1️⃣YouTube
The biggest stage for video with unmatched watch time and search demand. Long-form, Shorts, and Live create multiple traffic streams. Brands and creators pull in ad revenue, affiliate clicks, and sponsorships daily.
- Highest total watch time on the web
- Evergreen search plus algorithmic discovery
- Strong ad revenue and RPMs for many niches
- Best conversion for long-form sales funnels
- Shorts drives explosive reach
- Live shopping and memberships add extra income
- Production can be time-consuming
- Algorithm favors consistent posting
- Copyright claims can demonetize
2️⃣TikTok
The fastest path to viral views with an audience that buys on impulse. Short videos can hit millions with minimal spend. Spark Ads and the creator marketplace make monetization quick.
- Insane organic reach for new accounts
- Ultra-low production needs
- Powerful in-app commerce and Spark Ads
- Creator marketplace for brand deals
- Sound-driven trends that boost discoverability
- Volatile trends require constant testing
- Short shelf life for content
- Limited external link outs for new accounts
3️⃣Instagram
A visual engine that blends Reels, Stories, and Shopping. Great for building brand equity and driving DM sales. Strong for lifestyle, beauty, and local services.
- Multiple surface areas (Feed
- Reels
- Stories
- Live)
- Native shopping and checkout
- High trust and social proof
- Pay-to-play for consistent reach
- Link limitations in posts
- Reels RPM is low compared to YouTube
- Hashtag performance is inconsistent
4️⃣Facebook
Massive reach across groups, pages, and video with mature ad tools. Ideal for community-driven niches and local targeting. Video watch hubs are resurging with mid-roll ads.
- Granular audience targeting
- Strong groups for retention
- Mid-roll ads and in-stream monetization
- Marketplace traffic for local offers
- Organic reach can crater without ad spend
- Younger audiences are less active
- Page management feels clunky
- Policy enforcement can be sudden
5️⃣Twitch
Live streaming powerhouse for gaming, music, and talk shows. Viewers stay for hours, fueling subscriptions and tips. Great for building a loyal, monetizable community.
- Long session times
- Subs
- Bits
- and sponsorships stack income
- Strong community features
- Collabs and raids accelerate growth
- Discoverability is weak without cross-promotion
- Ad revenue is inconsistent
- Demands long live hours
- Niche outside gaming can be slower to grow