Instagram started paying bonuses to creators for posting engaging Reels back in 2020. The amount paid out depends on the engagement and views each Reel gets. Instagram evaluates the performance of each Reel post after 7 days and pays a bonus to the creator’s account if it meets certain engagement thresholds. The bonus amount varies but can be anywhere from a few cents to hundreds of dollars per Reel.
How the Instagram Reels bonus program works
Here are some key things to know about how Instagram pays bonuses for Reels:
- Instagram evaluates the performance of a Reel 7 days after it is posted. They look at metrics like views, likes, comments, saves, shares, etc.
- Reels that meet certain engagement thresholds are eligible for a bonus payout from Instagram.
- The bonus amount depends on the level of engagement. More popular reels get higher bonuses.
- Bonuses are paid out directly to the creator’s Instagram account.
- Bonuses are paid every month on a rolling basis as Reels meet the engagement criteria.
- Instagram may change the bonus criteria and payout amounts over time as the program evolves.
So in summary, Instagram pays reel bonuses about 7 days after a reel is posted if it drives enough engagement. Bonus payments are made monthly into your Instagram account.
How much do Instagram Reels bonuses pay
It’s difficult to pin down exact payout numbers, but here are some estimates based on reports from creators:
- Reels with lower engagement may get $0.01 – $0.10 per view
- Moderately engaging Reels can get $0.02 – $0.20 per view
- Very engaging Reels can get $0.03 – $0.30+ per view
So for example, if you had a Reel with 50,000 views that was moderately engaging, you may get around $1,000-$10,000 in bonus. For a Reel with 5 million views, the bonus could be anywhere from $100,000 to $1.5 million+.
Again, Instagram does not disclose the exact criteria or payout figures. But in general, the more views and engagement your Reels drive, the higher your bonus payouts will be.
Tips to earn more Reels bonuses
Here are some tips creators can use to try and maximize their Instagram Reels bonuses:
- Post High-Quality Reels. Well produced, interesting Reels tend to get more engagement.
- Use Popular Music or Audio. Reels with trending audio or music often perform better.
- Optimize Hashtags. Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags that help discovery.
- Encourage Comments. Ask viewers questions or prompt comments in the caption.
- Post Consistently. The more reels you post, the more chances for bonuses.
- Check Insights. See which Reel types and topics resonate best with your audience.
- Promote Outside Instagram. Share your reels on other platforms to drive more views.
- Use Instagram Ads. Run ads promoting your best performing reels to boost views.
While bonuses are never guaranteed, using strategies like these can help creators maximize their chances of earning. But most importantly, focus on posting Reels that your audience finds entertaining or useful.
Do all Instagram accounts get Reels bonuses
No, not all Instagram accounts are eligible for the Reels bonus program. Here are some requirements your account must meet:
Public Account – Your Instagram profile must be public, not private.
No Violations – Your account must follow Instagram’s community guidelines.
Original Content – Reused or copied content is not eligible.
1000+ Followers – Your account needs at least 1000 followers.
Location Access – Instagram needs your location/country info.
Business and creator accounts have the best chance at qualifying. Regular personal profiles likely need a strong following and high engagement rates to get bonuses.
Instagram also considers the overall quality of your content, posting habits, follower authenticity, and other factors in determining bonus eligibility.
How and when are Reels bonuses paid out
Instagram does not pay out Reels bonuses immediately after a Reel is posted. Here is the general process and timeline:
- You post an engaging, high-quality Reel on Instagram.
- For the next 7 days, your Reel accumulates views, likes, comments, shares, etc.
- After 7 days, Instagram evaluates the engagement metrics and determines if it meets the bonus criteria.
- If eligible, your bonus amount is calculated based on number of views and engagement.
- The bonus is added to your “Instagram Reels Bonus Balance.”
- The bonus balance accumulates as more Reels meet the criteria over the month.
- Around the end of each calendar month, your full bonus balance is paid into your linked bank account.
So the entire process from posting a Reel to getting the bonus can take around 30 days. The exact payment date varies but is usually end of month.
Bonuses are direct deposited into your connected bank account or third-party payment platform. You must have a linked payment method set up in your Instagram monetization settings to claim bonuses.
Why am I not getting any Reels bonuses
If you’ve been posting Reels but have not received any bonus payments, here are some potential reasons why:
- Don’t Meet Minimum Followers/Engagement – Instagram may require your account to have at least 1000 followers and consistently high engagement rates across posts.
- Content Restrictions – Reused content from other sources is not eligible. Also avoid banned content in Reels.
- Primarily Use Hashtags From Blocked Regions – Getting most views via hashtags from banned regions like Cuba or Crimea can restrict monetization.
