There are a few common reasons why monetization may be disabled on your Facebook page or profile:
You violated Facebook’s monetization policies
Facebook has strict policies around what types of content and pages can be monetized. If you violated one of these policies, Facebook may disable monetization as a penalty. Some of the most common monetization policy violations include:
- Posting excessive clickbait content
- Using sensationalist headlines or covers to drive clicks
- Promoting false information, scams, or misinformation
- Spamming or artificially inflating distribution
- Violating Facebook’s Community Standards policies
If you receive a notice from Facebook that you violated a policy, you should review the policies carefully and ensure your content complies moving forward. Appealing the decision can potentially get your monetization restored.
Your page was mistakenly flagged
Facebook uses automated systems to detect policy violations and disable monetization. Sometimes these systems can make mistakes and flag pages that are not actually in violation. This is more likely to happen if your content deals with sensitive or controversial topics.
If you believe your page was incorrectly flagged, you can appeal the decision through Facebook’s Help Center. Explain clearly why you believe it was a mistake and make your case for restoring monetization.
Your page is not eligible for monetization
In order to monetize with Facebook, your page or profile needs to meet certain eligibility requirements:
- You must have a Facebook page, not just a profile
- Your page must represent a business, brand, organization or public figure
- You need at least 10,000 lifetime page followers
- Your page must be at least 1 month old
- Your page cannot promote adult content, illegal activities, etc.
If your page does not meet these basic criteria, you will not be able to monetize regardless of your content. Focus on growing your audience and converting to a page before reapplying.
Your account is in bad standing
Monetization is considered a privilege by Facebook, not a right. If your broader account is in bad standing due to policy violations, unpaid bills, or other issues, Facebook may revoke your monetization privileges.
To restore your account, you will need to resolve whatever issue got you into bad standing. This may involve paying off outstanding bills, removing policy-violating content, or completing a probation period.
You do not have an Ad Break selected
In order to earn money through Facebook monetization, you need to have an Ad Break selected for eligible videos. Ad Breaks are opt-in, so you need to manually check the box in your video settings to enable them.
If your monetization is approved but you aren’t earning anything, double check that you have Ad Breaks enabled for your videos. You can select the mid-roll and post-roll options for videos over 3 minutes in length.
Your content is not advertiser-friendly
Facebook needs to be able to match your videos and posts with relevant, willing advertisers in order to monetize your content. If your content is considered controversial, inappropriate for brands, or not brand-safe, there may not be suitable ad matches available.
Try creating some more benign content focused on interests, hobbies, humor, or viral topics. This type of mainstream content tends to attract more advertiser matches.
You do not meet the verification requirements
To monetize with Facebook, you need to verify your identity by submitting government-issued ID and pass an additional review process. This ensures people are not impersonating public figures or brands.
If your monetization was rejected due to lack of verification, submit all required documentation and wait for Facebook to review. Verification can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks in some cases.
Your viewership is too low or restricted
In order to be approved for monetization, your content needs to maintain sufficient viewership and reach. If you have a very small audience or limited reach, Facebook may determine there is insufficient opportunity to monetize.
Try expanding your audience by promoting your posts, using viral content formats, and collaborating with influencers or brands to increase your overall viewership and exposure.
Your account is too new
Facebook does not allow brand new accounts to immediately monetize their reach. This is to prevent exploitation by spammers and scammers.
Typically you need to have an established account and audience before applying to monetize. Build up your profile and following for 1-2 months before reapplying for the best chance of success.
You are in a non-supported region
Facebook monetization is only available to publishers located in certain approved countries and regions. If you live in a country not supported by Facebook’s monetization program, you will not be eligible.
Facebook is continually expanding its monetization program, so your region may be added in the future. You can stay updated on eligibility by checking Facebook’s monetization policies.
What to do if your Facebook monetization is disabled
If your Facebook monetization gets disabled, here are some steps you can take:
- Carefully review Facebook’s monetization policies and ensure your content is compliant.
- Remove any policy-violating posts or content that could have triggered the disable.
- Appeal the decision through Facebook’s Help Center and explain why you believe it was incorrect.
- If your appeal is rejected, lay low for 30 days before requesting a review to get re-enabled.
- Boost your page following and engagement during the disabled period so you’re ready when monetization is restored.
- Diversify your monetization strategies beyond Facebook alone, such as affiliate links, selling merchandise, etc.
- Improve the quality of your content and production value to increase brand safety and advertiser interest when back.
With persistence, making the necessary adjustments, and adhering closely to Facebook’s policies, many publishers are able to regain their monetization privileges after being initially disabled. Be patient, make positive changes, and appeal reasonably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my Facebook monetization disabled automatically?
The most common reasons Facebook automatically disables monetization are posting excessive clickbait, using sensationalist headlines and covers, violating Community Standards policies, and artificially inflating distribution. Their automated systems scan for these policy violations and take down monetization as a penalty.
How long does it take for Facebook monetization approval?
If you meet all eligibility requirements, Facebook typically reviews and approves monetization access within 1-2 weeks. The verification process can add an additional 2 days to 2 weeks depending on how responsive you are providing required documentation.
What happens when your Facebook monetization is disabled?
When your Facebook monetization is disabled, you immediately stop earning any revenue from your Facebook content through ads, fan subscriptions, and badge sales. Your page remains public, but monetization features are suspended until the privilege is restored.
Can you reapply for Facebook monetization after being declined?
Yes, you can reapply for Facebook monetization after initially being declined if you address the reasons for rejection. However, you typically need to wait 30 days after rejection before submitting another application to allow time to make improvements.
How many followers do you need to monetize Facebook?
To be eligible to monetize your Facebook page, you need a minimum of 10,000 lifetime page followers. However, having more followers improves your chances and provides more monetization opportunities.
Conclusion
Having your Facebook monetization shut off can be frustrating, but is usually reversible. By taking the time to understand Facebook’s advertiser-friendly content policies, diversifying your monetization strategies, and appealing reasonably, many publishers can resume earning revenue from their Facebook presence. Persistence and adherence to best practices will give you the best shot at regaining your monetization privileges.