Trying to decide between YouTube Shorts and TikTok?
While both of them are popular platforms for short-form videos, there are some important differences that you should know.
So, we’ve used our 10+ years of experience in social media and video marketing to bring you this comparison of YouTube Shorts vs TikTok.
To compare both of the platforms, here’s what we’ll go through in this post. You can click on a section below to skip ahead:
- Introduction: YouTube Shorts vs TikTok
- How to Embed TikTok Videos on Your Website
- How to Add YouTube Shorts to Your Website
- Audience of YouTube Shorts vs TikTok
- Video Specs for YouTube Shorts and TikTok
- Features You Get With YouTube Shorts vs TikTok
- How Monetization Works for TikTok and YouTube
- Algorithm of YouTube Shorts vs TikTok
- Which is Better: TikTok vs YouTube Shorts?
Let’s get started!
Introduction: YouTube Shorts vs TikTok
What are YouTube Shorts?
Created in 2005, YouTube has become the biggest online video platform out there and one of the most popular websites in general.
To compete with TikTok, YouTube released a separate YouTube Shorts feature in 2021 so users could view, share, and upload vertical videos.
Unlike regular YouTube videos, Shorts will only support content up to 60 seconds long. As a result, it’s easy to pick up and watch any Short, and they can be pretty addicting.
If you’re looking for a place to post bite-sized videos, YouTube Shorts is definitely worth trying.
What is TikTok?
TikTok was created in 2016 as the global version of the Chinese video-sharing app, Douyin.
After its release, TikTok quickly became the fastest-growing social media platform out there. In fact, TikTok even overtook Google to become the most popular website in 2021.
Another impressive thing about TikTok is its massive impact on youth culture, music, fashion, and more due to its popularity.
While TikTok came before YouTube Shorts, they’re both great places to share videos with active communities.
How to Embed TikTok Videos on Your Website
Want to easily gain views, likes, and followers on TikTok?
All you have to do is embed your TikTok videos and you can convert your site traffic into TikTok engagement with ease.
When it comes to embedding TikTok videos, you can use the best TikTok feed plugin out there: TikTok Feed Pro!
Using TikTok Feed Pro, you can embed beautiful TikTok feeds on your website in just minutes – no need to touch a single line of code.
Follow the 3-step guided flow, and you can create, customize, and embed your TikTok videos with ease.
What’s more, the plugin comes with tons of other features that you can check out:
- Let users interact with your TikTok content so you can get tons of engagement and TikTok followers directly from your website
- Since TikTok Feed Pro was designed with speed in mind, you can embed tons of videos at once, and your website will load as fast as ever.
- To create TikTok feeds with unique designs instantly, you can import pre-built templates in just a single click.
- TikTok Feed Pro can automatically embed your newest TikTok video on your website, so you save a ton of time.
- Using the visual customizer, you can create beautiful TikTok feeds in just a few clicks — no HTML, CSS, or any kind of coding.
If you have any questions or need help, you can always reach out to the dedicated support team of WordPress experts.
Want to learn more? We’ve got a handy guide on how to embed TikTok videos in WordPress that you can look at.
How to Add YouTube Shorts to Your Website
Like with TikTok, you can embed YouTube Shorts on your website to easily get lots of new views, likes, and subscribers.
The best part?
You can do that in just minutes using the #1 YouTube feed plugin in the market – YouTube Feed Pro.
Just like that, you can engage your visitors with relevant YouTube videos, livestreams, or shorts with absolutely no coding needed!
In fact, the plugin comes with lots of useful features that let you get the most out of YouTube feeds:
- You can simply follow a 3-step guide, and the plugin will walk you through the process of creating, customizing, and embedding YouTube video feeds on your site.
- To help you engage your visitors with a variety of video content, you can embed YouTube channels, playlists, search results, live streams, and single videos.
- Like TikTok Feed Pro, you can import templates and use the visual customizer to design beautiful YouTube feeds with zero coding.
- Instead of autoplay, your YouTube videos will only load once a visitor clicks on them. So, you can embed tons of videos, and your YouTube feeds will be as fast as ever.
- All the YouTube feeds you create will automatically copy your website’s design and load perfectly on all screen sizes.
All in all, YouTube Feed Pro is easily the best YouTube feed plugin in the market and a great tool to grow your business.
To get started, you can check out this guide on how to embed YouTube shorts on your website.
Audience of YouTube Shorts vs TikTok
With that, let’s compare some YouTube Shorts vs. TikTok statistics to compare their user base!
While both platforms offer bite-sized video entertainment, YouTube reigns supreme with over 2 billion users compared to TikTok’s 1 billion users.
