Instagram Reels is a popular way to share fun videos.
Creators on Instagram love them for keeping their audience engaged.
Users adore them for offering a digestible form of entertainment.
The Instagram algorithm favors them even more for keeping users on the platform longer.
Beyond pure entertainment, Instagram Reels can also be an extra source of income for businesses and content creators.
How? Through the Instagram Reels Play Bonus.
Interested in learning more about it? Let’s go...
Prepare to explore in this article...
- What Is Instagram Reels Play Bonus?
- Instagram Reels Bonus Eligibility: What Are the Requirements?
- How to Get Invited for Instagram Reels Bonus?
- How Does the Instagram Reels Play Bonus Work?
- How Much Money You Can Make from Instagram Reels Play Bonus?
- Reasons That Make Your Content Ineligible for Instagram's Play Bonus Program
What Is Instagram Reels Play Bonus?
The Instagram Reels Play Bonus is a selective bonus program accessible exclusively to creators who receive a personal invitation from Instagram.
It’s a way for creators to earn money directly from Instagram based on their reels views instead of through a brand sponsorship or an affiliate program.
At first, only creators in the U.S. who were invited could use the Reels Play Bonus. But Instagram plans to let more people around the world join gradually.
The program was shut down for a moment in 2023, but it’s now back.
With this initiative, Instagram wants to encourage users to make more short videos to compete with other platforms like TikTok and YouTube. They hope that by giving money for popular Reels, more people will share interesting, orginial, and fun videos on Instagram.
Instagram Reels Bonus Eligibility: What Are the Requirements?
- You must meet Instagram Partner Monetization Policies and Content Monetization Policies.
- You must receive a notification from Instagram indicating your eligibility for the program.
- Once you receive the notification, you need to access the Instagram app and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Submit your personal information such as country, address, and business type, whether individual or business owner.
- You must set up your payout account to receive your payment.
- Start posting new reels. It's essential to understand that only new reels contribute to the bonus.
The performance of the new reels over the next 30 days determines the final payout.
Creators can decide whether each new reel counts towards the bonus or not, with a limit of 150 reels in 30 days.
While creators don't necessarily need to achieve the full target number of plays, only reels with at least 1,000 views will be considered for the bonus.
How to Get Invited for Instagram Reels Bonus?
As we said earlier, Instagram Reels Play is an exclusive, invitation-only bonus program. This means that unless you receive a direct invitation from Instagram to participate, there is nothing you can do.
But, invitations may be influenced by the number of Reels a creator produces.
This means that creating a certain quantity of Reels within a given period could make you eligible.
Participation in the Instagram Reels Play bonus program requires strict adherence to its rules. To receive a payout from the bonus, creators must comply with these rules, ensuring that their content aligns with the program's guidelines.
How can I tell if I have been invited to the Instagram Reels Play Bonus?
Usually, if you are selected, Instagram will notify you by a pop-up.
But, you can check it manually by following these steps:
- From the Instagram App, go to your profile.
- Tap Professional Dashboard.
- Scroll down and tap Bonuses.
How Does the Instagram Reels Play Bonus Work?
Instagram's compensation model for creators is structured around the number of views their Reels accumulate, offering a straightforward way for content producers to earn money. The earning threshold begins when a reel achieves a minimum of 1,000 views within a 30-day period.
Once creators join the Reels bonus program, they have a 30-day window to maximize their earnings, with the expiration date conveniently accessible through the bonus tab within the app.
This time frame provides an opportunity for creators to strategically plan and optimize their content for the bonus.
Creators have the flexibility to choose the number of reels that count towards the Reels bonus, allowing for a tailored approach to their content creation strategy. The payout is directly linked to the performance of the reels, the more views, the higher the monetary reward.
Earnings per view may fluctuate over time, with creators receiving more per view in the initial stages to ensure inclusivity for smaller creators.
Every view or play a reel receives contributes to the creator's earnings.
How Much Money You Can Make from Instagram Reels Play Bonus?
The exact amount you can earn at the end of the bonus period can only be determined by Instagram, depending on various performance metrics.
However, Instagram has defined three distinct bonus caps: $1,200, $8,500, and $35,000.
Each is associated with varying performance metrics.
For example, achieving the $1,200 bonus often requires generating around 11 million views.
The earning threshold begins when a reel achieves a minimum of 1,000 views within a 30-day period.
Earnings from that bonus won’t be paid until the following month, and you must have a payout account to receive your payment.
Once the earned amount surpasses $100, creators can cash out.
Reasons That Make Your Content Ineligible for Instagram's Play Bonus Program
- Your reel is claimed by another rights holder.
- Your reel is branded content.
- You receive 3 strikes for reel violations.
- Your reel is in a language that the bonus program does not support. (Instagram only supports English and Korean at this moment)
- Your reel is watermarked.
- Your reel is getting artificially boosted views.
- Your reel is permanently deleted.
Why Should You Consider the Instagram Reels Play Bonus for Your Content?
Considering the Instagram Reels Play Bonus for your content can bring several benefits and opportunities for creators. Here are some reasons you may want to consider:
1. Monetization Opportunity
The Reels Play Bonus is a direct way for creators to earn money through their content on Instagram. It provides additional monetization options beyond traditional methods like brand sponsorships or affiliate programs.
2. Inclusive Earning Potential
Instagram's Reels Play Bonus aims to ensure inclusivity by offering varying bonus levels. This means that both established and emerging creators have the chance to earn money.
3. Performance-Based Earnings
The amount you earn through the Reels Play Bonus is tied to the performance of your Reels. The more views your Reels get, the higher your payout.
4. Flexibility in Content Selection
Creators have the flexibility to choose which Reels count towards the bonus. This means you can strategically select the content that aligns with the program's criteria.
5. Straightforward Cash-Out Process
Once you've earned at least $100, you can easily cash out your earnings. This simplicity in the cash-out process makes it convenient for creators to access the rewards of their creative efforts.
You may wonder...
Are there other social media platforms where I can monetize my content?
Absolutely! Here is a list of the best creator funds you can apply to earn money on social media:
- The Meta Performance Bonus Program
- The Snap Stars Program
- The TikTok Creativity Program
- The Pinterest Creator Fund
As a creator, you have to always keep in mind that the value you bring can be shared across platforms.
With the help of a social media management tool, like Nuelink, and its crossposting features you can get your money’s worth from all of these platforms.