In 2026, there are several ways to make money as a social media creator. Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok all offer monetization programs that you can participate in once you hit a certain amount of followers (or subscribers) and meet other eligibility requirements. You can also monetize your social media with , which doesn’t require you to meet the same conditions.

In fact, you can start affiliate marketing no matter how many followers you have. Read on to learn how you can start earning a profit from your social media accounts.

TL;DR

• Each platform has different follower and engagement thresholds, ranging from 500 subscribers (YouTube) to 10,000 followers (Instagram, TikTok)

• Affiliate marketing lets you earn commission from day one with zero follower requirements

• With platforms like Mavely, you’ll get access to 1,400+ brands so you can start monetizing immediately

• You can also explore UGC creation and brand partnerships—both offer paths to earning that don’t require meeting platform thresholds

What Are Social Media Monetization Requirements?

Social media monetization requirements are the eligibility criteria platforms set before you can earn money directly through their programs. These typically include minimum follower counts, engagement thresholds, and content guidelines.

Why do platforms set these barriers? Simple—they want to make sure creators are putting out quality content and that advertisers are getting their money’s worth. It makes sense from a business perspective, but it can feel frustrating when you’re just starting out.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait until you hit 10,000 followers to start earning. Affiliate marketing through platforms like Mavely lets you monetize your content from day one, with no follower minimum required. While you work toward platform thresholds, you can already be building creator income.

Social Media Monetization Requirements at a Glance

Before diving into platform-specific details, here’s a quick comparison of what each major platform requires:

 

Platform	Follower Minimum	Additional Requirements	Primary Earning Method
Instagram	10,000	Professional account, 18+ years old	Subscriptions, Badges, Reels Ads
YouTube	1,000 subscribers	4,000 watch hours OR 10M Shorts views	Ad revenue sharing
TikTok	10,000	1,000 views in 30 days, 3+ posts	Creator Rewards Program
Facebook	Varies by feature	Established presence, eligible content	In-stream ads, Stars, Reels
X (Twitter)	500	Premium subscription, 5M impressions	Ad revenue sharing
Mavely	None	Free signup	Commission on sales

Notice that last row? That’s the key difference with affiliate marketing. No waiting, no thresholds, no hoops to jump through.

Instagram Monetization Eligibility in 2026

When it comes to making money on Instagram, there are several routes. You can make money directly on the app through Instagram’s monetization opportunities, or you can make money via brand partnerships and affiliate marketing.

To earn an income from Instagram’s in-app features, your account must meet certain criteria. Currently, there are four in-app monetization opportunities: subscriptions, Reels ads, badges, and opening an Instagram shop.

Instagram Subscriptions

Instagram subscriptions allow you to offer bonus content behind a paywall. Loyal followers will pay a small monthly fee to support you and access additional content.

The Instagram monetization eligibility criteria for their subscription feature specifies that you must:

• You’ll need a professional account

• You’ll need at least 10,000 followers

• You must be at least 18 years old

• You’ll need to live in an eligible country

• You must comply with Instagram’s policies, community guidelines, and terms of use

• You need to share accurate information

• Your engagement must be authentic and not boosted by bots

Once you meet the above criteria, you can set up an Instagram subscription on your professional account. Find out if you’re eligible for subscriptions by visiting your account settings.

On Instagram, navigate to your professional account dashboard. You will see a button that says, “Set up subscriptions” if you are eligible. If it’s not there, then you aren’t yet eligible to use subscriptions.

Instagram Reels Ads and Bonuses

Instagram is now considered a video-sharing app, so creating Instagram Reels is one of the best ways to grow your following and reach. Additionally, you may be able to make money with your Reels using ads and bonus programs.

There are a few eligibility requirements to post Instagram Reels ads, including that you must:

• You must comply with Instagram’s monetization policies

• You’ll need a professional Instagram account

• You must live in the United States

• You must be at least 18 years old

Once you receive an invite and meet the above criteria, Instagram partners will be able to place advertisements in your Reels. This monetization feature rewards you based on performance. The better your Reel performs, the more money you can make.

Instagram also periodically offers Reels bonus programs that pay creators based on views. These programs are invite-only and requirements change, so keep an eye on your professional dashboard for opportunities.

Instagram Badges

Did you know that you can make money by going live on Instagram? When you enable Instagram badges on your live videos, viewers can purchase “badges” to support you. Badges are essentially ways for your viewers to gain more recognition and make their comments and questions more visible to you as the creator. Instagram creators keep 100% of the revenue they make from the badges purchased by their viewers.

