The Rise of Short-Form Video
Short-form video—YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, TikTok—is not just a snackable format; it’s a serious money-maker.
- YouTube Shorts creators collectively earned around $3.1 billion in 2024. While ad RPMs for Shorts range from $0.75 to $2.50, many creators make more through brand deals, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, not just ad revenue.
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YouTube Shorts: A Gateway to Monetization
Monetizing Shorts is now more accessible than ever:
- As of 2025, creators can qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) with just 500 subscribers and 3 million Shorts views in the past 90 days, or 3,000 watch hours across content.
ytmonetizer.comStack Influence - Once eligible, creators receive 45% of Shorts ad revenue (YouTube keeps 55%)—a fair share, considering licensing costs.
Stack Influence - Shorts views now contribute to reaching monetization thresholds, offering a fast lane to revenue.
Stack Influencesubsub.io
Instagram Reels: Higher Per-View Returns
While Shorts offer volume, Reels often offer better returns per view:
- Instagram Reels’ RPM ranges from $0.20 to $2.00 per 1,000 views, compared to just $0.01–$0.13 for YouTube Shorts.
Napolify - For creators with 100K followers:
- Reels earn $1,500–$10,000 per sponsored post
- Shorts tend to earn $1,000–$4,000 per sponsored video
StoryclIp
Creator Partnerships: The Real Money
Short-format ad revenue is one stream—but brand partnerships and affiliate marketing are where the real money flows.
- On YouTube Shorts, 76% of top creators earn more from brand deals than from ad revenue.
Affiliate Booster - Only 8% of Shorts creators rely exclusively on ad revenue; most diversify with sponsorships, merchandise, and viewer support.
Affiliate Booster
Why Creators Are Choosing Shorts and Reels
| Platform | Strengths | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Shorts | Fast monetization via lowered thresholds; part of broader YouTube ecosystem | Lower RPMs; ad inventory still limited |
| Instagram Reels | Better per-view returns; strong shopping integration | Requires brand deal activity and engagement |
| Both Formats | High reach, cross-platform virality, easy content creation | Saturation makes consistent visibility tough |
Final Word
Short-form content has gone from fun to financially meaningful. With smarter monetization paths and better payouts, creators can truly make a living—from views, affiliate links, and brand deals.
YouTube Shorts opens the door for anyone to monetize fast. But if you want multiple income streams per video, Reels might be your best bet.
Either way, creator partnerships—rather than ad revenue alone—are where creators are winning
