Instagram and YouTube have become not just entertainment for young people today, but also a source of income. Both are strong earning platforms, the only difference is the strategy. So let’s explore which platform pays more, when and how to earn money on YouTube, and how to start earning on Instagram.
Instagram vs. YouTube Income Comparison: Today, social media isn’t just a pastime or entertainment platform; it’s become a major source of income for millions. Especially among youngsters, YouTube and Instagram are two platforms that offer recognition, fame, and income. But the question often arises: which platform pays more? When and how do you earn money? So, let’s explore the basic earnings dynamics of both platforms and some key insights that will help you decide which is best for you.
How does YouTube earn money?
The biggest source of income on YouTube is ad revenue, i.e., income from advertisements. When people watch your videos, you earn money from ads displayed on them. Additionally, Super Chat, Channel Membership, Brand Sponsorship, and Affiliate Marketing also generate significant income. Earnings depend on the number of views your videos receive, watch time, the country your audience is from, and the category your content falls under.
In India, the earnings per 1000 views usually range from Rs 20 to Rs 100, while from foreign viewers, this income can reach Rs 300- Rs 400 per 1000 views.
How does one earn on Instagram?
Instagram doesn’t offer direct ad revenue like YouTube. Earnings here primarily come from brand promotions, Reel sponsorships, affiliate links, and collaborations. When a brand wants to promote its product, it pays an influencer. This amount depends on the influencer’s follower count, engagement rate, and Reel views.
For example, those with 100,000 followers can earn between ₹5,000 and ₹50,000 per sponsored post. Meanwhile, major creators and celebrity influencers sign deals worth lakhs of rupees.
YouTube vs. Instagram: Which is more profitable?
When it comes to long-term income, YouTube is a more stable and reliable platform. Here, your video continues to generate views and revenue for years. This means that even old content generates consistent revenue.
On the other hand, the lifespan of content on Instagram is shorter—a Reel or post trends for a few days, and then engagement begins to decline. But Instagram’s biggest strength is sponsorships and brand deals—meaning there’s an opportunity to earn more money in a shorter period of time.
Which platform is right for you?
If you’re adept at video production, storytelling, and long-form content, YouTube might be a better fit. But if you’re good at trends, short videos, and personal branding, Instagram might be more profitable.
Smart creators use both platforms together—building a fan base on Instagram while generating sustainable revenue from long-form content on YouTube. This is the most balanced approach.
Pro Tip
- On YouTube, focus on quality audio and editing early on—this will establish your identity.
- On Instagram, the first three seconds of Reels are crucial—they’re the ones that determine whether or not to watch the video.
- Consistency and authenticity are the biggest algorithmic hacks on both platforms.
Common questions about earning from Instagram and YouTube
1. How do you make money on YouTube?
Money on YouTube comes primarily from ad revenue, i.e., advertisements. When ads run on your videos and people watch them, you earn a portion of the revenue. You also earn income from Super Chat, Channel Membership, Sponsorship, and Affiliate Marketing.
2. Do you start earning money just by posting on Instagram?
No, you don’t earn money just by posting. Earning money on Instagram comes when your follower count and engagement rate increase. Brands then offer you sponsorships or collaborations to promote their products or services.
3. When do you start earning money on YouTube?
You start earning money on YouTube when your channel joins the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This requires at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months. After this, monthly earnings are transferred to your Google AdSense account.
4. When do you start earning money on Instagram?
There’s no set limit on Instagram. As your followers and views grow, brands approach you for promotions. Beginner influencers can earn between ₹5,000 and ₹50,000 per post, while larger creators can earn deals worth lakhs.