Who pays more, TikTok or Twitter (X)?

This blog post has been written by the person who has mapped all the strategies and examples in our cheatsheets

TikTok currently offers better pay rates and accessibility for creators compared to Twitter (X), with rates reaching $1.00 per 1,000 views versus X's complex impression-based system.

While both platforms have evolved their monetization significantly in 2025, the entry barriers and payout structures differ dramatically. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program has seen 20x increases in payouts compared to their old fund, while X's ad revenue sharing requires premium subscriptions and massive impression thresholds that many creators struggle to meet.

And if you need to fast-track your growth on X, check all our cheatsheets.

What are the main revenue streams TikTok and Twitter (X) offer creators in 2025?

TikTok operates five primary monetization channels while X focuses on four core revenue streams, each with distinct payout mechanisms and creator requirements.

TikTok's Creator Rewards Program replaced the old Creator Fund and now pays $0.40-$1.00 per 1,000 views, representing a massive improvement from the previous $0.02-$0.04 rates. Brand partnerships remain the highest-earning opportunity, with creators negotiating direct deals for sponsored content. TikTok Shop integration allows creators to sell products directly through the platform, while live gifts provide real-time monetization during streaming sessions.

X's ad revenue sharing system pays creators based on ad impressions from verified users, typically $0.50-$2.00 per 1,000 impressions. The subscription model enables creators to charge fans monthly fees for exclusive content, while Ticketed Spaces monetizes live audio events. Direct tips provide immediate fan-to-creator payments, though this generates less revenue compared to other streams.

The key difference lies in accessibility - TikTok's multiple revenue streams can be activated independently, while X's primary monetization requires premium subscription status. TikTok also benefits from integrated e-commerce capabilities that X currently lacks.

How much does each platform pay per 1,000 views and what changes occurred in the past year?

TikTok's Creator Rewards Program delivers $0.40-$1.00 per 1,000 views for eligible creators, while X pays $0.50-$2.00 per 1,000 ad impressions rather than total views.

TikTok's transformation has been dramatic - the new Creator Rewards Program increased payouts by up to 2,000% compared to the old Creator Fund. Some creators report earning 20 times more, particularly those producing long-form content exceeding one minute. The algorithm now prioritizes engagement quality over pure view count, meaning highly engaging videos earn closer to the $1.00 ceiling.

X's payment structure differs fundamentally because creators earn from ad impressions generated by verified users, not total view counts. This means a video with 100,000 views might only generate 10,000-20,000 monetizable impressions. However, Elon Musk's promises of increased creator rewards throughout 2024 have materialized, with many creators reporting 30-50% higher monthly payouts compared to early 2024.

The volatility factor also differs significantly - TikTok's payments remain relatively stable month-to-month, while X's impression-based system fluctuates based on advertiser demand and content virality. Creators on X report earning anywhere from $200-$5,000 for the same impression count depending on seasonal advertising cycles.

What are the eligibility requirements to start earning on each platform?

TikTok sets lower barriers with 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days, while X demands premium subscription status plus 5 million impressions in three months.

Not sure what content to post? We've already collected what works in our cheatsheets.

How do the algorithms on each platform impact creator earnings potential?

TikTok's algorithm prioritizes engagement depth and community building, while X's algorithm rewards trending content and video-first strategies that drive dwell time.

TikTok's 2025 algorithm update emphasizes authenticity and niche community engagement over broad appeal. Creators who build dedicated micro-communities around specific topics see 40-60% higher earnings compared to those chasing viral trends. The algorithm tracks watch time completion rates, comment engagement quality, and content rewatchability. Videos with 80%+ completion rates and strong comment threads consistently earn at the higher end of the $0.40-$1.00 range.

X's algorithm underwent significant changes in 2025, now heavily favoring native video content and real-time trending participation. Creators who post video content see 10x more distribution than text-only posts. The platform actively penalizes external links, meaning creators must keep audiences on-platform to maximize ad impression opportunities. Early participation in trending topics can multiply earnings by 300-500% during viral cycles.

The timing factor differs substantially between platforms. TikTok rewards consistency over timing, with creators posting 3-5 times weekly seeing steady income growth. X rewards real-time engagement, with creators who post during breaking news or trending moments seeing massive earning spikes followed by normal periods.

Algorithm gaming strategies also vary - TikTok punishes obvious engagement manipulation, while X still allows some growth hacking techniques like strategic reply timing and trend-jacking to boost impression counts.

What are the average monthly earnings for creators at different follower levels?

Earnings scale dramatically with follower count, but engagement rates and niche selection often matter more than raw follower numbers for actual revenue generation.

How do creator funds, ad revenue share, and tipping systems compare between platforms?

TikTok's Creator Rewards Program operates as a direct payment system based on views and engagement, while X's ad revenue sharing requires premium status and splits advertising income with creators.

TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays monthly via PayPal once creators reach a $10 minimum threshold. The system calculates payments based on view count, engagement quality, and content completion rates. Payments arrive reliably between the 15th-25th of each month, with creators receiving detailed breakdowns showing per-video earnings. The program has proven more stable than the previous Creator Fund, with 95% of eligible creators receiving payments on schedule.

X's ad revenue sharing splits advertising income generated from creator content with the platform taking an undisclosed percentage. Creators must maintain X Premium subscription status to remain eligible, adding monthly costs of $8-16. Payments process monthly via Stripe directly to bank accounts, but earning thresholds remain higher and less predictable than TikTok's system.

Tipping mechanisms differ significantly - TikTok's live gifts system allows real-time monetization during streams, with creators keeping 50-70% of gift values after platform fees. X's tip system processes direct payments between users with minimal platform interference, but generates substantially lower volumes compared to TikTok's gamified gift economy.

Reliability factors favor TikTok overall, with 98% payment consistency versus X's 85-90% rate due to advertiser demand fluctuations and premium subscription complications.

Which content niches generate higher earnings on each platform?

Finance and business content dominates high-earning niches on both platforms, while TikTok rewards lifestyle and DIY content more generously than X's news and tech focus.

• Finance and Business: Both platforms reward financial content heavily, with TikTok finance creators earning $2-5 per 1,000 views and X finance accounts generating $3-8 per 1,000 impressions due to high advertiser CPMs in financial services.
• Technology and Software: X heavily favors tech content with algorithm boosts for trending technology discussions. Tech creators on X earn 40-60% more than general content creators, while TikTok tech content performs moderately well but doesn't receive preferential treatment.
• News and Politics: X dominates this space with real-time discussion rewards and trending topic bonuses. Political creators on X can earn 5-10x normal rates during election cycles or major news events, while TikTok's algorithm actively deprioritizes political content.
• Lifestyle and DIY: TikTok's strength lies in lifestyle content, with home improvement, cooking, and fashion creators earning 30-50% above platform averages. X struggles with lifestyle content monetization due to its text-heavy user base.
• Fitness and Wellness: TikTok fitness creators benefit from high engagement rates and strong brand partnership opportunities, earning $1,500-4,000 monthly at 50K followers. X fitness content generates lower engagement and fewer monetization opportunities.

Don't waste time guessing what converts. Steal all the proven strategies instead.

How do video length and format requirements affect monetization on both platforms?

TikTok's Creator Rewards Program heavily favors videos longer than one minute, while X's algorithm prioritizes native videos over two minutes for maximum ad impression generation.

TikTok's monetization system underwent a fundamental shift in 2025, with videos under 60 seconds earning 40-60% less per view compared to longer content. The platform's Creator Rewards Program specifically rewards watch time completion, meaning a 3-minute video with 70% completion rates earns more than a 30-second video with 95% completion. This change pushed many creators to adopt long-form strategies, with the sweet spot appearing to be 1-3 minute videos that maintain viewer attention throughout.

X's algorithm aggressively promotes native video content, especially videos exceeding 2 minutes in length. Creators uploading 2+ minute native videos see 10x more distribution compared to text posts or external video links. The platform penalizes external links heavily, meaning creators must upload content directly to X for optimal monetization. Live video through Spaces generates additional revenue through ticketed events, with successful creators charging $5-50 per attendee.

Format preferences also differ significantly - TikTok's vertical format (9:16 aspect ratio) remains king for mobile-first consumption, while X performs well with both horizontal and square formats. TikTok's algorithm also rewards authentic, less-produced content over highly polished videos, while X favors professional-looking content that encourages longer viewing sessions.

The editing complexity factor varies between platforms - TikTok creators can succeed with simple phone editing and basic transitions, while X's monetization favors more sophisticated content with clear audio, professional framing, and engaging thumbnails that encourage clicks and longer watch times.

What percentage does each platform take from creator earnings?

TikTok maintains undisclosed commission rates for its Creator Rewards Program, while X's revenue sharing percentages remain similarly opaque with industry-standard estimates ranging from 10-30% for subscription services.

TikTok's Creator Rewards Program commission structure remains confidential, but creators report receiving the full advertised rates of $0.40-$1.00 per 1,000 views without visible deductions. For TikTok Shop sales, the platform charges 5-15% commission depending on product category and seller tier. Live gifts operate on a 30-50% creator split, with TikTok retaining the majority to cover payment processing and platform costs.

X's commission structure varies by revenue stream - subscription services likely follow industry standards of 10-30% platform cuts, similar to other social media subscription models. Ad revenue sharing splits remain undisclosed, but creators report receiving 55-70% of generated ad revenue based on their content performance and audience engagement. Tip transactions process with minimal fees, primarily covering payment processing costs.

The transparency difference is notable - TikTok provides clearer earning predictions through their creator dashboard, while X's earning potential remains more unpredictable due to fluctuating ad rates and impression-based calculations. Neither platform publishes official commission rate documentation, making it difficult for creators to calculate exact earning potential before meeting eligibility requirements.