It looks like people watch YouTube Shorts more than TikTok, right?
Well, it’s more complicated since a lot of those people on YouTube aren’t watching Shorts. On the other hand, everyone on TikTok is there to watch the short-form videos.
When it comes to demographics, YouTube tends to attract a broader range of viewers, with the largest chunk falling under the 25-34 age group.
TikTok, on the other hand, skews younger, so content like dance challenges, comedy skits, and singalongs are popular there. In fact, TikTok has been super influential in shaping Gen Z’s youth culture.
Overall, YouTube offers a wider variety of content and has a wide demographic of users. On the other hand, TikTok thrives on short-form trends that appear to younger viewers.
So, the platform you pick depends on the type of audience that you want to reach.
Video Specs for TikTok and YouTube Shorts
Even though YouTube and TikTok both support short videos, there are a few key differences that you should keep in mind.
Video Specs for YouTube Shorts
- Format: All major video formats
- Length: 15 seconds to 60 seconds
- Recommended Size: 1080×1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Maximum File Size: 256 GB
Video Specs for TikTok
- Format: MP4 or WebM
- Length: 3 seconds to 10 minutes
- Recommended Size: 1080×1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical) 1:1 (square) or 16:9 (landscape)
- Maximum File Size: Less than 10 GB
YouTube comes with support for more video formats right out of the box, so some users might have to spend time converting their videos before uploading them.
On the other hand, TikTok gives you more options when it comes to the length of the video you want to upload.
Both platforms recommend the same video size, but TikTok offers more aspect ratios. For best results, you can use vertical videos on both platforms.
Finally, YouTube allows for a larger file size, but 10 GB should be enough for almost any TikTok video you want to upload.
Features You Get With YouTube Shorts vs TikTok
TikTok and YouTube Shorts are similar in many ways so they share a lot of features. Both are platforms where people can upload, watch, and interact with bite-sized videos.
In fact, YouTube Shorts and TikTok both have an infinite scroll, closed captions, live stream videos, analytics, video replies, and some other features.
With that, let’s take a look at the unique selling points of both of these video platforms.
Features of YouTube Shorts
- You can sample music from a vast library of existing YouTube videos, which can open many creative possibilities for your video content.
- If you already have a channel with subscribers, YouTube Shorts can be a safer way of getting tons of views easily.
- YouTube also makes it easier for viewers to sort the videos on your YouTube channel to find your best content.
- Since there’s a dislike button, you can get a clearer idea of whether or not your audience likes your content.
- You can share your YouTube Shorts with specific people by setting them as “private” and giving people the link.
- YouTube also has a strong copyright reporting system that allows you to defend your video content from people who want to use it without permission.
Features of TikTok
- For TikTok, you can use its partner app, CapCut, for many more editing options, effects, filters, templates, and more.
- TikTok has an active culture of collaboration where you can make stitches or duets with other people’s videos.
- To track useful stats for your video content, you can check analytics directly from the TikTok app itself.
- If you want to engage your followers and learn more about them, TikTok has a handy Q&A feature that you can use.
- All the trends and challenges on TikTok can make it easier for you to make videos that go viral.
- You can set up a TikTok Shop and sell your brand’s products directly from your videos and boost your sales.
How Monetization Works for TikTok and YouTube
With short-form videos taking the internet by storm, this question probably popped into your head: can I actually make money from these short videos?
Heck yeah, you can! Both YouTube Shorts and TikTok offer ways to turn your creativity into cash, but the details differ a bit.
Monetizing Your YouTube Shorts
Before you can think about monetization, you need to be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program.
After you get enough subscribers and views, you need to fulfill some more requirements before you’re ready to make money.
So, how much YouTube Shorts money do you get per 1,000 views?
That’s a tricky one since it’s not a simple “pay-per-view” situation. Unlike standard YouTube videos with ads, YouTube Shorts uses a pool system.
Basically, all the ad revenue from Shorts views gets thrown into a big pot, and then creators with high-performing videos get a cut based on their watch time and overall contribution to the pool.
Monetizing Your TikTok Videos
Now, let’s talk TikTok. Does the TikTok algorithm shower creators with riches?
Well, TikTok has a Creator Fund, but qualifying for it requires a minimum number of followers and video views.
Once you’re in, the amount you earn depends on various factors like engagement, region, and even the virality of your videos. There’s no set rate per view.
On the other hand, TikTok allows you to sell products directly from your videos as another way to earn money.
So, which platform pays more, TikTok or YouTube Shorts?
