What are the rules for monetization on Facebook?

Facebook provides various options for creators and businesses to monetize their content on the platform. However, Facebook has strict rules and guidelines that must be followed to be eligible for its monetization programs. Understanding these rules is important for anyone looking to earn money from their Facebook presence.

Facebook Monetization Programs

The main monetization programs offered by Facebook include:

• Facebook Ad Breaks – Insert short ads into Facebook videos to earn a portion of the revenue.
• Facebook Reels Play Bonus – Earn bonus payouts for reels content that performs well.
• In-Stream Ads – Show ads before, during or after live videos to earn money.
• In-Stream Video Ads – Monetize on-demand videos the same way as live video.
• Brand Collabs Manager – Connect with brands for sponsored content opportunities.
• Facebook Fan Subscriptions – Let fans subscribe for access to exclusive content.
• Facebook Stars – Earn money when fans send virtual gifts during live videos.
• Facebook Shop – Sell products directly on Facebook.

General Monetization Rules

Here are some general rules for monetizing on Facebook:

• Comply with all Facebook Terms of Service, Community Standards, Partner Monetization Policies, and Branded Content Policies.
• Do not artificially inflate views, likes or shares. Use authentic engagement.
• Provide a quality user experience. Do not overly saturate content with ads.
• Do not incentivize people to view ads or content in any way.
• Clearly disclose sponsored and branded content.
• Do not use sensationalized headlines just to drive clicks.
• Do not post content focused on controversial or tragic events just to make money.
• Do not re-share other creators’ content without proper rights and attribution.

Ad Break Rules

Facebook has specific rules around Ad Break monetization:

• Videos must be at least 3 minutes long.
• Ads can be inserted after 1 minute of watch time, and every 45 to 90 seconds thereafter.
• Only applies to video uploaded natively to Facebook.
• Videos must comply with Facebook’s Community Standards and Ad Policies.
• View counts must come from authentic viewers, not artificial bot or spam views.

Facebook Reels Bonus

Facebook offers bonus payouts for Reels content based on:

• Minimum views and reach thresholds for the reel.
• The overall reel length.
• Having an active Reels Play Bonus contract in the country of views.

Higher bonuses are paid for longer reels that reach wider audiences organically.

In-Stream Ads

Rules for In-Stream Ad monetization include:

• Live videos must be at least 4 minutes to show mid-roll ads.
• On-demand videos require a minimum of 3 minutes for mid-roll ads.
• Only public videos not restricted by age or location are monetizable.
• Videos must comply with Facebook ad policies and community standards.

Stars Payout Rules

With Facebook Stars, creators earn money when fans purchase and send virtual gifts during live videos. Rules include:

• Must have at least 100 active Stars subscribers to earn payouts.
• Stars have fixed values, with current values ranging from $0.01 to $5.00 per star.
• Facebook earns 30% commission from each Star purchase.
• Payouts are made monthly when thresholds are met via direct deposit.

Facebook Shops

Selling physical products in Facebook Shops comes with these rules:

• Shops must abide by Facebook’s Commerce Policies.
• Products sold cannot be illegal or dangerous.
• Facebook prohibits selling prescription pharmaceuticals.
• All required tax information must be provided where applicable.
• Advertising and pricing should not be misleading to customers.

Avoiding Policy Violations

Here are some tips for avoiding policy violations that can get monetization rights revoked:

• Closely review all Facebook monetization policies and stay up-to-date with changes.
• Report any content that may violate Facebook’s rules and have it reviewed.
• Get content pre-approved if you are unsure of policy compliance.
• Block and ban abusive commenters instead of responding with equally abusive language.
• Appeal policy decisions you think may be mistaken or unjustified.

Remaining in good standing is crucial for long-term monetization on Facebook. A single serious violation could lead to permanent loss of monetization privileges.

Monetization Policy Changes

Facebook frequently updates its monetization policies. Some significant recent changes include:

• Increasing minimum length requirements for Ad Break and In-Stream monetization.
• Prohibiting sensational content that capitalizes on tragic events.
• Restricting health misinformation that contradicts guidance from health authorities.
• Requiring creators to enable 2-factor authentication and have confirmed accounts.
• Banning repeatedly sharing debunked and false content.

It is critical to stay updated with Facebook’s Creator page and Creator Studio tools to monitor for policy changes that could impact monetization eligibility.

Appealing Policy Enforcement

If you believe a policy violation decision against your account was made incorrectly, you can appeal through these steps:

1. File an appeal through the Facebook Business Resources Support Page.
2. Clearly explain why you believe the decision was made in error or unfairly.
3. Provide supporting evidence like video footage or documentation.
4. Wait for the appeals team to thoroughly re-review your case.
5. If the violation is overturned, monetization abilities will be reinstated.

Many enforcement decisions are automated, so mistakes can happen. The appeals process gives creators a chance to have a human moderator manually assess their situation for any errors or misjudgments.

Avoiding Content ID Claims

Copyrighted material used in monetized Facebook content may lead to Content ID claims that redirect revenue. To avoid this:

• Only use original content you created or have explicit rights to use.
• When using copyrighted material, make sure its usage falls under fair use provisions.
• Obtain written licenses from content owners when required.
• Dispute any claims made in error or that qualify as fair use.
• Trim copyrighted audio/video segments to the bare minimum needed.

It is better to be cautious and only use the copyrighted content necessary to make your point or commentary.

Blocking Abusive Commenters

Abusive comments can cause approval issues and demonetization if you respond similarly. Instead:

• Moderate comments frequently to catch abusive ones quickly.
• Ban users who repeatedly post abusive or harassing comments.
• Enable comment filters to block profanity and slurs automatically.
• Report truly egregious commenters to Facebook for additional action.
• Avoid responding to abuse with equally abusive language.

Do not let attacks bait you into responding in a way that violates Facebook’s rules. Block and ignore those kinds of commenters instead.

Securing Accounts

Protecting your Facebook accounts helps prevent malicious actions that could impact monetization. Steps to take include:

• Use a strong, unique password for all Facebook accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication and login approvals.
• Be cautious of suspicious login emails or password reset requests.
• Revoke access from any unknown or unused apps/devices.
• Monitor account activity and notifications for suspicious behavior.

A hacked account can post content that gets accounts suspended and leads to demonetization. Keep accounts locked down tight.

Conclusion

Facebook provides excellent monetization opportunities, but only for creators who carefully follow the platform’s rules. By staying compliant with all policies, regularly reviewing updates, securing accounts, and appealing incorrectly imposed penalties, Facebook can become a valuable revenue stream.