How do payment processing speeds and reliability compare between the platforms?

TikTok processes payments monthly via PayPal with 95% on-time delivery, while X uses Stripe for bank transfers with 85-90% reliability due to premium subscription complications.

TikTok's payment system operates on a predictable monthly cycle, with earnings from the previous month paid between the 15th-25th of the following month. Creators must reach a $10 minimum threshold, which most eligible creators achieve within their first month. PayPal integration allows international payments to most countries where TikTok operates, though some regions face delays due to local banking regulations.

X's payment processing proves less consistent due to its premium subscription requirement and impression-based earning model. Creators report payment delays when premium subscriptions lapse or when monthly impression thresholds fluctuate below eligibility requirements. Stripe integration provides faster bank transfers compared to TikTok's PayPal system, but the overall reliability suffers from the platform's more complex eligibility maintenance requirements.

International payment differences favor TikTok's broader global reach, while X's Stripe system works better in countries with advanced banking infrastructure. Currency conversion fees typically range 2-4% on both platforms, though TikTok's PayPal system often provides better exchange rates for creators in developing markets.

If your engagement feels flat, we've mapped all the formats that get traction.

What new monetization features should creators expect by 2026?

TikTok plans expanding its subscription model beyond live creators while enhancing e-commerce integration, while X focuses on video monetization improvements and potential cryptocurrency payment systems.

TikTok's roadmap includes rolling out subscription services to non-live creators by Q2 2026, allowing followers to pay monthly fees for exclusive content access. The platform is also developing advanced TikTok Shop features including AI-powered product recommendations and creator-specific storefronts. Analytics improvements will provide creators with better earning predictions and content optimization suggestions based on monetization performance.

X's development priorities center on video monetization enhancements, with plans for improved creator revenue sharing rates and expanded premium subscription tiers. The platform has hinted at cryptocurrency payment integration, potentially allowing creators to receive payments in Bitcoin or other digital currencies. Live audio monetization through Spaces will likely expand with new ticketing options and subscription-based audio content.

Both platforms are exploring AI-powered content creation tools that could help creators optimize for monetization algorithms. TikTok is testing automated caption generation and content suggestion features, while X is developing AI-assisted trending topic identification and optimal posting time recommendations.

The competitive landscape will likely force both platforms to increase creator revenue sharing percentages and reduce eligibility barriers. Industry analysts predict 15-25% improvements in creator payout rates across both platforms by late 2026 as competition for creator talent intensifies.

Which platform offers the best long-term revenue potential for new creators?

TikTok currently provides superior long-term revenue potential for most new creators due to lower entry barriers, multiple monetization streams, and more predictable earning algorithms.

TikTok's advantage lies in its accessible 10,000 follower threshold versus X's 5 million impression requirement, allowing new creators to start earning within 3-6 months of consistent posting. The platform's diverse monetization options - Creator Rewards, brand deals, TikTok Shop, live gifts, and affiliate marketing - provide multiple income streams that reduce dependence on any single revenue source. The algorithm's emphasis on niche community building also allows smaller creators to achieve meaningful engagement rates that translate to steady income.

X offers higher earning potential for established creators with large followings and strong engagement, particularly in news, tech, and finance niches. However, the premium subscription requirement and complex eligibility maintenance create barriers that many new creators struggle to overcome. The platform's impression-based earning model also creates more volatility, with earnings fluctuating significantly based on trending cycles and advertiser demand.

Market trends favor TikTok's approach - the platform's global user growth continues outpacing X, providing expanding audience opportunities for creators. TikTok's e-commerce integration also positions creators for the growing social commerce market, expected to reach $2.9 trillion by 2026. X's strength in real-time news and discussion provides earning spikes during major events, but lacks the consistent revenue potential that most creators need for sustainable income.

For creators starting today, TikTok's combination of lower barriers, stable payment systems, and diverse monetization options provides the most realistic path to meaningful creator income within the first year of content creation.

No idea what to tweet today? Browse hundreds of real viral examples.

Conclusion

Sources

1. TechCrunch - TikTok Creator Fund Revenue Increase
2. Bluehost - TikTok Creator Payment Guide
3. Value Your Network - TikTok Monetization 2025
4. Ecomobi - TikTok Affiliate Marketing Niches
5. Epidemic Sound - X Twitter Monetization Guide
6. TweSocial - X Platform Payment Rates
7. SocialBee - Twitter Money Making Guide
8. Beehiiv - Twitter Follower Earnings Analysis
9. Uppbeat - TikTok Per-View Payment Analysis
10. Newswire Jet - X Monetization Calculator
11. India Today - Elon Musk Creator Rewards Promise
12. Supliful - TikTok Monetization Requirements
13. The Short Media - TikTok Algorithm Update Impact
14. RankTracker - TikTok Algorithm and Monetization
15. Opus Pro - X Monetization Playbook 2025
16. Exploding Topics - TikTok Earning Statistics