Another perk of Instagram badges is that it helps you engage with your audience. Since they are purchased live, you can thank them in real-time on your live video.

To qualify for Instagram badges, you need to have at least 10,000 followers and a professional account. You must also be 18 years old or older and comply with Instagram’s monetization policies and community guidelines.

Instagram Shop

Want to make money by selling merch and products to your Instagram followers? Now you can do it directly on the app through Instagram Shops. You can promote your shop items on your posts and Reels, which makes it easy for your followers to shop directly from your feed.

In order to be eligible for an Instagram shop, you must have a professional account, be located in an eligible market, and comply with Instagram’s monetization policies.

YouTube Monetization Rules in 2026

YouTube offers multiple ways to earn money from your content, but you’ll need to join the YouTube Partner Program first. The good news? YouTube has some of the lowest entry requirements among major platforms.

YouTube Partner Program Requirements

To join the YouTube Partner Program and start earning from ads, you need to meet one of these two paths:

• Standard path: At least 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months

• Shorts path: At least 1,000 subscribers plus 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days

You’ll also need to live in an eligible country, have no active Community Guidelines strikes, enable 2-step verification, and have an AdSense account linked to your channel.

Once accepted, you’ll earn a share of ad revenue from ads displayed on your videos. The exact amount varies based on your content category, audience location, and advertiser demand.

YouTube Shorts Monetization

YouTube Shorts has become a major player in short-form video. If you’re creating Shorts content, you can qualify for the Partner Program through the Shorts-specific path mentioned above.

Once you’re in the program, you’ll earn from the Shorts revenue pool. YouTube takes a portion of ad revenue from Shorts and distributes it to creators based on their share of total Shorts views. Your music usage also affects your earnings, as revenue gets split with music rights holders when you use licensed tracks.

Super Chat, Super Thanks, and Channel Memberships

Beyond ad revenue, YouTube offers several ways for your audience to support you directly:

• Super Chat and Super Stickers: Viewers pay to highlight their messages during live streams

• Super Thanks: Viewers can tip you on regular videos as a way to show appreciation

• Channel Memberships: Fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive perks like badges, emojis, and members-only content

These features have lower thresholds than full Partner Program access. You can access them with just 500 subscribers, 3 public uploads in the last 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views.

You can also make money on YouTube with affiliate marketing. If you talk about products or brands in your videos, you can offer your subscribers affiliate links and codes in your video descriptions. You can also seek out brands that will sponsor your videos for a set rate.

As long as you have an engaged following, there are no subscriber or watch time requirements you need to meet to get started with YouTube affiliate marketing and sponsorships.

Facebook Monetization Requirements in 2026

Facebook offers several monetization options beyond just groups. Whether you’re creating videos, going live, or building a community, there are ways to earn.

Facebook In-Stream Ads

If you create longer video content, in-stream ads can be a solid income source. To qualify, you need:

• You’ll need at least 10,000 Page followers

• Your videos need 600,000 total minutes viewed across all videos in the last 60 days

• You’ll need at least 5 active videos (each must be at least 1 minute long)

• You must comply with Facebook’s Partner Monetization Policies

Once approved, Facebook will place short ads in your videos and you’ll earn a share of the revenue. Videos need to be at least 3 minutes long to be eligible for in-stream ads.

Facebook Reels and Stars

Facebook Reels offers bonus opportunities similar to Instagram. While these programs are invite-only and change frequently, eligible creators can earn based on Reels performance.

Stars let your audience support you during live videos and on-demand content. Viewers purchase Stars and send them to you during streams or on Reels. You earn $0.01 per Star received. To access Stars, you need to meet Facebook’s general monetization requirements and be at least 18 years old.

Facebook Group Monetization

If you run a successful Facebook group, you may be able to monetize it. Facebook offers a paid partnerships feature, but you must meet the following requirements:

• You and your brand partner must follow Facebook’s group guidelines and community standards

• Have an established presence in your Facebook group

• Live in an eligible market

• Create eligible content

You can also monetize your Facebook groups by charging a subscription fee to participate in the group.

Another option is to share affiliate links and discount codes for products that the members of your group would appreciate. For example, if you run a Facebook group for photographers, you can share affiliate links to camera gear.

