There is no doubt that video content is becoming more and more popular online. To reach your target audience, you need to be using the right platform for your business.

So, which one should you choose: TikTok vs. YouTube?

Well, the truth is: Both TikTok and YouTube are quite popular on the internet and have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. So, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your business.

In this post, I’ll compare the two video platforms and help you pick the one that best fits your business and marketing needs.

Let’s get started.

Disclosure: This content may contain a few affiliate links, which means if you click on them, I will get a commission (without any extra cost to you).

TikTok vs. YouTube: Introducing the Platforms

Let's start with a brief introduction of the two platforms and what they're all about.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is one of the most popular social networking apps, with over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. The app is known for its short-form, creative videos and it is especially popular with Gen Z users.

When TikTok first began, it allowed users to create and share videos that were just 15-second long, on any topic.

what is tiktok
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Later, the app increased the maximum length of its videos to 60 seconds, then to 3 minutes. And now (in early 2022), it has increased the maximum video length further to a whopping 10 minutes.

This is TikTok's take to compete with its long-form video content competitors like YouTube and Instagram. After all, these platforms have also been launching features like Shorts and Reels to catch up with TikTok's bite-sized entertainment. 

TikTok allows users to create entertaining videos right through their mobile phones in the 9:16 aspect ratio. The app also has a host of editing features, like filters, AR effects, speed controls, and more, that can help you make your videos more fun and creative.

All you need is a creative mind and some video editing skills (or not!), and you're good to go.

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The app also offers a huge range of audio tracks that you can use in your videos. You can either choose from the app's library of songs or use your own audio.

This video-sharing platform rose to popularity when people started enjoying creating memes and participating in challenges and viral trends such as the #bottlecapchallenge, #dontrushchallenge, and more.

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The app has something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of creative content, dance videos, or just want to watch funny videos, TikTok has it all.

In recent times, TikTok has also become a powerful marketing tool for businesses for its creative and original content. It allows you to connect with your potential customers, create brand awareness, and boost sales.

Another advantage of TikTok is that it’s relatively easy to use for businesses. You don’t need a lot of resources or a huge budget to create quality content. And, you can also partner with influential TikTok creators to create both short and long-form videos.

Now that I've given you a brief introduction to TikTok, let's talk about YouTube.

What is YouTube?

YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform with over 2.6 billion monthly active users worldwide. The platform has been around for over a decade and is a trusted source of information and entertainment for people of all ages.

This video-sharing platform lets you upload, view, and share videos that are up to 12 hours long. But only if you have a verified account. Else, the maximum video length limit is 15 minutes.

YouTube also launched “YouTube Shorts” as a short-form video platform where you can create videos that are up to 60 seconds long in the Story format to compete against TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Stories.

youtube shorts
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YouTube started as a way to share personal videos and has now become a global platform for creators to share their stories and connect with their audiences. The platform offers a wide range of content, from vlogs and DIY tutorials to music videos, gaming walkthroughs, cooking shows, and much more.

When it comes to business, YouTube offers a number of advantages.

  • The platform has a vast reach and can help you connect with customers worldwide.
  • YouTube is a great way to build brand awareness and establish your company as an expert in your industry. You can create informative videos that educate your target audience about your products or services.
  • You can include links to your website in your video descriptions and encourage more viewers to visit your site.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using YouTube for business. For example, it can be difficult to stand out on a platform where over 500 hours of content is uploaded every minute.

Moreover, you need to invest a significant amount of time and resources to create high-quality videos for YouTube on a regular basis. It’s not as easy as just pressing “record” on your smartphone camera and posting your video.

TikTok vs. YouTube by the Numbers

TikTok and YouTube are two of the most popular video-sharing platforms today. Both of them have a huge user base and offer a variety of content.

