How to See Monetization on Instagram

Thinking about making money on Instagram but not sure where to start or if you even qualify? You're in the right place. This guide walks you through exactly how to check your monetization status directly in the app and breaks down what you need to do to unlock each of a creator's potential income streams.

How to Find Your Monetization Status in the Instagram App

Before you get lost in follower counts and engagement rates, let’s go right to the source. Instagram has a built-in tool that shows you exactly where you stand with their monetization programs. Finding it only takes a minute.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Go to your Instagram profile and tap the menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
2. Tap on "Settings and privacy."
3. Scroll down and select "Creator tools and controls" (or "Business tools and controls" if you have a Business Account). The options are very similar.
4. Near the bottom of the list, tap on "Monetization status."

This screen is your command center. It lists Instagram's key monetization features - like Subscriptions, Badges, and Ads on Reels - and tells you if you are eligible for them. If you see green checkmarks, you're good to go. If not, Instagram will usually give you a general reason why you don't yet meet the requirements. It’s the fastest way to get a clear picture of what's available to you right now.

Quick tip: Instagram changes its menu layouts from time to time, so if you don't find these options exactly where described, look for terms like "Professional Dashboard," "Creator," or "Business" to find the right path.

Breaking Down Instagram's Core Monetization Requirements

Seeing "Eligible" on your monetization status screen is a great first step, but it’s helpful to understand the rules that govern that status. All monetization features are ruled by Instagram's Partner Monetization Policies and Content Monetization Policies. Hitting these standards is non-negotiable.

While the full documents are long and detailed, they boil down to a few core principles:

1. You Must Have a Professional Account

This is the absolute baseline. You cannot access any monetization tools with a Personal Account. If you haven't already, switch your account to either a Creator or Business profile. Don't worry, it's free and only takes a few taps in your settings under "Account type and tools." Creator accounts are generally best for public figures, artists, and influencers, while Business accounts are better for brands with a physical location or product.

2. Follow Instagram's Rules (Community Guidelines)

This one seems obvious, but it's the number one reason creators lose their eligibility. You must consistently follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines. This means no hate speech, graphic violence, misinformation, or sexually suggestive content. Any violations or account strikes can immediately put your monetization at risk or have it revoked.

3. Post Original, Authentic Content

Instagram wants to reward creators who publish original work. You cannot primarily share unedited content from other sources or post content with heavy watermarks from other platforms. Repurposing your own TikToks is fine, but reposting someone else's viral video without adding significant new value is not.

4. Build a Real, Engaged Audience

Faking it won't work. Instagram's policies explicitly forbid monetizing inauthentic engagement. This means if you buy followers, purchase likes, or use bots to comment, your account will be flagged and disqualified. Specific monetization features often have follower minimums (typically starting around 10,000 followers for features like Subscriptions), but the engagement on those followers is just as important.

5. Reside in an Eligible Country

Unfortunately, not all features are available globally. Monetization tools like Badges, Ads on Reels, or Subscriptions are rolled out on a country-by-country basis. Instagram maintains a list of eligible countries for its various programs, but this can change, so it's always good to check their official documentation if a feature isn't appearing for you.

A Closer Look at Each Instagram Monetization Tool

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start aiming for specific features. Each one has its own flavor and set of criteria you’ll need to meet.

Subscriptions

What it is: A way for your most dedicated fans to pay a monthly fee in exchange for exclusive content, a special subscriber badge, and other perks you create. Think supporter-only Stories or private broadcast channels.

Who it's for: Creators with a strong, loyal community who are willing to pay for behind-the-scenes or premium content.

General Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a Creator account.
• Have a minimum of 10,000 followers.
• Be located in an eligible country (this is very limited as it rolls out).
• Comply strictly with Partner Monetization Policies.

How to Check: If you're eligible and have been invited, you will see a "Subscriptions" setup button right in your Professional Dashboard. This feature is being rolled out slowly, so even if you meet all the criteria, you may have to wait for an invitation.

Badges in Live

What it is: During an Instagram Live broadcast, your viewers can purchase "Badges" in the form of hearts to show their support. The Badges appear next to their name in the comments, making them stand out and show some love.

