How Many Views on Instagram Reels to Get Paid and the Reels Play Bonus Explained

Instagram Reels has become a powerful platform for content creators to showcase their creativity and potentially earn income. Understanding how monetization works with Instagram Reels is essential for creators looking to transform their social media presence into a revenue stream. This guide explores the relationship between Reels views and earnings, eligibility requirements, and strategies to maximize your monetization potential.

Does Instagram Pay for Views on Reels?

The direct relationship between views and earnings on Instagram Reels has changed significantly. As of 2023-2024, Instagram no longer offers a direct view-based payment program for Reels content. The previously available Reels Play Bonus program, which allowed creators to earn money based on views and engagement, was discontinued in March 2023.

This means there’s no longer a straightforward formula where X number of views equals Y dollars in earnings. Instead, Instagram has shifted toward alternative monetization methods that don’t directly correlate with view counts.

Current Instagram Reels Monetization Methods

Without the Reels Play Bonus program, creators can still earn from their Reels content through several methods:

1. Instagram Gifts

Instagram Gifts allows viewers to send virtual gifts to creators during live streams or on Reels. These gifts convert to real money that creators can withdraw - similar to TikTok’s “Diamonds” system, though Instagram’s implementation has its own unique features.

Eligibility requirements:

• 500 followers (for US-based creators) or 1,000 followers (other regions)
• Creator account type
• 18+ years old
• Located in a supported region

The beauty of the Gifts system is that it creates a direct connection between creators and their most appreciative fans. When your content resonates deeply with viewers, they’re more likely to express their appreciation through these virtual gifts.

2. Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content

This remains one of the most lucrative ways to monetize Reels. Brands pay creators to feature their products or services in Reels content.

Typical requirements:

• No strict follower minimum, though engagement rate is crucial
• Niche-specific audience alignment
• Professional content quality
• Consistent posting schedule

Many creators find that once they build a dedicated audience in a specific niche, even with modest follower counts (5,000-10,000), they can secure brand partnerships that pay significantly better than any view-based system ever did.

3. Instagram Shopping

Creators can tag products directly in their Reels, earning commission when viewers make purchases.

Requirements:

• Business or Creator account
• Product catalog setup via Meta Business Suite
• Compliance with Instagram’s commerce policies

This shoppable content creates a seamless path from inspiration to purchase, making it particularly effective for fashion, beauty, home decor, and lifestyle creators.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products through your Reels and earn commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links.

How it works with Reels:

• Create engaging content featuring affiliate products
• Direct viewers to the link in your bio
• Earn commission on resulting sales

The most successful affiliate marketers on Instagram create content that naturally incorporates products, providing genuine value rather than obvious sales pitches.

How Many Views Do You Need to Make Money on Instagram Reels?

While there’s no direct views-to-earnings formula anymore, view counts still matter indirectly:

For Brand Partnerships:

• Micro-influencers (10K-50K followers): Typically need 5,000-20,000 views per Reel to attract brand deals
• Mid-tier influencers (50K-500K followers): Often see 20,000-100,000+ views per Reel
• Macro-influencers (500K+ followers): Usually generate 100,000+ views per Reel

These numbers vary significantly by niche, engagement rate, and audience demographics. Many brands now prioritize engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) over raw view counts.

For example, a creator with 15,000 followers whose Reels consistently get 2,000-3,000 views but maintain a 10% engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) might secure better partnerships than someone with 50,000 followers whose Reels get 10,000 views but only 1% engagement.

For Instagram Gifts:

There’s no minimum view threshold to receive gifts, but higher view counts naturally create more opportunities for gift revenue. The key requirement is having at least 500 followers (US) or 1,000 followers (other regions).

A creator with a highly engaged audience of 2,000 followers might earn more from gifts than someone with 20,000 less engaged followers, demonstrating that connection quality often trumps quantity.

How to Enable Monetization for Instagram Reels

To start earning through the available monetization methods:

1. Switch to a Creator Account

• Go to Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account
• Select Creator (rather than Business)

2. Enable Instagram Gifts (if eligible)

• Go to Professional Dashboard
• Select Monetization
• Look for “Set up Gifts” option
• Follow the prompts to enable the feature

3. Set Up Instagram Shopping (for product sales)

• Connect to a Facebook Page
• Create a product catalog via Meta Business Suite
• Submit for review (may take several days)
• Once approved, start tagging products in your Reels

Best Practices to Maximize Reels Earnings

Since view counts alone don’t directly translate to earnings anymore, focus on these strategies:

1. Create Highly Engaging Content

Engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares, saves) often matter more than view counts for attracting brand deals and encouraging gifts. How to earn from Instagram Reels requires creating content that resonates deeply with your audience.

