Intro
Instagram’s global popularity means creators from all corners of the world can reach millions—but not everyone gets paid the same. If you’re trying to monetize your Instagram videos, one of the biggest questions is: Does Instagram pay more in North America than in Asia? The short answer is yes—and the reasons come down to advertising budgets, audience value, and platform priorities.
How Instagram Monetization Works by Region
Instagram’s direct payouts (like Reels Play Bonuses or ad revenue sharing) are determined by CPM (cost per 1,000 views) and RPM (revenue per 1,000 views). Both rates are heavily influenced by where your audience is located—not just where you live as a creator.
North America (US & Canada)
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Highest CPM/RPM: The US and Canada consistently have the highest ad spend per user, meaning brands pay more to reach audiences in these countries.
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Direct payouts: Creators typically earn $2 to $8 per 1,000 views on Reels, with most reporting $4–$5 per 1,000 US-based views. Feed videos and Stories usually pay $0.50 to $2 per 1,000 views.
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Sponsored content: Brands are willing to pay a premium for North American audiences, often $20–$50+ CPM for influencer partnerships.
Asia (India, Southeast Asia, East Asia)
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Lower CPM/RPM: Asian countries tend to have lower digital ad budgets, which directly impacts creator earnings. Brands pay less to reach these audiences, and Instagram passes those savings on.
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Direct payouts: For the same Reels or video content, Asian creators usually earn $0.10 to $1 per 1,000 views—sometimes up to $2 in higher-income markets like Japan or Singapore, but rarely above that.
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Sponsored content: CPMs for branded deals are typically lower—$2 to $10 per 1,000 views for most markets, though premium niches (tech, luxury, travel) can attract higher rates in countries like Japan or South Korea.
Why Is There Such a Big Difference?
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Advertising Spend: Brands spend more per user in North America because the market is wealthier and more competitive.
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Audience Value: US and Canadian audiences are seen as more valuable by global brands, driving up CPMs and influencer rates.
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Market Maturity: The influencer marketing ecosystem is more developed in North America, leading to bigger budgets and higher creator expectations.
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Currency Strength: US dollar and Canadian dollar payments are worth more globally, further boosting North American earnings.
Real-World Examples
A creator in the US posts a Reel with 100,000 views, mostly from US followers. They might earn $400 from Instagram directly, and another $2,000 from a brand deal.
A creator in India or Indonesia posts the same content with 100,000 views, but earns around $20–$50 from Instagram and perhaps $200 from a local brand deal.
Even if both creators have similar follower counts, content quality, and engagement, audience location drives the earning potential.
How Can Asian Creators Boost Earnings?
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Target high-CPM audiences: Content in English or international topics can attract more North American viewers.
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Focus on engagement: High engagement sometimes leads to better payouts, even in lower-CPM regions.
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Secure regional sponsorships: Collaborate with brands looking to enter or dominate the Asian market.
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Use analytics platforms like Ranktracker to identify which regions your audience comes from and to optimize your strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
Instagram definitely pays more for views and sponsored content in North America than in Asia. If you’re focused on monetizing your Instagram presence, understanding your audience location—and actively seeking ways to attract high-value viewers—can make a substantial difference in your earnings. Tools like Ranktracker can help you analyze and expand your reach into the most lucrative markets.
