PPC vs PPV: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?
PPC vs PPV – Which One Should You Choose?
Compare Pay-Per-Click and Pay-Per-View advertising strategies and choose the best for your goals.
When it comes to paid traffic, two common models dominate: PPC (Pay-Per-Click) and PPV (Pay-Per-View). But what’s the difference, and how do you choose the right one for your business or affiliate campaigns?
What is PPC?
PPC is a model where advertisers pay only when a user clicks their ad. It’s commonly used on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads. The focus is on driving targeted traffic to landing pages or offers.
What is PPV?
PPV, also called CPV (Cost-Per-View), charges advertisers whenever their ad is displayed to a user — regardless of whether they click. It’s often used in pop-up or pop-under networks, and software-based traffic sources.
PPC vs PPV: Key Differences
- Targeting: PPC allows precise targeting by keyword or interest. PPV is broader and often targets by URL or category.
- Cost: PPV traffic is usually cheaper, but less targeted. PPC is more expensive but offers higher conversion potential.
- Traffic Quality: PPC traffic is often higher quality. PPV can be good for volume testing but needs strong filtering.
- Ease of Use: PPC has a learning curve, while PPV platforms are generally simpler but less intuitive in reporting.
💡 Tip: Test both PPC and PPV with small budgets to discover what works best for your niche or funnel style.
When Should You Use PPC or PPV?
- Use PPC: When targeting high-converting keywords or promoting quality offers with strong ROI tracking.
- Use PPV: When testing creative offers, sweepstakes, or CPA landing pages that need volume quickly.
FAQs: PPC vs PPV
Can I use both at once?
Yes. Many marketers run tests on both to scale what works best.
Which is better for beginners?
PPC is more popular and beginner-friendly with better tools and documentation.
Do affiliate networks allow PPV traffic?
Some do, but always check the offer terms to avoid disqualifications.
Final Thoughts
Both PPC and PPV can drive traffic effectively. Choose PPC for control and targeting. Choose PPV for fast, affordable testing. Understand your audience and offer before committing, and always track your ROI.