Introduction
If you're reading this, perhaps you've been thinking about how to monetize your Instagram Reels, too. Or maybe you've tried a few strategies, but you're stuck, uncertain about the right approach or the official requirements to make it all legit. You're in the right place! By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to meet Instagram Reels monetization requirements, the policies you need to follow, and multiple creative ways to earn money from your Reels in 2025 and beyond.
The Landscape of Instagram Reels Monetization
We all know Instagram Reels took the world by storm. In the past few years, they've been front and center on Instagram, giving creators a powerful way to reach new audiences. In fact, Reels have become so popular that Instagram is continuously rolling out new monetization features to help creators monetize their short-form videos.
While Instagram once had a bonus Reels program (where selected creators received direct payments for hitting certain view milestones), that program was discontinued in March 2023. If you missed it, don't worry. There are still plenty of effective ways to make money from Reels, from brand partnerships to affiliate marketing to a relatively new and exciting feature called Instagram Subscriptions. But here's the thing: you need to play by Instagram's rules if you want to start earning.
The Basics: Instagram Reels Monetization Requirements
Before we explore all the creative ways to generate income with Reels, it's important to understand the foundational requirements. This is the official stuff that Instagram outlines to ensure you're eligible to monetize your content. In a nutshell, Instagram's Partner Monetization Policies and Instagram's Content Monetization Policies are your guiding lights here.
1. Location Matters
You have to reside in a country where Instagram Subscriptions and other monetization tools are available. Currently, these include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and many others across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. If you move to a country that's not eligible, your monetization status could be affected.
2. Follow Community Standards
All your Reels—and really, all your posts—must abide by Instagram's Community Standards (no hateful content, incitements to violence, explicit content, etc.). Breaking these monetization rules can lead to loss of monetization access.
3. Stick to Content Monetization Policies
This is an extra layer of scrutiny beyond the standard Community Guidelines. Essentially, your content shouldn't be misleading, unoriginal, or violate any copyright laws. Instagram wants your Reels to be authentic and, ideally, created by you (or at least meaningfully edited if you're using clips from other sources).
4. Follow Authentic Engagement Practices
It's tempting to try quick fixes like buying fake followers or using bots to inflate your likes. Instagram frowns on that, and it can lead to losing your monetization privileges. Stick to honest, organic growth strategies.
5. Age and Follower Count
For Instagram Subscriptions, you must be at least 18 and have at least 10,000 followers on a professional Instagram account. Some other monetization features might have fewer strict requirements (for example, Virtual Gifts only requires you to have 500 followers).
6. No Primarily Child-Focused Content
If your account is all about kids, or your reels primarily feature or target children, you may not be eligible for certain monetization features.
By meeting these baseline requirements, you're on track to unlock the more exciting ways to earn money from Instagram Reels.
How to Monetize Instagram Reels in 2025
1. Promoting Your Physical Products
A great starting point for monetizing your Reels is by promoting physical products. This is especially handy if you already run a small business, an online store, or any form of e-commerce. Think of it as putting on a mini-commercial in your Reels. Instead of a lengthy text post or static photo, you can dynamically show your products in action—demonstrating how to use them, how they look in real life, or how they solve a specific pain point.
2. Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
You don't necessarily need hundreds of thousands of followers to do this, either. Many brands are shifting to micro-influencers and nano-influencers because their audiences tend to be more loyal and engaged.
The key is relevance. If your niche is vegan cooking, partner with brands offering plant-based products or eco-friendly kitchenware. If you're a fitness enthusiast, go for athletic wear, yoga mats, or health supplements. Authenticity shines through. You want to make sure the partnership feels natural and beneficial to your audience so they don't perceive it as forced advertising.
💡 Pro tip: When reaching out to potential brand partners (or responding to brand inquiries), highlight your engagement rate, not just your follower count. Show them your typical Reel views, likes, comments, and saves. This data-driven approach can help them see the real value of collaborating with you.
