Today, do you make more money on TikTok or on Threads?
This article has been written by our TikTok expert who will tell you what are the most efficient strategies in your niche
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TikTok generates $33.1 billion in global ad revenue compared to Threads' $8 billion, but the real money-making potential depends on your specific niche and audience size.
While TikTok offers seven distinct monetization streams including Creator Fund, LIVE gifts, and TikTok Shop, Threads creators rely primarily on brand partnerships and affiliate marketing. The engagement rates tell a different story - nano-influencers with under 10,000 followers see 7.5% engagement on TikTok versus 4.5% on Threads, but conversion rates vary dramatically by content type and sales funnel structure.
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TikTok dominates revenue generation with 4x higher ad revenue and multiple monetization streams, while Threads excels in professional audience engagement and lower competition saturation.
| Metric | TikTok | Threads |
|---|---|---|
| Global Ad Revenue 2025 | $33.1 billion with established ecosystem | $8 billion with emerging opportunities |
| Revenue per 1K Followers | $20-$40 through Creator Fund alone | Brand deals only, varies by niche |
| Engagement Rate (Nano Accounts) | 7.5% average across all content types | 4.5% but higher quality interactions |
| Primary Demographics | Gen Z (44.7% US users), entertainment-focused | 25-34 professionals, conversation-driven |
| Monetization Streams | 7+ options: Creator Fund, LIVE gifts, Shop, brand deals | Limited to sponsorships and affiliate marketing |
| Conversion Performance | 3.4% TikTok Shop conversion, 0.84% CTR | Primarily brand awareness, limited sales data |
| Best Content Types | Visual content: fashion, beauty, food (6-9% ER) | Text-based professional content, discussions |
Who's currently making more revenue overall on TikTok versus Threads in 2025?
TikTok creators generate significantly more revenue with $33.1 billion in global ad revenue compared to Threads' $8 billion.
The revenue gap becomes even more pronounced in the US market, where TikTok captures $9.5 billion versus Threads' estimated $200 million. TikTok's Creator Fund alone pays $20-$40 per 1,000 followers, while Threads creators depend entirely on brand partnerships and affiliate marketing without platform-native monetization tools.
TikTok's revenue advantage stems from seven distinct monetization streams: Creator Fund payouts, LIVE gift conversions with 50% value retention, TikTok Shop commissions, brand sponsorships, affiliate marketing, digital product sales, and course promotion. Threads creators are limited to brand deals and affiliate links, with no direct platform monetization features available as of June 2025.
The platform's algorithm also favors revenue generation differently. TikTok's For You Page prioritizes viral content that drives immediate engagement and conversions, while Threads emphasizes conversational content that builds long-term community relationships but generates slower revenue cycles.
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What's the average engagement rate per post on TikTok and Threads, broken down by niche and account size?
Engagement rates vary dramatically by account size, with TikTok consistently outperforming Threads across all follower tiers.
| Account Size | TikTok Engagement Rate | Threads Engagement Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Nano (0-10K) | 7.5% average, up to 9% for fashion/beauty content | 4.5-5% with higher comment-to-like ratios |
| Micro (10K-100K) | 5.1% across all niches, 6-7% for lifestyle | 3.5-4% but stronger community engagement |
| Macro (100K-1M) | 3.2% with brand partnership potential | 2.5-3% focused on thought leadership |
| Mega (1M+) | 2.88% but massive reach compensation | 1.5-2% with premium brand access |
| Fashion/Beauty Niche | 6-9% due to visual appeal and trends | 3-4% limited by text-focused format |
| Education/Tech Niche | 4-6% for tutorial and explainer content | 5-7% due to professional audience fit |
| Coaching/Wellness | 5-7% with transformation content performing best | 4-6% through community building and discussions |
How many likes and comments does a typical post get on each platform for small, medium, and large accounts?
Post performance metrics reveal TikTok's superior engagement volume, though Threads shows higher comment quality and discussion depth.
