Instagram Monetization Requirements
Instagram has evolved its monetization options significantly in 2024, moving away from direct payment programs toward partnership-based revenue streams. If you’re looking to turn your Instagram presence into income, understanding the current eligibility requirements is your first step.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Instagram’s monetization requirements, from basic account criteria to feature-specific thresholds, so you can determine which opportunities you qualify for and how to get approved.
Core Eligibility Requirements for All Monetization Features
Before diving into specific monetization tools, you’ll need to meet Instagram’s universal baseline requirements. These apply across all revenue-generating features on the platform.
Account and Age Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to access any monetization features. This is non-negotiable across all Instagram revenue tools.
Your account type matters significantly. Personal accounts cannot access monetization features—you’ll need to switch to either a Business or Creator account. Both are professional accounts, but Creator accounts are specifically designed for public figures, content creators, artists, and influencers, while Business accounts are intended for brands, retailers, and service providers.
To switch your account, open Instagram and go to Settings, navigate to Account, then select “Switch to Professional Account.” Choose either Creator or Business based on your goals.
Location and Payment Setup
Your account must be registered in a region where Instagram monetization features are available. Geographic availability varies significantly by feature—some tools are available globally in eligible countries, while others remain limited to specific markets like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. For comprehensive information about which features are available in your location, see our guide on Instagram monetization eligible countries.
You’ll also need to link either a bank account or PayPal to receive payments. Instagram processes payouts through these channels, so having your payment method configured is essential before you can access earnings from any monetization feature.
Policy Compliance
You must comply with Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies and Community Guidelines to maintain monetization eligibility. This means your content must be free from hate speech or discriminatory content, violence or graphic imagery, inappropriate or explicit material, and artificial engagement tactics like buying followers, using bots, or inflating metrics.
One critical aspect often overlooked: authenticity matters more than numbers. A creator with 15,000 followers and genuine engagement will have better monetization opportunities than someone with 50,000 followers and low interaction rates. Engagement rate often outweighs view count, particularly when it comes to attracting brand partnerships.
Feature-Specific Monetization Requirements
Different monetization tools on Instagram have their own eligibility criteria beyond the baseline requirements. Here’s what you need to qualify for each option.
Instagram Subscriptions
Instagram Subscriptions allow you to offer exclusive content to paying followers for recurring monthly revenue. This feature has some of the most specific requirements: a minimum of 10,000 followers, a professional account (Business or Creator), agreement to Instagram Subscriptions Terms of Use, and availability only in select countries.
Creators can set subscription prices ranging from $0.99 to $99.99 monthly. Subscribers receive a purple badge next to their username in your comments and DMs, and you can offer them exclusive content through Lives, Stories, dedicated posts, Reels, and subscriber-only broadcast channels.
The 10,000-follower threshold represents a significant barrier for newer creators, but Instagram designed this intentionally to ensure creators have sufficient audience size to make subscriptions viable.
Instagram Gifts
Instagram Gifts allows your followers to send you virtual gifts during live streams or on your Reels, which you can convert to real money.
The requirements vary based on your location: United States creators need 500 followers minimum, while other regions require 1,000 followers minimum. You must also have a Creator account, be 18 years or older, and be located in a supported region.
To enable Instagram Gifts, go to your Professional Dashboard, navigate to Monetization, select “Set up Gifts,” and follow the prompts to enable the feature. This feature provides a direct way for engaged audiences to support creators, though availability remains limited primarily to the United States with gradual expansion to other markets.
Instagram Shopping
Instagram Shopping lets you tag products in your posts and Reels, creating a seamless shopping experience. Requirements include a Business or Creator account, compliance with commerce eligibility requirements, connecting a Facebook Page, creating a product catalog via Meta Business Suite, availability only in select countries, and a review process that takes several days.
Unlike Subscriptions, Instagram Shopping doesn’t have a specific follower minimum disclosed in the current requirements, making it accessible to smaller creators who sell products. The focus is more on policy compliance and properly setting up your product catalog.
Reels Monetization (2024 Status)
This is where Instagram’s monetization landscape has changed significantly. The Reels Play Bonus program—which previously paid creators directly based on views—was discontinued in March 2023. Instagram no longer offers a direct view-based payment program for Reels as of 2024. This represents a major shift in how the platform approaches creator compensation.
However, this doesn’t mean Reels can’t be monetized. Current Reels monetization methods include brand partnerships and sponsored content, affiliate marketing through bio links, Instagram Gifts on Reels where available, driving traffic to products or services, and building audience for other monetization features. For more detailed strategies on this topic, check out our article about earning money from Instagram Reels.
Instagram Reels ads remain in beta testing for select creators, allowing earnings from ads shown in Reels content, though widespread availability hasn’t been confirmed for 2024.
Badges During Live Streams
U.S. creators can enable Badges during live streams, allowing viewers to purchase badges priced from $0.99 to $4.99 to show support. This feature is not available in all countries and has limited geographic rollout.
Instagram Partner Monetization Policies
Understanding Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies is crucial because violations can result in losing access to all monetization features. These policies govern what content can be monetized and how you must conduct yourself as a creator.