Who it's for: Creators who go Live frequently to connect with their audience through Q&As, tutorials, or performances.

General Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a Creator or Business account.
• Have a minimum of 10,000 followers.
• Be in a country where Badges are available.

How to Check: In your Professional Dashboard, you'll see an option to "Set Up Badges" if you're eligible. Once active, a "Badges" button will appear on your screen whenever you start an Instagram Live session.

Ads on Instagram Reels and Profile Feed

What it is: This feature allows you to earn a share of the ad revenue from ads that Instagram places on your content. The ads might appear after a Reel loops or in your profile feed, overlaying on your content. It’s one of the more passive ways to earn money.

Who it's for: Creators who produce high-quality, engaging video content that keeps people watching.

General Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have an active Professional Account.
• Location is important - must be in an eligible country.
• Meet specific engagement metrics (Instagram hasn't released firm public numbers, but it's based on high view counts for your videos).

How to Check: Your "Monetization status" page is the best place to look. If you become eligible, Insta will often prompt you via a notification to enable the feature and set up your payout account.

Bonuses

What it is: An invite-only program that pays creators based on performance milestones, such as getting a certain number of views on your Reels within a specific period. These programs are not always active and often change focus.

Who it's for: Any creator who is consistently posting high-performing content, especially Reels.

General Requirements:

• This is strictly invite-only. There is no set follower count or age requirement.
• The best way to get an invite is to create original, engaging Reels that comply with all of Instagram's policies. Stay on top of trends and create content that resonates.

How to Check: You will receive a pop-up notification inviting you to participate. You’ll also find a "Bonuses" section in your Professional Dashboard where you can track your earnings and progress toward the next milestone.

Branded Content & Partnerships

What it is: Working directly with brands to create sponsored posts or Stories. This isn’t a direct payment from Instagram but is one of the most common ways to monetize.

Who it's for: Creators of all sizes who have a defined niche and an engaged audience that trusts their recommendations.

General Requirements:

• There's no minimum follower count dictated by Instagram, but brands typically look for creators with strong engagement rates and a clear niche.
• You must use the "Paid Partnership" label on all sponsored content to comply with platform rules and advertising laws.

How to Check Tools: You can enable branded content tools under "Creator tools and controls" > "Branded content." Here, you can grant brands permission to promote your posts as ads and set up a portfolio for potential partners to view.

Not Eligible Yet? Here’s Your Game Plan.

If you checked your status and aren't eligible for monetization yet, don't get discouraged. Think of it as a roadmap. Here are the actionable steps to take next:

1. Double-Check Your Account Type: Make sure you have a Creator or Business account. This is the first and easiest thing to fix.

2. Be Consistent: Monetization rewards activity. Aim to post consistently - that could mean a few Reels per week or daily Stories. Find a sustainable rhythm and stick to it to show the algorithm you're an active creator.

3. Focus on a Niche: Ditch the "post-everything" approach. The most successful (and profitable) creators have a clear focus, whether it's sustainable fashion, vegan recipes, or digital art tips. A defined niche attracts a dedicated audience that brands want to reach.

4. Master Reels: Right now, Reels are the engine of growth on Instagram. They have the highest potential for organic reach, user engagement, and are the focus of Bonus programs. Get comfortable creating short-form video.

5. Engage with Your Community: Don't just post and ghost. Reply to comments, answer your DMs, and run polls in your Stories. Building a real community - not just a high follower count - leads to the kind of loyalty that unlocks features like Subscriptions and Badges.

Final Thoughts

Checking your Instagram monetization status is the easy part, getting to "Eligible" across the board is the real goal. It requires a combination of consistency, creativity, and a commitment to following the platform's rules while building an authentic connection with your audience.

As you scale up your efforts to create the kind of high-quality content that unlocks these monetization features, keeping everything organized can become a challenge. At times like these, we designed Postbase to simplify that process. Our visual calendar helps you plan your content strategy, while powerful scheduling tools let you post Reels, videos, and images across all your platforms seamlessly. This frees up your time, letting you focus on engaging your audience and creating great content, not scrambling just to get a post out the door.