Consider telling stories rather than just demonstrating products. For example, a fitness creator might share a transformation journey alongside workout tips, creating emotional connection that drives both engagement and monetization opportunities.

2. Develop a Consistent Posting Schedule

Algorithms favor accounts that post regularly. Aim for 3-5 Reels weekly to maintain visibility and growth.

Many successful creators batch-create content, filming multiple Reels in a single session to maintain consistency even during busy periods. This approach helps you stay on the algorithm’s good side while building audience expectations.

3. Build Multiple Revenue Streams

Don’t rely solely on one monetization method. Combine Instagram Gifts, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and product sales for a diversified income strategy.

Consider this example: A food creator might earn from:

• Gifts on recipe Reels
• Sponsored content featuring cooking products
• Affiliate commission on recommended kitchen tools
• Sales of their digital cookbook

This diversification protects against platform changes and maximizes earning potential.

4. Focus on Your Niche

Specialized content attracts higher-value brand partnerships and a more dedicated audience. Expertise in a specific area makes you more valuable to both viewers and brands.

For example, a creator focused specifically on sustainable fashion will likely command higher rates from eco-friendly brands than a general lifestyle creator who occasionally posts about fashion.

5. Promote Your Reels Across Platforms

Cross-promote your best Reels on other social platforms to increase their reach and engagement potential.

Many creators find success by teasing their Instagram Reels on platforms like Twitter, Pinterest, or even LinkedIn (for business-relevant content), directing traffic back to their Instagram profiles.

Instagram Reels Monetization Eligibility Checklist

Before diving into monetization strategies, ensure you meet these basic requirements:

• ✅ Age requirement: 18+ years old
• ✅ Account type: Business or Creator account
• ✅ Content compliance: Adherence to Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies
• ✅ Location: Based in a supported region where monetization features are available
• ✅ Payment setup: Linked bank account or PayPal for earnings
• ✅ Follower count: Varies by feature (minimum 500 US/1,000 international for Gifts)

If you’re exploring multiple social platforms, you might also want to understand the Instagram monetization requirements compared to other platforms like TikTok monetization requirements.

Alternative Income Strategies Beyond Instagram’s Native Features

1. Sell Digital Products Through Reels

Use Reels to promote digital products like courses, templates, or eBooks. Direct viewers to a platform like Blurbay where they can purchase your digital assets.

For example, a graphic designer might showcase quick design tips in Reels, then direct viewers to purchase their complete template pack. This strategy works particularly well because you’ve already demonstrated value before asking for the sale.

2. Create a Subscription-Based Model

Promote exclusive content through your Reels and direct interested followers to subscription platforms where they can access premium content for a monthly fee.

A fitness creator might share shortened workout routines on Reels, then offer complete programs, meal plans, and personalized advice through a subscription service. The free content proves your expertise, while the paid tier delivers more comprehensive value.

3. Direct Traffic to Monetized Platforms

Similar to YouTube creators who get monetized without 1,000 subscribers, Instagram creators can use Reels to funnel traffic to other platforms where monetization might be easier.

Many creators use Instagram as their “discovery platform” and direct engaged followers to platforms like YouTube, podcast services, or dedicated websites where they have more control over monetization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get paid for 1,000 views on Instagram Reels?

No, Instagram doesn’t offer direct payments based on view counts. Focus instead on building audience engagement to attract brand partnerships and gifts.

How much does Instagram pay per Reel?

Instagram doesn’t pay per Reel. Earnings come through indirect methods like brand deals, Instagram Gifts, or product sales.

How much do Reels creators earn on average?

Earnings vary dramatically based on niche, audience size, engagement rate, and monetization methods. US-based creators earn an average of $56,000 annually across all social platforms, primarily from sponsored content.

How much does Instagram pay for 1 million Reels views?

Instagram doesn’t offer a fixed payment rate for views. A Reel with 1 million views might earn nothing directly from Instagram but could attract significant brand deals or generate substantial gift revenue depending on audience engagement.

Conclusion

While Instagram no longer offers direct payment based on Reels views, the platform still provides multiple pathways to monetization. Success requires focusing on audience engagement, quality content creation, and diversifying your income streams.

The most successful Reels creators don’t fixate on view counts alone but instead build genuine connections with their audiences, which naturally leads to monetization opportunities through gifts, brand partnerships, and product sales.

By understanding Instagram’s current monetization landscape and implementing strategic content approaches, creators can transform their Reels presence into a sustainable income source—even without a direct views-to-earnings program.