To help you decide which social network is better for your brand, here are some interesting numbers:

TikTok StatisticsYouTube Statistics
Over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide.Over 2.6 billion monthly active users worldwide.
You can create videos up to 10 minutes long.Users with verified accounts can upload videos up to 12 hours long. Non-verified users can upload video content of up to 15 minutes in length.
On YouTube Shorts, you can upload shorter 60-second videos in the “Story” format (vertical).
The average TikTok video is 15 seconds long.The average YouTube video is 12 minutes long.
63% of its users are aged 10-29 years old.36.7% of YouTube users are 25-44 years old.
It has been downloaded more than 3 billion times.It has been downloaded over 5 billion times, even when it comes pre-installed on most Android devices.
TikTok users spend about 1.5 hours each day consuming its short videos.YouTube users watch over a billion hours of video content each day.
It generated an estimated $4.6 billion in revenue in 2021.YouTube generated global ad revenue of $28.84 billion in 2021.
24% of marketers cite TikTok as effective and 35% plan to increase their TikTok marketing budgets.34% of marketers found YouTube to be an effective marketing platform and 44% plan to invest more.
TikTok Statistics
  • Over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide.
  • You can create videos up to 10 minutes long.
  • The average TikTok video is 15 seconds long.
  • 63% of its users are aged 10-29 years old.
  • It has been downloaded more than 3 billion times.
  • TikTok users spend about 1.5 hours each day consuming its short videos.
  • It generated an estimated $4.6 billion in revenue in 2021.
  • 24% of marketers cite TikTok as effective and 35% plan to increase their TikTok marketing budgets.
YouTube Statistics
  • Over 2.6 billion monthly active users worldwide.
  • Users with verified accounts can upload videos up to 12 hours long. Non-verified users can upload video content of up to 15 minutes in length.
  • The average YouTube video is 12 minutes long.
  • 36.7% of YouTube users are 25-44 years old.
  • It has been downloaded over 5 billion times, even when it comes pre-installed on most Android devices.
  • YouTube users watch over a billion hours of video content each day.
  • YouTube generated global ad revenue of $28.84 billion in 2021.
  • 34% of marketers found YouTube to be an effective marketing platform and 44% plan to invest more.

TikTok vs. YouTube: Similarities

There are a lot of similarities between TikTok and YouTube. Let's take a look at some of the key ways they're similar:

  • TikTok and YouTube are both popular video-sharing platforms with a lot to offer users. They allow you to upload and share videos, add comments, and subscribe to channels.
  • You can also add captions, filters, and other effects to your videos on both TikTok and YouTube.
  • Both platforms also have an Explore page where users can discover new content and a search bar so users can easily find the videos they're looking for.
  • YouTube and TikTok algorithms work in similar ways, promoting content that is engaging and likely to be watched by the user. The platforms use insights about a user's activity, interests, and interactions to surface content they might like.
  • Both platforms have a community of creators who share their videos with the world. These creators build followings and produce content that their audiences enjoy.

While there are many similarities between TikTok and YouTube, there are also some key ways in which they differ. Let's take a look at some of those now.

What Are the Differences Between TikTok and YouTube?

Now that you know a little bit about each platform, I’ll help you compare them side-by-side to see which one is a better choice for your business promotions.

TikTok vs. YouTube: Audience Demographics

TikTok is a fairly new platform, so its audience is mostly made up of Gen Z users. YouTube, on the other hand, has been around for a while and its audience is more diverse. It includes users of all ages, from young children to seniors.

This difference in audience demographics is important to consider when deciding which platform to use for your business promotions. If you're targeting a younger audience, TikTok is a great choice. But if you want to reach a wider range of people, YouTube is a better option.

TikTok vs. YouTube: Maximum Video Length

TikTok is a short-form video platform, while YouTube is a long-form video platform. The maximum video length on TikTok is 10 minutes, while the maximum video length on YouTube is 15 minutes (or 12 hours if you have a verified account).

On average, TikTok videos are typically shorter than YouTube videos. The average TikTok video is 15 seconds, while the average YouTube video is 12 minutes.

So, if you’re looking to create quick, snackable content, TikTok is the better option. However, if you want to create in-depth content that your audience can really sink their teeth into, YouTube is the way to go.

