How to Monetize Instagram Reels: Profit From Your Content

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Karen Lin

Instagram Growth | May 05, 2023

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

Are you on your way to becoming an Instagram influencer? If so, there are many things you need to keep in mind – your follower count, for one. Your audience size can play a huge role in your social media success. You also want to consider how to profit from your online presence properly. Have you ever wondered how to monetize Instagram reels? If so, you are not alone.

Since their introduction in 2020, Instagram reels have quickly risen as one of the most popular ways to share photos and videos. The social media app has put a heavy focus on the promotion of reels. They allow a content creator to express themselves with editing features like stickers, filters, and text. Instagram reels have recently become a popular way for people to generate income.

You can profit from your reels in many ways, including built-in monetization directly from Instagram. Do you have an interest in learning more? If so, read on below. We will cover everything, from who is eligible to various profit options. With our monetization tips, you will be earning in no time.

A one-dollar bill lying on a wood table.

What Are Instagram Reels?

Before we learn how to monetize Instagram reels, let’s discuss what these are. Instagram reels are short multi-clip videos that allow you to add audio and other effects. As mentioned, they were first introduced on the app in 2020 to compete with TikTok’s video clip format. They quickly gained popularity and became the preferred way of sharing for many content creators.  

People can create reels in a short series of separate clips or one continuous video stream. They let users post engaging and fun videos to share with a broad audience. Once you learn how to make a reel on Instagram, you can share it with your friends, family members, and followers. Your profile features a separate tab to house your reels, making it easy for people to locate them. 

Your reels can land on the Explore page if your Instagram account is public. This will let you reach a wider audience and gain new visibility outside your followers. If your Instagram account is private, your reels will only be viewable to your approved followers. 

An Instagram reel will be available until you physically delete it. This sets it apart from Instagram Stories, which expire after 24 hours. Like a classic post, reels give your creation a permanent space in the virtual world. 

How to Monetize Instagram Reels: Can It Be Done?

Now that you know what Instagram reels are, you may wonder if you can profit from them. Is there a way to learn how to monetize Instagram reels? The answer is yes. Like many other aspects of social media, you can generate a monthly income from reels. 

This is a great option for influencers to expand their online earnings. It can allow them to reach new followers and business opportunities – all while generating income. It’s essential to keep in mind that you should only monetize your original content on social media. If Instagram finds that you violate their community guidelines, they can remove your reel and potentially suspend your account.

There are many ways you can profit from your online content. Some options fit your lifestyle, brand, and aesthetic better than others. Next, look at one popular monetization feature on the social media platform – the Instagram Reel Play bonus program. 

A person learning how to monetize Instagram reels.

How to Monetize Instagram Reels With Instagram Reel Play Bonus

If you are a business or influencer, Instagram reels can work wonders to grow your brand. This content-sharing method is excellent for turning your Instagram account into a profitable, money-making business model. One popular way to learn how to monetize Instagram reels is through the Instagram Reel Play Bonus program

This invite-only monetization tool allows you to earn money from your reels. Those lucky enough to be invited will receive a pop-up notification on their Professional Dashboard page in the app. You must comply with all program rules outlined in the Instagram creator incentive terms and bonus opportunities.    

With this program, content creators can earn money directly from Instagram. Your bonus payout will depend on the number of plays and engagements your reel receives within 30 days. Keep reading below as we dive into who is eligible for this program and how it works.

However, it is essential to note that Instagram has stopped extending new and renewed Reels play deals in both the US and India. They will continue to honor any existing agreements until they expire. If you cannot take advantage of this program, do not worry. We have plenty of more ways to learn how to monetize Instagram reels below.

Who Is Eligible for the Instagram Reel Play Bonus?

Regarding how to monetize Instagram reels, you may wonder who is eligible for the bonus program. How can you score an invitation? Is it available to everyone on the social media platform? In short, the answer is no. You must meet a specific set of criteria to receive an invitation to this program. Are you ready to learn more?

First, you must ensure you have a professional creator or business account. This allows you access to features that will assist you in managing your social media presence. It’s important to note that switching to a professional account will automatically make your profile public. 

Another top factor is how many views your reels get. The requirement is 1,000 views over the last 30 days. Once you are part of the program, there are still requirements that your content must meet to be eligible for a bonus earning. Most importantly, your reel must be your original content. You cannot post anything created by another person or any branded content. 

It’s also important that your engagement is authentic. This means you have an organic Instagram following, not an audience full of bots or spam accounts. Instagram can tell if you have artificially boosted your views to be eligible for this program. 

Two friends learning how to monetize Instagram reels.

How Does the Instagram Reel Play Bonus Program Work?

So, ready to learn how to monetize Instagram reels with the Reel Play bonus program? After setting up your account, it’s time to start earning. Next, choose the reel you wish to use in the program. As mentioned above, this must be your original content. Remember, the more views the reel gets, the more you can earn. Make sure your content is catchy and relevant.

Once your reel is live, you have 30 days to hit your target views. This can change from user to user. Luckily, Instagram makes it easy to track progress. It is crucial to monitor the current status so you can make any needed strategy adjustments. For example, consider re-sharing your reel on stories to generate new buzz and views. 

There are a few key factors to remember that will help you garner as many views as possible. First, make sure that your content is enticing to your audience. Next, consider using popular songs or sounds in your reels. This will grab their attention. Finally, it’s essential to understand the best time to post on Instagram. This can have a significant impact on who sees your reels.