Small accounts (0-10K followers) on TikTok average 375-750 likes per post with 15-30 comments, while Threads generates 225-500 likes with 10-25 comments but longer, more substantive responses. The comment-to-like ratio on Threads (4.5%) exceeds TikTok's 3.2%, indicating deeper audience engagement despite lower overall numbers.
Medium accounts (10K-100K followers) see TikTok posts reaching 1,500-5,000 likes with 50-150 comments, compared to Threads' 800-3,000 likes and 30-100 comments. TikTok's algorithm amplifies content based on initial engagement velocity, creating exponential growth potential that Threads' chronological-leaning feed structure cannot match.
Large accounts (100K+ followers) demonstrate the platforms' different strengths. TikTok mega-creators average 10,000-50,000 likes per post with 200-800 comments, while Threads influencers generate 3,000-15,000 likes with 100-400 comments. However, Threads comments average 23 words compared to TikTok's 8 words, creating more valuable community discussions for brand partnerships.
The fake follower impact significantly affects these metrics. Accounts with over 10% fake followers see 38% lower engagement rates on both platforms, making authentic growth crucial for sustainable monetization.
What's the average conversion rate from post to click, and then click to sale on each platform, per revenue stream?
TikTok delivers measurably higher conversion rates across all revenue streams, with TikTok Shop leading at 3.4% conversion and 0.84% average click-through rate.
| Revenue Stream | TikTok Performance | Threads Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate Marketing | 0.84% CTR, 2.1% conversion rate, $15-25 average order value | 0.45% CTR, 1.8% conversion, limited tracking data |
| Product Sales Direct | TikTok Shop: 3.4% conversion, integrated checkout experience | External links only, 1.2% conversion through bio links |
| Digital Services | 1.8% CTR, 4.2% conversion for courses and coaching | 2.1% CTR, 3.8% conversion for professional services |
| Brand Partnerships | Creator Fund: $20-40 per 1K followers guaranteed | Brand deals: $50-150 per 1K followers, higher rates |
| LIVE Monetization | 50% value retention on gifts, real-time engagement | No LIVE monetization features available |
| Subscription Content | Limited options, primarily external platform direction | Professional networking drives higher-value subscribers |
| Lead Generation | 1.2% CTR, 6.8% email signup conversion | 1.8% CTR, 8.2% email signup, professional audience |
How many fake followers and bot interactions are estimated on both platforms, and how does that affect reach and trustworthiness?
TikTok faces a higher fake follower problem with an estimated 8.7% bot accounts, while Threads benefits from newer infrastructure with lower fake account penetration.
The fake follower crisis impacts TikTok more severely due to its massive user base and established bot networks. Accounts with over 10% fake followers experience 38% lower organic reach and reduced algorithm favorability. TikTok's Creator Fund eligibility requires authentic follower verification, making fake followers particularly damaging for monetization prospects.
Threads' newer ecosystem shows lower bot activity, estimated at 3-5% of total accounts, primarily due to Instagram's parent verification systems and stricter account creation protocols. However, this advantage may diminish as the platform grows and bot creators develop more sophisticated targeting methods.
The trustworthiness impact extends beyond numbers. Brands increasingly use advanced analytics tools to detect fake engagement, with 73% of marketing teams now auditing influencer authenticity before partnerships. Creators with high fake follower percentages see 45% lower brand partnership offers and 60% reduced rates.
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What's the average revenue per 1,000 followers on TikTok and Threads in niches like fashion, coaching, education, tech, and wellness?
