Intro
If you’re focused on earning from your social video content, it’s natural to compare Instagram and Facebook—two giants under the Meta umbrella. Both offer monetization programs for creators, but the way they pay (and how much you actually earn per view) varies by format, audience, and eligibility. Here’s what you need to know.
How Monetization Works on Instagram
Instagram pays creators through several methods:
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Reels Play Bonus (invite-only): Pays $1–$8 per 1,000 views for high-performing Reels, but availability and rates vary.
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Ads on Reels: Eligible creators earn a share of ad revenue; CPM (cost per 1,000 views) is similar to Reels Bonus.
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Sponsored Content: Brand deals can bring in $100–$10,000+ per post, depending on reach and niche.
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Affiliate Sales, Shop, Badges, and Subscriptions: Additional income streams for creators with engaged followings.
How Monetization Works on Facebook
Facebook has built a robust ecosystem for video monetization:
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In-Stream Ads (Ad Breaks): Long-form videos (at least 1 minute, with ads shown after 60 seconds) generate ad revenue. Typical CPMs are $1–$5 in most regions, but can reach $10+ for highly engaged US/UK audiences or premium niches.
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Facebook Reels Bonus: Similar to Instagram, select creators can access bonuses for high-performing Reels, but reported payouts are generally lower than on Instagram.
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Sponsored Content: Brand deals can be lucrative, with rates similar to or slightly below Instagram, especially for larger pages.
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Stars, Fan Subscriptions, and Shops: Allow fans to support creators and purchase products directly.
Side-by-Side Earnings Comparison
| Platform | Direct Payout per 1,000 Views (Short-Form) | Direct Payout per 1,000 Views (Long-Form) | Sponsored Content | Shop/Affiliate | Fan Support |
| $1–$8 (Reels Bonus/Ads) | N/A | High | Yes | Yes | |
| $0.50–$4 (Reels/In-Stream Bonus) | $1–$5+ (In-Stream Ads) | High (slightly lower) | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways:
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Instagram pays more per view on short-form content (Reels) for most creators, especially those in high-CPM countries and premium niches.
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Facebook’s long-form video monetization (In-Stream Ads) offers strong, scalable returns—sometimes higher for videos over 3 minutes in premium regions.
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Sponsored content rates are usually highest on Instagram, due to its brand-driven culture and influencer ecosystem.
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Both platforms allow for affiliate sales, shops, and direct fan support, but Instagram is more optimized for in-app shopping.
Real-World Examples
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A viral Reel on Instagram with 1 million views might earn $1,200 from the Reels Bonus. The same content reposted on Facebook Reels could generate $200–$600, depending on the program and audience location.
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A Facebook video over 3 minutes with 1 million views can earn $1,000–$4,000+ in ad revenue, especially if the audience is US-based and the niche is premium (finance, tech, beauty).
Which Platform Pays More Per View?
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Instagram is the better bet for short-form Reels and influencer sponsorships
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Facebook excels with long-form, in-stream video content and offers more ways for creators to monetize long, engaging videos.
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For most creators, a combined strategy—using both platforms and repurposing content—delivers the highest overall earnings.
Conclusion
Instagram typically pays more per view for Reels and branded posts, while Facebook offers higher potential for long-form video ad revenue, especially for creators with a US/UK audience or premium niche. The best approach? Create for both, analyze your analytics (with tools like Ranktracker), and let your content work harder across Meta’s entire ecosystem.