Content Standards
Your monetized content must be authentic and original, follow Community Guidelines and Content Monetization Policies, avoid prohibited content categories such as violence, hate speech, adult content, and dangerous organizations, and not include artificially inflated engagement.
Disclosure Requirements
When posting sponsored content or paid partnerships, you must use Instagram’s “Paid Partnership” tag to ensure transparency. This isn’t optional—it’s required by both Instagram’s policies and advertising regulations in most countries. For more guidance on effective implementation, explore our guide on how to monetize Instagram.
For affiliate marketing, proper disclosure using hashtags like #ad or #affiliate is also necessary to maintain compliance with both Instagram policies and regulatory requirements.
Ongoing Compliance
Monetization eligibility isn’t a one-time achievement. Instagram continuously monitors accounts for policy violations. A single serious violation or pattern of minor infractions can result in monetization features being temporarily suspended or permanently removed from your account.
How to Check Your Monetization Eligibility
Instagram doesn’t send notifications when you become eligible for monetization features. You’ll need to check manually through your account settings.
Checking Eligibility Status
To verify which monetization tools you’re eligible for, open the Instagram app, go to your profile, tap the three horizontal lines menu, select Settings, navigate to Account, and tap Monetization.
Eligible accounts will see available tools or qualification steps in this section. If you meet the requirements for a particular feature, you’ll see either an option to set it up or information about what additional criteria you need to meet.
For Instagram Subscriptions specifically, look for a “Set up subscriptions” button in your Professional Dashboard. If it’s not there, you either don’t meet the follower requirement or Subscriptions aren’t yet available in your region.
What to Do If You’re Not Eligible Yet
If you don’t see monetization options available, verify your account is set to Business or Creator (not Personal), confirm you’re in an eligible country by checking Instagram’s help center, review your content for any policy violations that might be affecting eligibility, continue building your follower count and engagement rates, and check back regularly, as features sometimes roll out gradually.
Instagram often tests features with small groups before wider rollouts, so even if you meet all requirements, you might need to wait for access as Instagram expands availability.
Geographic Availability of Monetization Features
Where you’re located significantly impacts which monetization tools you can access. Instagram has rolled out features at different rates across the world.
Widely Available Features
These monetization methods work in most countries where Instagram operates, though you should always verify your specific location: brand partnerships and sponsored content, affiliate marketing, Instagram Shopping in supported countries, and selling digital products through bio links.
Region-Restricted Features
These features have more limited geographic availability. Instagram Gifts is primarily available in the United States with limited rollout in select other countries with higher follower thresholds. Instagram Subscriptions is available in select countries including the US, UK, Canada, and parts of Europe but not yet globally available. Live Badges are confirmed available in the United States with limited availability in other markets.
Instagram monetization is mainly available in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, and several European nations, with other regions gaining gradual access. If you’re located outside these primary markets, don’t assume you’re ineligible. Instagram continues expanding geographic availability for monetization features, so check Instagram’s official help center regularly for updates.
Alternative Monetization Methods Without Instagram’s Native Features
Even if you don’t meet Instagram’s official monetization requirements or live in an unsupported country, you can still turn your Instagram presence into revenue through alternative methods.
Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content
Brand partnerships remain the most lucrative monetization avenue for most creators, regardless of official Instagram monetization status. Research indicates approximately $10 per 1,000 followers per sponsored post as a rough baseline, though this varies dramatically based on niche, engagement rate, and audience demographics.
The key here is that brands care more about your engagement quality than Instagram’s official checkmarks. Even creators with 5,000-10,000 followers can secure brand deals if their audience is highly engaged and relevant to the brand’s target market.
Affiliate Marketing Through Bio Links
Instagram’s affiliate program has ended, but affiliate marketing itself remains viable. You can promote products using affiliate links by directing followers to the link in your bio. Creators should focus on natural integration and value-driven content when using affiliate marketing through Instagram.
Create compelling Reels and posts that showcase products authentically, then direct interested followers to “link in bio” for purchase links. This method works regardless of follower count, though obviously more followers typically means more clicks and conversions.
Selling Digital Products and Services
Instagram serves as an excellent storefront for digital products like online courses, e-books, templates, presets, and other digital assets. You don’t need Instagram’s official monetization features to use the platform as a marketing channel for products you sell elsewhere.
Platforms like Blurbay provide infrastructure for selling digital products, subscription content, and paid communities that you can promote through your Instagram presence. You maintain full control over pricing, content access, and customer relationships while using Instagram purely for audience building and marketing. This approach bypasses Instagram’s geographic and follower requirements entirely. You can start monetizing with any follower count as long as you have products people want to buy.
Third-Party Subscription Platforms
Rather than waiting for Instagram Subscriptions eligibility, you can create subscription-based content through third-party platforms and promote it via Instagram. This allows you to offer exclusive content, build a paid community, and generate recurring revenue without meeting Instagram’s 10,000-follower threshold. You can leverage Reels to promote subscription services through external platforms, regardless of your current follower count.
