Update from Instagram:
“On March 9, 2023, we stopped extending new and renewed Reels Play deals on Instagram in the US and India. We will honor the existing Instagram Reels Play deals until they expire.”
Instagram Reels is a feature on Instagram that allows users to create and share short videos. Many people wonder if they can earn money by creating Reels. The short answer is yes, Instagram does offer monetization options for Reels.
Instagram Reels Bonuses
Instagram launched the Reels Bonus program in 2020 as a way to incentivize creators to use Reels. This program offers cash bonuses to creators whose Reels perform well. To be eligible, your account must be public and must meet certain thresholds for views and engagement on your Reels.
Instagram evaluates Reels content and may offer a bonus between $100 to $10,000. The bonuses are based on the performance of individual Reels, not your overall account. So even creators with smaller followings can earn bonuses for creating content that resonates with the Instagram audience.
You don’t have to apply for the bonuses. If your Reels are eligible, Instagram will notify you through the app and allow you to provide payment details. The bonuses are sent out every month for the previous month’s top-performing Reels. The program is currently invite-only but Instagram plans to open it up more broadly.
Reels Play Bonus
In addition to one-time Reels bonuses, Instagram also offers a long-term monetization program called Reels Play Bonus.
Creators can earn payouts based on the total public views of their qualifying Reels over the previous 30 days.
To join Reels Play, your account must have at least 10,000 followers and must meet a threshold for views in the last 60 days.
Instagram will invite eligible creators to enroll. Once enrolled, you can start earning money as views come in on your public and original Reels content.
The bonus paid per view varies based on region and content, but estimates range from $0.01 to $0.03 per view.
Payouts are sent monthly via Meta Pay once you cross the $100 minimum threshold.
Reels Ads
Instagram Reels also offers monetization through ads, just like feed posts and Stories. If your account is eligible for in-stream ads, you can earn money when ads play in between people viewing your Reels.
To be eligible, your account must be public, must meet certain followers thresholds, and must not violate any content policies.
Instagram will review accounts and invite those qualified to monetize with Reels ads.
The ad earnings rate varies based on region, content, engagement levels, and other factors.
On average, influencers report earnings between $0.01 and $0.03 per view on Reels ads.
Branded Content Partnerships
Another way for influencers to monetize Reels is through sponsored content and brand partnerships.
Many brands are eager to work with creators who have an engaged following and proven track record creating viral Reels.
You can pitch brands directly or work with a company that connects influencers and brands. Rates vary greatly depending on your niche, reach, and engagement levels. Micro and nano influencers often charge a few hundred dollars per sponsored Reels post.
When promoting brands in your Reels, make sure to follow FTC guidelines requiring clear disclosure of paid partnerships.
Affiliate Links
Adding affiliate links to your Reels captions is another potential monetization strategy. Affiliate marketing programs like rewardStyle allow you to earn a commission when users purchase from links you share.
Choose affiliate products related to your content and audience. Make sure to follow FTC disclosure guidelines when including affiliate links in your Reels or bio.
How to Maximize Your Reels Earnings
While Instagram provides monetization opportunities, earning substantial income from Reels requires consistency, strategy, and persistence. Here are some tips to maximize your Reels monetization:
- Analyze trending sounds, songs, hashtags, and effects and make timely Reels incorporating what’s popular.
- Engage with your audience in comments and through collaborations with other creators.
- Post high-quality Reels regularly, at least a few times per week.
- Use relevant hashtags so your content is discoverable.
- Consider promoting high-performing Reels through Instagram Ads Manager.
- Download your Reels insights to identify your top-performing content.
- Partner with relevant brands as an influencer or affiliate.
- Link to your other social media, website, or products in your Reels captions.
- Cross-promote your top Reels across other platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Reels Monetization Requirements
To access Instagram’s various Reels monetization programs, accounts must meet certain benchmarks. Here are the current eligibility requirements:
Reels Bonuses
- Public account
- No access restrictions based on age or location
- Accumulate a certain threshold of views and engagement on Reels over 30 days
Reels Play Bonus
- Public account
- 10,000+ followers
- Meet thresholds for views and engagement over 60 days
Reels Ads
- Public account
- Certain follower threshold depending on niche (typically 1,000+ followers)
- Sufficient views and engagement on Reels
Instagram evaluates accounts regularly and may invite those meeting requirements to join these programs. Consistently creating engaging Reels that perform well can help you qualify.
Do Businesses Get Paid for Reels?
Yes, business and brand accounts can also monetize their Instagram Reels in similar ways as individual creators.
Brands may be eligible for the Reels Bonus program based on viewership of branded content Reels. Instagram Reels ads allow brands to promote products directly within Reels and target interested users.
Sponsoring influencer content via paid Reels collaborations can generate strong ROI for brands. Instagram Shop adds ecommerce functionality so brands can drive product sales directly from Reels.
The same best practices like using hashtags, engaging followers, and analyzing data apply to brands wanting to maximize Reels success.
How Much Do Top Creators Earn?
Earnings potential varies greatly depending on account size and engagement. Nano influencers with under 5,000 followers earn an estimated $30-$150 per sponsored Reel. Micro influencers with 5,000-50,000 followers typically earn around $150-$500.
Larger creators can earn even more per Reel. Some top creators with 1 million+ followers and high engagement report earning anywhere from $1,500-$10,000+ per sponsored Reel. Reels bonuses also scale up significantly for accounts with millions of followers.
