SKUs so “a quick shoutout” has a number. Free for creators.