Instagram Reels is a new video feature by Instagram that allows users to record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects and creative tools. It is similar to TikTok and allows users to showcase their creativity through short videos. Many Indian users have started using Reels extensively since its launch in India in July 2020. This has raised the question – does Instagram pay you money for Reels in India?
The short answer is – Yes, Instagram does pay money for Reels in India through its Instagram Reels Bonus Program. Under this program, eligible Indian creators can earn money based on the engagement and views their reels receive. The bonus amounts may range from a few hundred rupees to lakhs of rupees per month based on the views and engagement metrics.
Who is Eligible for the Instagram Reels Bonus Program in India?
To be eligible for the Instagram Reels bonus program in India, you must:
- Have an Instagram account and be a resident of India
- Post original content and comply with Instagram’s recommended community guidelines
- Have at least 10,000 followers on Instagram
- Have posted at least 5 Reels in the last 30 days
- The Reels must have a certain level of engagement and views as per criteria set by Instagram
So in summary, Indian Instagram creators with over 10k followers who regularly post engaging Reels can monetize their content. Brand accounts are not eligible currently.
How Do the Instagram Reels Bonuses Work?
Instagram calculates the bonus amount for each Reel based on its engagement and viewership. The metrics considered include:
- Views
- Likes
- Comments
- Shares
- Saves
- Accounts Reached
Reels with higher engagement and wider reach will earn more. Instagram keeps changing these metrics periodically. The minimum monetary bonus threshold is also not officially announced.
Once you cross the minimum bonus threshold per month, you can withdraw your earnings via bank transfer. Instagram may ask you to submit your PAN and bank details.
How Much Money Do Top Indian Creators Earn from Instagram Reels?
As Instagram does not reveal the exact payment structure, earnings depend majorly on the creator’s followers, content quality and engagement. Some indicative earnings of top Indian creators are:
- nidhhi-ag (@nidhi-ag) – Rs. 75,000 per reel
- themasterreel (@themasterreel) – Rs. 1 lakh per month
- iambanita (@iambanita) – Rs. 30,000 per month
- ishitasethii (@ishitasethii) – Rs. 20,000 per reel
Top creators with millions of followers can earn several lakhs per month. While mid-size and nano influencers may earn in the range of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month.
5 Tips to Earn More Money from Instagram Reels in India
Here are some tips Indian creators can use to maximize their earnings from Instagram Reels:
- Post Reels consistently and keep testing new content types
- Leverage trends, music, effects to increase views and engagement
- Cross-promote your Reels across Instagram feed, stories and IGTV
- Respond to comments and engage with your audience
- Analyze your top performing Reels and make more of that content
The Instagram algorithm favors accounts that post fresh, entertaining and trending content regularly. So keep experimenting until you crack the formula!
Pros of Earning Money from Instagram Reels
Some major benefits creators get from monetizing Reels are:
- Earn steady income in a creative way
- Get recognized for good content
- Grow your followers and engagement
- Build your personal brand on Instagram
- Showcase skills and talent to brands for sponsorship
For many talented Indian creators, Reels provides a solid monetization avenue without too much effort. If the content is engaging, the earnings can surpass even 1 million views a month.
Cons of Earning from Instagram Reels
However, there are some potential challenges to keep in mind:
- Very competitive space, constantly need fresh concepts
- Income fluctuates based on views and Instagram metrics
- Need to post frequently and consistently
- Instagram algorithm changes may affect reach and earnings
- Taxation rules still being worked out
As Reels gains popularity, more creators hop in making it competitive to get noticed. The algorithm can be unpredictable. So earnings will likely fluctuate.
Reels vs Ad Monetization for Indian Instagrammers
Besides Reels bonus, Indian creators also have the option to monetize through Instagram’s Creator Account program. This allows displaying ads in your feed and stories. Key differences are:
- Reels – Earn for each reel based on views and engagement
- Ads – Earn monthly income based on overall account performance
- Reels – Bonuses for short entertaining videos
- Ads – Earn from all content types like feed, stories, IGTV
- Reels – Available for 10k+ creators
- Ads – Only for content creators with 1 lakh+ followers
For most mid-size creators, Reels offers the fastest way to start earning. Top creators can leverage both Reels and creator ads to maximize their Instagram income.
Future of Instagram Reels Monetization in India
The popularity of short form video has exploded after TikTok’s ban in India. Instagram wants to own this space now. We can expect Reels to get more promotion and payouts to attract creators.
Instagram may also roll out some of these additional monetization options soon:
- In-app tipping and gifting by followers
- Shopping and affiliate opportunities
- Subscription for exclusive content
- Stickers and filters sponsorship
- Increasing bonus metrics beyond just views and engagement
The future looks promising for Indian creators to turn this into a mainstream source of income and build their brands on Reels.
Summarizing the Key Takeaways
To conclude:
- Yes, Instagram does pay Indian creators for Reels under its bonus program
- To earn you need 10k+ followers and post engaging Reels frequently
- Top creators can earn lakhs based on views and engagement
- Leverage trends, effects, consistency to maximize earnings
- Reels provides a new avenue to earn without too much effort
- More monetization options coming to make it mainstream income
So Indian creators must leverage Instagram Reels to earn steady income, grow their followers and find sponsorships. With the right strategy, Reels can become a significant source of income and influence.