3. Affiliate Marketing Through Reels
Affiliate marketing is another simple and easy way to monetize Instagram Reels without juggling inventory or shipping logistics. You simply sign up for an affiliate program relevant to your niche, promote the product in a Reel, and then earn a commission on each sale. It's basically a win-win for you and the brand.
For example, if you're a tech reviewer with a knack for demonstrating cool gadgets, you might join an Amazon affiliate program. You could create short, snappy Reels that show these gadgets in action—like a wireless charging dock that simultaneously charges your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds. Then, direct viewers to a link in your bio or your Instagram Story (if you have swipe-up or link sticker privileges) to buy.
Tip: Be transparent about affiliate links. A simple "#affiliate" or note in your caption helps maintain trust with your audience.
4. Product Tags for Easy Shopping
Let's say you have a professional account, you meet Instagram's commerce requirements, and you've set up a product catalog in Commerce Manager. You can go one step further by adding product tags to your Reels. This feature makes your short videos shoppable, which can drastically cut down the steps a customer needs to take to buy. They watch your Reel, see the product tag, tap on it, and boom—they're directed straight to a product page.
However, remember that product tagging is subject to Instagram's strict guidelines. You need to have an eligible shop, minimal policy violations, and, if you're tagging a brand partner's products, you need their permission.
5. Selling Digital Products
It's not just about tangible items. Selling digital products can be just as lucrative—sometimes even more so because there's no inventory or manufacturing costs. Think eBooks, online courses, membership programs, or specialized digital files. If you're an expert in a particular subject—maybe graphic design, photography, or personal finance—you could package your knowledge into a product that people can buy instantly.
Creating Reels to showcase your digital product can be as easy as sharing a snippet of what's inside. For instance, if you have an online course teaching beginners how to edit photos like a pro, create a short preview reel that demonstrates a "before and after" transformation. In the caption, let viewers know the course link is in your bio, or mention a limited-time discount to encourage immediate sign-ups. Checkout the following example:
A post shared by The Tinder for Clothes (Acquired) (@styl_app)
6. Instagram Subscriptions for Exclusive Content
Now, this is a newer monetization feature that's making waves: Instagram Subscriptions. Imagine having a built-in membership program on your Instagram profile, where subscribers get exclusive content, special badges, or even priority in your DM inbox. It's a direct way to get paid by Instagram—your subscribers pay a monthly fee, and Instagram pays you out (minus any applicable fees).
However, there are some requirements:
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You must have at least 10,000 followers on a professional account.
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You must be 18 or older.
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You can't be an account solely focused on children's content.
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You must comply with Instagram's Partner Monetization and Community Standards.
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You need to be located in a country where Subscriptions are available (like the U.S., U.K., and many others).
If your Reels and general content resonate strongly with a loyal community, Subscriptions can be a goldmine. Subscribers get a purple crown badge in your comments, making them stand out. You can even create exclusive Reels or private chats that only your subscribers can access. If you want to learn about Instagram subscriptions, I recommend checking out the following video:
7. Offering Services Through Reels
If you're a service-based professional, like a web developer, consultant, coach, or fitness trainer, Reels can be your secret marketing weapon. Showcasing your work or sharing snippets of your expertise in short video format can pique the interest of potential clients who didn't even know they needed your services.
One parenting coach, for instance, might offer quick tips in a Reel titled "How to Talk to a Shy Child." In the caption, they can mention a free consultation or direct users to book a paid coaching session. Because Reels reach beyond your immediate followers, there's a high chance that new people—possibly new clients—will stumble upon your video.
8. Virtual Gifts (Stars)
Instagram's Virtual Gifts feature is a fun, interactive way to earn a bit of extra money from your Reels and even Live sessions. Here's how it works: your viewers can purchase gifts (virtual stickers) using a currency called "Stars," and each Star is worth $0.01 to you. Once you hit $25 in total earnings (across all of Instagram's monetization features), you can cash out.
To enable Virtual Gifts, you need:
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At least 500 followers.