- Violate Community Guidelines – Make sure your Reels do not include prohibited content in Instagram’s guidelines.
- Haven’t Linked Payment Method – You need to connect a payment account in the Instagram app to claim bonuses.
- Waiting for Evaluation Period – It takes about 7 days after posting for bonuses to be calculated and added.
- Need More Views – Your Reels may not be getting enough views or engagement yet to qualify for bonuses.
Check that your account and content meet Instagram’s guidelines. Give your Reels time to accumulate views. And keep experimenting to create content your audience loves. Over time, as your views and engagement improve, your chances of earning bonuses should increase.
Appealing Rejected Reels Bonuses
If you believe Instagram wrongly rejected one of your Reels for a bonus, you can try submitting an appeal:
- In the Instagram app, go to your profile and tap on the menu button in the top right.
- Select “Settings” then “Account”>
- Go to “Monetization” > “Reels Bonus” > “Learn More”.
- Tap the “Appeal Rejected Reels Bonus” button.
- Select the specific Reel(s) you want to appeal.
- Input your reasoning and any evidence supporting why Instagram should re-evaluate the Reel.
- Submit your appeal. Instagram will review your information.
- You will receive an emailed response on whether your appeal was approved or rejected after review.
Key tips for successful appeals:
- Only appeal rejections you believe were clear mistakes – don’t waste appeals on borderline cases.
- Be professional and constructive in your reasoning and evidence.
- If rejected again, focus efforts on creating better performing content vs appealing repeatedly.
With well-reasoned, evidence-backed appeals, you may be able to overturn wrongly rejected bonuses in some cases. But don’t make appeals a habit – strive to create Reels within Instagram’s guidelines.
Reels Bonuses for Business and Creator Accounts
To maximize Reels monetization, setting up an Instagram business or creator account is recommended. Here are some key advantages:
More Monetization Options – Business/creator accounts get access to Instagram ad revenue sharing, badges, and more bonus programs.
Dedicated Account Management – Get help optimizing your content strategy and troubleshooting issues.
Analytics – View detailed data on your posts and followers to inform content creation.
Branded Content Tools – Properly tag and disclose paid brand partnerships.
Switching to a business or creator account takes just a few taps in your Instagram profile settings. It unlocks more monetization features beyond just Reels bonuses.
Brands and larger creators often see the best results using Instagram’s full suite of money-making tools – including Reels bonuses, affiliate links, sponsorships, shoppable content, and more.
Reels Bonuses vs Ad Revenue Sharing
Instagram offers creators two main ways to earn money directly on the platform:
Reels Bonuses – One-time payouts based on views and engagement on qualifying Reels.
Ad Revenue Sharing – Creators earn a cut of the ad revenue earned from their IGTV videos and long-form Reels.
Reels bonuses provide fast upfront payouts but are one-time payments. Ad revenue sharing pays out monthly and can provide more stable long-term earnings as your audience and views scale up.
Many creators leverage both programs as part of their Instagram monetization strategy. Reels bonuses offer a quick way to get paid for viral short videos. Ad revenue sharing rewards creators that consistently publish high-quality long-form video content.
Taxes on Instagram Reels Bonuses
Any Reels bonus payments you receive from Instagram are considered taxable income. This means you are responsible for reporting these earnings and paying any taxes owed.
Here are some key things to know about taxes on Instagram bonuses:
- Instagram does not automatically deduct taxes from bonus payments.
- You must report Instagram bonuses as “other income” on your tax return.
- The bonuses are taxed based on your ordinary income tax rate.
- You may get a 1099 tax form from Instagram if your total annual bonuses exceed $600.
- Keep records of all bonus payments earned each year to calculate taxes.
- Consult a tax professional to ensure you are properly accounting for all earnings.
Even if bonuses are paid into your Instagram account, they represent taxable earnings you must account for. Carefully tracking bonuses and integrating tax planning into your content strategy is crucial.
The Future of Instagram Reels Bonuses
Instagram is constantly evaluating and evolving all their creator monetization programs, including Reels bonuses.
Potential changes in the future may include:
- Higher minimum engagement thresholds as more creators compete for bonuses.
- Introduction of tiers with bigger payouts for top-performing Reels.
- Premium bonuses for creators that exclusively post original content on Instagram.
- Customized bonus criteria based on creator niche and audience demographics.
- Access to additional Instagram analytics to optimize for bonuses.
- Requirements around minimum video length or use of interactive stickers.
While the details remain fluid, the core goal of rewarding creators for driving engagement will likely remain. Adapting content strategies as programs change and jumping on new opportunities quickly will be key.
Committed creators that consistently make content their audiences love both on Reels and across Instagram have the best long-term outlook to earn and build loyal, monetizable follower bases over time.