TL;DR

• Facebook lets you stack different earning methods, so you’re not stuck relying on just one income stream.
• You can also earn through affiliate marketing by sharing products you genuinely love with your audience.
• You don’t need millions of followers to get started. Platforms like Mavely help everyday influencers earn commissions regardless of audience size.
• You’ll need to turn on Professional Mode and meet Facebook’s eligibility rules before most features unlock.

You’re already sharing product recommendations with friends and family on Facebook, so why not earn on Facebook while you’re at it? The platform has quietly built out a solid set of monetization tools for creators, and when you pair those with affiliate marketing, you’ve got a real shot at turning your everyday posts into a flexible income stream.

How to Make Money on Facebook: Your Monetization Options

Making money on Facebook works best when you combine several earning methods instead of depending on just one. Think of it as building a “monetization stack” where each income stream supports the others. Facebook recently made this easier by grouping many of its creator tools under one Content Monetization program, which has grown to 12 million participants in just over a year.

Here’s a quick look at your main options for how to monetize content on the platform:

• Stars and Gifts let viewers send you virtual tips to show their support.
• Paid Subscriptions bring in monthly fees from your biggest fans.
• Branded Content means sponsored posts from companies that want to work with you.
• Affiliate Marketing earns you commissions when people buy through your links.
• In-Stream Ads generate revenue from ads played in your videos.
• Facebook Shop lets you sell physical products directly to your audience.
• Bonuses reward you with extra payments for hitting engagement goals.

Stars and Gifts

Stars are virtual tips that viewers purchase and send to you during live videos or on your Reels. Each Star you receive is worth one cent, and those pennies add up quickly when you have an engaged community. This feature rewards creators who build genuine connections with their audience.

Live streams tend to generate the most Stars because viewers feel more connected to you in real time. Reels that spark conversation or emotion also perform well. The key is creating content that makes people want to support you.

A few simple ways to encourage Stars without being pushy:

• Thank senders by name when they send Stars during your live streams—it makes them feel appreciated.
• Try setting a visible Stars goal to give your community something to rally around.
• Pin a comment that gently explains how Stars help support your work.

Paid Subscriptions

Subscriptions let your most loyal followers pay a monthly fee in exchange for exclusive perks. This is recurring revenue, which means predictable creator income you can count on each month. You set your own price, so you control what feels right for your audience.

The magic of subscriptions is that you’re rewarding the people who already love what you do. They get special access, and you get steady support. It’s a win for everyone.

Popular perks to offer your subscribers:

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes posts
• Special badges that appear next to their comments
• Early access to your newest content
• Subscriber-only live streams or Q&As

Branded Content and Sponsorships

Branded content is when a company pays you to create a post featuring their product or service. Facebook’s Brand Collabs Manager can help connect you with brands looking for creators like you. These partnerships can be incredibly valuable, especially as your audience grows, with 48% of ad buyers now considering creators a “must buy.”

Transparency matters here. You’re required to use Facebook’s paid partnership tag and follow FTC disclosure rules. Your audience will trust you more when you’re upfront about sponsored content.

If you want to land brand deals, put together a simple media kit that includes:

• Your follower count and basic audience demographics
• Examples of your best-performing content
• Your rates for different types of posts

At Mavely, we connect everyday influencers with brand campaigns that actually fit their lives. You don’t have to wait for brands to find you.

Affiliate Marketing with Mavely SmartLinks

Affiliate marketing means earning a commission when someone buys a product through your unique link. It’s one of the most accessible affiliate marketing tools because you can start earning without a huge following. You’re simply sharing products you already use and love.

We built Mavely for every creator who wants to turn their recommendations into income. Our SmartLinks are trackable affiliate links that work across Facebook, Instagram, and anywhere else you share. You can see exactly what’s working with Mavely analytics.

Here’s where to place your affiliate links on Facebook:

• In the caption of your regular Page posts
• In the description of your Reels
• In Facebook Groups where product recommendations are welcome
• In your bio or About section

Always include a disclosure like #ad or #affiliate so your audience knows you may earn from the link. With Mavely, you get biweekly payouts and access to over 1,400 brands your followers already know and trust.

In-Stream Ads and Reels Ads

In-stream ads are short commercials that play before, during, or after your longer videos. Reels ads work similarly, appearing as overlays or between videos in the Reels feed. Your earnings depend on how many people watch and engage with those ads.

To qualify, you need to hit certain watch-time thresholds that Facebook sets. Once you’re approved, the ads run automatically on your eligible content. It’s passive income once you’ve done the work of creating great videos.

Some social selling tips to keep your content ad-friendly:

• Stay advertiser-safe by avoiding controversial topics that might scare off brands.
• Plan natural breaks in your longer videos so mid-roll ads have a good place to fit.
• Post consistently because regular uploads help you maintain the watch time you need.

Facebook Shop and Marketplace

Facebook Shop is a digital storefront you can build right on your Page to sell physical products. Marketplace is different—it’s more like a local classifieds section for peer-to-peer selling. Most content creators won’t need a full Shop unless they’re selling their own merchandise.

