1️⃣YouTube
YouTube dominates long-form and short-form discovery, stacking massive view counts daily. Searchable content keeps compounding over time, while Shorts can spike reach overnight. Monetize with ads, affiliates, and sponsor packages that scale.
- Unmatched global reach
- High CPM and RPM through ads and sponsors
- Evergreen search traffic keeps videos earning
- Shorts supercharge discovery
- Strong affiliate conversion with tutorials
- Tough competition
- Requires consistent content quality
- Editing can be time consuming
2️⃣TikTok
TikTok is the fastest path to viral visibility and impulse purchases. The algorithm rewards fresh hooks and fast delivery, pushing creators into millions of feeds. Plug in TikTok Shop or affiliate links to turn views into same-day revenue.
- Explosive viral potential
- Built-in Shop enables instant checkout
- Low production costs with simple vertical videos
- Creator Marketplace opens brand deals
- Fast iteration from real-time analytics
- Algorithm changes can swing reach
- Short format limits deep demos
- Music rights can complicate ads
3️⃣Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels blends aspirational visuals with swipe-to-buy behavior. Its network effect across Feed and Stories gives products repeated exposure. Great for lifestyle brands and UGC offers.
- Strong visual commerce culture
- Branded content tools are mature
- Easy cross-posting to Stories
- Collaborations boost discoverability
- Pay-to-play ads often needed for scale
- Linking options are limited without extra steps
- Hashtag trends shift quickly
- Organic reach can be inconsistent
4️⃣Facebook Video
Facebook Video still moves volume thanks to groups, Watch, and a mature ad stack. Older, high-intent audiences click, comment, and convert when the creative fits. Live and evergreen compilations can rack up reliable views.
- Massive audience across regions
- Powerful retargeting and Lookalike Ads
- Groups and Watch drive repeat views
- Live features drive comments and shares
- Organic reach continues to decline
- Brand safety requires constant comment moderation
- Video compression can hurt quality
- CPMs can spike during seasonal demand
5️⃣Twitch
Twitch owns live attention with marathon watch times and loyal communities. Streamers convert viewers through subs, tips, and sponsor callouts in real time. Great for launches, demos, and Q&A marathons.
- Ultra-loyal communities
- Sky-high watch times
- Real-time feedback for product pitching
- Multiple revenue streams (subs
- bits
- sponsors)
- Discoverability is tough without collabs or raids
- Grinding long hours is exhausting
- Non-gaming niches grow slower
- Mid-roll ads can frustrate viewers