Who pays more, TikTok or Instagram?

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How much does TikTok pay per 1,000 views on average for creators in the US?

TikTok's platform payouts operate on two distinct tiers that most creators don't fully understand.

The standard Creator Fund pays between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 views, which translates to just $20-$40 for every million views. This rate has remained consistently low since the program's launch and applies to most creators who meet the basic eligibility requirements of 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the past 30 days.

However, TikTok's Creator Rewards Program launched in 2024 offers dramatically higher payouts of $0.40 to $1.00 per 1,000 views for eligible creators. This program specifically targets creators who produce original, high-engagement content and maintain strong audience retention metrics. The selection criteria are stricter and invite-only, but the revenue difference is substantial—up to 25 times higher than the standard fund.

The key distinction lies in content quality and engagement rates. Creators who consistently produce trending content with completion rates above 70% and strong comment engagement are more likely to qualify for the higher-paying program.

Most creators rely too heavily on these platform payouts when the real money comes from leveraging TikTok's reach for brand partnerships and external monetization opportunities.

How much does Instagram pay per 1,000 views on average through Reels Bonus or monetization programs?

Instagram's monetization structure is more complex but potentially more lucrative than TikTok's straightforward view-based system.

The Reels Play Bonus program pays between $0.01 and $0.05 per 1,000 views, with most creators earning around the lower end of this range. However, this represents just one revenue stream within Instagram's broader monetization ecosystem.

When combining all monetization features—including ad revenue sharing, creator bonuses, and premium content tools—creators can achieve an RPM of $0.20 to $2.00 per 1,000 views. Premium niches like finance, technology, and business can push this to $5-$8 per 1,000 views for creators with highly engaged audiences.

Instagram's invite-only bonus programs offer flat-rate deals ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 per month for creators who meet specific posting quotas and exclusivity requirements. These programs target creators with proven engagement and brand-safe content.

The platform's strength lies in its ability to convert views into long-term follower relationships that translate to higher-value brand partnerships compared to TikTok's more ephemeral engagement patterns.

How many followers are typically needed on TikTok to start earning real money, like $500+ per month?

The follower count threshold for meaningful TikTok earnings is often misunderstood because views matter more than followers for platform payouts.

TikTok's minimum monetization requirements start at 10,000 followers with 100,000 views in the past 30 days. However, reaching $500 monthly requires significantly higher view volumes due to the low per-view payout rates.

How many followers are usually required on Instagram to start generating the same level of income?

Instagram's monetization threshold is generally lower than TikTok's due to higher per-follower value and more diverse revenue streams.

Micro-influencers with 10,000 to 50,000 followers can earn $250 to $600 per sponsored post, meaning just one sponsored post per month can reach the $500 threshold. The key difference lies in Instagram's audience retention and purchasing behavior patterns.

Instagram followers typically represent a more committed audience compared to TikTok's algorithm-driven discovery model. This translates to higher conversion rates for affiliate marketing, course sales, and product promotions. Creators with 10,000 engaged followers often outperform TikTok creators with 100,000 followers in terms of actual sales generation.

The platform's shopping integration, story features, and link-in-bio functionality create multiple touchpoints for monetization that don't rely solely on viral content performance. Creators can build sustainable income through consistent posting and audience nurturing rather than chasing viral moments.

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How much does TikTok pay per sponsored post at different follower levels?

TikTok's sponsored post rates vary significantly based on engagement quality, niche specificity, and audience demographics rather than just follower count.

What do brands typically pay for a sponsored Reel on Instagram based on audience size and engagement?

Instagram's sponsored content rates generally exceed TikTok's due to the platform's superior conversion tracking and audience purchasing power.

The baseline calculation for Instagram sponsored posts follows the $10-$25 per 1,000 followers rule, but engagement rates significantly impact final pricing. Creators with engagement rates above 5% can command premium rates, while those below 2% often struggle to secure partnerships regardless of follower count.

Sponsored Reels specifically command higher rates than static posts due to Instagram's algorithm prioritization and higher reach potential. Brands typically pay 20-40% more for Reel content compared to standard feed posts, with rates ranging from $100 for micro-influencers to $100,000+ for mega-influencers.

Geographic targeting also affects pricing substantially. US-based audiences command the highest rates, followed by UK, Canada, and Australia. Creators with audiences in developing markets may see rates 50-70% lower despite similar engagement metrics.

Long-term brand partnerships often result in higher per-post rates than one-off collaborations, with some creators securing monthly retainers that exceed individual post rates by 200-300%.

How long does it take, in hours per week, to create consistent viral content on TikTok versus Instagram?

Content creation time investment varies dramatically based on content strategy and production quality expectations.

1. TikTok Content Creation (10-30 hours/week): Raw footage filming (2-4 hours), trend research and ideation (3-6 hours), editing and effects (3-8 hours), hashtag research and optimization (1-2 hours), community engagement and comments (2-6 hours), trend adaptation and remixing (2-4 hours)
2. Instagram Content Creation (10-30+ hours/week): High-quality photo/video production (4-8 hours), Reels creation and editing (3-6 hours), Stories content development (2-4 hours), caption writing and copy optimization (2-4 hours), hashtag strategy and research (1-3 hours), community management across formats (3-6 hours)
3. Cross-Platform Optimization: Content repurposing and adaptation (2-4 hours), platform-specific formatting (1-3 hours), analytics review and strategy adjustment (1-2 hours)
4. Advanced Strategies: Collaboration planning and execution (2-5 hours), brand partnership content creation (5-10 hours), live streaming and real-time engagement (3-8 hours)
5. Content Planning and Strategy: Monthly content calendar development (2-4 hours), competitor analysis and trend forecasting (1-3 hours), performance analysis and optimization (1-2 hours)

How much can a creator realistically make in a month with 100K followers on TikTok versus Instagram?

