YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels? Know where you get more money and views, you will get the right answer

Nowadays, many youth are fond of earning money by making videos in their free time. But the biggest question is – make reels or shorts? Where will you get more views and where will you get quick money? Let’s keep it simple and make a true comparison of both the platforms.

earnings comparison

YouTube Shorts: Money is received through YouTube Shorts Fund and Shorts Monetization Program.

Monetization starts after completing 1,000 subscribers and 10 million shorts views (in 90 days).

RPM can usually range from ₹200 to ₹800 per 1,000 views.

Once the channel is monetized, there is good income in the long run.

Plus points:
Views can also come from shorts to long videos, which leads to additional earnings.

Instagram Reels:

• There are less options for direct monetization on Instagram.
• Main earnings come from gifts, badges, brand collaborations and sponsored posts.
• The Reels Bonus program runs in some countries, but is currently limited in India.
• RPM is usually lower than YouTube Shorts.
• To earn quick money one has to depend on brand deals or affiliate marketing.
• Comparison of going viral and reach

YouTube Shorts: The algorithm is very strong. If a good short goes viral, it can easily get millions of views. Views last longer.

Instagram Reels: Here too the chances of going viral are very good, but views mostly come in 24-48 hours and then drop rapidly.

Which is better for new creators?

1. YouTube Shorts is more beneficial for new creators because:
2. Becomes a long term source of income
3. Steady income once monetized
4. Shorts accelerate channel growth

Instagram Reels is best when:

1. You want quick brand deals
2. Create fashion, beauty, dance or lifestyle content
3. Need to speed up increase of followers.

If you want stable income for a long time and can be patient then start with YouTube Shorts.

If you want to go viral quickly and work with brands, then Instagram Reels is a better option. The smartest way is to upload content on both platforms simultaneously. Post the same video on both Shorts and Reels.

This will provide benefits from both sides. For new creators, initially focus on quality content, regular posting and trending topics. Good earnings start only after continuous hard work for the first 3-6 months.