Social media is no longer just about engagement—it’s a serious income stream for creators. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube offering multiple ways to earn, content creators can now turn their passion into profit. But each platform has its own monetization criteria, and staying updated is key to unlocking these revenue opportunities.
If you’re looking to monetize your content in 2025, here’s what you need to know about Instagram monetization requirements, TikTok monetization rules, and YouTube monetization eligibility—plus how to maximize your earnings across platforms.
Instagram Monetization: How to Earn from Your Content
Instagram continues to be a leading platform for influencer marketing, brand deals, and direct monetization through built-in tools. But to start earning money on Instagram, creators must meet specific criteria.
Instagram Monetization Requirements (2025 Update)
To qualify for Instagram’s monetization programs, you must:
- Have at least 5,000 followers
- Have at least 60,000 minutes of watch time in the past 60 days
- Follow Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies (Meta Business)
- Create contentmeets brad safety guidelines
Ways to Monetize on Instagram
- Instagram Reels Bonuses: Get paid for high-performing Reels if you’re eligible.
- Subscriptions: Offer exclusive content to followers who pay a monthly fee.
- Instagram Gifts: Viewers can send virtual gifts during live streams and Reels.
- Brand Partnerships: Use the Creator Marketplace to collaborate with brands.
Instagram’s Reels monetization requirements have been updated in 2025, making high-engagement video content the best way to maximize your earnings.
TikTok Monetization: Unlocking Revenue Opportunities
TikTok continues to dominate the short-form video space, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. But getting paid on TikTok requires meeting its monetization eligibility criteria.
TikTok Monetization Requirements (2025 Update)
To join TikTok’s monetization programs, creators must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have 10,000+ followers
- Have at least 100,000 video views in the past 30 days
- Follow TikTok’s monetization policies (TikTok Creator Center)
How to Make Money on TikTok
- Creator Fund 2.0: Earn money based on video engagement (replacing the old Creator Fund).
- TikTok Creator Marketplace: Get paid by brands for sponsored content.
- LIVE Gifts: Viewers send virtual gifts during live streams, which can be converted to real money.
- TikTok Series: Sell exclusive video content to your followers.
With TikTok’s potential U.S. ban still uncertain, creators should cross-post content to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to safeguard their income, eg. Facebook, Pinterest, Snapchat etc.
YouTube Monetization: Turning Views into Revenue
YouTube has long been the gold standard for creator earnings, offering ad revenue, memberships, and brand sponsorships. However, its monetization requirements have changed in 2025, making it easier for new creators to start earning.
YouTube Monetization Requirements (2025 Update)
To qualify for YouTube Partner Program (YPP), creators must meet one of two criteria:
✔ 500 subscribers + 3,000 watch hours in the past year (or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days)
✔ 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours in the past year
Once approved, creators can start earning through YouTube Ads, Super Thanks, and Memberships.
Best Ways to Make Money on YouTube
- Ad Revenue: Earn from ads placed on your videos.
- Super Chats & Super Thanks: Viewers donate during live streams.
- YouTube Shorts Fund: Get paid for viral Shorts content.
- Channel Memberships: Offer exclusive perks for paying subscribers.
YouTube’s monetization policies now favor Shorts creators, making it a top platform for short-form video monetization. (YouTube Creator Support)
Make Money on Social Media with BrandU
Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok offer several ways to make money within their apps, but they all come with eligibility requirements. If you want to make money sooner, affiliate marketing is an accessible and lucrative place to start. Sign up for BrandU or find our resources today to connect with great brands and create a profit from your social media. Everyone is eligible to join BrandU and start sharing shoppable links right away, with no application.
BrandU’s creator courses, dedicated account managers who are industry experts, and real-time analytics help you continue to learn and improve.