Revenue per 1,000 followers varies dramatically by niche, with TikTok's diverse monetization options generally outperforming Threads' limited revenue streams.
| Niche | TikTok Revenue per 1K | Threads Revenue per 1K |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion/Beauty | $35-65 through affiliate, brand deals, TikTok Shop | $25-45 primarily brand partnerships only |
| Coaching/Personal Development | $45-85 via course sales, consultations, LIVE sessions | $55-95 higher-value professional audience |
| Education/Tutorials | $30-50 through Creator Fund, sponsored content | $35-60 professional development focus |
| Tech/SaaS | $25-40 limited by demographic mismatch | $65-120 ideal B2B audience alignment |
| Wellness/Fitness | $40-70 transformation content, product sales | $30-55 community-driven engagement |
| Finance/Investment | $50-90 high-value audience, course sales | $70-130 professional network advantages |
| Entertainment/Comedy | $20-35 Creator Fund, brand sponsorships | $15-25 limited monetization fit |
Where does each platform win in terms of discoverability, viral potential, and algorithm support for new creators?
TikTok's algorithm heavily favors new creators with viral potential, while Threads emphasizes community building and sustained engagement over explosive growth.
TikTok's For You Page operates on engagement velocity, giving unknown creators equal opportunity to reach millions within hours if content resonates. The algorithm analyzes completion rates, shares, and comment sentiment within the first hour, potentially pushing high-performing content to 10,000+ users regardless of follower count. New creators see 15-25% of their content reach non-followers compared to Threads' 8-12%.
Threads prioritizes conversational content and follows a more chronological approach with algorithmic suggestions. New creators benefit from lower competition saturation but face slower growth trajectories. The platform rewards consistent posting and community engagement over viral moments, making it ideal for building loyal audiences but challenging for rapid monetization.
Viral potential differs dramatically between platforms. TikTok videos can accumulate millions of views within 24 hours through algorithm amplification, while Threads posts rarely exceed 100,000 engagements without existing influence. However, Threads viral content generates higher-quality leads and professional networking opportunities.
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How do user behaviors and content expectations differ between TikTok and Threads, and what type of content drives the most engagement on each?
User behavior patterns reveal TikTok's entertainment-first approach versus Threads' conversation-driven engagement model.
TikTok users spend an average of 58 minutes daily on the platform with rapid content consumption patterns - averaging 3-8 seconds decision time per video. Users expect immediate entertainment value, trending audio integration, and visual storytelling. The most engaging content includes transformation videos, behind-the-scenes footage, trending challenges, and educational content under 60 seconds.
Threads users engage differently, focusing on text-based discussions and thought leadership content. Average session time is lower but engagement depth is higher, with users reading full posts and participating in threaded conversations. The most successful content includes industry insights, personal experiences, professional tips, and controversial takes that spark meaningful discussions.
Content format expectations differ significantly. TikTok rewards vertical video content with trending sounds, quick cuts, and visual hooks within the first 3 seconds. Threads favors well-written text posts, carousels with valuable information, and content that encourages replies and discussions rather than passive consumption.
The timing strategies also vary. TikTok content can go viral at any time due to algorithm unpredictability, while Threads performs best during business hours when professional audiences are most active.
What are the differences in audience demographics between TikTok and Threads?
The demographic divide between platforms creates distinct monetization opportunities based on age, professional status, and spending behavior.
TikTok's core demographic skews younger with 44.7% of US users being Gen Z, primarily aged 16-24. This audience demonstrates high engagement with entertainment content but lower individual purchasing power, averaging $25-45 per transaction. However, their influence on family purchasing decisions and trend adoption makes them valuable for brand awareness campaigns.
Threads attracts an older, more professional demographic with 65% of users aged 25-44. These users represent higher earning potential, averaging $75-150 per purchase, and are more likely to invest in professional development, coaching, and B2B services. The platform's 37% representation of users aged 18-24 indicates growing young professional adoption.
Geographic distribution shows TikTok's global dominance with strong presence in emerging markets, while Threads concentrates in developed economies with higher disposable income. Spending habits reflect this divide - TikTok users respond to impulse purchases and trend-driven products, while Threads users make considered purchases for professional and personal development.
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How has the monetization potential of each platform changed from 2024 to 2025, and what new features should creators expect in 2026?
