How to Get Paid from Reels on Instagram

Posted on 16th Sep, 2025.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

Unlike TikTok, you don't get paid automatically by Instagram for views on your video.
The best ways to monetise your Reels are through brand partnerships, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, exclusive content, and more.
Read on for tips on making money from Reels!

Ever wondered how Instagram stars make all their money? Well, unlike TikTok, Instagram doesn't pay you directly for views on your Reels, but this doesn't mean you can't get rich from it.

Reels can become a genuine source of income, but only when you're savvy about it. If you’re wondering how to get paid from Reels on Instagram and turn views into cash, this guide will walk you through the options available. Let's get into it.

Supercharge Your Instagram Likes

Get real Instagram likes and boost your post engagement instantly.

50 likes at $ 1.34

Buy now

1. Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content

The most reliable way to earn from Reels is through brand deals. Companies pay creators to showcase products or services in authentic, creative ways. For influencers, Reels are especially attractive to brands because they combine short-form video storytelling with high engagement rates.

To succeed with sponsorships:

Build a niche audience that aligns with brand interests.
Keep your Reels creative, entertaining and consistent.
Use the “Paid partnership” tag to stay transparent and compliant with advertising regulations.

Well-executed Reels can get you substantial fees, especially if your follower base is engaged and your content style matches a brand’s goals. Once you get enough followers, you can even slide into the DMs of brands you love and ask to work with them.

2. Affiliate Marketing Through Reels

Affiliate marketing allows you to promote products and earn a commission for sales generated through your unique link. Instagram makes this possible by enabling creators to share affiliate links in their bios, Stories (with stickers), and increasingly through in-app shopping features.

For example, you could film a Reel showcasing your favourite fitness equipment, then direct viewers to your bio link where they can purchase it. If they buy, you earn a percentage of the sale. The more engaging and persuasive your Reel, the higher your chances of conversion.

3. Instagram Subscriptions and Exclusive Content

Another emerging monetisation method is Instagram Subscriptions, where followers pay a monthly fee for exclusive content, including Reels. This allows creators to provide bonus behind-the-scenes clips, tutorials, or early access to content.

Subscriptions are ideal if you have a loyal audience that values your expertise or entertainment enough to pay for more personalised content. You don't have to use Instagram's service, either - options like Patreon are also popular with well-known creators.

Best Practices for Monetising Reels

Our top tips can make your chances of monetisation more likely:

Sometimes you have to spend more to make more. Buying more followers can increase your chance of landing a brand partnership.
Create 'saveable' and 'shareable' Reels to increase engagement rapidly.
Use Insights to see which Reels perform best, making it more likely to snag a brand sponsorship/collab.
Opt for micro-niche topics and communities, rather than super broad ones. There's much less competition, especially for new creators.
Build a media kit with previous brand deals to send to brands, so they can see your work quickly and easily. Include engagement stats.
Mention a brand you want to work with in your Reels to show off how you'll push their products.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get paid on Reels?

You can earn money from Instagram Reels in several ways. Most income comes from brand partnerships, where companies pay you to feature their products, or from affiliate marketing, subscriptions, and ad revenue sharing if you’re eligible. Essentially, Instagram itself doesn’t guarantee payment to all creators, instead, you monetise your audience and creativity through sponsored content, collaborations, and external revenue streams tied to your Reels.

How much do Instagram Reels pay per 1000 views?

There isn’t a fixed “rate per 1,000 views” on Instagram Reels, as it depends on the monetisation method. Instagram, the company, doesn't automatically pay you for views. For example, brand sponsorships could indirectly translate into far higher earnings per 1,000 views if your content is well targeted, while affiliate marketing payouts vary depending on commissions. In most cases, what you earn is tied less to raw views and more to how engaged and valuable your audience is to advertisers and brands.