The earning potential with 100,000 followers differs significantly between platforms due to audience behavior and monetization mechanisms.

TikTok creators with 100K followers typically earn $100-$1,650 per sponsored post, with the ability to post multiple sponsored content pieces monthly. Platform payouts contribute minimally unless the creator qualifies for the Creator Rewards Program, where high-performing content can generate additional hundreds of dollars monthly.

Instagram creators at the same follower level command $600-$1,200 per sponsored post due to higher audience purchasing power and better conversion tracking for brands. The platform's shopping features, story monetization, and Reels bonuses create multiple revenue streams that TikTok lacks.

Additional income sources vary substantially between platforms. TikTok creators can leverage live streaming gifts, affiliate marketing through the Creator Fund, and TikTok Shop integration. Instagram creators benefit from IGTV ads, brand story placements, and premium features like subscriber-only content.

Realistic monthly totals range from $500-$3,000+ for TikTok creators and $1,000-$5,000+ for Instagram creators, assuming active brand partnership pursuit and consistent content quality.

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Which platform has the highest RPM when combining ad payouts and brand deals?

Revenue per mille calculations reveal Instagram's clear advantage in monetization efficiency across most creator categories.

Instagram's combined RPM typically ranges from $20-$100 per 1,000 sponsored views when factoring in brand deals, platform bonuses, and shopping integrations. Premium niches like finance, business, and technology can achieve RPMs of $150-$300 per 1,000 views due to higher-value audiences and products.

TikTok's RPM for sponsored content generally falls between $8-$35 per 1,000 sponsored views, though creators in the Creator Rewards Program can achieve comparable rates to Instagram for platform payouts specifically. The challenge lies in TikTok's lower brand partnership rates and limited shopping integration.

The gap widens when considering audience lifetime value. Instagram followers typically engage with creators across multiple content formats over longer periods, creating more monetization opportunities per follower compared to TikTok's algorithm-driven, discovery-focused model.

However, TikTok's viral potential can result in massive view spikes that temporarily boost overall earnings, even at lower per-view rates. Creators who consistently produce viral content may achieve higher absolute earnings despite lower RPM.

Which one is easier to grow on in 2025: TikTok or Instagram, in terms of algorithm and reach?

TikTok maintains its advantage for rapid follower acquisition and viral content distribution, while Instagram offers more predictable, sustainable growth patterns.

TikTok's "For You Page" algorithm actively promotes content from new creators, making it possible to gain thousands of followers overnight with the right content timing and trend participation. The platform's emphasis on content quality over creator credentials means that a new account can compete directly with established creators for algorithm attention.

Instagram's algorithm has evolved to include more discovery features, but growth typically requires more strategic networking, consistent posting schedules, and audience nurturing. The platform's multiple content formats (feed posts, Stories, Reels, IGTV) require diversified content strategies but offer more touchpoints for audience engagement.

Organic reach differs substantially between platforms. TikTok regularly delivers content to users who don't follow the creator, while Instagram increasingly limits organic reach to encourage paid promotion. However, Instagram's audience retention rates are generally higher, leading to more valuable long-term relationships.

The barrier to entry remains lower on TikTok for content creation, with built-in editing tools and sound libraries that reduce production complexity compared to Instagram's emphasis on higher production values and visual aesthetics.

How do creator funds and bonuses work on each platform, and when do they pay out?

Understanding the payment structures and timing for each platform's creator programs is crucial for cash flow management and income planning.

What type of content performs best on each platform for monetization?

Content strategy for monetization requires understanding each platform's algorithm preferences and audience behavior patterns.

TikTok rewards trending content that captures immediate attention and maintains high completion rates. Content that participates in viral challenges, uses trending sounds, or creates new viral formats typically generates the highest view counts and platform payouts. However, niche expertise content often yields better brand partnership opportunities despite lower view counts.

Instagram favors evergreen content that provides long-term value and encourages saves, shares, and thoughtful engagement. Educational content, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and expertise-driven posts tend to attract higher-value brand partnerships and convert better for affiliate marketing and product sales.

The key difference lies in content lifespan and discoverability. TikTok content has a short window for viral success but can explode rapidly, while Instagram content builds momentum gradually and maintains relevance longer. Successful creators on both platforms often repurpose content across formats while optimizing for each platform's specific algorithm preferences.

For maximum monetization, creators should focus on trending content for TikTok growth and viral moments, while using Instagram for evergreen content that builds authority and attracts premium brand partnerships.

If you feel like your content isn't getting enough engagement, we can help improve that.

Conclusion

Sources

1. Gelato - How Much Does TikTok Pay
2. Riverside - TikTok Creator Payments
3. CapCut - Instagram Reels Payment
4. BuzzVoice - Instagram View Payments
5. RankTracker - Instagram CPM RPM Rates
6. RankTracker - Instagram Brand Sponsorships
7. TechPoint - TikTok Influencer Earnings 2025
8. Keesy - Instagram 100K Followers Income
9. Social Champ - TikTok Algorithm Guide
10. Hootsuite - Instagram Algorithm Guide

Who is the author of this content?

NAPOLIFY

A team specialized in data-driven growth strategies for social media

We offer data-driven, battle-tested approach to growing online profiles, especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Unlike traditional agencies or consultants who often recycle generic advice, we go on the field and we keep analyzing real-world social content—breaking down hundreds of viral posts to identify what formats, hooks, and strategies actually drive engagement, conversions, and growth. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our website.