Cross-Platform Revenue Diversification
Relying solely on Instagram for monetization isn’t ideal even for eligible creators. Successful creators typically diversify across multiple platforms. To learn more about the options available, read our comparison of the best social media platforms to make money.
You might use Instagram for audience building and engagement while monetizing primarily through YouTube ad revenue, TikTok Shop, or your own website. Instagram becomes one piece of a larger revenue ecosystem rather than your sole income source.
Best Practices for Meeting and Maintaining Eligibility
Getting approved for Instagram monetization features is only half the battle. Maintaining eligibility and maximizing your earning potential requires ongoing attention to content quality and policy compliance.
Focus on Genuine Engagement Over Vanity Metrics
Instagram’s algorithms and brand partners increasingly prioritize engagement quality over raw follower counts. A creator with 8,000 highly engaged followers often earns more than someone with 25,000 disengaged followers.
Focus on creating content that sparks conversations, shares, saves, and meaningful interactions. Track your engagement rate (total engagements divided by followers) and aim for at least 3-5% as a baseline, with 8-10% or higher being excellent.
Maintain Consistent Content Quality and Posting Schedule
Consistency signals to both Instagram’s algorithm and potential brand partners that you’re a professional creator. Aim for at least one feed post per day and 2-3 Stories, with 3-5 Reels weekly to maximize algorithm favor.
The principle here isn’t just about volume—it’s about reliable presence. Brands want to partner with creators who maintain steady engagement with their audience rather than posting sporadically.
Stay Updated on Policy Changes
Instagram’s policies, features, and requirements evolve regularly. What was true six months ago might not apply today. Subscribe to Instagram’s Creator account on the platform and regularly check the official help center for updates.
The discontinuation of the Reels Play Bonus in March 2023 serves as a reminder that Instagram can and does change its monetization approach. Creators who diversified their income streams weathered that change much better than those who relied solely on the bonus program.
Build Multiple Revenue Streams
Never rely on a single monetization method. Combine Instagram’s native features where available with external revenue streams like digital product sales, services, brand partnerships, and cross-platform presence.
Creators earning sustainable full-time income typically have 3-5 different revenue sources. If one gets disrupted by policy changes or algorithm shifts, others continue generating income.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many followers do I need to monetize Instagram?
It depends on the monetization method. Instagram Subscriptions requires 10,000 followers, while Instagram Gifts needs 500 followers in the US or 1,000 elsewhere. However, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and selling products don’t have official minimums—creators with even 1,000-5,000 engaged followers can monetize through these methods.
Does Instagram pay for Reels views in 2024?
No. Instagram discontinued the Reels Play Bonus program in March 2023 and no longer pays creators directly for views. You can still monetize Reels through brand partnerships, Instagram Gifts, affiliate marketing, and by using Reels to promote products or services. Learn more about current options in our guide on getting paid with Reels.
What happens if I violate Instagram’s monetization policies?
Policy violations can result in temporary suspension or permanent removal of monetization features from your account. Serious violations might also result in account restrictions or removal. Always ensure your content follows Community Guidelines and Partner Monetization Policies.
Can I monetize Instagram if I’m not in the United States?
Yes, though available features vary by location. Brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and Instagram Shopping work in many countries. Features like Instagram Gifts and Subscriptions have more limited geographic availability.
How long does it take to get approved for Instagram monetization features?
Once you meet eligibility requirements, most features activate relatively quickly—often within 24-48 hours. Instagram Shopping requires product catalog review, which can take several days. However, features sometimes roll out gradually, so you might meet all requirements but still need to wait for access.
Do I need a certain engagement rate to qualify?
Instagram doesn’t publish specific engagement rate requirements for most features. However, maintaining authentic engagement is part of policy compliance. Using bots or artificial inflation to meet follower requirements can disqualify you from monetization and potentially result in account penalties.
Final Thoughts
Instagram’s monetization landscape in 2024 looks different than it did even a year ago. The shift away from direct payment programs like the Reels Play Bonus toward partnership-based revenue reflects Instagram’s broader strategy of connecting creators with brands rather than paying them directly from platform revenue.
For creators, this means success requires a more diversified approach. Meeting Instagram’s official monetization requirements opens doors to features like Subscriptions and Gifts, but your most significant revenue will likely come from brand partnerships, selling products and services, and building audiences that extend beyond Instagram itself.
The 10,000-follower threshold for Subscriptions remains a significant goal for many creators, but it’s not the only path to income. Focus on building genuine engagement with a specific niche audience, create consistent high-quality content, and explore monetization methods that work at any follower count while you grow.
Most importantly, remember that Instagram is one platform in a larger creator ecosystem. The most successful monetization strategies combine Instagram’s reach and engagement capabilities with external platforms—like Blurbay for selling courses and building paid communities—that give you more control over pricing, customer relationships, and long-term revenue stability.
Start by checking your current eligibility status, identify which requirements you still need to meet, and begin building the alternative revenue streams that work regardless of Instagram’s specific feature requirements.