How to Get Threads Bonus

The new Threads performance bonus program is here, and creators are already wondering how to get a piece of the action. This invite-only monetization tool rewards high-performing accounts for their content, turning your engagement into actual earnings. We’ll walk through exactly what we know about the Threads bonus, who's eligible, and the specific, actionable steps you can take to get an invitation.

What is the Threads Bonus Program?

The "Threads performance bonus" program is a new, invite-only initiative from Meta designed to reward creators for posting popular content on the platform. It's a direct response to competitor platforms like X (formerly Twitter) that have already introduced creator monetization features. For Meta, it’s a smart way to incentivize high-quality, consistent posting, keeping both creators and their audiences active on the app.

Put simply: when your Threads posts do well, you can get paid. The program operates much like the Instagram Reels Play bonus program, where creators were invited to earn up to a certain amount based on the views and engagement their content received over a set period. One creator shared a screenshot showing they were eligible to earn up to $5,000 based on their posts receiving at least 2,500 views. These figures can and will vary, but they show the potential of the program.

The most important thing to remember is that it's invitation-only. You can't just apply. Your goal is to create an account that ticks all the boxes Meta looks for when selecting creators, which brings us to the next step: understanding eligibility.

Are You Eligible? Understanding the Requirements

Getting invited to the Threads bonus program isn’t about luck. It’s about meeting a specific set of criteria that signals to Meta you're a serious creator. These requirements can be divided into two categories: the non-negotiable rules and the "soft" requirements that show you're a high-value user.

Official Eligibility Criteria

These are the hard-and-fast rules you must follow. If you don't meet these requirements, you won't be considered for an invitation, no matter how great your content is.

• Must have a Professional Account: Your personal account won't cut it. You need to be using a Creator or Business profile on Instagram (which links to your Threads account) to access monetization tools.
• Must reside in an eligible country: During the initial testing phase, the program has been primarily available in the United States. This will likely expand over time, just as other Meta monetization programs have.
• Must be 18 years or older: This is a standard requirement for all monetization programs involving legal and financial agreements.
• Must follow Meta's rules: This is a big one. You must be in good standing and adhere to three key policies:
  • Partner Monetization Policies: These rules govern how you make money across Meta's platforms. They cover things like creating original content and an authentic presence.
  • Content Monetization Policies: These rules specify what kind of content can be monetized. Content depicting violence, restricted goods, or other sensitive topics is strictly prohibited.
  • Community Guidelines: These are the standard rules of Threads and Instagram. Having posts taken down for violations is a major red flag that will likely disqualify you.

The "Unofficial" Criteria: How to Get on Meta's Radar

Meeting the official rules is just the baseline. To actually receive an invitation, you need to prove you’re the kind of creator Meta wants to invest in. This is where your strategy comes into play.

• Consistent Activity: Meta wants to reward creators who are actively contributing to the platform. Logging in once a week won’t work. You need to be posting, replying, and engaging regularly.
• High Engagement Levels: It’s not just about how many followers you have, but how many people interact with your posts. High numbers of replies, likes, and reposts signal to the algorithm that your content is valuable.
• Audience Growth: While follower count isn't everything, an account that is steadily growing shows that you're creating compelling content that attracts new people.
• Original Content: Meta has stated that they prioritize original content. If your feed is just a collection of memes and other people's posts, you’re less likely to be seen as a creator worthy of investment.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Your Chances

Knowing the rules is one thing, but putting them into practice is another. Here’s a clear, actionable plan to position your Threads account for a monetization invitation.

Step 1: Convert to a Professional Account

If you haven't already, this is your first task. This allows Meta to see you as a creator and gives you access to the Professional Dashboard where monetization information and invitations appear.

1. Open your Instagram app (since your Threads account is linked).
2. Go to your profile and tap the three-line menu icon in the top right.
3. Select "Settings and Privacy."
4. Scroll down and tap "Account type and tools."
5. Tap "Switch to professional account" and follow the prompts. You can choose "Creator" if you're an individual or "Business" if you represent an organization.

Step 2: Post High-Quality, Original Content Consistently

This is the heart of your strategy. Content is what drives everything - engagement, growth, and eventually, monetization. This isn't the place to simply reshare links from X.

