Instagram Reels vs YouTube Shorts: Views & Income Comparison in India 2025

• 

  By Gujju Ticks

  11 August, 2025

Introduction

In India, short videos have taken over social media. Whether it is Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, millions of people watch them every day. For content creators, both platforms are a great way to reach new audiences and earn money. But one big question remains – which platform gives more views and better income?

In this blog, we will compare Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts for Indian creators in 2025. We will look at audience reach, earning methods, engagement rate, and which one can help you build a long-term career.

1. Popularity in India

Instagram Reels Popularity

• Instagram has over 500 million monthly active users in India (Meta data).
• Reels became popular after TikTok was banned in 2020.
• Most Indian Instagram users are aged 18-34, making it a hotspot for youth-focused content.
• Reels often go viral quickly because of Instagram’s AI-based recommendation system.

YouTube Shorts Popularity

• YouTube has over 467 million active users in India (Statista 2025).
• Shorts has grown fast since its launch in 2021.
• Unlike Reels, YouTube has users from all age groups – from teenagers to 50+ adults.
• Many Indian creators now use Shorts as a way to promote their long-form videos.

Verdict: Instagram Reels may get you quick virality, but YouTube Shorts has a wider audience base across age groups.

2. Views: Which Platform Gives More?

Reels View Potential

• Reels can get thousands to millions of views in a few hours if the content matches trending sounds or hashtags.
• Algorithm focuses on engagement (likes, comments, shares).
• Views may drop quickly after 48 hours unless it’s an evergreen topic.

Shorts View Potential

• Shorts views grow steadily over time.
• Even old Shorts videos can still get recommended months later.
• Best for creators who want long-term view growth rather than quick spikes.

Verdict: If you want instant fame, go for Reels. If you want consistent views over months, Shorts wins.

3. Income: How Do They Pay Creators?

Instagram Reels Income in India

• No direct ad revenue in India for Reels.
• Earnings mainly come from brand deals, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.
• Popular influencers can charge ₹5,000 – ₹1,00,000 per Reel depending on followers and niche.

YouTube Shorts Income in India

• Eligible creators can earn from the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
• Shorts Fund (2021–2023) was replaced by ad revenue sharing in 2023.
• CPM (Cost Per Thousand Views) for Shorts in India can range from ₹10 to ₹150 depending on niche.
• Many creators also earn from channel memberships, Super Chats, and long-form video ads.

Verdict: YouTube Shorts gives direct income from ads plus extra earning options. Instagram relies more on brand deals.

4. Algorithm & Growth Potential

Instagram Reels Algorithm

• Recommends videos based on recent trends, engagement, and user interests.
• Consistency is key – posting 3–5 Reels per week increases reach.
• Overuse of hashtags or low-quality content can reduce visibility.

YouTube Shorts Algorithm

• Suggests Shorts based on watch history, search keywords, and viewer retention.
• Videos with 80%+ watch time perform best.
• Posting daily or several times a week increases chances of appearing on the Shorts shelf.

Verdict: Both platforms reward consistency, but YouTube’s search-based system makes it easier for old videos to resurface.

5. Audience Engagement

• Instagram Reels: Likes, comments, DMs, and story shares make engagement feel personal.
• YouTube Shorts: Comments and likes are public, and viewers can easily click through to longer videos.
• Engagement rate is usually higher on Instagram for lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment content.
• For tech, education, and finance niches, YouTube engagement tends to be stronger.

6. Which Niche Works Better on Each Platform?

Instagram Reels Best Niches:

• Fashion & Beauty
• Lifestyle & Travel
• Food & Recipes
• Fitness Challenges
• Comedy & Entertainment

YouTube Shorts Best Niches:

• Technology & Gadgets
• Education & Tutorials
• Gaming Highlights
• Finance & Investment Tips
• Motivational & Self-Help

7. Pros & Cons Table

8. Which One Should You Choose?

If your main goal is quick fame and brand collaborations, Instagram Reels is a better choice.
If you want direct income and evergreen views, YouTube Shorts will give you more stability.

Many Indian creators are now using both platforms – Reels for quick audience growth and Shorts for long-term revenue.

Conclusion

In India’s fast-growing creator economy, both Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are powerful tools. The best strategy is to create content for both platforms but focus more on the one that matches your niche and income goals.

Remember:

• Post consistently.
• Focus on audience value, not just trends.
• Diversify your income sources.

Whether it’s Reels or Shorts, your creativity is your biggest earning power.