How to Get Paid on Instagram in 2026: Complete Monetization Guide
Every way to earn money on Instagram—from Reels bonuses to subscriptions, badges, gifts, and brand partnerships.
Creator Economy Analyst
Last updated: January 30, 2026
Monetization Overview
💰 Key Point
Instagram doesn't have a single "Creator Fund" anymore. Instead, monetization happens through multiple tools: Reels Play Bonus, Subscriptions, Badges, Gifts, and Branded Content. Each has different requirements and earning potential.
In 2026, Instagram offers several ways for creators to earn money directly from the platform:
| Feature | How It Works | Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Reels Play Bonus | Earn based on Reels performance | $50 - $35,000+/month |
| Subscriptions | Fans pay monthly for exclusive content | $0.99 - $99.99/subscriber |
| Live Badges | Viewers buy badges during Lives | $0.99 - $4.99 per badge |
| Gifts (Stars) | Followers send Stars on Reels/Lives | $0.01 per Star received |
| Branded Content | Brand partnerships via Creator Marketplace | $100 - $100,000+ per deal |
⚠️ Payout Requirements
You must connect a payout account (bank account or PayPal) in your Professional Dashboard. Without one, earnings cap at $500 per tool (max $1,500 across three tools), and unclaimed funds must be addressed within 6 months or they're forfeited.
Reels Play Bonus
The Reels Play Bonus is Instagram's primary creator incentive program. Eligible creators earn money based on Reels performance.
How It Works
- • Instagram invites eligible creators
- • Earn based on Reels views and engagement
- • Monthly bonus cycle with performance goals
- • Payments tied to metrics, not fixed CPM
Key Limitations
- • Invitation-only (check Professional Dashboard)
- • Varies widely by region
- • Can be paused or ended at any time
- • Doesn't apply to all content types
Realistic Earnings
Instagram doesn't disclose fixed rates. Creator reports suggest highly variable payouts:
| Performance Tier | Monthly Views | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 100K - 500K views | $50 - $500 |
| Mid-Tier | 500K - 5M views | $500 - $5,000 |
| Top Creators | 5M+ views | $5,000 - $35,000+ |
Learn how to optimize your Reels for maximum views in our Reels Strategy Guide.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions let your biggest fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive content and access. Subscribers get a purple crown badge next to their name.
What Subscribers Get
Subscriber-Only Stories
Subscriber-Only Reels
Exclusive Lives
Subscriber Badge
Subscriber Chats
Early Access Content
Pricing Options
Creators can set their own price point from $0.99 to $99.99/month:
| Price Point | Best For | Expected Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| $0.99 - $2.99 | Building subscriber base, casual fans | Higher volume, lower revenue/sub |
| $4.99 - $9.99 | Most creators, balanced approach | Sweet spot for most niches |
| $14.99 - $99.99 | Premium content, coaching, B2B | Lower volume, higher revenue/sub |
💡 Subscription Strategy
The key to Subscriptions is providing consistent value that's worth renewing. Behind-the-scenes content, direct access via Subscriber Chats, and exclusive tutorials work well. Don't just paywall your best public content—create unique value for subscribers.
Live Badges
During Instagram Lives, viewers can purchase Badges to support you financially. Badges appear as hearts next to their username in comments.
Badge Pricing
$0.99
1 Heart
$1.99
2 Hearts
$4.99
3 Hearts
How to Enable Badges
Go to Professional Dashboard
Select "Set Up Badges"
Connect your payout account
Badges appear automatically in your Lives
Gifts & Stars
Instagram Gifts allow followers to send Stars on your Reels and Live videos. Each Star is worth $0.01 to you.
How Stars Work
- • Followers purchase Stars with real money
- • They can send Stars on eligible Reels/Lives
- • Each Star = $0.01 to you
- • Stars bundle into "Gifts" for visual effect
How to Enable
- • Go to Professional Dashboard
- • Select "Gifts" in monetization tools
- • Connect payout account
- • Eligible Reels show Gift option
💡 Maximizing Gifts
Ask for Gifts naturally during engaging moments. During Lives, acknowledge Star senders by name. On Reels, create content that evokes emotional responses—people gift when they feel connected.
Branded Content & Sponsorships
For most creators, branded content (sponsorships) is the biggest income source. Instagram's Creator Marketplace connects brands with creators for paid partnerships.
Typical Rates by Follower Count
| Creator Tier | Follower Count | Typical Rate/Post |
|---|---|---|
| Nano | 1K - 10K | $10 - $100 |
| Micro | 10K - 50K | $100 - $500 |
| Mid-Tier | 50K - 500K | $500 - $5,000 |
| Macro | 500K - 1M | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Mega | 1M+ | $10,000 - $100,000+ |
Note: Engagement rate matters more than follower count. A 10K account with 10% engagement often earns more than a 100K account with 1% engagement.
🎯 Getting Brand Deals
- • Enable Creator Marketplace in Professional Dashboard
- • Pitch to brands in your niche proactively
- • Build a media kit showcasing your metrics
- • Use the Paid Partnership label for FTC compliance
Eligibility Requirements
All monetization features share core requirements, plus some have additional criteria:
Universal Requirements
Professional Account (Creator or Business)
Switch in Settings → Account → Account Type
18 Years or Older
Compliance with Partner Monetization Policies
Compliance with Community Guidelines
Located in an Eligible Country
Check Professional Dashboard for availability in your region
Feature-Specific Requirements
| Feature | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Reels Play Bonus | Invitation-only; check Professional Dashboard |
| Subscriptions | Professional account with engaged followers |
| Badges | Enable in Professional Dashboard; no specific minimum |
| Gifts | Enable in Professional Dashboard; payout account required |
| Creator Marketplace | Professional account; opt-in via settings |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many followers do you need to get paid on Instagram?
There's no universal follower requirement. Some programs like Badges and Gifts don't have stated minimums, while Reels Play Bonus and some features target creators with 10,000+ followers. Branded content opportunities typically start around 1,000-5,000 engaged followers depending on niche.
How much does Instagram pay for Reels?
Reels Play Bonus payouts vary widely based on performance and are invitation-only. Instagram doesn't publicly disclose fixed rates. Creators report earning anywhere from $50 to $35,000+ per month depending on views, engagement, and their bonus tier. Payments are tied to metrics rather than a fixed CPM.
What are Instagram Subscriptions?
Subscriptions let fans pay a monthly fee ($0.99-$99.99) for exclusive content like subscriber-only Lives, Stories, Reels, posts, and direct access. Subscribers get a purple crown badge next to their name. This provides predictable recurring income for creators.
How do Instagram Gifts and Stars work?
Followers purchase Stars (worth $0.01 each) and send them during Lives or on eligible Reels/posts. Creators earn money from received Stars. You need to activate Gifts in your Professional Dashboard and connect a payout account. Without a payout account, earnings cap at $500 per tool.
What are the requirements for Instagram monetization?
All monetization features require: a Professional account (Creator or Business), age 18+, compliance with Partner Monetization Policies, Community Guidelines, and Content Monetization Policies, and being in an eligible country. Some features are invitation-only. Check your Professional Dashboard for eligibility status.
How do I get invited to Reels Play Bonus?
Reels Play Bonus invitations are based on account performance, engagement, and content quality. Focus on creating high-performing Reels with strong watch time and engagement. Check your Professional Dashboard regularly—if you're eligible, you'll see the invitation there.
Build Your Audience First
Monetization requires an engaged audience. ShadowPhone helps you grow authentic followers who'll support your content and creator business.