How Dr. Ben made $1.5 million from a single viral video

Dr. Ben's video about tonsil stones hit 43 million views. But here's the part most people miss — it wasn’t just a viral moment. It was a $1.5 million payday.

Let’s break down why it worked and how the numbers add up.

Why the video worked

1. The hook was unskippable

• Someone literally has their hand inside another person’s mouth
• The text and pacing build anticipation for something nasty
• Then the tonsil stone pops out with a dramatic reaction from Dr. Ben

2. It delivered real value

• Dr. Ben explains what tonsil stones are and why they matter
• He walks through how to get rid of them
• He keeps energy high, uses quick cuts, and respects the viewer’s time

What the video earned

1. TikTok revenue: $0

‍TikTok only pays for videos over 60 seconds. Dr. Ben’s video? 59 seconds. Just missed it.

2. Product placement: $1.5 million

‍In the second half of the video, Dr. Ben talks about how he created his own water flosser, specifically designed for tonsil stones.

Let’s do the math:

• 43 million views
• 1 percent click-through to the product page
• 5 percent conversion rate on that traffic
• That equals $1.5 million in revenue

All of this with just an iPhone, some planning, and a bit of creative energy.

Credit: @thebentistofficial