If you do want to sell products, Facebook’s Commerce Manager walks you through the setup process. For creators focused on content rather than inventory, affiliate marketing is usually a simpler path to income.

Bonuses and Profile Feed Ads

Facebook occasionally offers performance bonuses to creators who hit specific engagement milestones. These are extra payments on top of your regular earnings, rewarding you for content that performs exceptionally well. Bonuses can apply to photos, text posts, Reels, and more.

Profile feed ads place advertisements directly in your public profile’s feed, generating passive income from visitors. Both bonuses and profile feed ads are currently invite-only, so check your notifications to see if you’ve been selected.

Facebook Monetization Requirements

Before you can earn directly from Facebook’s built-in tools, you need to meet their eligibility requirements. These rules exist to ensure creators maintain quality content and follow community guidelines. The specifics vary depending on which feature you want to use.

Generally, you’ll need a minimum number of followers, a certain amount of watch time on your videos, and an account in good standing. You also have to live in an eligible country and follow Facebook’s Partner Monetization Policies.

The best way to check your status is through your Professional Dashboard. Here’s a general overview of what different tools require:

Tool	Follower Minimum	Additional Requirements
Stars	Varies by region	Professional Mode enabled
Subscriptions	Threshold required	Consistent engagement
In-Stream Ads	Threshold required	Watch-time minimums
Bonuses	Invite-only	Performance milestones

How to Set Up Facebook Monetization

Getting your account ready to earn is straightforward once you know where to click. The whole process involves turning on the right settings, adding your payment information, and applying for the tools you want. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Turn on Professional Mode or Create a Page

You need either a Facebook Business Page or a personal profile with Professional Mode enabled to access monetization features. A Page works well if you’re building a separate brand identity. Professional Mode lets you monetize your existing personal profile without starting from scratch.

To turn on Professional Mode, go to your profile, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Turn on Professional Mode.” Either option unlocks the tools you need to start earning and track creator performance.

Open Your Professional Dashboard

Your Professional Dashboard is the control center for everything related to your creator business on Facebook. It’s where you’ll check your earnings, view content insights, and manage your monetization settings. Think of it as your home base.

Find it by clicking “Professional Dashboard” at the top of your profile or Page. Once inside, click the “Monetization” tab to see which features you’re eligible for and which ones need more work.

Set Up Payouts and Tax Information

Facebook needs to know where to send your money before you can get paid. You’ll link a bank account or PayPal to receive your earnings. You also have to complete a tax interview, which usually means filling out a W-9 if you’re in the US.

Have these ready when you set up payouts:

• Government-issued ID for identity verification
• Your Social Security Number or EIN for tax purposes
• Bank routing and account numbers or PayPal login

Apply and Activate Your Monetization Tools

Some features, like in-stream ads, require you to submit an application before they’re available. You can request a review directly from the Monetization tab in your dashboard. Reviews typically take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

If your application gets rejected, don’t panic. You can usually fix the issues Facebook flags and either appeal or reapply. Persistence pays off here.

Key Takeaways for Facebook Creators

Building creator income on Facebook takes some initial setup, but the earning potential is real—Facebook paid creators nearly $3 billion in 2025. You don’t need to be an influencer with millions of followers to make this work. Consistency and authenticity matter far more than vanity metrics.

Remember that likes alone don’t pay your bills. You have to actively turn on monetization features and put your links in front of people. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Layer your income by using Facebook’s Content Monetization program alongside affiliate marketing for multiple revenue streams.
• Start where you are—Mavely helps everyday influencers earn commissions without follower minimums.
• Do the setup work because meeting eligibility requirements and adding payout info are essential first steps.
• Stay consistent with regular posting and genuine content—that’s what builds the audience that supports your income.

If you’re ready to turn your next Facebook post into a paycheck, join Mavely and grab your SmartLink so you can start earning commissions from the products you already recommend (with biweekly payouts to keep you motivated).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make money on Facebook without a large following?

Yes, absolutely. While some Facebook features require follower minimums, affiliate marketing through platforms like Mavely lets you earn commissions regardless of your audience size. You can start making money by sharing products you love with even a small, engaged community.

How does Facebook pay creators?

Facebook deposits your earnings directly into your linked bank account or PayPal once you reach the minimum payment threshold. Payouts for most native tools happen on a monthly schedule, though affiliate platforms like Mavely offer biweekly payouts.

How many video views do you need to qualify for Facebook ads?

The exact number varies, but in-stream ads typically require a minimum number of minutes viewed across your videos in the past 60 days. Check your Professional Dashboard for your specific eligibility status and what you still need to hit.

What’s the difference between Facebook Stars and subscriptions?

Stars are one-time tips viewers send during videos or on posts, while subscriptions are recurring monthly payments for exclusive perks. Stars reward individual pieces of content, and subscriptions build ongoing relationships with your most dedicated fans.

Does Facebook pay you just for getting likes?

No, likes alone don’t generate income on Facebook. You earn money through specific monetization tools like ads, Stars, subscriptions, and affiliate links. Engagement helps you qualify for features and grow your audience, but the actual payments come from these dedicated earning methods.