Instagram Is Randomly Paying Creators for Posting on the Platform

Instagram is currently testing “limited-time bonuses that reward you for the engaging content you create and share.” One of our accounts has been included in the test, and here’s what we’ve learned so far:

Note: Meta is also giving out bonuses on Facebook.

How to Get Bonuses: There is no clear cut way to get bonuses. As of right now, it appears that Instagram is randomly giving them out to active accounts.

• If you are eligible for a bonus you will see it in your professional dashboard.

• If there is no invitation, you have not been invited to test bonuses.

• The best way to get invited is by being active on the platform.

• You don’t need to change anything about how you’re already posting in order to get invited.

Earning Potential: As far as we can tell, there is no cap to how big your bonus can be. On their website, Instagram says “The more bonus plays or views your content receives, the more you earn.” A friend of the Hobby Letter has even made $20,000 from bonuses.

• However, what counts as a “bonus play or view” is unclear, and Instagram says that the “metric is still in development”.

• We’ve seen some inconsistencies in how “bonus views” are attributed with some posts earning bigger bonus payouts despite having less views.

• We’ve also noticed that the reels bonus does not apply to every reel whereas almost every image and carousel is counted.

• Below is more information from Instagram about how bonuses work 👇

What To Do If You Get Invited: Do everything in your power to max out your bonus.

• Increase your posting volume.

• Repost your all of your best hits (content you’ve posted previously that has performed well).

• Getting a bonus is not permanent, so take advantage while you have it.

• Don’t rely on bonus revenue, if you get in, treat it like what it is: a bonus.

Important: Your payout from bonuses occurs after the end of your “bonus period”.

Our Results: HoopsNation was invited to the bonus program on March 7th month (until March 22nd) and we have already cleared $5000 in earnings. Below are screenshots of some of our top performing posts: