When I first started creating content, YouTube was my primary focus. Its vast audience and long-form storytelling options made it a natural choice.
But as TikTok’s popularity skyrocketed, I began to wonder: am I missing out on reaching a new, highly engaged audience?
Diving into TikTok opened up a world of viral potential, but it also raised a big question: is TikTok actually more popular than YouTube?
Let’s explore the answer.
Fatih Kemal Oksuzoglu
TikTok vs. YouTube: Platform Breakdown
TikTok Explained
TikTok revolutionized content creation with its short, snappy videos that are tailored to each user through the powerful For You Page. Built on trending hashtags, viral challenges, and unique sounds, TikTok has become a hub for creative and highly engaging content.
Initially, I thought TikTok was just for dance videos and lip-syncs, but I quickly realized its potential for reaching broader audiences.
Today, you can find educational snippets, comedic sketches, and even thought-provoking commentary. It’s this diversity that has helped TikTok amass 1.5 billion monthly users, with an average of 1.5 hours spent on the app daily.
Demographics:
➡️ Younger audience: Gen Z dominates, but older users are catching up.
➡️ 31% of users are aged 25-34, and 15% are over 45.
➡️ Gender split: 54% female, 46% male.
YouTube Explained
YouTube has been a content giant since 2005, offering a platform for videos of any length.
Known for its long-form content, YouTube adapted to TikTok’s rise by introducing YouTube Shorts in 2020, which now attracts over 2 billion active monthly users—surpassing TikTok’s user base.
When I started with YouTube, I appreciated the ability to create detailed, in-depth videos. However, its new Shorts feature has added an exciting dimension for creators to go viral looking to compete in the short-form space.
Demographics:
➡️ Slightly older audience: 21% of users are aged 25-34, and 17.5% are aged 35-44.
➡️ Gender split skews slightly male: 54% male, 45% female.
Arif Akdogan
Is TikTok more popular than YouTube?
The short answer is no, at least not yet.
With 2.7 billion monthly active users, YouTube still leads the pack in overall popularity and reach. However, TikTok is quickly catching up, particularly among younger audiences.
TikTok’s growth trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. Its viral algorithm and ability to engage users for hours daily have made it a fierce competitor. But when it comes to versatility, longevity, and global dominance, YouTube remains unmatched.
That said, popularity depends on your audience and content goals. For brands targeting Gen Z or focusing on quick, casual content, TikTok might feel like the bigger player.
But for creators seeking broader demographic reach and the ability to produce long-form content, either in-house or through an explainer video company, YouTube holds the edge.
Why I use both platforms!
As a content creator, I quickly realized that both TikTok and YouTube have their unique strengths.
❇️ TikTok’s trends and viral challenges make it a great platform to grab attention and grow quickly, while YouTube offers the space to build deeper connections with your audience through more detailed content.
Recently, I wanted to share a series of videos on both platforms to maximize my reach. I knew that timing was critical—posting at the wrong time could mean missing out on engagement.
That’s when I turned to Circleboom Publish.
Why you should try Circleboom Publish!
Using Circleboom Publish transformed how I manage my content. Instead of stressing over posting times or jumping between platforms, I schedule everything in one go.
Circleboom Publish isn’t just a scheduling tool; it’s a comprehensive content management solution.
Whether you’re juggling TikTok trends, YouTube uploads, or Instagram posts, it saves you time, ensures consistency, and boosts engagement.
Here’s a quick guide to getting started:
Step #1: Start a TikTok-specific post from the dashboard
From your Circleboom Publish dashboard, go to the post creation area and click TikTok Specific.
This opens the TikTok composer where you’ll upload your video and prepare it for publishing.
Step #2: Upload your TikTok video and preview it
Drag and drop your video into the upload area (or click to select a file). Once it’s uploaded, you’ll see a TikTok-style preview on the right side so you can confirm the video looks correct before moving forward.
When everything is ready, click NEXT.
Step #3: Write your description (caption) for the video
After moving to the next screen, you’ll be able to add your caption in the description field.
If you want help writing it faster, use the AI tool to generate a caption idea and adjust it to match your tone.
Step #4: Connect your YouTube Shorts account to cross-post the same video
At the top of the composer, click Add More Accounts and select YouTube. Then choose the YouTube channel you want to publish Shorts from.
Once it’s selected, your TikTok video becomes a cross-platform post that can be published to both TikTok and YouTube Shorts at the same time.
Step #5: Adjust visibility and post settings, then get ready to publish
Before publishing, choose who can watch the video using the privacy dropdown.
You can also control interaction settings like comments, duet, and stitch if needed. After reviewing everything, you’re ready to either publish immediately or schedule it.
Step #6: Schedule the post for the best time (or publish instantly)
Click Schedule to set a date and time. Circleboom will also suggest best posting times so you can choose a high-performing slot with one click.
When the date and time are selected, confirm scheduling to publish the same video on TikTok and YouTube Shorts automatically.
Conclusion
While TikTok’s rapid rise has shaken up the social media landscape, YouTube still holds the crown as the most popular video-sharing platform.
However, both platforms offer immense value, and the best approach is to leverage their unique strengths.
By using Circleboom Publish, I’ve managed to streamline my content strategy, ensuring my videos perform well on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. If you’re serious about maximizing your reach and efficiency, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Start scheduling smarter with Circleboom Publish today!
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