Best Social Media Platform to Make Money in 2025: A Creator's Guide

The creator economy is booming, and for many, the dream is to turn a passion for content into a full-time income. But with so many options available, choosing the best social media platform to make money can be overwhelming. Should you bet on short-form video? Go deep with long-form content? Or focus on building a community?

In 2025, the landscape has evolved. It's no longer just about ad revenue; it's about diversification, direct fan support, and owning your audience. In this guide, we'll break down the top contenders to help you decide where to invest your time and energy.

1. YouTube: The King of Long-Form Revenue

If you're looking for stability and high earning potential, YouTube remains the heavyweight champion.

• Monetization Model: The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the gold standard, offering a share of ad revenue (typically 55% to the creator).
• Pros: High CPMs (Cost Per Mille), evergreen content that earns for years, and multiple revenue streams like Super Chat, Channel Memberships, and YouTube Shopping.
• Cons: High barrier to entry. Creating high-quality long-form video requires time, skill, and often equipment.
• Best For: Educators, vloggers, and creators who want to build a sustainable, long-term business.

2. TikTok: The Viral Powerhouse

TikTok changed the game with short-form video, and its monetization tools are catching up.

• Monetization Model: The Creator Rewards Program pays based on views, engagement, and originality. TikTok Shop has also become a massive earner for creators selling products.
• Pros: Unmatched organic reach. A new creator can go viral overnight.
• Cons: Revenue from the creator fund can be inconsistent. The platform is fast-paced, requiring constant content output to stay relevant.
• Best For: Entertainers, trend-setters, and creators who excel at short, snappy content.

3. Instagram: The Influencer's Playground

For visual storytellers and lifestyle brands, Instagram is still the place to be.

• Monetization Model: While ad revenue exists (Reels bonuses), the real money on Instagram comes from brand partnerships and sponsorships.
• Pros: Highly visual, brand-friendly environment. Great for direct sales and affiliate marketing.
• Cons: Organic reach has declined. You often need a significant following to land lucrative brand deals.
• Best For: Lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and travel creators.

4. Substack & Postion: Owning Your Audience

While not "social media" in the traditional sense, platforms like Substack and Postion are crucial for creators who want to escape the algorithm.

• Monetization Model: Direct subscriptions. You get paid directly by your readers.
• Pros: You own your email list. No algorithm changes can wipe out your income. It's the ultimate form of creator independence.
• Cons: You need to bring your own traffic or build it slowly. Discovery is harder than on viral platforms.
• Best For: Writers, journalists, and experts who want to build a deep connection with a loyal audience.

Check out our guide on Substack vs. Postion to see which newsletter platform is right for you.

5. Twitch & Kick: Live Streaming Giants

For gamers and live performers, live streaming offers a unique, real-time connection.

• Monetization Model: Subscriptions, donations (Bits), and ads. Kick has made waves with its creator-friendly 95/5 revenue split.
• Pros: incredibly loyal communities. Real-time interaction.
• Cons: Requires long hours of being "on" live. Burnout is common.
• Best For: Gamers, musicians, and personalities who thrive on live interaction.

How to Choose the Right Platform

The "best" platform depends on your unique skills and goals. Ask yourself:

1. What is my content format? (Video, text, images, live)
2. Where is my audience hanging out?
3. Do I want to rely on ads or direct support?

The "Create Once, Distribute Everywhere" Strategy

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. The smartest creators use a Create Once, Distribute Everywhere strategy. Record a long video for YouTube, cut it into shorts for TikTok and Reels, and write a blog post or newsletter about the topic on Postion.

This way, you leverage the viral reach of social media to funnel people into an ecosystem you own—your email list and website.

Conclusion

There is no single "best" social media platform to make money. The magic happens when you combine the reach of social platforms like YouTube and TikTok with the stability of an owned platform like a newsletter or blog.

Start where your strengths lie, but always keep your eye on the long game: building an audience that belongs to you, not the algorithm.

Ready to start building your own platform? Learn more about what kind of creator you are and how to monetize your passion.