TikTok vs. YouTube: Video Quality

When it comes to video quality, YouTube is the clear winner. TikTok videos are limited to a maximum resolution of 1080p, while YouTube videos can be up to Ultra HD (4320p).

YouTube also offers a wider range of video formats, including 360-degree videos, live streams, and HDR videos. TikTok only offers vertical videos in standard definition.

So, if you’re looking to create high-quality videos, YouTube is the better platform. However, if you want to create quick, on-the-go videos, TikTok is a good option.

TikTok vs. YouTube: What Does the Algorithm Favor?

The TikTok algorithm favors videos that are creative, engaging, and timely. It also favors videos that have been liked by other users and videos that are similar to ones that you’ve liked in the past.

The YouTube algorithm favors videos based on a wide range of factors, including:

  • How long do users watch your videos?
  • How often do users watch your videos?
  • The number of subscribers you have
  • How many likes, comments, and shares do your videos get?
  • Your video’s title and description

So, if you want your content to be seen by as many people as possible, TikTok is the better platform. However, if you’re looking for more targeted views from engaged viewers, YouTube is a good choice.

TikTok vs. YouTube: Advertising Options

Both TikTok and YouTube offer a variety of advertising options. However, TikTok’s advertising options are still fairly new and limited. YouTube, on the other hand, has been around for a while and offers a wide range of advertising options.

Some of the advertising options available on TikTok include:

  • Brand effects
  • Brand takeovers
  • In-feed native ads
  • Branded hashtag challenges
  • Brand sponsorships
  • Story ads
  • TopView ads

Some of the advertising options available on YouTube include:

  • Pre-roll ads
  • Mid-roll ads
  • Bumper ads
  • Responsive display ads
  • Masthead ads
  • Sponsored cards
  • Video discovery ads
  • Overlay ads
  • TrueView ads
  • Skippable in-stream ads
  • Non-skippable in-stream ads

If you’re looking for a wide range of advertising options, YouTube is the better platform. However, if you’re looking for something new and different, TikTok is worth exploring.

TikTok vs. YouTube: Direct Messaging

TikTok offers a direct messaging feature that allows you to send messages to other users. YouTube does not offer this feature.

If you’re looking for a platform where you can communicate with your audience directly, TikTok is the better option. However, if you don’t need this feature, YouTube is a good choice.

TikTok vs. YouTube: Creator Collaborations

There's no doubt that TikTok is one of the hottest social media platforms out there right now. However, when it comes to creator collaborations, YouTube is still king.

Here's why:

  • YouTube has been around for over a decade, so there's a much larger pool of creators to choose from. There are also more established creator networks on YouTube, which makes it easier to find collaborators than it would be on TikTok. However, it is possible to connect with other creators on TikTok through hashtags and challenges.
  • YouTube is more conducive to longer videos. This means that there's more room for creativity and storytelling, which can make for more enjoyable and engaging content.
  • YouTube also hosts a more diverse range of content, which opens up more opportunities to find collaborators who have complementary skills. For example, a YouTuber who specializes in makeup tutorials could team up with a fashion YouTuber to create a style series.

All in all, YouTube is still the best platform for creator collaborations, although TikTok is slowly catching up. This is due to a number of factors, including the larger pool of creators, the established creator networks, and the ability to create longer and more diverse videos.

Here’s an overview of how much an influencer charges for sponsored content partnerships on social media. You may like to read it if you’re interested in influencer marketing.

Also read: Instagram vs. YouTube: Which is the Better Platform for Influencer Marketing

TikTok vs. YouTube: Monetization Options

Both TikTok and YouTube offer a variety of monetization options for creators. You can run ads on your videos or become a TikTok partner to make money on the platform. YouTube also has a partnership program that allows you to make money from your videos.

So, which platform is better for monetization?

TikTok is still fairly new, so there aren't as many advertisers on the platform. This means that there are fewer opportunities to make money from ads.

However, TikTok is quickly growing and more advertisers are starting to take notice of the platform. In addition, the competition is less fierce.

