Intro
As Meta (formerly Facebook Inc.) continues to invest in both Facebook and Instagram, creators often wonder: Which platform delivers higher earnings in 2025? The answer depends on your content style, audience, and monetization approach—but Facebook still holds a notable advantage for most video creators.
Facebook: Creator Earnings Overview
- Monetization Tools:
In-stream ads (Ad Breaks), Reels ads (until August 2025), Stars (for live streams), bonus programs, fan subscriptions, and brand collaborations.
- Average CPM:
$2–$5 per 1,000 monetized video views, with top niches (finance, tech, business) sometimes exceeding $10 CPM in premium markets.
- Additional Revenue:
High-CPM niches, long-form videos (3+ minutes), and strong U.S./Western European audiences further boost earnings.
Instagram: Creator Earnings Overview
- Monetization Tools:
Reels Play Bonus (phasing out), Instagram Ads, Live Badges, affiliate links, brand sponsorships, and shopping integrations.
- Average CPM:
$1–$3 per 1,000 views for Reels (can be higher for Stories or direct ad placements, but these are typically accessible only to larger creators and brands).
- Additional Revenue:
Most creators rely on influencer marketing deals, sponsored content, and affiliate sales for significant earnings.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Average CPM (video) | Monetization Methods | Best Niches for Earnings |
| $2–$5+ | In-stream ads, Ad Breaks, Stars, etc. | Finance, tech, business, education | |
| $1–$3+ | Reels Bonus, brand deals, badges | Fashion, beauty, lifestyle, travel |
Which Platform Pays More?
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Facebook: Generally more profitable for video creators, especially those producing longer content and targeting premium markets. Facebook’s ad ecosystem is more established, allowing for more frequent ad placements and higher CPMs.
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Instagram: While strong for influencer partnerships and e-commerce, direct payouts from video views are lower. Most creators see significant income only through sponsored posts, which require a large, engaged following.
Niche and Audience Matter
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If your audience is U.S./Canada/Western Europe and your content is finance, tech, business, or education, Facebook usually pays more.
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If you’re in fashion, beauty, travel, or lifestyle—and have strong visual branding—Instagram is great for sponsorships but not for ad-driven video payouts.
Conclusion
For most creators, Facebook is more profitable than Instagram for direct video monetization in 2025, especially for long-form and niche content. However, top Instagram influencers can earn more overall through partnerships and shopping integrations. The most successful creators leverage both platforms—using Facebook for stable ad revenue and Instagram for branding, reach, and sponsorships.
