Getting invited to Instagram’s Reels bonus program allows creators to earn additional money for views on Reels. Here’s what you need to know about getting invited and qualifying for the bonus.
What is the Instagram Reels Bonus program?
The Instagram Reels bonus program provides monetary incentives for creators to produce more Reels content. Creators who are invited to the program can earn bonuses based on the views their Reels receive.
Instagram first launched the Reels bonus program in 2020 as a way to incentivize creators to try their new TikTok-like short form video product Reels. They offered creators up to $10,000 per month based on the views their Reels received.
The bonus amounts vary based on region and other factors, but can be a significant source of revenue for qualifying creators. Instagram sees Reels as increasingly important for the future of their platform, so they are heavily investing in this bonus program to get creators onboard.
Who is eligible for the Reels bonus program?
Instagram has not publicly shared the exact criteria they use to determine Reels bonus invites. But based on those who have received invites, here are some common traits of eligible creators:
- Have at least 10,000+ followers on Instagram
- Regularly post engaging Reels content
- Have an authentic, active audience that engages with your content
- Have a history of posting quality content on Instagram feed and stories
- Have an account in good standing, with no violations
- Be located in an eligible country
Essentially, Instagram looks for creators who actively post quality, original content and have an engaged following. They want to reward creators who drive meaningful engagement and shareability with their Reels.
How do you get invited to the Instagram Reels bonus program?
There is no direct way to sign up or apply for the Instagram Reels bonus. Instagram directly invites creators based on an internal analysis of accounts that meet their criteria.
But here are some tips that may help you get noticed and qualify for an invite:
- Post Reels frequently: Posting daily or near-daily Reels shows you are committed to the format.
- Experiment with trends and challenges: Use popular songs, effects and hashtags to make your Reels appealing.
- Engage your audience: Reply to comments, do collaborations and encourage shares to get more eyes on your Reels.
- Analyze performance: Pay attention to which Reels and strategies drive the most views and engagement.
- Optimize your profile: Fill out your bio, profile pic and highlights to look professional.
- Promote your Reels: Share your best Reels across your other social platforms.
- Make it exclusive: Post Reels that people can only see on Instagram to incentivize follows.
Essentially, become a Reels expert and make it a priority on your channel. The more creative, optimized Reels you can post that resonate with your audience, the more likely you are to get an invite.
What are the bonus requirements?
Once invited, creators need to continue posting engaging Reels regularly to qualify for Reels bonuses. Here are the requirements to maintain bonus eligibility:
- Post at least 5 public, original Reels in the previous 30 days
- Maintain community guidelines and platform policies in all posts
- Reels must be at least 30 seconds long
- Have an account in good standing with no violations
Bonus payouts are determined based on views and engagement on Reels posted within the previous 30 days. So creators need to stay active with regular Reels posts to keep earning.
Instagram does not disclose the exact performance benchmarks required to earn specific amounts. But higher view counts, likes, comments and shares will result in higher bonus payouts.
How do you get paid the Reels bonus?
If you qualify for a Reels bonus, you will receive an email from Instagram notifying you of your bonus amount with payment details.
Here is how payment works:
- Bonuses are calculated and paid out monthly. So you need to wait 30+ days to receive your first bonus.
- Bonuses are paid out through direct deposit or PayPal using the payment information associated with your Instagram account.
- An initial holdback payment of 20% is withheld, with that amount paid out 3 months later.
- Payments only go to the individual creator or rights holder of the account.
- Taxes and fees may be deducted from bonus amounts depending on your region.
Be sure your payment information is up to date in your Instagram account settings to receive your bonus successfully. If you do not receive payment within 45 days of the end of a monthly bonus period, you can inquire with Instagram support.
Tips for maximizing your Reels bonus
Here are some additional tips for creators who want to earn as much as possible from the Instagram Reels bonus program:
- Analyze your top performing Reels to identify strategies that resonate most with your audience.
