YouTube Shorts was launched by Google in 2021 and today this platform is active in more than 100 countries. YouTube started Shorts Fund and later Revenue Sharing Model, through which creators started getting a direct share of ad revenue.
When ads run between shorts on YouTube, the creator gets about 45% of that earning. If a creator’s videos go viral continuously and the viewership goes into lakhs, then it is possible to earn Rs 10,000 to Rs 2 lakh every month.
Apart from this, YouTube also has a Monetization Program under which the creator also earns income from Super Thanks, Membership and Brand Deals. The biggest thing is that the scope of long-term earning is more on YouTube Shorts because both the advertising system and content search are strong here.
On the other hand, Instagram Reels has also created a stir among the youth. Earning millions of followers on Reels is not easy, but those who do, earn well from sponsorship deals with big brands. Meta had earlier started the Reels Bonus Program in which creators from some countries used to get Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh, but this feature is no longer active in India.
In India, there is no direct earning from reels but income comes from brand promotion and affiliate marketing. The more followers and engagement you have, the more brands will pay to promote your videos. That means, earning on Instagram depends on followers and brand value whereas earning on YouTube comes from views and ads system.
If we talk directly, YouTube Shorts is ahead in terms of earnings. Because here the Revenue Sharing Model is fixed, the share received from every view and ad clearly goes to the creator. Whereas earning on Instagram is limited only to brand deals or collaborations.
If you are a new content creator and want to earn sustainable income for a long time, then YouTube Shorts is a better platform for you. But if your aim is fame and instant virality then Instagram Reels can get you recognition fast.
Published at : 20 Oct 2025 07:51 AM (IST)
