Instagram vs TikTok vs YouTube Rates (2026)

You've got 50K everywhere and a brand wants one post on each platform. Same followers, same you — so same price, right? Not even close. Here's what each platform actually commands.

The short answer

Why YouTube pays double

A YouTube sponsorship lives for years, ranks on Google, and takes a full shoot day plus edit. A TikTok takes an afternoon and dies in 72 hours. Brands aren't paying for your face — they're paying for shelf life and effort. That's why a 60-second YouTube mention out-prices a TikTok that took you the same hour to film.

Here's the thing: TikTok's viral upside is the counterweight. Your $400 TikTok can pull 2M views while your $1,500 Reel pulls 80K. Smart creators price TikTok lower per post but sell it in bundles of three — the brand gets volume, you get a bigger total check.

Instagram sits in the middle for a reason

Reels and carousels convert shoppers better than TikTok views do, especially in beauty, fashion, and fitness. That purchase intent is exactly why Instagram holds $10–$30 per 1K while TikTok sits at $5–$15. If your audience actually buys things, say so — and charge like it.

Price each platform separately

Never send one “my rate is $800” number for all three. Run each through the Influencer Rate Calculator with the right platform selected, then package them: YouTube + Reel + 2 TikToks with a 10% bundle discount still earns you more than any single post.

New to pricing entirely?

Start with how much should I charge brands — it walks through followers, niche, and usage rights from zero.