Facebook pays creators through several different programs depending on what you post and how your audience engages with it

Facebook does not pay you simply for having followers or posting content. Instead, the platform offers specific programs where money flows based on what you create and how people interact with it. The most common routes are the In-Stream Ads program (which shares ad revenue from videos), Subscriptions (where viewers pay you directly), Stars (a tipping feature), and branded content partnerships. Each one has different requirements, different payment amounts, and different rules about what you can post.

Understanding which programs you actually may have access to for and how much each one typically pays is the first step to knowing whether Facebook monetization makes sense for your content strategy. The money is real, but it is not automatic, and the amounts vary widely based on your audience size, location, and content type.

Key Takeaways

  • In-Stream Ads requires at least 10,000 page followers and 600,000 total minutes watched in the last 60 days, and Facebook shares a portion of ad revenue with you.
  • Subscriptions let viewers pay you monthly for exclusive content, and you keep 55 percent of what they pay after Facebook's cut.
  • Stars are viewer donations during live streams or videos, and you receive roughly 0.01 USD per star (the exact amount varies by country).
  • Branded content partnerships connect you with companies that pay to have their products featured in your posts, and Facebook takes a cut before you receive payment.
  • Payment methods and minimum thresholds vary by country, and some programs are not yet open in all regions.

In-Stream Ads: How revenue sharing works

In-Stream Ads is the program most similar to YouTube's Partner Program. Facebook places advertisements before, during, or after your videos, and you receive a share of the money Facebook collects from advertisers. You do not set the ad price — Facebook does — and the amount you earn depends on factors like viewer location, time of year, and what category your content falls into.

To enter the In-Stream Ads program, you need at least 10,000 followers on your Facebook Page and 600,000 total minutes watched across your videos in the last 60 days. Once you meet those thresholds, you can turn on monetization in your Page settings. Facebook typically pays out between 0.25 USD and 4 USD per 1,000 views, though this range varies significantly. Content about finance, technology, or business often attracts higher-paying ads than other categories. Viewers in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe generate more ad revenue than viewers in other regions because advertisers pay more to reach those audiences.

Payments are issued monthly if you have earned at least 100 USD in the previous month. If you earn less than that, the balance rolls over to the next month until you hit the threshold. Facebook pays through your chosen method — usually a bank transfer or PayPal, depending on your country.

Subscriptions: Direct payments from viewers

Subscriptions let your followers pay you a monthly fee for exclusive content. You set the price between 0.99 USD and 99.99 USD per month, and Facebook handles the billing. Subscribers see a special badge next to their name in comments and get access to videos, photos, or live streams you mark as subscriber-only.

Facebook takes 45 percent of each subscription payment, and you keep 55 percent. So if someone subscribes at 4.99 USD per month, you receive approximately 2.74 USD. This is a direct relationship between you and your audience — the money does not depend on ad rates or viewer location the way In-Stream Ads does.

To offer subscriptions, you need at least 10,000 followers and must be at least 18 years old. Your Page also needs to follow Facebook's Community Standards and monetization policies. Subscriptions are not yet open in all countries, so check your Page settings to see if the option is available in your region.

Stars: Viewer donations during live streams and videos

Stars are a tipping feature that lets viewers send you money during live streams or while watching your videos. Viewers purchase Stars (packs range from 1 to 500 Stars) and send them to you as a form of support. Each Star is worth roughly 0.01 USD to you, though the exact conversion rate varies by country and can shift over time.

You do not need to meet any follower threshold to receive Stars — any creator can turn on the feature in their settings. Viewers see a Star icon during your live stream or on your video, and tapping it opens the purchase screen. The money goes into your creator account and is paid out monthly along with earnings from other programs.

Stars work best during live streams because viewers can see you react to their support in real time, which encourages more tipping. However, you can also receive Stars on regular posted videos.

Branded content: Payments from companies, not Facebook

Branded content is different from the other programs because the money comes from companies, not from Facebook's ad network. A brand pays you to feature their product or service in your content, and Facebook takes a cut before you receive your payment.

To work with brands through Facebook's system, you need to set up a branded content partnership agreement. Facebook requires you to have at least 10,000 followers and to follow all monetization policies. When a brand pays you, Facebook typically takes 30 percent, and you receive 70 percent. However, some brands negotiate directly with creators outside of Facebook's system entirely, in which case Facebook takes no cut.

Branded content deals vary enormously in payment. A small brand might pay 500 USD for a single post, while a major company might pay thousands. The amount depends on your audience size, engagement rate, and what the brand is willing to spend.

Payment thresholds and payout methods

Most Facebook monetization programs require you to earn at least 100 USD before you can cash out. In-Stream Ads holds your balance until you hit that threshold, then pays out monthly. Subscriptions and Stars pay out monthly regardless of amount in some countries, but check your settings to see your specific rules.

Payment methods depend on your country. In the United States, you can typically choose between direct bank transfer and PayPal. Other countries may have different options — some regions only support specific payment methods. You set up your payment information in your Creator Studio under Monetization settings.

Payouts happen around the 21st to 22nd of each month for the previous month's earnings. If a payout fails (for example, if your bank account information is incorrect), the money rolls over to the next month.

Requirements and restrictions for all programs

All Facebook monetization programs require you to be at least 18 years old and to comply with Facebook's Community Standards and Monetization Policies. You cannot monetize content that is sexually explicit, promotes violence, contains hate speech, or violates copyright. You also cannot monetize content that is primarily about politics or social issues in certain countries, though this varies by region.

Your Page must be active and in good standing. If Facebook removes content for policy violations, it can affect your monetization status. Repeated violations can result in losing monetization altogether.

Some programs are not yet open in all countries. In-Stream Ads, Subscriptions, and Stars are available in most countries, but branded content partnerships and some other features may be limited to specific regions. Check your Creator Studio to see which programs are open where you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I actually make from Facebook?

It depends entirely on your audience size and location. A creator with 50,000 US-based followers earning 2 USD per 1,000 views might make 100 to 500 USD per month from In-Stream Ads alone. A creator with 100,000 followers in a lower-income country might make 20 to 100 USD per month. Subscriptions and Stars add on top of that, but most creators do not earn significant money unless they have tens of thousands of engaged followers.

Do I have to choose just one monetization program?

No. You can use In-Stream Ads, Subscriptions, Stars, and branded content all at the same time. Many creators do. However, you cannot run ads on the same video that is marked as branded content without disclosing the partnership.

What happens if I lose followers and drop below the threshold?

If you fall below 10,000 followers, Facebook will turn off In-Stream Ads and Subscriptions automatically. You keep any money you have already earned, but you cannot earn new money from those programs until you rebuild your follower count. Stars do not have a follower requirement, so you can still receive them.

Can I monetize old videos, or only new ones?

You can monetize videos you posted years ago as long as they meet the content policies and you own the rights to all material in them. However, older videos typically generate fewer views, so the earnings are usually lower than new content.

How do I know if a brand wants to work with me?

Brands typically reach out through Facebook's branded content partnership system or directly through your Page messages. You can also search for brand partnership opportunities in your Creator Studio under the Monetization tab. Some creators also pitch themselves to brands they already use and recommend.