Snapchat pays creators through its Monetization Program, which went live on 1 February 2025 and replaced the old Spotlight Rewards fund and the separate Stories ads program. Eligible creators earn a share of the ad revenue Snapchat makes from ads placed in their Public Stories and Spotlight videos. The program is invitation-only and the bar is high, but it runs in far more countries than TikTok’s equivalent. Since 2026 there is also a second route: Creator Subscriptions.
At a glance
| What it is | Messaging and short video app with an ad revenue program |
| Program | Snapchat Monetization Program |
| Entry | By invitation from Snap |
| Followers listed | 50,000 |
| View time listed | 15,000 hours in 28 days, at least 3,000 from Spotlight |
| Activity | Post on at least 10 of the last 28 days |
| Extra route | Creator Subscriptions, open to eligible creators since April 2026 |
How it works
Snap lists the criteria it uses to consider creators: at least 50,000 followers, 15,000 hours of view time in the last 28 days with at least 3,000 hours from Spotlight, regular posting to Spotlight or Public Stories, age 18 or the local age of majority, and a country on Snap’s list. Meeting the criteria makes you eligible to be invited; Snap decides who joins.
Once in, ads appear between Snaps in your Public Stories and in qualifying Spotlight videos, and you earn a share of that revenue.
Creator Subscriptions
In February 2026 Snapchat launched Creator Subscriptions for selected stars, and in April 2026 opened them to all creators who qualify for a Creator Account. Fans pay a monthly fee for extra content and perks. It is a useful second income stream that does not depend on ad rates.
Other ways to earn
Lens creators can earn through Snap’s Lens payouts, and creators with an audience can sell brand deals and promote their own products or affiliate links.
What you can realistically earn
Snapchat does not publish rates. Creator reports suggest low pay per thousand views compared with TikTok, but less competition, because fewer creators qualify.
Getting started
Set up a public profile, switch on a Creator Account and post to Spotlight and Public Stories on most days. Reuse vertical videos you already make for other platforms, without watermarks. Track view time in Snapchat’s insights, because the 28-day view-time figure matters as much as followers.
Common mistakes
Some creators post in bursts and then disappear, which breaks the posting-days rule. Others upload clips with other apps’ watermarks, which tend to perform poorly. Waiting for an invitation without growing view time rarely works.
Is it worth it?
For creators who already make short video, adding Snapchat costs little time. For beginners, the 50,000-follower bar makes it a later step, not a starting point.
Keeping track
Watch your view time against Snap’s listed criteria each month, so you know how close you are to being considered.
Other income to stack
Because entry to the Monetization Program is slow, most Snapchat creators combine it with brand deals, affiliate links in their profile and Creator Subscriptions. Treat each as a separate stream so one change from Snap doesn’t wipe out your income.
Final tip
Post Spotlight videos at regular times; consistency counts towards Snap’s posting-days criteria.
Communication with viewers
Reply to Snaps and comments from regular viewers. Snapchat feels personal, and creators who talk back tend to keep audiences longer.
Owen’s take
Snapchat is worth it if you already make vertical video and can repost it there. Few creators bother, which is exactly why it can work. Don’t build only for Snapchat, though.
Who it suits
It suits creators with an established following who can post short videos almost daily. It suits less well beginners, given the 50,000-follower bar.
Similar options
- TikTok pays for videos over a minute in eight countries.
- YouTube shares Shorts revenue.
- Meta pays through Facebook Content Monetization.
- Patreon is another subscription route.
More options are in Video Creation.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Runs in many countries
- Less competition than other short-form apps
- Creator Subscriptions as a second income
Cons
- Invitation only
- High follower and view-time bar
- Low reported pay per view
FAQ
Is Spotlight Rewards still running?
No, it was replaced by the Monetization Program in February 2025.
How do I join Snapchat’s Monetization Program?
Meet Snap’s criteria and wait for an invitation.
How many followers do I need?
Snap lists 50,000.
Can I sell subscriptions on Snapchat?
Yes, Creator Subscriptions opened to eligible creators in April 2026.
Does Snapchat charge to join?
No, Snap says there is no invitation fee.
