Instagram Reels vs YouTube Shorts: The Big Earnings for Indian Creators in 2024

In 2024, short-form video content platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts completely reshaped the digital game, becoming the go-to place for Indian creators to turn their creativity into cash. These platforms were no longer just about virality; they became revenue-generating powerhouses, with creators scrambling to tap into their monetisation potential.

But with each platform offering distinct pathways to profits, one question loomed large: which delivered the biggest paychecks? Was it Instagram Reels with addictive features or YouTube Shorts with its powerhouse reach and reliable monetisation? We dug deep into the numbers, checked out the top-earning creators, and looked at the kind of content that paid off big. Let’s dive into the showdown and find out which platform helped Indian creators bank the most in 2024.

YouTube Shorts vs Instagram Reels in India

Before diving deeper, let’s compare the monetisation features available to Indian creators on YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels:

Instagram Reels: The Aesthetic-Driven Playground

Instagram Reels has solidified its position as the go-to platform for creators excelling in visually appealing, high-impact content. It’s particularly popular among fashion, beauty, and lifestyle niches. While Instagram Reels lacks a comprehensive ad revenue-sharing system for most creators, it compensates with monetisation opportunities like brand collaborations, Instagram Gifts, and Subscriptions.

According to online sources, fashion influencer Komal Pandey will make between 2-5 lac per reel in 2024. While the platform is more about personal branding and collaborating with brands, Reels remains a solid option for creators with strong aesthetic appeal and influencer-driven content.

However, Instagram Reels’ lack of a stable ad revenue-sharing model for all creators limits its reliability compared to YouTube Shorts, which offers a more predictable earning structure.

YouTube Shorts: The Money Machine for Consistency

For creators seeking consistent earnings, YouTube Shorts is the undisputed leader. With features such as ad revenue sharing via the YouTube Partner Program, Super Chats, Super Stickers, and memberships, Shorts offers a structured and dependable way to monetise content.

Take Bhuvan Bam as an example—thanks to YouTube Shorts’ diverse monetisation options, he reportedly earned between $10,000 and $100,000 monthly in 2024. Additionally, YouTube Shorts allows creators to earn a share of YouTube Premium fees, further enhancing earning potential.

What sets Shorts apart is its stability. Creators can earn directly through platform-driven revenue streams, eliminating the reliance on fluctuating brand deals or occasional bonuses. YouTube Shorts provides a solid foundation for those looking to build a sustainable career in content creation.

Who Is Benefiting the Most in India?

For Indian creators, the choice between Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts depends largely on the type of content they produce.

Instagram Reels: This platform is ideal for influencers in fashion, lifestyle, and beauty. Its emphasis on engagement and brand collaboration makes it perfect for creators who want to work with companies directly.

YouTube Shorts best suits creators in education, comedy, and tech. Its structured monetisation features, such as ad revenue sharing and memberships, make it a stable income source for long-term growth.

India’s content ecosystem remains dynamic, with creators strategically leveraging both platforms based on their niches and goals.

The Verdict: YouTube Shorts Takes the Crown

YouTube Shorts emerges as the clear winner. While Instagram Reels drives viral content and brand collaborations, YouTube Shorts’ robust monetisation features, such as ad revenue sharing, Super Chats, and earnings from YouTube Premium, make it the more reliable platform for Indian creators. Influencers like Bhuvan Bam and Ashish Chanchlani have capitalised on these features, making YouTube Shorts the top choice for consistent monetisation in 2024.

The Money Race Isn’t Over Yet

The short-form video world is constantly shifting, and while both Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have made huge strides, there’s no telling where the next big money-maker will come from. With new features, updates, and fresh ways to monetise popping up all the time, 2025 is set to be an even more unpredictable ride. Who knows? The platform that’s winning today might be playing catch-up tomorrow. Keep your eyes peeled because the game’s far from over, and the crown could change hands any moment!

Before everything read how to build your personal brand in 2025 Here!