- Stay on top of Reels trends and challenges to tap into what is working well.
- Use optimal video lengths between 30-60 seconds.
- Experiment with different posting times to see when your audience is most active.
- Use relevant hashtags and tag other creators to expand your reach.
- Save your best Reels concepts for Instagram instead of repurposing TikToks.
- Promote your Instagram profile and Reels across your other social platforms.
- Check your bonus progress weekly in Instagram Insights to track growth.
Instagram wants Reels to thrive, so they are heavily incentivizing creators to invest in the feature. Dedicate time specifically to Reels creation and promotion to maximize your bonus payments.
Reels bonus program status
The Reels bonus program is still active as of late 2022 and open to new invites. However, Instagram has cut the maximum potential payout several times as adoption of Reels has grown.
When first launched, the top bonus was $10,000 per month. It was later cut to $5,000 per month and then $3,000 per month in 2022.
Instagram has also introduced a Creator Fund that is open to all creators, separate from the invite-only bonuses. This broader fund pays out bonuses based on Reels engagement, but at lower rates.
It is unclear whether Instagram will continue decreasing Reels bonus amounts or eventually discontinue the invite-only program. For now, it remains a significant opportunity for those who qualify to earn.
Reels monetization alternatives
Even if you do not get invited for the bonus program, there are other ways to monetize your Reels content:
- Instagram Creator Fund – earn bonuses based on Reels engagement at public rates
- Reels ads – earn a cut of the ad revenue from Reels ads placements
- Branded content – collaborate with brands to create sponsored Reels
- Affiliate links – add affiliate links to your profile for sales commissions
- Third party licensing – license your viral Reels to media publishers
- Promote other accounts/products – charge for promotions within your Reels
Leverage all potential monetization avenues and diversify your income streams from Reels content creation. Even without the Instagram bonus, Reels present major opportunities for creators.
Is getting a Reels bonus worth it?
Here are the key pros and cons of pursuing the Instagram Reels bonus:
Pros
- Lucrative payouts for top performers – $1,000s per month possible
- Rewards creators for their best content and incentivizes more
- Helps offset the time investment required for quality Reels
- Gives a competitive advantage to invited creators
- Provides validation and status as an elite Instagram creator
Cons
- Very hard to qualify and maintain invite status
- Need to post high volumes of content consistently
- Payout amounts can fluctuate or decrease over time
- Risk of burnout from pressure to perform
- Bonus requirements may constrain creativity
Weigh your bandwidth for high volume posting against the potential financial upside. For the right disciplined creator, pursuing the bonus can be well worth the effort.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Instagram Reels bonus program:
How much is the Instagram Reels bonus?
Specific bonus amounts are not disclosed publicly. Top performers can earn $1,000s per month. But most will earn far less based on views and engagement rates.
How do I check my Reels bonus progress?
You can view basic Reels metrics like views and likes in Instagram Insights. But exact bonus progress is not shown. You have to wait for the monthly payout email to know your final bonus amount.
Can I lose my Reels bonus access?
Yes, if you violate community guidelines or stop posting consistently, your bonus access can be revoked at any time without notice.
Do all Instagram users have access to the Reels bonus?
No, only creators who receive a special invite directly from Instagram can earn from the bonus program. General users are not eligible.
How many Reels do I need to post to get the bonus?
You need to post at least 5 public, original Reels in the previous 30 days to qualify. But posting daily or more is recommended to maximize your earnings.
Final takeaways
The key to getting invited for the lucrative Instagram Reels bonus program is simply to create the best, most engaging Reels content possible on a consistent basis.
Become a Reels expert, analyze performance closely, promote your Reels widely and Instagram will take notice. Stay persistent, keep optimizing your strategy and the bonus invite could come your way.
While challenging to earn, the Instagram Reels bonus represents a huge opportunity for eligible creators. Put in the work to perfect your Reels game and get rewarded.