The social media platform that pays the most in 2025 is YouTube. It is regarded as the top platform for generating income due to its transparent ad revenue sharing program (YouTube Partner Program), multiple income streams including Shorts rev-share, channel memberships, and Super Chat. Around 28.6% of monetizing creators identified YouTube as their highest income source. The typical ad revenue payout (CPM) on YouTube for long-form content ranges from approximately $1.50 to $6 per 1,000 views, with Shorts revenue share around $0.06 to $0.10 per 1,000 views. TikTok follows as the second-highest-paying platform, mainly due to its Creator Rewards Program and viral growth potential that leads to sponsorships and income spikes. Instagram and Facebook offer substantial earning potential mostly through brand partnerships and sponsored content but tend to pay less directly to content creators compared to YouTube. In summary:
- YouTube : Highest-paying platform overall with stable, multiple income models and significant ad revenue sharing.
- TikTok : Second highest, with quick viral growth and sponsorship opportunities.
- Instagram and Facebook : Large platforms providing income mostly through sponsorships rather than direct ad revenue sharing.
The best platform for any individual creator can vary depending on content type, audience, and monetization strategy, but YouTube remains the top paying platform overall in 2025.
