Instagram

Instagram is a visual-first social media app focused on sharing photos, short videos (“Reels”), stories, and engaging with other users via likes, comments, and direct messages. Its strength lies in enabling users—whether individuals, creators, or brands—to present visually compelling content, build a following, and interact in real time.

Target audience: Instagram appeals broadly to teens and young adults, creators, influencers, and businesses that wish to cultivate a visual brand or community. Because of its strong visual orientation, it also attracts photographers, graphic and digital media designers, and anyone doing image-based work. According to data, Instagram reached around 3 billion monthly active users in 2025.

Revenue streams: The primary revenue source for Instagram (via its parent company) is advertising—brands pay to place in-feed ads, stories ads, carousel adverts, and “shoppable” posts. Beyond advertising, Instagram also offers creator monetization tools such as Live Badges and virtual gifts for livestreams, which allow users to financially support creators.

Tips and tricks:

Use the “Saved” and “Collections” features to bookmark posts and organize inspiration (especially useful for designers).

Take advantage of Instagram’s visual analytics (Insights) if you have a business/creator account—it shows which content drives engagement.

For designers: plan your grid aesthetic in advance (many use the “Preview” app to plan).

Use stories with interactive features (polls, questions) to drive engagement and feedback from audiences.

Be aware of privacy: review your settings so that your profile, story visibility, and data-sharing settings reflect how public or private you wish to be.

2. TikTok

TikTok is a short‐form video platform where users create, share, and view vertical videos (typically 15-60 seconds) often set to music, effects, voice overs, or trending hashtags. The feed is highly personalized, showing content based on past behavior, keeping users engaged for long sessions.

Target audience: TikTok is especially popular among Gen Z and young millennials—but increasingly broader age groups are joining. It’s used by casual viewers, hobby creators, professional content creators, and brands looking to reach highly engaged younger demographics. According to reports, it generated about $23 billion in revenue in 2024.

Revenue streams: Like many social platforms, advertising is the main money-maker for TikTok—the platform offers in-feed ads, TopView ads, branded hashtag challenges, and branded effects. In addition, TikTok earns via in-app purchases of virtual “coins” that users use to send virtual gifts during live streams; and via social commerce features (e-commerce integrations) where users can purchase products directly through the app.

Tips and tricks:

Spend a little time in the “For You” feed to understand what kind of content the algorithm is favouring—this can help creators craft better content.

Use trending audio and hashtags early (before they get saturated) to boost reach.

For brands/designers: consider “behind-the-scenes” or “design process” videos—users enjoy learning how things are made.

Engage with comments quickly and authentically—TikTok rewards active community engagement.

Be mindful of privacy: since the app collects lots of behavior data to feed its algorithm, review your app permissions and limit unnecessary sharing if you’re concerned.

Final Words

Both Instagram and TikTok demonstrate how mobile apps have evolved into powerful platforms for creators, businesses, and creatives. Their revenue models rely heavily on engagement, visual storytelling, and monetizing attention. As you explore or use these apps—whether for personal, design, or business purposes—understanding how they work and how you can maximise them will give you an edge. Also, always balance utility and creativity with awareness of data privacy and how your content and interactions are being used.

Sources:

“Instagram Revenue and Usage Statistics (2025)”, Business of Apps.
Business of Apps

“How Instagram Makes Money”, Investopedia.
Investopedia

“TikTok Revenue and Usage Statistics (2025)”, Business of Apps.
Business of Apps

“How TikTok Makes Money?”, Agicent Blog.
agicent.com