TikTok also introduced Creator Next, through which the TikTok community will be able to show their support to their favorite creators for entertaining them. Eligible creators can receive Live Gifts, Video Gifts, and Tips from viewers who want to show their support.

TikTok Creator Marketplace (TTCM) is an official platform designed to facilitate collaborations between brands and creators. Eligible creators with over 10K followers can sign up to this marketplace to look for paid collaboration opportunities that meet their interests and content style.

Wondering who’s an eligible creator? Check out the “Creator Next” and “TTCM” links above to learn about the complete eligibility criteria.

Also, check out other ways to earn money from TikTok.

What about YouTube?

YouTube has been around for much longer and is thus more established. There is a wider range of advertisers on YouTube, which means that you have a better chance of getting your videos seen by potential customers.

You can make money by running sponsored ads, creating sponsored video content, and by even charging channel membership fees. If you have more than 10,000 subscribers, you can also sell merchandise to your fans on each video page.

You should follow the best practices to grow your YouTube subscribers if you want to leverage this monetization option.

YouTube BrandConnect is another service that lets you connect with brands and collaborate with them for paid branded content campaigns.

Also read: How Much Does YouTube Pay You for 1 Million Views

However, because YouTube is such a crowded space, you'll need to have a large and engaged audience to make significant money from the platform.

Both TikTok and YouTube have their pros and cons, so it’s important to decide which platform is right for your business before you start creating content. You should consider your target audience, the type of content you want to create, and your budget when making your decision.

Whichever platform you choose, make sure you put in the time and effort to create high-quality content that your audience will love.

FAQs

1. Is YouTube a thing of the past?

Not at all, YouTube is very much alive and well. In fact, it's one of the most popular websites in the world. But, there is no denying that YouTube has changed a lot over the years.

One of the biggest changes is the way that people consume content. In the early days, YouTube was all about watching short, viral videos. These days, people are just as likely to watch a long-form video on YouTube as they are to watch a traditional TV show.

This change in consumption habits has had a big impact on the types of videos that are being produced. These days, YouTube is home to a wide variety of content, including educational videos, vlogs, and even full-length movies.

So, while YouTube has definitely changed, it's still one of the best places to market your brand or product. If you're not using YouTube as part of your marketing strategy, you're missing out on a huge opportunity.

2. Is TikTok or YouTube more popular?

It's hard to say which one is more popular. They both have their own devoted fan bases. TikTok is newer, so it might be growing more quickly. But YouTube has been around for a long time, so it has a lot more users.

It really depends on who you want to target. If you want to reach a younger audience, TikTok is probably the better choice. If you want to reach a wider audience, YouTube is the way to go.

3. YouTube vs. TikTok: Which platform is best for you?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your specific goals and objectives. However, there are some key differences between the two platforms that you should keep in mind.

YouTube is a more established platform with a wider audience. It's also better suited for longer-form content. TikTok, on the other hand, is newer and has a more youthful audience. It's perfect for quick, bite-sized content that's easy to consume on the go.
Similarly, YouTube is better for building a loyal following and growing your brand. TikTok is better for promoting your products or services and driving sales.

So, which platform is right for you? It depends on what you're looking to achieve. If you're not sure, experiment with both and see what works best for you.

Ready to Choose the Right Video Marketing Platform for Your Business?

So, which video platform is right for your business when it comes to TikTok vs YouTube?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your target audience, your budget, and your marketing goals.

If you’re looking to reach a younger audience, then TikTok is a great option. The app is popular with Gen Z users and is a great way to connect with this demographic.

If you’re looking for a platform that offers a better reach, then YouTube is a better option. The platform has over two billion active users and can help you connect with customers worldwide.

Similarly, if you're looking for quick and easy video content, TikTok is a great option. But if you're looking for a more long-term and serious video strategy, YouTube is the way to go. The platform can be difficult to stand out on and requires a regular commitment to high-quality content.

If you’re not sure which platform is right for you, consider testing out both TikTok and YouTube to see which one works better for your business.

What are your thoughts on TikTok and YouTube? Let us know in the comments below.

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