How Much Does Instagram Pay for 1,000 Views?

If you're wondering if you can earn money based on how many people watch your videos, especially around that 1,000 view mark, you're in the right place. This blog will explain the different ways creators are earning on Instagram now and how you can get in on it.

The Truth About Instagram's View-Based Payment System

Instagram Doesn't Pay Just for Views

It can be confusing, but Instagram doesn't pay you money just because a lot of people watch your posts. It's not like YouTube. On YouTube, if your videos get a lot of views, you can earn money from ads. But Instagram is different. If you get 1,000 views on your Instagram post, Instagram won't automatically send you any money.

It's About Followers and People Liking Your Stuff

Instead of just counting views, Instagram looks at how many followers you have and how much people like your posts (that's called "engagement"). You need to have a good number of followers and people who really interact with your content to start making money.

You Need Followers to Unlock Ways to Earn

To really start earning money on Instagram, you usually need at least 10,000 followers. Think of this number as a key that opens up different ways to make money on the app. It's not just about how many people see one post.

Instagram and YouTube Are Different

It's important to know that Instagram and YouTube pay creators in different ways. YouTube pays based on the ads that show up on your videos. The more views you get, the more ad money you can make. For example, a YouTuber might make $2 to $5 for every 1,000 views. But Instagram doesn't do this.

How Instagram Creators Make Money

Instead of paying for views, Instagram gives creators tools to make money in other ways. They can:

Work with brands: Companies pay them to show off their products.

Share special links: If their followers buy something through these links, the creator gets a small amount of money.

Use Instagram's own tools: Instagram has some special features that let creators earn money directly from their fans.

So, while getting lots of views is good, it's not the main way to get paid on Instagram. You need to focus on getting more followers and getting people to really like and interact with your posts. That's how you open the door to making money.

Instagram Reels Play Bonus: The Closest Thing to View-Based Payment

Instagram's Way to Pay for Views (Sometimes!)

Okay, so Instagram does have a way for some people to get paid based on how many times their short videos, called Reels, are watched. It's called the Reels Play Bonus. Think of it as Instagram saying, "Hey, if your Reels get enough views, we'll give you some money!" This started in the US, but it's slowly rolling out to other parts of the world.

How It Works in Simple Terms

If you have an Instagram account set up for business or as a creator, you might be able to earn money on your Reels. The big catch is that your Reels need to get at least 1,000 views within 30 days.

But here's the tricky part: Instagram doesn't pay everyone the same way. They look at your account – things like how many people usually like your stuff and if your content is good. Based on that, they set a special goal for you.

For example, one person might need to get almost 10 million views to earn $8,500. Another person might need to get over 11 million views to earn only $1,200! So, it's not a simple "this many views equals this much money" situation. The rules can even change over time as Instagram tries different things.

What Kind of Reels Can Earn Money?

Not every Reel you post will earn you money through this bonus. Here are the important rules:

It has to be your own idea: You can't just repost someone else's video. It needs to be original content that you created.

No brand deals allowed: If you're making a Reel to show off a product and you're getting paid for it (you'll usually see a "Paid Partnership" tag), that Reel won't count for the bonus.

Don't break the rules: If Instagram says you've broken their rules with your Reels three times, they'll stop you from earning money for 30 days.

Basically, Instagram wants to pay people who are making cool, original stuff. They don't want to pay for ads or videos that aren't yours. So, if you want to earn with the Reels Play Bonus, you need to make sure your content is fresh and follows their guidelines.

Monetization Thresholds: From 1,000 Views to Actual Income

1,000 Views: A Small Step on a Bigger Path

If you're just starting out on Instagram and get 1,000 views on a post, don't expect a paycheck right away. Those views are like taking the first few steps on a long path. They show that people are noticing you, and that's a good thing!

The Magic Number: 10,000 Followers Opens Doors

Think of getting to 10,000 followers as reaching a special level in a game. Once you hit this number, Instagram gives you access to some cool tools that can help you make money. One important thing is the ability to add a "Link" sticker to your Stories. This lets you send your followers directly to websites where they can buy things or learn more about a brand. Also, once you have 10,000 followers, brands start to notice you more and might want to work with you. This follower count shows them that you have an audience that listens.

Making a Little Money When You're Still Growing

If you have less than 10,000 followers, you might still be able to make some money, maybe $10 to $100 for a sponsored post. This is when a brand pays you to show off their product. It might not seem like a lot, but it's a start! As more people follow you, you can charge more.

More Followers = More Money Power!

As your follower count grows way past 10,000, the amount of money you can make can really jump! Big-time influencers with tons of people following them can charge a lot of money for one single post. For example, someone who talks about home decorating and has a huge and interested audience, like Aimee Song, can make $50,000 or even more for working with a brand!

Views Matter More When You Have a Big Crowd

So, while those first 1,000 views might not bring in cash, they help you build towards having a bigger audience. When you're getting hundreds of thousands or even millions of views on your posts regularly, that tells brands that a lot of people are seeing your content. That makes your account really valuable to them, and they'll be more willing to pay you to reach your audience.

Instagram Monetization Methods Beyond Views

How Instagram Creators Really Make Money

Instagram doesn't pay you just for views. But if people see your posts, you can still make money in different ways. Knowing these ways helps you earn more.

Working with Brands

Many Instagram creators get paid to show off products. Brands pay them. How much depends on:

• How many followers they have.
• How many people like their posts.
• What their posts are about.
• How good their posts look.

If you have 10,000 to 100,000 followers, you might get $100 to $500 for one post. If you have more, you can get thousands. This is a main way to earn money on Instagram.

Live Video Tips and Subscriptions

If people like your live videos, they can send you "badges" to say thanks. These cost a little bit of money. Also, if you have enough fans, you can let them pay a monthly fee to see special things. This gives you money regularly.

You need a good number of followers who really like your posts to use these features. Instagram wants to help creators earn money directly from their fans, not just from views.

Sharing Links to Products

Another way to earn is to share special links to products. If your followers buy through your link, you get a small part of the money. More people seeing your posts can mean more clicks and more money for you.

The Impact of Instagram's Advertising Revenue in 2025

Instagram's Growing Power

More and more, Instagram is where Meta (the company that owns it) makes its money. By 2025, it's likely that over half of all the money Meta makes from ads in the US will come from Instagram. This shows that Instagram is becoming super important. Because of this, Instagram will probably keep putting money into tools that help creators earn.

Where Instagram's Money Comes From Now

In 2024, most of the money Instagram made from ads came from the regular posts you see in your feed and from Stories. But now, more people are watching Reels (those short, fun videos). So, the money Instagram makes from Reels is expected to grow. This could mean more ways for creators who make Reels to earn money in the future.

Instagram Loves Video Now

People are spending most of their time on Instagram watching videos. Almost two out of every three minutes on Instagram are spent watching videos! This is a big change, and it means Instagram is trying to be more like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

What This Means for Creators

If you're an Instagram creator, especially if you make videos (like Reels), you might have the best chance to make money. Even though Instagram doesn't usually pay for just 1,000 views, making popular videos that get a lot of attention could help you get into programs like the Reels Play Bonus. This program does pay some creators based on how well their Reels do.

Maximizing Your Earnings Per 1,000 Views

Turn Views into Money Without Direct Payments

Even though Instagram doesn't pay you straight up for views, you can still make money from them. The trick is to make those views really count. You do this by making good content and getting people to care about what you post.

Get the Right Viewers

Not all viewers are the same when it comes to making money. Viewers who have money to spend and are interested in specific things (like fancy trips, money stuff, or makeup) are worth more to brands. You should try to make posts that attract these kinds of viewers.

If you have the right kind of audience, even if it's not huge, you can make more money. For example, someone with 10,000 followers who are really interested in a certain hobby might earn more than someone with 100,000 followers who are interested in just anything.

The Best Ways to Post for Money

Some types of posts work better for making money on Instagram right now:

• Reels: These short videos reach a lot of people, and you might be able to get into that bonus program where Instagram pays for popular Reels.

• Stories: These are great for sharing links to products you like and for telling people when you're working with a brand.

• Regular Posts: Good photos and videos still work well for showing off products you're paid to promote.

• Live Videos: These are the best for getting direct support from your fans through those "badges" and for talking to them in real time.

To make the most money, try using all these different kinds of posts. Focus on making videos (especially Reels) because they tend to get the most attention right now. This way, even if you don't get paid for every view, you have a better chance of earning money in other ways.

Real Numbers: What Creators Actually Earn from Views

How Much Money Instagram Creators Can Make

It helps to see real numbers to understand how much you can earn. Here's a simple breakdown:

Small Creators (10,000 - 50,000 followers)

At this stage, creators might earn:

• $10 to $100 for one sponsored post.
• A little extra money from popular Reels through the Reels Play Bonus.
• Less than $500 a month from sharing links to products.
• Sometimes get free stuff from brands who want people to see their products.

Medium-Sized Creators (50,000 - 500,000 followers)

When you have more followers, you can earn more:

• $500 to $5,000 for one sponsored post.
• More money from the Reels Play Bonus if your videos do well often.
• Maybe thousands of dollars a month from sharing product links.
• Long-term deals with brands where you become their "face."

Big Creators (500,000+ followers)

If you have a huge audience, Instagram can be very profitable:

• $5,000 to over $50,000 for one sponsored post.
• The highest possible payouts from the Reels Play Bonus (maybe up to $35,000 for the very top creators).
• A lot of money coming in from product links.
• Long-term partnerships with big brands and even chances to create your own products with them.

It's Not Always Easy: Challenges of Making Money on Instagram

Even though there's a chance to earn, it's not always simple:

• Lots of Competition: More and more people are trying to become Instagram creators, so it's harder to stand out.

• Instagram Changes Things: The way Instagram shows posts can change often. This can make it harder for people to see your content, which means your views (and how much you can earn) can go up and down.

• Rules Can Change: Instagram can change the rules for how you make money. For example, they've made it harder to earn the most from the Reels Play Bonus, needing way more views than before.

• Rules About What You Post: There are rules about what kind of content can make money. If you break these rules, Instagram might stop you from earning for a while or even for good.

The Bottom Line: Making Money with Views on Instagram

Instagram doesn't pay you directly for 1,000 views like YouTube might. But there are many ways to earn money if you have people watching your content. The key is to get people to really engage with your posts and to build a community of followers who trust you.

As Instagram grows and changes, especially with more focus on videos, creators who can connect with a specific group of people will likely do the best. Instagram making more money from ads probably means they will keep investing in ways for creators to earn too.

So, instead of just thinking about how much you get paid for 1,000 views, focus on getting people to follow you, making good content regularly, and using all the different tools Instagram offers to make money. If you do this, you can turn those views into real income, even if Instagram doesn't pay you directly for them.