TikTok Monetization Requirements in 2026

TikTok continues to expand its creator monetization options. To utilize the in-app monetization opportunities, you can apply for the TikTok Creator Rewards Program.

TikTok Creator Rewards Program

The Creator Rewards Program (formerly the Creator Fund) pays creators based on video performance. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be 18 years or older

• You’ll need at least 10,000 followers

• You must have at least 1,000 video views in the 30 days before you apply

• You’ll need to post at least three videos in the 30 days before you apply

• You must follow TikTok’s community guidelines

• You’ll need a creator account (not a business account)

• Live in an eligible country (currently the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Brazil)

If you get into the Creator Rewards Program, you’ll earn based on qualified video views. Videos need to be at least one minute long and meet originality requirements to generate rewards.

TikTok also offers LIVE Gifts, where viewers can send virtual gifts during your live streams that convert to real money. You need at least 1,000 followers to go live on TikTok.

TikTok Shop and Affiliate

TikTok Shop has become a major e-commerce player. As a creator, you can earn through TikTok’s native affiliate program by promoting products from TikTok Shop sellers.

To join TikTok Shop as an affiliate, you typically need:

• You’ll need at least 1,000 followers

• You’ll need a minimum number of video posts

• Your account must be in good standing

Once approved, you can add product links to your videos and earn commission when viewers purchase through your links. This is separate from external affiliate programs like Mavely, which you can use regardless of your follower count.

You can also take advantage of affiliate marketing on TikTok through external platforms, and you do not have to meet the above requirements. Instead, you can share affiliate links and codes with your audience in your bio or video descriptions.

X (Twitter) Monetization Requirements

X (formerly Twitter) has expanded its creator monetization options. The platform now offers ad revenue sharing for eligible creators.

To qualify for X’s Ads Revenue Sharing program, you need:

• You’ll need an X Premium subscription (paid)

• You’ll need at least 500 followers

• Your posts need at least 5 million impressions in the last 3 months

• You’ll need a Stripe account for payouts

• You must comply with X’s Creator Monetization Standards

Once accepted, you’ll earn a share of ad revenue from ads shown in replies to your posts. X also offers Subscriptions, where followers pay a monthly fee for exclusive content, though requirements for this feature may vary.

Keep in mind that X’s monetization landscape changes frequently, so check their official help pages for the most current requirements.

How to Monetize Social Media Without Meeting Platform Requirements

Here’s what most guides won’t tell you: you don’t need to wait for platform approval to start earning. Some of the most accessible monetization methods have no follower minimum at all.

Affiliate Marketing for Any Audience Size

You can make money on any social platform by partnering directly with brands. Affiliate marketing allows you to share affiliate links and discount codes with your audience. When your followers shop from your links or use your code, you’ll receive a payment from the brand.

Unlike in-app monetization opportunities, you do not have to meet platform eligibility rules to get started with affiliate marketing or brand partnerships. For example, you can have any amount of followers on your Instagram account to post affiliate links, rather than needing to meet Instagram’s 10,000 follower requirement for their shop.

Many brands want to partner with nano influencers who have smaller accounts with highly engaged audiences. If that’s you, you can reach out directly to brands to pitch yourself for a partnership or ask for an affiliate code.

The easiest way to connect with brands is to use an affiliate platform like Mavely. With Mavely, you can easily create shoppable links from more than 1,400+ brands and start selling on any channel right away, including on your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook accounts. You can also create your own personal Mavely MyShop store, along with a variety of other affiliate marketing tools to help you manage and monetize your account so that you can start earning an income as a social media creator. With Mavely analytics, you can track creator performance and see which products resonate most with your audience. Depending on your eligibility, Mavely may also tap you for creator campaigns for brands that fit your niche and follower size.

UGC Creation as a Monetization Path

User-generated content (UGC) creation is one of the fastest-growing ways to earn as a creator, and it requires zero followers.

UGC creators make content for brands to use in their own marketing. Think product photos, unboxing videos, testimonials, or lifestyle content featuring a brand’s products. The brand pays you for the content itself, not for posting it to your audience.

This is perfect if you’re great at creating content but still building your following. Brands pay anywhere from $50 to $500+ per piece of content, depending on complexity and usage rights. You can find UGC opportunities through job boards, direct brand outreach, or platforms that connect creators with brands.

Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content

Even without meeting platform thresholds, you can work directly with brands on sponsored content deals. Brands increasingly value authentic creators with engaged audiences over follower counts alone.

