YouTube vs TikTok RPM: Creator Earnings Compared (2026)
YouTube and TikTok dominate video content creation, but they pay creators very differently. Understanding the RPM gap is essential for choosing where to focus your efforts and how to maximize revenue.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | YouTube | TikTok |
|---|---|---|
| Long-form RPM (US) | $3.00 - $8.00 | N/A |
| Shorts/Short-form RPM | $0.04 - $0.08 | $0.02 - $0.05 |
| Revenue Share | 55% to creator | Variable / fixed pool |
| Monetization Threshold | 1K subs + 4K hrs | 10K followers + 100K views |
| Mid-Roll Ads | Yes (8+ min videos) | No |
| Super Chat/Gifts | Yes | Yes (higher engagement) |
| Avg Content Length | 10-20 minutes | 15-60 seconds |
| Discovery Algorithm | Subscribe + recommended | For You Page (viral potential) |
| Audience Demographics | Broader age range | Skews younger (16-30) |
| Sponsorship Rates | $5K-$50K per 100K subs | $2K-$20K per 100K followers |
The RPM Reality Check
YouTube pays approximately 50-400x more per view than TikTok for ad revenue. A YouTube video with 100K views earns $300-$800 on average, while the same views on TikTok earn $2-$5. This massive gap exists because YouTube runs traditional pre-roll and mid-roll video ads, while TikTok's ad model is still evolving.
Use our YouTube RPM calculator and TikTok RPM calculator to model your specific scenario.
Volume vs Value: The TikTok Trade-Off
TikTok's advantage is virality. A single TikTok can reach millions of viewers organically, while YouTube growth is typically more gradual. Many creators accumulate 10-100x more views on TikTok than YouTube. At that scale, even low RPM can generate meaningful revenue.
The optimal strategy for most creators: use TikTok for rapid audience growth and brand awareness, then funnel viewers to YouTube for monetization. Many top creators repurpose content across both platforms.
Revenue Beyond Ads
For both platforms, ad revenue is often less than half of total creator income. Sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and digital products are often more lucrative. YouTube creators command higher sponsorship rates ($5K-$50K per integration for mid-size channels) because longer content allows deeper brand storytelling.
TikTok excels at driving product sales through viral trends. The TikTok Shop feature has created millionaire creators through direct product sales. For e-commerce-focused creators, TikTok's shopping integration may generate more revenue than YouTube ads.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
For long-form educational, tutorial, or review content: YouTube is clearly better. The higher RPM, longer shelf life (videos keep earning for years), and stronger search/SEO make it the superior monetization platform.
For entertainment, trends, lifestyle, and quick-hit content: TikTok offers faster growth and viral potential. If your content naturally fits the 15-60 second format, TikTok may be your best growth engine — paired with YouTube for revenue.
The Verdict
Winner: YouTube for Revenue, TikTok for Growth
YouTube pays 50-400x more per view. TikTok offers 10-100x faster audience growth. Smart creators use both.
- YouTube RPM ($3-$8) vs TikTok ($0.02-$0.05) is a massive gap.
- TikTok's viral potential can build audiences 10-100x faster.
- YouTube content has longer shelf life (years vs days).
- Ideal strategy: TikTok for growth, YouTube for revenue.