It’s hard to say definitively. YouTube Shorts has the potential for wider reach thanks to YouTube’s massive user base, but the earning system is less transparent.
TikTok, on the other hand, might offer a clearer path to monetization through the Creator Fund, but competition can be fierce.
Algorithm of YouTube Shorts vs TikTok
Understanding how the algorithm works can be the key to making sure your videos are seen by tons of people.
Here’s a breakdown of how YouTube Shorts and TikTok curate your experience:
YouTube Shorts Algorithm
The algorithm for YouTube Shorts will show you videos based on what you’ve watched and liked before.
So, if you’re a dog-obsessed viewer, you’ll likely be surrounded by furry friends in your Shorts feed. Videos with similar themes and hashtags are more likely to end up together, creating a more topic-focused experience.
YouTube also has advertiser-friendly content guidelines that affect all the videos.
If your videos don’t follow these guidelines, the algorithm may hide them. You won’t be able to monetize your content, either.
TikTok Algorithm
TikTok’s algorithm, on the other hand, is like a mind reader (almost!). It goes beyond video topics and dives deep into your watch history, completion rates, and even the sounds you engage with.
This allows for a super personalized feed filled with videos that TikTok thinks you’ll be interested in.
Like YouTube, TikTok has its own guidelines, and it will even restrict content that’s not suitable for kids.
As for which is better, both are useful for different reasons. YouTube Shorts can be great for reaching a wider audience interested in specific topics.
But if you want to create niche content with a high chance of going viral, TikTok’s hyper-personalized approach can be more helpful.
Which is Better: TikTok vs YouTube Shorts?
Now that we’ve delved into the differences between TikTok and YouTube Shorts, it’s time to answer the important question: YouTube Shorts or TikTok, which is better?
Before we answer that, let’s look at the pros and cons of each of these platforms.
Pros and Cons of YouTube Shorts
Here are a few reasons why YouTube Shorts can be a great platform for your short videos:
- You can grow your channel and get access to a larger YouTube audience.
- YouTube can give you much more in-depth data about your videos, audience, and channel.
- You get a bigger library of sounds and music that you can use for your video content.
- Because of the algorithm, it can be easier to reach people interested in your specific niche.
Of course, there are also some cons of YouTube Shorts that you have to consider:
- You’re more restricted since YouTube Shorts can only be up to a minute long.
- The views from YouTube Shorts won’t count for the total watch hours needed for monetization.
- YouTube’s editing tools are very limited compared to the options you get from TikTok.
Pros and Cons of TikTok
Next, let’s take a look at the positive highlights of TikTok instead:
- TikTok lets you create much longer videos with tons of editing options to showcase your creativity.
- Monetizing your videos is more straightforward, and you can set up a TikTok Shop for more sales.
- Lots of TikTokers are making stitches and duets, so it’s easier to find influencers to collab with.
- Trending hashtags and challenges can be a fantastic way to gain visibility and build an audience.
On the other hand, there are some cons of TikTok as well:
- Due to some political changes, the future of TikTok is unclear right now.
- Targeting an older demographic can be tougher since the audience skews younger.
- TikTok analytics can be helpful, but they’re not as in-depth as the analytics for YouTube.
Which is Better?
Ultimately, the “better” platform depends on your content style, target audience, and desired outcome.
TikTik can be the best option if you want to target viral trends, reach a younger audience, and use more editing tools for your videos.
Similarly, YouTube Shorts can be a great way to target a broader audience, focus on a specific niche, and use in-depth analytics to grow your channel.
The good news? You don’t have to choose one platform or another!
By making videos on both platforms, you can see for yourself which place is better for you. In fact, you might even get a large audience on both, YouTube Shorts and TikTok.
And there you go!
As you can see, YouTube Shorts and TikTik are both great places to make short-form videos and grow your brand.
In case you still aren’t sure which to pick, post your videos on both platforms and see which works for you. You might even conquer both platforms and become a master of the short-form game.
Want to boost your TikTok profile? Get your copy of TikTok Feed Pro here!
To promote your YouTube shorts, you can grab YouTube Feed Pro for your site instead.
If you want to get more out of video marketing, check out our guide on how to get more views on Instagram Reels.
More Social Media Tips and Tutorials
- How to Grow Your YouTube Channel From 0 to 1000 Subscribers
- How to Create a TikTok Widget for Your Website
- Reasons Why Your YouTube Shorts Are Not Getting Views [+ What You Should Do]
- How to Embed TikTok Feed on Your Elementor Website [Easy]
- How To Promote Your YouTube Videos For FREE (11+ Expert Tips)
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