What does "high-quality" mean on Threads?

• Be Authentic: Threads rewards personality. Your audience wants to hear *your* thoughts, not generic statements. Share insights, funny observations, behind-the-scenes content. Mixing text, photos, and videos to tell a story is a great approach.
• Start Conversations: Text is central to Threads. Don't just post a statement, ask your audience a question. Use the poll feature to get immediate feedback. For example, instead of saying, "Just finished this great book," try, "Just finished this book and the ending blew my mind. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?"
• Focus on Originality: While it’s okay to repost content occasionally, the vast majority of your feed should be your own creations. That means your own text, your own photos, and your own videos.

How consistent should you be?

Aim for 3-5 high-quality posts per day. This might sound like a lot, but they don't all have to be elaborate. An effective daily mix could look like this:

• Morning: An engaging question for your audience.
• Mid-day: A short video or interesting photo from your day.
• Afternoon: A text-based insight related to your niche.
• Evening: A reply or two to an ongoing trend or topic.

The goal is to stay active in your followers' feeds without spamming them. Quality always trumps quantity.

Step 3: Supercharge Your Engagement

Engagement on Threads is a two-way street. Besides creating posts that invite conversation, you need to actively build your community.

• Reply to a Majority of Your Comments: When someone takes the time to reply to your thread, acknowledge it! A simple "thank you," a thoughtful answer, or even just a like shows you're paying attention. This encourages more people to comment in the future.
• Engage with Other Accounts: Don't just broadcast your own content. Spend 15-20 minutes a day actively engaging with other accounts, especially those in your niche. Leave thoughtful comments on their posts. This not only builds relationships but also increases your account's visibility.
• Mention Other Users: When relevant, tag other creators or brands in your posts. This can start a conversation and pull another community's eyes onto your content. Just be sure to do it authentically, not in a spammy way.

Think of it as building your reputation in a digital neighborhood. When you're an active and helpful participant, people (and the algorithm) notice.

Step 4: Scrupulously Follow the Rules

One suspension or content violation can jeopardize your monetization eligibility. It seems obvious, but many people forget this part. Take a moment to regularly review Meta's Community Standards and Partner Monetization Policies.

Avoid borderline content, shady tactics like buying followers, or using engagement pods. Build your brand organically and transparently. An account with a clean history is a much safer bet for Meta to invest in.

What to Do Once You Get the Invitation

After all your hard work, imagine you open your Professional Dashboard and see the invitation. Here's what comes next:

1. Accepting the Invitation

You'll typically find a notification on your Professional Dashboard within Instagram or Threads. The setup process is straightforward, but you'll need to do it before the deadline mentioned in the offer.

2. Setting Up Payouts

You'll be prompted to provide your tax information (like an SSN or EIN) and link a bank account or PayPal for your earnings. This process is secure and is managed directly through Meta. Complete all the required steps carefully to avoid any payment delays.

3. Understanding the Bonus Structure

Each bonus offer will have its own specifics. Pay close attention to:

• The Maximum Payout: The top amount you can earn during the bonus period.
• The End Date: The bonus program only runs for a limited time (e.g., 30 days).
• The Performance Metrics: Pay attention to *how* you'll be paid. Early versions are based on views, requiring posts to get a minimum number of impressions to start earning. Look for a counter in your dashboard that tracks these "bonus plays" or views.

Your strategy might need a small adjustment once the bonus is active. If the bonus is based solely on views, you'll want to focus on creating content with the broadest possible appeal to maximize your reach during that 30-day window.

Final Thoughts

Securing an invitation to the Threads bonus program comes down to being a valuable creator on the platform. By producing consistent, high-quality original content and actively building a community through genuine engagement, you send all the right signals to Meta that your account is worth rewarding.

Of course, staying on top of a consistent posting schedule for Threads, on top of Instagram, TikTok, and all your other platforms, is a huge challenge. We actually built Postbase to solve this very problem by providing a simple, visual calendar where you can plan and schedule all your content in one organized place. This helps our users get their time back so they can focus more on creating great content instead of juggling different apps.