Facebook does not directly pay creators for posting gaming videos on the platform. However, there are several ways gaming creators can monetize their content on Facebook.
Earning Ad Revenue
The main way for gaming creators to earn money from their videos on Facebook is through ad revenue. If a creator’s gaming videos are performing well and building an engaged audience, they may be eligible for Facebook’s in-stream ad program.
With in-stream ads, short advertisements play before, during, or after a video. When viewers watch these ads, creators earn a portion of the ad revenue. The exact amount depends on factors like a video’s watch time and viewer demographics. Popular gaming channels on Facebook can earn a steady income through in-stream ads.
Facebook Gaming Creator Program
In 2020, Facebook launched the Facebook Gaming Creator Program. This program allows popular streamers to earn money through ad revenue sharing and subscription programs.
To qualify for the program, gaming creators need at least 100,000 total minutes watched on their gaming videos in the last 60 days. They also must have at least 25,000 followers and be streaming gaming content several times a week.
Once approved for the program, gaming creators get access to monetization features like Subscriber Groups and Facebook Stars virtual goods. Fans can pay a monthly fee to get exclusive access and content through Subscriber Groups. They can also pay to send virtual Stars as a way to support their favorite gaming streamers.
Facebook Gaming Level Up Program
In 2021, Facebook launched an invite-only program called Level Up. This program gives elite gaming creators access to even more monetization features.
Participants in the Level Up program get a dedicated Facebook partner manager. They also get early access to new gaming creator tools and features. For example, some creators in the Level Up program can allow gifting, where fans pay to send virtual gifts during live streams.
Sponsorships and Brand Deals
Popular gaming creators may earn additional money through sponsorships and brand deals related to their videos. For example, a gaming channel might promote a particular brand’s products for a sponsored video. Or they might participate in a brand campaign around a specific game launch.
Gaming creators with a large and engaged audience can attract significant sponsorship deals and partnerships on Facebook. These types of deals provide another revenue stream beyond ad revenue sharing.
Donations and Tipping
Fans of gaming creators may choose to directly support them through one-time donations or monthly tips. Facebook has donation features to allow this type of direct financial support.
With Facebook Stars, fans can purchase packages of virtual goods to tip streamers during live gameplay. There are also third-party services like PayPal or Patreon that creators can link to their Facebook page for donations.
Selling Merchandise
Some popular gaming creators make money by selling branded merchandise to fans. This can include things like T-shirts, hats, mugs, or other collectible items.
Facebook provides integrations with third-party merchandising platforms like Spring and Teespring. Creators can easily set up an online merch store accessible to their Facebook fans.
Leveraging Facebook Features
Here are some tips gaming creators can use to maximize their earnings potential on Facebook:
- Optimize videos for discoverability. Use strong metadata, titles, and intros so the Facebook algorithm recommends your content.
- Engage fans regularly with Q&As, behind-the-scenes footage, and other extras.
- Collaborate with other gaming creators for cross-promotion opportunities.
- Use Facebook analytics to assess which videos perform best and give fans more of that content.
- Consider boosting higher-performing videos as Facebook ads to expand your audience.
Summary
In summary, while Facebook does not directly pay creators to post gaming videos, there are many avenues available for monetization:
- In-stream ads and ad revenue sharing programs
- Subscriptions and virtual tipping programs
- Sponsorships and brand partnership deals
- Direct donations from fans
- Selling branded merchandise
By leveraging these options and building an engaged audience, gaming creators can generate significant earnings from their content on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can you make from Facebook gaming videos?
The amount of money gaming creators earn from Facebook varies widely depending on factors like viewership, fan engagement, video length, and more. Some gaming creators may only earn a few dollars per month starting out. Popular creators with millions of engaged fans can make thousands per month or more from their gaming content on Facebook.
What are the requirements to make money from Facebook gaming videos?
To make money directly from Facebook through its monetization programs, creators need to meet certain thresholds for viewership and follower count. For the Facebook Gaming Creator Program, creators need at least 100,000 total minutes watched on gaming videos in the past 60 days and 25,000 followers. Requirements are even higher for the selective Facebook Level Up program.
How do Facebook gaming creators get paid?
Facebook pays creators in its monetization programs through direct deposit on a monthly basis. To get set up for payments, creators need to provide their payment information through Facebook’s monetization dashboard. Other money-making avenues like sponsorships, merchandise sales, and fan donations have their own payment flows.
What types of gaming content work best on Facebook?
Casual mobile gaming videos tend to perform very well on Facebook, as do creative, edited gaming highlight reels. Live streams of popular competitive games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Call of Duty also attract big audiences. In general, gaming content optimized for mobile, with strong thumbnails and titles, will give creators the best chance of being discovered on Facebook.
Can you make money from Facebook gaming videos without a huge audience?
It is possible, but very challenging. While Facebook does not have explicit subscriber requirements for in-stream ads, a small channel likely won’t earn more than a few dollars per month at most. Building a large viewership and following takes time and consistency. Creators need to find ways to grow their audience through cross-promotion, great content, and good metadata before they will see major earnings.
Conclusion
Facebook gaming is a competitive but lucrative niche for video creators. While Facebook itself does not directly pay creators, there are multiple ways for gaming channels to monetize through the platform. With strategic optimization and a loyal fanbase, many gaming creators earn their full-time living from Facebook. Leveraging all the tools available, and providing value to fans, is key to success on Facebook as a gaming content creator.
| Monetization Method | How It Works | Revenue Potential |
|---|---|---|
| In-stream ads | Facebook shares ad revenue from video ads | High for top creators |
| Subscriptions | Fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive content | Medium to high |
| Virtual tipping | Fans pay to send virtual gifts/stars | Low to medium |
| Sponsorships | Paid brand promotions and partnerships | Medium to high |
| Donations | Direct fan donations through Facebook or 3rd parties | Low to medium |
| Merchandise sales | Selling branded merch to fans | Low to medium |