Introduction

Earning money in India has taken an entirely new direction in the past decade. What was once limited to freelancing gigs or the occasional blog has exploded into something much bigger. Today, millions of Indians are making serious money from social media earning apps, and some are even becoming celebrities in the process.

Think about it: with over 820 million Indians online in 2025, social media isn’t just for scrolling memes anymore. It’s a launchpad. Whether you’re a college kid needing extra pocket money, a homemaker with hidden creativity, or a professional trying to escape the 9-to-5, there’s room for you here.

The best social media earning apps in India don’t just toss you ad revenue. They bring opportunities—brand sponsorships, affiliate sales, and even direct payments from your fans. From fashion bloggers to tech reviewers, gamers to travelers, everyone is finding a way to turn their content into cash.

1. Instagram – The Giant of Social Media Earning

When it comes to money-making apps, Instagram is at the top of almost every creator’s list. With 230 million active users in India (Statista, 2025), it’s not just huge—it’s a cultural habit.

1.1 How Creators Earn on Instagram

• Sponsored posts and brand shoutouts.
• Affiliate promotions where links pay commissions.
• Reels Play Bonus for select creators.
• Badges and subscriptions during live sessions.

Many famous Instagram influencers like Komal Pandey and Bhuvan Bam started off with small followings, creating videos in their bedrooms. Today, they’re brands in themselves.

And the numbers back it: over 70% of Indian influencer campaigns in 2024 ran on Instagram (Redseer). That kind of dominance doesn’t happen by chance—it’s because the app drives real results for both creators and advertisers.

2. YouTube – The King of Long-form Content

YouTube is still the heavyweight when it comes to video. With 500 million+ Indian users, it’s practically a second television set in every household.

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2.1 Earning Opportunities on YouTube

• AdSense payouts from in-video ads.
• Memberships that give fans perks.
• Super chats and stickers during live streams.
• Direct collaborations with brands.

Look at CarryMinati, Technical Guruji, or Prajakta Koli—these creators earn anywhere between ₹5 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs a month, depending on views and deals. And the best part? Even small channels can start earning after crossing 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time.

For brands, YouTube’s power is in storytelling. Reviews, tutorials, and explainers feel natural here. That’s why it remains one of the best social media earning apps in India for people who enjoy detailed video content.

3. Moj – India’s Homegrown Short Video Star

Moj is India’s answer to short-form video, created by ShareChat. It thrives in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, offering content in more than 15 local languages.

3.1 Why Moj is Popular

• Easy-to-digest short clips.
• Creator rewards based on views and interaction.
• Paid campaigns for regional and vernacular brands.

By 2025, Moj crossed 160 million monthly users, proving its hold in the short-video race. For anyone just starting, Moj feels less competitive than Instagram or YouTube, making it one of the free social media earning apps worth testing.

Regional UGC videos especially thrive here. If you can create authentic local content, Moj will reward you with reach—and brands are watching.

4. Hobo.Video – The Influencer’s Marketplace

Unlike mainstream apps, Hobo.Video isn’t just for posting content—it’s a dedicated ecosystem where creators and brands actually meet.

4.1 How Creators Earn on Hobo.Video

• Paid brand deals.
• UGC videos for campaigns.
• AI influencer marketing that connects you to the right brands.
• Localized campaigns perfect for micro-influencers.

With more than 2.25 million creators, it’s a top influencer marketing company in India trusted by brands like Himalaya, Wipro, and Symphony.

If you’re wondering how to become an influencer, Hobo.Video simplifies the path. It’s a best influencer platform because it doesn’t just showcase your content—it links you directly to paid opportunities. For any serious creator, this is a must-have app.

5. Roposo – Lifestyle and Vernacular Content

Roposo, now owned by Glance, is another name in India’s social media earning apps scene. It’s especially big in lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment.

5.1 Ways to Earn on Roposo

• Rewards for content performance.
• Sponsored campaigns in beauty and fashion.
• Virtual gifts and in-app income.

With 80 million+ active users, Roposo blends entertainment with social commerce. Users often shop directly through influencer videos, making it one of the top earning apps for social media users in the lifestyle niche.

6. ShareChat – The Regional Powerhouse

Moj’s parent company, ShareChat, is still a monster in the regional space. Offering memes, text, and videos in 15+ Indian languages, it has built a community of 180 million monthly users.

6.1 Earning Features

• Paid campaigns from brands targeting rural and semi-urban users.
• Fan gifting and live chats.
• Monetization through creator partnerships.

The stat that matters: 70% of new internet users in India prefer local language content. That means if you’re fluent in your regional language, ShareChat can be one of the highest paying social media apps in India for you.