Instagram will determine your earnings at the end of each bonus period. Payment will not be available until the following month. Remember that, in some cases, you will need to hit a minimum amount to receive your bonus payment.

How to Monetize Instagram Reels: 4 Easy Ways to Profit

The career path of an influencer can be very profitable – if you know how. Many do this job as a full-time career. You can use many other methods to learn how to monetize Instagram reels. While these are not payable directly through Instagram, they still offer a way to connect with new money-making opportunities. 

Of course, it depends on your audience size, reach, and your Instagram engagement rate. It’s all about knowing how to monetize your content. A single Instagram post for a sponsored brand deal can pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Brands may sometimes compensate influencers and ambassadors with free services or products. 

Are you interested in finding out other ways to monetize your Instagram reels? If so, we are here to help. There are a few different paths you can seek out. They mainly involve working closely with brands and businesses. Third-party marketing companies are also available to help maximize your Instagram revenue distribution.

Below, we highlight three popular monetization tips you can pursue with your Instagram reels. From becoming a brand ambassador to utilizing affiliate marketing, we have the tips and tricks you need to know. It’s all about finding the best fit for your content – and your time.

1. How to Monetize Instagram Reels by Collaborating With Brands

One option when it comes to how to monetize Instagram reels is brand collaborations and sponsorships. These are when an influencer teams up with a business or brand, such as a local restaurant, gym, or clothing brand. The company uses the influencer to promote its products and services on social media in exchange for payment. 

The influencer creates and shares content on their social media channels. Remember, you must abide by any rules outlined in your contract. This can sometimes mean there are specific aesthetics to follow or formats you need to use. Always thoroughly review and agree upon contract terms before signing any deals.

How do you connect with your desired brands? Start by promoting yourself. Tag and mention your target brands and re-post their Instagram stories or posts. Don’t be afraid to contact them with your portfolio and past work. This shows an interest that can get you noticed for collaboration or sponsorship. 

Of course, you’ll want to also focus on growing your audience and Instagram presence. After all, more followers will lead to more brand opportunities. You’ll want to think long and hard about the types of businesses you wish to create sponsorships with. Often, it’s best to think long-term about which ones have the most longevity and opportunity for growth. Always make sure you are compensated fairly for your time and costs. 

An influencer researching how to monetize Instagram reels.

2. How to Monetize Instagram Reels With Affiliate Programs

Another option for learning how to monetize Instagram reels is participating in affiliate programs. What exactly does this term mean? We’re here to explain. This marketing concept is when influencers receive special discount codes or links for stores or businesses. When used by their followers, the influencer gets a small fee. 

There are a few ways to go about this. One is to join a third-party Instagram affiliate marketing program that supports the different brands you promote in your content. You’ll receive a commission when a follower clicks through your shared link and purchases that item. As you can imagine, more followers will increase purchases through these shared affiliate links.

Another way to utilize this revenue stream is by working directly with businesses to receive special discount codes. Influencers will then share the codes with their followers through social media content, including reels, feed posts, and live streams. When used by their followers, the influencer gets a small cut. This can sometimes be a tiny percentage but remember – it all adds up.

Of course, this works best when you genuinely believe in the product you are promoting. It’s also essential to have a dedicated following who trusts your recommendations. This will make people more likely to click through and purchase the items you are highlighting.

3. How to Monetize Instagram Reels by Selling Your Products or Services

Next, learn how to monetize Instagram reels by selling your products or services. This is an ideal situation for small brands. Many influencers also create branded products to sell to their audience. This allows them to have another source of income besides brand sponsorships and affiliate marketing. 

After all, social media is a great place to highlight your products and services. People are constantly searching Instagram for particular items or handmade goods. You can create content specifically for your items to help increase sales. This gives you a unique way of promoting things to your followers.

There are a few ways to sell your products or services through Instagram reels. If you have a website, you can include a link directly to the product page. This lets your followers quickly and easily click through to make their purchases. Another option is to set up an Instagram shopping account if you qualify for this feature.

Smaller influencers or brands without an online shop can also allow people to direct message them to purchase something. You can request their email address and send an invoice for them to complete. Always make sure you offer a secure way for a customer to send through personal information, like their address or credit card number.

A person learning how to monetize Instagram reels.

4. How to Monetize Instagram Reels With Subscriptions

Finally, we will discuss how to monetize Instagram reels with Instagram subscriptions. This is another built-in way to earn money from your photos and videos. Through this program, you can offer exclusive content and other benefits to your most engaged followers – for a monthly fee.

Subscriptions are available through in-app purchases to your audience, and you can easily manage them on the social media platform. 

Like Instagram Reel Play, you must meet specific criteria to be eligible for subscriptions. This includes complying with all policies and community standards. You also must have a professional Instagram account with at least 10,000 followers. Only those who live in the USA and are 18 or older are eligible.

Once you enable this feature, your followers will receive a notification in their activity feed, giving them the option to subscribe. You have the power to set your monthly rate and can change it at any time. Remember, any new rate will only apply to new subscribers. 

Instagram makes managing all your subscribers through the app accessible. You can also quickly manage your earnings and past invoices. It’s important to note that while Instagram’s current revenue share is 0%, Google and Apple collect 30% in fees for in-app purchases.

At Path Social, we’ve built up an in-house platform of Instagram influencers and an AI-targeting algorithm over the past decade. That’s how we organically target and reach users that engage in your content. And that’s why no one can replicate our results, which means you’ll build an Instagram community that lasts! Start growing and gaining Instagram followers today.