Instagram has broadened its Reels Gifts feature to include creators from additional regions. Initially launched for U.S.-based creators, the feature provides another avenue for Reels creators to monetize their content.
The feature works through Meta’s in-app currency, Stars. Viewers can purchase Stars to send virtual gifts to creators. Each gift is priced up to $5.99, and the creator earns $0.01 USD per Star received.
To be eligible for the Reels Gifts feature, creators must have over 5,000 followers, a professional account, be above 18, and comply with Instagram’s monetization terms. Payouts are processed when the creator's balance reaches $25, inclusive of other Instagram monetization programs.
While the earnings from Reels Gifts might not be significant for individual creators, for those with a large following, this could become a decent source of additional income. The move could also incentivize top users to post more content on the platform.
With the rising trend of in-stream gifts in live-streams, Instagram’s expansion of the Reels Gifts feature might be the first step towards making in-app monetization more compelling for creators.