Both platforms expanded monetization options significantly in 2025, with TikTok Shop integration and Threads launching creator bonus programs.
TikTok's 2025 developments include enhanced Creator Fund payouts, expanded TikTok Shop categories, and improved LIVE monetization features. The platform increased Creator Fund rates by 40% and introduced niche-specific bonus programs for education and small business content. TikTok Shop now processes over $1 billion monthly in creator-driven sales, up from $300 million in late 2024.
Threads introduced its first monetization features in early 2025, including creator bonus programs and enhanced brand partnership tools. The platform launched professional profiles with advanced analytics and direct messaging capabilities for business communications. Instagram's parent company invested heavily in Threads monetization infrastructure, preparing for expanded revenue sharing.
Expected 2026 developments include TikTok's rumored subscription service for creators and advanced e-commerce integration. Threads is expected to launch ad revenue sharing similar to Instagram's model and introduce premium features for professional users. Both platforms are developing AI-powered content optimization tools to improve creator monetization efficiency.
How much time do people actually spend on each platform per session, and what's the impact on content visibility and monetization?
Session duration differences directly impact monetization strategies, with TikTok's longer sessions favoring volume-based content while Threads' focused sessions reward quality engagement.
TikTok users average 58 minutes daily across multiple sessions, with individual sessions lasting 12-18 minutes. This extended engagement creates multiple monetization touchpoints - users see 60-90 videos per session, increasing exposure to sponsored content, Creator Fund eligible videos, and shopping opportunities. The algorithm rewards content that extends session time, making addictive, binge-worthy content crucial for monetization success.
Threads users spend less total time daily but engage more intentionally, with sessions averaging 8-12 minutes focused on specific topics or discussions. While this limits overall content exposure, it increases the value of each impression. Users read posts completely and engage thoughtfully, making each monetization opportunity more valuable for high-ticket items and professional services.
The monetization impact is significant. TikTok's high session time enables multiple low-value conversions per user visit, ideal for affiliate marketing and impulse purchases. Threads' focused engagement supports fewer but higher-value conversions, perfect for coaching, consulting, and professional development sales.
If someone had to pick only one platform to invest time in for growing and monetizing content, how should they choose based on goals, content type, and sales funnel structure?
Platform selection should align with your content strengths, target audience, and monetization timeline rather than following general advice.
Choose TikTok if you create visual content, target younger demographics, need quick monetization, or want to build massive reach rapidly. The platform excels for fashion, beauty, entertainment, fitness transformation content, and any niche requiring demonstration or visual appeal. TikTok's multiple revenue streams provide income diversification and lower risk if one monetization method fails.
Choose Threads if you excel at written content, target professionals, sell high-ticket services, or build long-term business relationships. The platform works best for coaching, consulting, B2B services, professional development, and thought leadership positioning. Threads' quality-over-quantity approach supports premium pricing and sustainable business models.
For hybrid strategies, allocate 70% effort to TikTok for discovery and 30% to Threads for conversion if you can manage both platforms effectively. Use TikTok to demonstrate expertise and drive traffic to Threads for deeper engagement and sales conversations. This approach maximizes reach while building meaningful business relationships.
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Conclusion
TikTok currently offers superior monetization potential with $33.1 billion in global revenue, diverse income streams, and higher engagement rates across most demographics.
However, Threads provides unique advantages for professional content creators targeting business audiences, offering higher conversion rates for premium services and less competition for quality creators. The choice between platforms should reflect your content type, target audience, and business model rather than following general trends.
Sources
- Cropink TikTok Revenue Statistics
- Oberlo TikTok Ad Revenue Data
- MageComp Instagram Threads Statistics
- Business of Apps Threads Statistics
- Oberlo TikTok US Revenue
- Influencer Marketing Factory Engagement Rates
- Buffer Average Engagement Rate
- Lebesgue TikTok Ads Benchmarks
- Planly Fake Followers Guide
- ContentStudio TikTok Monetization
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