To land brand partnerships:

• Start by building a media kit that showcases your content style and engagement rates

• Then reach out to brands that align with your niche

• Consider starting with smaller, local brands to build your portfolio

• You can use platforms like Mavely to demonstrate your ability to drive sales

Sponsored content rates vary widely, but even creators with a few thousand followers can earn $100 to $500 per post if they have strong engagement and a clear niche.

How to Start Earning on Social Media Today

Ready to stop waiting and start earning? Here’s how to monetize content with affiliate marketing through Mavely:

1. Sign up for Mavely: It’s free to join and takes just a few minutes. No application process, no follower requirements, no waiting period.

2. Browse brands and products: Explore Mavely’s network of 1,400+ brands across categories like beauty, fashion, home, tech, and more. Find products you already love and use.

3. Create your first shoppable links: Generate unique affiliate links for products you want to share. You can create links for individual products or build collections in your MyShop store.

4. Share with your audience: Post your links on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, or wherever your audience hangs out. Add them to your bio, stories, video descriptions, or posts. These social selling tips can help you connect authentically with followers while earning commission.

5. Track your performance and get paid: Use Mavely’s analytics to see what’s working. You’ll receive biweekly payouts for your commissions, so you can start seeing real creator income quickly.

The best part? You can do all of this while you’re working toward platform monetization thresholds. By the time you hit 10,000 followers, you’ll already have an established income stream.

Make Money on Social Media with Mavely

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.

As the everyday influencer platform, everyone is eligible to join Mavely and start sharing shoppable links right away, with no application. Here’s what makes Mavely different:

• You’ll get access to 1,400+ brand partners across every major category

• There’s no follower minimum to get started

• You’ll get biweekly payouts so you see your earnings faster

• real-time analytics to track your performance

• We offer creator courses to help you grow your skills

• You’ll have dedicated account managers who are industry experts

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned creator looking to diversify your income, Mavely gives you the tools to turn your influence into income. Sign up for Mavely to connect with great brands and create a profit from your social media.

Read More

How Many Followers Do You Need to Monetize on Instagram?

You need at least 10,000 followers to access most Instagram monetization features like Subscriptions and Badges. However, you can start earning through affiliate marketing with any follower count by sharing product links and discount codes with your audience.

What Are the TikTok Monetization Requirements in 2026?

TikTok requires at least 10,000 followers, 1,000 video views in the past 30 days, and three posts in the last 30 days to join the Creator Rewards Program. You also need to be 18 or older and have a creator account in an eligible country.

How Many YouTube Subscribers Do You Need to Make Money?

You need at least 1,000 subscribers plus either 4,000 watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days to join the YouTube Partner Program. For features like Super Chat and channel memberships, you can qualify with just 500 subscribers.

Can You Make Money on Social Media with a Small Following?

Yes, you can earn money with any audience size through affiliate marketing, UGC creation, and brand partnerships that don’t require follower minimums. Platforms like Mavely let you start earning commission immediately, regardless of how many followers you have.

How Do I Monetize My Social Media Account?

You can monetize your social media through platform programs (once you meet requirements), affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, UGC creation, or selling your own products. The fastest way to start is through affiliate marketing, which has no follower requirements.

What Is the Easiest Social Media Platform to Monetize?

YouTube has the lowest subscriber threshold at 1,000, but affiliate marketing through platforms like Mavely lets you start earning on any platform with zero follower requirements. This makes it the most accessible option for new creators.

How Much Do Social Media Creators Make?

Creator earnings vary widely based on platform, audience size, and monetization method, ranging from a few dollars per month to six figures annually for top performers. Most creators earn between $100 and $1,000 per month when starting out, with income growing as their audience and skills develop.

What Is the Difference Between Platform Monetization and Affiliate Marketing?

Platform monetization pays you directly from the social network based on views or engagement, while affiliate marketing pays you commission when your audience purchases products through your links. Affiliate marketing typically has no eligibility requirements, making it accessible to creators of all sizes.

Do You Need to Pay to Join Affiliate Marketing Programs?

Most legitimate affiliate programs, including Mavely, are free to join with no application fees or upfront costs. Be cautious of any program that asks for payment to join, as reputable affiliate networks make money when you make money.

How Long Does It Take to Start Earning from Social Media?

With affiliate marketing, you can start earning as soon as you share your first link and someone makes a purchase. Platform monetization requires meeting follower and engagement thresholds first, which can take months or even years depending on your growth rate.