7. Josh – Youth-Centric Entertainment App

Josh has a young, fun vibe. Think dance challenges, Bollywood tie-ups, and high-energy content. It quickly became one of the top 10 earning apps for social media users.

7.1 How Josh Pays Creators

• Direct creator funding.
• Sponsored challenges from brands.
• Earnings tied to engagement and views.

With 150 million monthly users, Josh is made for Gen Z. Its brand tie-ups in music and entertainment ensure consistent campaigns, making it among the best social media earning apps in India if you’re into dance, comedy, or trending reels.

8. Facebook – Still Relevant for Creators

You might think Facebook is old-school, but with 320 million Indian users, it’s far from dead. In fact, it’s still one of the top social media earning apps.

8.1 Earning Features on Facebook

• Monetized Reels.
• In-stream ads for videos.
• Fan payments through Stars and Subscriptions.
• Paid brand opportunities inside its creator marketplace.

What’s unique is its broad audience—older users, family groups, and communities that Instagram sometimes misses. For creators looking to tap into wider demographics, Facebook is still a reliable social media income app in India.

9. Chingari – Crypto Meets Content

Chingari is India’s attempt to mix blockchain with social media. Unlike others, it lets creators earn in $GARI tokens, which can be traded like cryptocurrency.

9.1 Why Chingari is Different

• Blockchain-backed creator economy.
• Fan tipping with crypto.
• Campaigns from tech-savvy brands.

With 50 million+ users, Chingari has carved a niche with Web3-savvy youth. While it isn’t yet as massive as Instagram or YouTube, it’s an innovative social media earning app with potential.

10. Trell – Lifestyle Meets Commerce

Trell focuses on lifestyle, food, travel, and beauty. It connects content directly with commerce, making it an appealing choice for creators.

10.1 How Creators Earn on Trell

• Affiliate-style earnings from product links.
• Sponsored campaigns in beauty and lifestyle.
• Rewards for consistent community contributions.

With 100 million+ downloads, Trell is strong in lifestyle niches. If your content leans toward beauty or fitness, it’s one of the highest paying social media apps for creators.

11. Data & Insights on India’s Creator Economy

• The influencer marketing industry in India is valued at ₹1,800 crore in 2025, growing 25% annually.
• 200 million+ Indians are creating content across platforms.
• Micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) give 60% better engagement than celebrities.
• GroupM reports brands boosted influencer spend by 25% YoY in 2024.

The takeaway? The creator economy isn’t slowing—it’s accelerating.

12. How to Choose the Best Social Media Earning App

Before picking a platform, think hard about these:

• Audience: Are your people on Instagram, YouTube, or ShareChat?
• Engagement: Look for high interactions, not just big numbers.
• Money-making tools: Ads, brand deals, gifts—what works best for you?
• Growth chances: Some apps like Hobo.Video hand you direct campaigns.
• Trust factor: Payments need to be reliable and on time.

The best social media earning apps in India balance reach with trust and income stability.

13. The Whole Truth About Social Media Income in India

Let’s be real—making money online sounds glamorous, but it’s not instant. Success here is built, not handed.

• Micro-influencers (10K–50K followers): earn ₹10,000–₹50,000/month.
• Mid-tier influencers (50K–500K followers): earn ₹50,000–₹5 lakhs/month.
• Top influencers in India (1M+ followers): make ₹5–₹50 lakhs/month.

The whole truth? This isn’t a lottery. It’s like any career—consistency, creativity, and authenticity matter. Shortcuts rarely last.

14. Summary – Key Learnings

• Instagram and YouTube still pay the most.
• Moj, Josh, and ShareChat are powerhouses in regional and youth segments.
• Roposo and Trell mix lifestyle with e-commerce.
• Chingari experiments with crypto.
• Hobo.Video stands out as the top influencer marketing company that directly connects creators and brands.

Choose the platform that fits your style, stay consistent, and the income will follow.

About Hobo.Video

Hobo.Video is India’s leading AI-powered influencer marketing and UGC company. With over 2.25 million creators, it offers end-to-end campaign management tailored for brand growth. The platform smartly combines AI with human strategy to deliver maximum ROI.

Services include:

• Influencer marketing
• UGC content creation
• Celebrity endorsements
• Product feedback and testing
• Marketplace and seller reputation management
• Regional and niche influencer campaigns

Trusted by brands like Himalaya, Wipro, Symphony, Baidyanath, and the Good Glamm Group, Hobo.Video has earned its name as the best influencer platform in India.

👉 If you’re a creator or brand, this is the time to register with Hobo.Video and be part of India’s fastest-growing influencer ecosystem.

Ready to grow your influence and earn doing what you love? Join the fam.

If you’re a brand ready to break the mold and achieve hypergrowth, we’re already on your wavelength. Let’s build something powerful together.