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A professional account.
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Compliance with Instagram's rules.
When someone watches your Reel, they'll see a "Send gift" button if your account is eligible. It's basically a small token of appreciation from your fans, but it can add up. Just be sure to set up your payout account so you don't miss out on the funds. Here’s a video explanation how gifts work on Instagram:
9. Patreon or Other Donation Platforms
Sometimes, your followers might want to support you just because they love your content, plain and simple. If you're building a tight-knit community around your niche (music, art, commentary, or anything else), you can direct your audience to a platform like Patreon. This is especially useful if you're offering extended or exclusive Reels, behind-the-scenes clips, or additional perks.
You can mention your Patreon link at the end of your Reels and encourage fans to join your private community. Throw in special rewards, like one-on-one Q&A sessions or custom content requests, to sweeten the deal.
10. Cross-Promote Your Other Monetized Channels
Remember, Instagram doesn't have to be the only platform you monetize. If you're already monetizing content on YouTube, TikTok, or a blog, your Instagram Reels can serve as a funnel to drive traffic to those platforms. This strategy is especially handy if you're part of the YouTube Partner Program or you have a high-traffic blog that runs ads.
Here's a simple example: Let's say you create a short teaser Reel summarizing your latest YouTube video. At the end (or in your caption), you say something like, "Curious how this story ends? Check out the full video on my YouTube!" You'll bring over a portion of your Instagram audience, and each view on YouTube can mean additional ad revenue.
How to edit Instagram Reels with AI
Now, if there's one aspect of the Reels-making process that can get a bit tedious, it's editing. Filming can be fun—thinking up creative shots, playing with angles—but slicing and dicing video footage, transcribing, and adding subtitles can feel like a chore. Let me introduce you to Fliki, an AI video editor that can make this process so much smoother:
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Automatic Transcription: Fliki transcribes your audio the moment you upload it. No more painstakingly typing out every word.
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Built-in Subtitles: With just a click, you can generate accurate, on-brand subtitles. This is super important, because many people watch Reels with the sound off, and readable text can keep them hooked.
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Automatic B-rolls: Ever waste hours scouring free stock sites for that perfect cutaway clip? Fliki can insert relevant B-roll automatically, making your Reels more engaging without the fuss.
The faster you can create and polish your Reels, the more content you can produce—and, in turn, the more opportunities you have to earn. If you haven't tried Fliki yet, it's absolutely worth exploring, especially if you're juggling multiple platforms or balancing content creation with a busy schedule.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
1. Violating Community Guidelines
Even an accidental slip-up—like using copyrighted music without proper permissions—could jeopardize your monetization. Always double-check that you're following the rules.
2. Poorly Disclosed Sponsorships
If you're doing brand partnerships, disclose them. Not only is it required by law in many regions (e.g., FTC guidelines in the U.S.), but your audience will appreciate your honesty.
3. Forgetting to Set Up Payout Details
Imagine making money but never receiving it because you didn't input your bank details in Instagram's monetization settings. Double-check all the administrative stuff ahead of time.
4. Overly Salesy Content
If every single Reel you post is pushing a product or an affiliate link, your audience may tune out. Balance your promotional Reels with valuable, entertaining, or educational content that builds trust and keeps viewers coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
Venturing into the world of Instagram Reels monetization can be both exciting and overwhelming. Start by ensuring you meet the baseline Instagram Reels monetization requirements: set up a professional account, gather at least 10,000 followers for certain features (or 500 if you're eyeing Virtual Gifts), stick to the rules, and focus on building genuine engagement. From there, pick one or two monetization methods that align with your niche and audience. Maybe you're ready to launch that digital course you've been sitting on, or perhaps you're excited to reach out to brands for sponsorship deals.
Don't be afraid to experiment. One of the best things about Reels is that they're short, so you can quickly test different topics, formats, and styles to see what resonates. Keep creating, keep refining, and before long, you'll find the monetization methods that feel like a natural extension of your brand.
