An Instagram Reel is a video creators make to share creative and unique content with their audiences. These videos can be up to 90 seconds long and are similar to TikTok videos.

Since its introduction in 2020, Instagram has added more and more Reels features for creators to take advantage of. Most recently, it has added the Reels Play Bonus, where creators can make money per Reels view. Read on to learn more about it.

Table of Contents:

• What is Instagram Reels Play Bonus?
• Who is eligible for the Instagram Reels Play Bonus?
• How does the Reels Play Bonus work?
• How much money can you make from the Reels Bonus?

What is Instagram Reels Play Bonus?

Instagram Reels Play Bonus allows creators to earn money based on the number of plays a Reel gets. The feature is part of Instagram’s commitment to investing 1 billion in creators.

Who is eligible for the Instagram Reels Play Bonus?

According to Instagram, the Play Bonus is currently invite-only and exclusive to the U.S., but it could potentially expand globally throughout 2022.

Eligible creators also must: 

• Have less than 1 million followers,
• Have a professional Instagram account,
• Follow Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies.

How does the Reels Play Bonus work?

When you’re invited to the program, you need to opt in to begin earning money for plays. The process involves similar requirements to other Creator tools, like proving you’re the account owner and providing legal information.

Once set up, you receive a payout for your reels at the end of 30 days, during which you can choose up to 150 Reels to count towards the bonus. Paid, sponsored, or partnership Reels are not eligible for the bonus.

And, you can go back and make Reels you’ve already published eligible for the bonus if you’re within the 24-hour window post-publishing.

How much money can you make from the Reels Bonus?

Your end payout is based on the number of Bonus Plays (number of views your Reel receives on Instagram or Facebook). However, you have to earn a minimum of $100 to cash out and reach a minimum view requirement, but Instagram personalizes this for each creator so there is no earrings benchmark to follow.

For example, Kitty Parker stated on Twitter that they have a maximum bonus of $1,200 and receive an average payout of $234 for 20-30k views.

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Gabe Wells, on the other hand, has a maximum bonus of $8,500 and received almost two thousand dollars for 31 million views.

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There is a cap on how much you can earn and how many views you can count towards the bonus, but this also varies from creator to creator.

Over To You

The Instagram Reels Play Bonus is a great opportunity for creators to monetize their presence on the app alongside building brand awareness and engagement. If you’re already a Reels expert, keep a lookout for any eligibility updates on the program — you’ll want to get started with earring as soon as it becomes available to everyone.