One creator claims to have earned $80,000 in total Reels bonuses over 8 months. These high earners treat content creation as a full-time job and post highly optimized Reels multiple times per day.
Tips for Creating Money-Making Reels
Not all Reels perform equally. To consistently earn from your content, focus on creating Reels that grab attention and generate engagement.
Here are some best practices:
- Use trending audio and popular meme formats.
- Show off an interesting skill, talent, or tutorial.
- Share humor, jokes, or viral challenges.
- Feature interesting visuals, locations, editing, and effects.
- Collaborate with others in your niche.
- Highlight your personality and lifestyle.
- Time posts to align with peak audience hours.
- Use strategic hashtags in captions to increase discoverability.
- Engage with your audience through polls, Q&As, and comments.
- Share behind-the-scenes clips that offer value.
While trends and memes can work, creative and original content tailored to your niche tends to perform best long-term.
High-quality production value also helps your Reels stand out.
Reels Content Restrictions
To maintain brand safety for advertisers, Instagram places some restrictions around monetizable Reels content. Guidelines prohibit:
- Violence, gore, harassment, hate speech, etc.
- Nudity or sexually suggestive content.
- Promotion of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or adult products.
- Misinformation, illegal or dangerous activity promotions.
- Infringing on intellectual property rights.
- Excessive profanity.
Reels not adhering to content policies and community guidelines will not be eligible to earn bonuses or ad revenue. Brand partnerships may also shy away from controversial or provocative content.
Strategies to Earn More Money on Instagram
While Reels open up new monetization opportunities, you can employ other tactics to earn from your Instagram presence:
Leverage link in bio: Drive traffic to your other monetized platforms like YouTube, affiliate links, online courses, etc.
Promote products and services: Share links directly to products or services you offer.
Sell merchandise: Create and promote custom branded merch for your followers.
Enable Instagram Shopping: Tag products from your online store to enable direct checkout.
Unlock subscriber features: Offer exclusive content or experiences to paid subscribers.
Cross-promote: Repurpose engaging Reels content onto other platforms.
Collaborate with brands: Partner with relevant brands as an influencer to create sponsored content.
A comprehensive monetization strategy utilizes your entire Instagram presence, not just Reels. Use multiple revenue streams for the best financial results.
Reels Insights to Track Performance
Instagram provides data and insights about the performance of your Reels, accessible within the app. Viewing this data can help you identify your best-performing content.
Key Reels metrics to analyze include:
- Views
- Likes
- Comments
- Saves
- Shares
- Audience retention
- Traffic sources
Compare metrics on your top Reels to spot patterns in captions, visuals, sounds, hashtags or filters that tend to resonate most. This can inform the type of content to create more of. Frequent analysis of performance data is key to success.
Reels vs TikTok
Instagram Reels draws heavy inspiration from the success of TikTok. Key similarities include:
- Vertical video format.
- Video clip splicing and editing.
- Audio and music integration.
- AR filters and effects.
- The “For You” feed with algorithmic recommendations.
A key difference is that Reels leverages Instagram’s existing platform strengths like profiles, followers, and influencer culture. For creators already active on Instagram, Reels provides a new format to reach followers without starting from scratch.
The Future of Instagram Reels Monetization
Instagram is continuously evolving and expanding monetization opportunities. Over time, we can expect them to:
- Open Reels bonuses, ads, and gifts to more creators.
- Increase payout rates as Reels engagement grows.
- Add new programs like subscriber-only Reels and gifts from fans.
- Launch Reels-specific analytics to optimize content.
- Build direct cross-promotion options into Reels creation.
- Let fans tip creators or buy products without leaving Instagram.
While Reels is still a new and growing format, Instagram is investing heavily in creator monetization programs. Consistently creating quality Reels as an early adopter positions you for future financial opportunities.
Issues About Making Money on Instagram Reels
How much do you get paid for 1 million Reels views?
There is no universal CPM rate for Reels views. With bonuses, influencers report average earnings of $100-$200 for 1 million views. With Reels ads, average earnings are $10-$30 for 1 million views.
How many views do you need to get paid on Reels?
There is no view threshold to get paid for Reels. Bonuses are based on performance of individual Reels. Ad revenue and Reels Play bonuses are based on total public views over specified time periods.
Do Instagram Reels pay you for likes?
Instagram doesn’t directly pay creators for likes on Reels. However, bonuses and ad rates are higher for Reels with more likes and engagement. Likes indicate content quality, driving up potential earnings.
How much do you get for 100k views on Reels?
For 100k views on Reels, potential earnings include:
- Reels Bonus: $100 – $500
- Reels Play: $1 – $3
- Reels Ads: $1 – $3
So total earnings for 100k Reels views likely range from $100 – $1000. Top bonuses exceed $0.01 per view.
Do you have to pay taxes on Instagram bonuses?
Yes, Instagram bonuses are considered taxable income. You are responsible for reporting Reels earnings and paying applicable federal and state taxes.
Instagram provides a variety of ways for creators to monetize their Reels content.
While earnings potential exists, building a sustainable income from Reels requires consistency, high-quality content, strategic optimization, and diligent tracking of performance data.
As Reels continues to gain popularity, Instagram is expected to unlock more and more monetization opportunities for content creators.