YouTube vs. TikTok: Which Pays More for Creators in 2025?

If you ever considered becoming a content creator, chances are you've wondered one giant question: do I go for YouTube or TikTok? Both have blown up in popularity, both have billions of users, and both have methods for creators to earn money. But let's talk about cold, hard cash — which one pays more in 2025?

Let’s break it down honestly, without the hype, so you can decide where to put your energy.

How YouTube Pays Creators

YouTube has been around for almost two decades, and it’s still the king of long-form video. But it has also adapted with YouTube Shorts, competing directly with TikTok.

Here’s how creators earn money on YouTube in 2025:

Ad Revenue (AdSense) – This is the whopper. When you become monetized (1,000 subs + 4,000 hours of watchtime OR 10M views on Shorts), you'll receive a share of ad revenue. Cost per 1,000 (CPM) ad view can be anywhere from $1 to $20, depending on niche and user base. Finance or tech channels tend to make more money than entertainment ones.

YouTube Shorts Fund & Ads – Shorts creators can now earn ad money as well. CPM is less than long-form, but still preferable to TikTok for the most part. Channel Memberships & Super Chats – Viewers can pay monthly or during a live stream. Brand Deals & Sponsorships – Some YouTubers make more from sponsors than advertisements. Merch & Affiliate Links – Creators usually sell merchandise or promote affiliate programs.

Bottom line: YouTube has several revenue streams and is more predictable.

How TikTok Compensates Creators

TikTok revolutionized content viewing forever. Short, bite-sized videos. Huge engagement. Viral explosion. But how does it compensate?

 

In 2025, the following are TikTok's primary monetization strategies:

TikTok Creator Rewards Program (new version of Creator Fund) – TikTok has replaced its previous Creator Fund with a performance-based reward scheme that compensates creators for longer, better-quality videos. Payouts remain low versus YouTube. $0.20 to $0.80 on average for every 1,000 views.

TikTok Ads Revenue Sharing (Pulse Program) – Creators with 100K+ followers can receive a share of ad revenue on popular videos. But only a select few qualify. Brand Deals & Sponsorships – The money-maker on TikTok. Brands adore virality and Gen Z demographics on TikTok, and many compensate creators directly for sponsored content.

TikTok Shop (Affiliate & Live Selling) – Creators can make money by monetizing products in videos and live streams. Gifts & Coins (Live Streams) – Viewers pay virtual gifts, which translate into real cash.

Bottom line: TikTok has numerous options to earn, but payout per direct view is significantly less than YouTube.

YouTube vs. TikTok Earnings: Real Comparisons

Let's compare the platforms with some actual numbers.

1. Ad Revenue Per View

YouTube (long-form): $2–$15 per 1,000 views (depending on niche).

YouTube Shorts: Approximately $0.50–$2 per 1,000 views.

TikTok: $0.20–$0.80 per 1,000 views.

YouTube takes the win here, particularly for long-form.

2. Viral Potential

TikTok: Easy to go viral quickly, even with no followers.

YouTube Shorts: Increasing rapidly, but TikTok still has an advantage in reach.

YouTube long-form: Slow growth, but more loyal audience.

TikTok is good for rapid exposure, YouTube is better for long-term build.

3. Brand Sponsorships

TikTok: Brands compensate between $100 and $10,000 per post based on followers and engagement.

YouTube: Brand sponsorships tend to be higher since videos are longer and more evergreen. Some YouTubers receive $5,000-$50,000 per sponsorship.

Both are robust, but YouTube tends to pay higher per deal.

4. Fan Support

YouTube: Super Chats, channel memberships, and merch integration provide creators steady additional revenue.

TikTok: Live gifts and TikTok Shop are increasing, but still not as robust.

YouTube provides more stable fan-based revenue.

So… Which Pays More in 2025?

When we speak strictly of direct platform pay per view, YouTube still pays more — particularly for longer-form content.

But here's the catch:

TikTok provides you with faster growth and more direct access to brand deals upfront.

YouTube provides you with long-term security and more ad income when you're established.

Most clever creators in 2025 don't choose one. They utilize TikTok to scale rapidly and direct their viewers to YouTube for more engaging content and improved monetization.

Pros and Cons of Each Platform

YouTube Pros 

More ad money

More monetization strategies

Evergreen content (videos continue to make money years down the line)

More substantial community & faithful audience

YouTube Cons 

More difficult to scale quickly

Needs more effort in production

Monetization has a waiting period (requires subscribers/watch hours)

TikTok Pros 

Viral growth is simpler

Shorter content = quicker production

Brands prefer it for Gen Z viewers

TikTok Shop opens new revenue streams

TikTok Cons 

Low payment per view

Content dies quickly (short shelf life)

Needs frequent posting to remain current

How Much Can Creators Make in 2025? 

Obviously, niche, views, and regularity depend on it, but here are approximate examples:

YouTube Creator (100K subscribers, finance niche): $3,000–$8,000 per month from ads + $2,000–$10,000 from sponsors.

TikTok Creator (500K followers): $500–$2,000/month via platform payouts + $3,000–$15,000 via brand sponsorships.

See the trend? YouTube pays higher for ads, but TikTok has the potential to pay higher for sponsorships.

Which Should You Pick as a Beginner? 

If you're new in 2025:

Pick TikTok if you prefer quick growth, viral exposure, and simpler brand sponsorships.

Pick YouTube if you prefer sustainable income, evergreen content, and better ad earnings.

Best approach: Utilize both. Post Shorts on TikTok and YouTube, then refer traffic to your YouTube channel where the riches lie.

Conclusion 

Thus, YouTube or TikTok: which rewards creators more in 2025?

YouTube remunerates more in ad dollars and long-term security.

TikTok remunerates quicker via virality and brand partnerships.

At the end of the day, both platforms have money-making potential. The real winners are creators who understand how to use both together — TikTok for reach, YouTube for depth and income. If you’re serious about being a content creator in 2025, don’t limit yourself. Experiment, find what works best for your style, and take advantage of the strengths of both platforms.

Because the reality is, the platform doesn't determine how much you earn — your content and consistency do.