YouTube vs TikTok Stream: Which Is The Right Platform For Making Money?

In the previous article, we’ve already discussed Twitch vs YouTube, which is actually quite tough when it comes to the right choice. Well now, it’s time to see the battle of YouTube vs TikTok stream.

As we know that TikTok has become one of the most popular sharing platforms nowadays, especially among younger users. Due to this fact, no wonder that TikTok is now competing with YouTube which has been popular since 2005.

Due to the high number of users, many people made both platforms the mine of opportunity. Everyone can start making money through these platforms. But which one is right for you? YouTube or TikTok? Worry no more, since we’re going to figure it out through this post. Let’s go!

1. YouTube vs TikTok Stream Monetization

When we talk about YouTube and TikTok, we talk about business. To be exact, how YouTube and TikTok affect your business engagement. Let’s start with YouTube first.

To generate revenue from YouTube content, users should be eligible to put ads into their videos. YouTube shows its appreciation for its creators by generously giving back an impressive 55% of its ad revenue. This amounts to more than $15 billion in payments to creators last year alone.

YouTube vs TikTok Stream
YouTube and TikTok monetization mechanism | Source: Tube Ranker

In addition to AdSense, users can also get paid by becoming affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, and optimizing Super Chat and Super Sticker.

On TikTok, racking dollars there is easier than on YouTube since you’ll only need to promote the brand and become a part of affiliate marketing. However, make sure that you’ve already boasted enough followers and viewers through your content.

2. Ad Format Variety

The Ad format variety | Influencer Marketing Hub

Speaking of ads, both YouTube and TikTok have different kinds of ads. Knowing the type of ads is basically a necessity to support your goal. On YouTube, you can try skippable in-stream ads to increase sales and leads. But in case you want to increase brand awareness and reach, use the bumper ads. It’s worth noting that how you choose the format of your ads can also impact how you connect with your audience.

Furthermore, TikTok also has several kinds of ads to help generate revenue. First, there is an In-Feed ad that will appear and auto-play on the target’s FYP, then it’s a Brand Takeover ad that users are unable to like or comment on. Then, you can also use Hashtag Challenge and Branded Lenses.

3. Audience Reach and Engagement

TikTok Stream vs YouTube
TikTok can help you to reach a wider range of niche communities | Source: Search Engine Journal

The second thing to consider to determine the right platform between YouTube and TikTok for business is audience engagement. According to the data, YouTube has reached 25% of all mobile traffic. In addition, 95% of the internet population worldwide access videos on this platform.

With this massive reach, YouTube can help you to engage with a wider audience, giving you more chances to grow your career as a content creator there.

In another hand, TikTok is home to a diverse group of users, with 41% of the platform’s population being Gen Zs and the rest being made up of millennials, Gen Xs, and baby boomers. While Gen Zs may be the primary target for advertisers on the platform, there is also a chance to reach a wide range of niche communities and age groups.

4 YouTube vs TikTok Algorithm

Now, let’s talk about the algorithm. Well, YouTube and TikTok content are based on the audience’s interest. TikTok will show the video on someone’s FYP based on the last content they enjoyed or interacted with.

YouTube algorithm also works similarly to TikTok. However, sometimes YouTube also counts the view duration and satisfaction of the users’ last enjoyed video, and the external elements, including seasonal relevancy, and competition.

Based on this fact, both algorithms make it easier for users to find content that appeals to them.

5. TikTok Stream vs YouTube Video Type

Well, when it comes to the content format, the differences are obvious. While YouTube focuses on long-form videos (within 15 minutes to 12 hours duration), TikTok is designed for bite-sized and vertical videos. Additionally, TikTok only allows users to post the video for no longer than 10 minutes.

And for the content type, since TikTok is considered to be short-form content, most content revolves around something fun and humorous, such as dance videos, pranks, a short tutorial, lip-sync, or mini vlog.

YouTube is for a long-form format, while TikTok focused on a bite-sized format | Source: Artlist

YouTube, on the other hand, has a bigger arsenal of content. It could be review videos, game streaming, reaction video, tutorials, vlogs, and more. In terms of tone, you can also find formal, casual, light, and even serious videos. Due to this content type, YouTube seems to be more flexible when it comes to content creation.

However, before you produce a video for YouTube, make sure you have made a good setup or editing. It often requires you to have high skills in editing, as well as compatible editing software. While on TikTok, provides all-in-one features where you can record and edit videos. Editing software is sometimes doesn’t needed here.

Conclusion

So, that’s all everything you need to know about YouTube vs TikTok. When it comes to choosing the best video-sharing app for your brand’s marketing goals, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re targeting a younger audience, TikTok could be the perfect fit, but if you want to reach a wider demographic, YouTube might be a better choice. Either way, it’s important to consider factors like monetization, tone, and style before making a decision.

Anyway, the battle between YouTube and TikTok could be fairer since YouTube has already introduced its TikTok-like feature called YouTube Shorts to its users. We already discussed it in our previous article, so make sure you read it as well to get to know better about TikTok vs Youtube Short. Well, see you in the next article!