Instagram Reels is a solid alternative to TikTok — partly because it allows creators to get paid for their videos. Since TikTok’s rise to fame over the last couple of years, watching other social apps try and mimic its success has been interesting. Snapchat launched Snapchat Spotlight, YouTube debuted YouTube Shorts, and Instagram now offers Instagram Reels.

For its part, Instagram Reels is one of the most well-rounded TikTok alternatives. It’s easily accessible in the main Instagram app, scrolling through new videos is just as easy as it is on TikTok, and you can create your own Instagram Reels with just the touch of a button. The best part? Instagram pays certain Reels creators for the videos they upload.

Related: How To See Who Viewed Your Instagram Posts (Photos, Videos, & Stories)

Being paid for video content isn’t a new concept in 2022. YouTube’s let users monetize videos for years, TikTok has its own payment program, and you can get paid for live streams on Twitch. Although it may not be immediately apparent, you can also get paid for videos uploaded to Instagram Reels. Instagram has two main payment programs for Reels content, and whether you’re eligible for both or just one, getting paid on Instagram Reels is easier than you might think.

All The Ways To Get Paid With Instagram Reels

Meta Reels logo on iPhone 11

The first (and most common) way to get paid on Instagram Reels is with Reels Play Bonuses. Play Bonuses allow you to get paid directly from Instagram after your Reels videos get a certain number of views during a set period. You have 30 days to complete the Play Bonus and get the view goal Instagram’s set for you.

There are two caveats to earning Play Bonuses. First, you need to have at least 1,000 Reels views over the past 30 days. Second, you can only earn the Play Bonuses if Instagram’s invited you to join the program. You’ll see a pop-up in the Instagram app if you’ve been selected to join. If you have enough views but haven’t been invited to the Play Bonus program, you’ll need to sit and wait for your invite.

How much can you expect to get paid from Instagram’s Reels Play Bonuses? That varies significantly depending on the Play Bonus you’ve been given. In November 2021, some Reels users reported getting $1,200 for reaching 1 million views — and up to $35,000 for getting 58 million views. As of April 2022, however, Instagram now requires 11 million views for $1,200 and 359 million views for the huge $35,000 payout.

Lastly, Instagram Reels users with larger followings stand to earn even more. In addition to getting larger Play Bonuses, some users may also be eligible to have ads placed over their Reels videos. Getting ad money requires at least 10,000 followers, five (or more) Reels videos, and 600,000 minutes of viewership over the last 60 days. Whether you’re eligible to place ads on your videos –or you just want to focus on Play Bonuses — those are all the ways you can get paid with Instagram Reels.