How to monetize Instagram: tools, requirements and payouts
Instagram pays creators through several separate tools, each with its own rules. This guide lists them, spells out the Gifts requirements that Instagram publishes, shows how the $0.01-per-star payout works, and explains how to check your own status. Test your account against the Gifts rules with our Instagram monetization checker; more guides are in creator monetization.
By the Chelure Enterprises Editorial Team. Last reviewed . How we check our sources.
The monetization tools
| Tool | What Instagram says | Requirements we verified |
|---|---|---|
| Gifts | Fans send virtual gifts on your reels, bought with stars; only creators can see the specific gifts they receive | Listed below |
| Badges | A separate way to earn money on live video content | Not read for this page |
| Subscriptions | Listed among Instagram's monetization tools | Not read for this page |
| Bonuses | Listed among Instagram's monetization tools | Not read for this page |
| Creator Marketplace | Listed among Instagram's monetization tools | Not read for this page |
Instagram's help center says that to monetize and keep earning your account and content must comply with its Community Standards, Partner Monetization Policies and Content Monetization Policies, and that you must also meet the product eligibility requirements for each tool, which apply to accounts, behaviours and payments. It also covers affiliate partnerships and branded content in separate articles, which we have not summarised here.
Gifts: the requirements
| Requirement (Instagram) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Account | A professional account |
| Age | 18 or older |
| Policies | Meet the Partner Monetization Policies; remain compliant with Community Standards and Content Monetization Policies |
| Followers | At least 500 |
| Terms | Agree to the Instagram Gifts Creators Terms |
| Payouts | Set up a payout account on Instagram; without one you can see who sent a gift but cannot receive earnings |
| Not eligible | Collaborative posts and accounts that primarily post content focused on children |
| Location | Live in a country where Gifts is available (49 countries listed, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden) |
How the payout works
Instagram pays a monthly revenue share on reels that received gifts, equal to $0.01 USD for every star received, provided you comply with the applicable terms. Instagram takes a share of revenue when a viewer buys the stars, varying by pack size, and the mobile platform's in-app purchase fee, typically 30 percent, is also taken from the pack price. So $0.01 per star is what you receive, not what the fan pays. At 10,000 stars a month that is $100. You can see approximate earnings in the Professional dashboard under Gifts. Facebook Stars on Reels is a separate product, and a Facebook Stars balance cannot be used to send gifts on Instagram.
Check your monetization status
- Open the Instagram mobile app (this feature is only available there).
- Go to Menu, then Settings, then Creator tools and controls (or Business tools and controls), then Monetization status.
- Review policy violations at account and content level. You must resolve them to keep earning, and you can request a review if you think there was a mistake.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make money on Instagram?
Instagram's help center lists five monetization tools: Badges, Bonuses, Creator Marketplace, Gifts and Subscriptions, each with its own eligibility requirements. Gifts lets fans send virtual gifts on your reels, and badges are the separate way to earn from live video.
How many followers do I need?
For Gifts, Instagram requires at least 500 followers, plus a professional account, being 18 or older, meeting its Partner Monetization Policies and living in an eligible country. Other tools have their own requirements, which Instagram lists on its eligibility page.
How much does Instagram pay for Gifts?
Instagram pays $0.01 USD for every star received, as a monthly revenue share on reels that received gifts. Viewers buy stars; Instagram takes a share at purchase and the mobile platform's in-app purchase fee, typically 30 percent, is taken from the pack price, so $0.01 per star is what you receive.
Which countries support Instagram Gifts?
Instagram lists 49 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Ireland, Australia, India and Japan. Check its page, because the list can change.
How do I check whether I can monetize?
In the Instagram mobile app, go to Menu, then Settings, then Creator tools and controls (or Business tools and controls), then Monetization status. It shows policy violations at account and content level and lets you request a review.
Can I earn without a professional account?
No for Gifts: a professional account is required, and Instagram's monetization status page also lists a professional account as a prerequisite.
Sources
- Instagram Help Center: How to earn money on Instagram Gifts
- Instagram Help Center: About product eligibility requirements for monetization tools
- Instagram Help Center: How to check the monetization status of your account and content
Primary sources opened on November 13, 2026. Prices come from our verified price table (see the methodology).
Read from Instagram's help center on November 13, 2026. We did not read the Badges, Subscriptions, Bonuses or Creator Marketplace requirement pages for this guide; check Instagram for those.