Facebook offers various ways for users to earn money directly through its platform. However, knowing when you will get paid by Facebook depends on the specific monetization program you are using.
Facebook Ad Revenue Sharing
One way to earn money directly from Facebook is through their Ad Revenue Sharing program. This allows video creators and publishers to earn a cut of the ad revenue from ads displayed alongside their videos or articles. Ad revenue sharing only applies to in-stream ads on Facebook Watch videos or display ads on Instant Articles. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a Facebook partner with access to monetization tools
- Meet the platform-specific eligibility requirements for Instant Articles or in-stream ads
- Comply with Facebook’s monetization policies
Facebook pays out earnings from ad revenue sharing on a monthly basis. However, there is a minimum payment threshold you must reach first. For Facebook Watch videos, you must earn at least $300 in estimated ad earnings before you will receive your first payment. For Instant Articles, the minimum payout is $100. Once you cross that threshold, you will be paid monthly around the 15th of each month for your accumulated estimated earnings from the previous month.
Facebook Stars
Facebook Stars allows fans to support their favorite video creators by purchasing and sending virtual goods called “Stars” during Facebook Live streams. Fans can buy Stars in bundles, with each Star equaling 1 cent that goes to the creator. Facebook pays out earnings from Stars on a monthly basis around the 15th of each month. However, creators must reach a $100 minimum payout threshold before receiving their first payment.
Facebook Gaming Creator Monetization
Gaming creators who stream on Facebook can earn money through ads and virtual Stars. For in-stream ads on gaming live streams, creators are paid on the same monthly schedule and $300 minimum threshold as other Facebook Watch videos. For Stars sent during live gaming streams, creators must reach a $300 minimum threshold before their first payout, which is higher than the threshold for other video Stars.
Facebook Reels Play Bonus Program
Facebook offers some creators bonus payments for posting Reels content meeting certain eligibility criteria. To qualify for bonus pay, Reels must be at least 30 seconds long, be original content, and comply with Facebook’s partner monetization policies. Creators can earn bonuses between $300 and $3500 per reel based on views and engagement. Facebook issues bonus payments monthly on or around the 15th of each month.
Facebook Paid Online Events
Facebook allows creators to host paid online events through Facebook Live videos or Facebook Groups. Fans must purchase tickets to attend these events live or view replays. Facebook deducts a small fee from each ticket sold and shares the revenue with creators. Payouts are made about 15 days after the end of each month via direct deposit or PayPal for accumulated event earnings from the previous month. There is no minimum payout threshold.
Facebook Fundraisers
Users who create fundraisers for nonprofits and charitable causes can earn a share of the donations raised through Facebook. Fundraiser organizers must register for Facebook Payments and agree to Facebook’s payments terms to receive payouts. Facebook issues payouts for fundraisers about once per month via direct deposit or PayPal. There is no minimum payout threshold.
Facebook Commerce Shops
Retailers can earn money by setting up catalogs and making products available for purchase within Facebook Commerce Shops. Facebook deducts a 5% selling fee from each purchase plus a small payment processing fee per order. Accumulated earnings are paid out around the 15th of each month via direct deposit or PayPal for all approved payouts from the previous month. There is no minimum payout threshold.
When to Contact Facebook About Missing Payments
If you believe you should have received a payout from Facebook through one of their monetization programs but have not, here are some tips on when to reach out:
- Wait until at least 5 business days after the scheduled monthly payout date in case of delays in processing payments.
- Check that you have properly set up a payment method to receive earnings in your account settings.
- Ensure you’ve actually met the minimum payout threshold for that program.
- Review Facebook’s payments policies and terms in case your payment was withheld due to a policy violation.
- If it has been over a week past the payout date and there are no issues on your end, reach out to Facebook’s support team for help.
Tracking Facebook Earnings
Facebook provides monetization analytics within creator studio and commerce manager so you can view estimated earnings and see when you are close to hitting minimum payout thresholds. However, the numbers shown are just estimates. Your actual earnings statement and payment will be sent after the monthly payout date.
Some tips for tracking Facebook earnings:
- Regularly check your estimated earnings and views/engagement metrics in creator studio or commerce manager.
- Make note of when you hit key thresholds for minimum payouts.
- Review your monthly earnings statements when payments are processed.
- Compare estimated to actual earnings and watch for discrepancies.
- Ensure your ad reporting is up to date if you run Facebook ads.
- Use Excel or other software to track your monthly income from Facebook.
Conclusion
Knowing when you will get paid by Facebook requires understanding the payout structure and minimum thresholds for each monetization program. While payment dates are around the 15th of each month, meeting eligibility criteria is key to actually receiving your earnings. Track your estimated earnings, watch for the monthly earnings statements, and follow up if your expected payments are ever missing.