Snapchat Launches Unified Monetization Program for Creators

Snapchat Unifies Creator Monetization Efforts

Snapchat is launching a consolidated monetization system designed for its content creators. This updated program will provide financial rewards for content shared on both Stories and Spotlight, the platform’s short-form video feature inspired by TikTok.

Program Details and Revenue Generation

Previously, Snapchat utilized distinct programs to monetize Stories and Spotlight content. Now, creators will generate income from advertisements shown within qualifying Stories and Spotlight posts.

The company highlighted a 25% year-over-year increase in Spotlight viewership. This growth presents a significant opportunity for creators to monetize this format similarly to how they currently monetize Stories.

Specifically, beginning February 1, 2025, creators meeting the criteria will be able to earn revenue from Spotlight videos exceeding one minute in length.

Eligibility Requirements

Creators seeking to participate in the revenue-sharing program must fulfill specific requirements. These include maintaining a follower count of at least 50,000.

Furthermore, eligible creators are expected to post a minimum of 25 times monthly to either Saved Stories or Spotlight. Consistent activity is also key, requiring posts to either Spotlight or Public Stories on at least 10 days within a 28-day period.

To qualify, creators must also demonstrate substantial engagement within the last 28 days. This can be achieved by reaching one of the following thresholds: 12,000 hours of view time, 10 million Snap views, or one million Spotlight views.

Changes to Previous Requirements

The new eligibility criteria represent an increase in requirements compared to the previous system. Previously, creators could monetize Spotlight videos with as few as 1,000 followers.

The prior requirements also included a minimum of 10,000 unique video views and a public profile. Importantly, Spotlight videos did not need to be longer than one minute to be eligible for monetization under the old program.

Spotlight Rewards Program Sunset

Snapchat has confirmed that the existing Spotlight Rewards Program will conclude on January 31, 2025, paving the way for the new unified system.

Industry Trends and Competition

This announcement follows similar moves by other platforms. Last year, TikTok revised its creator monetization program to incentivize longer-form video content.

YouTube also introduced ad revenue sharing for Shorts creators, aiming to strengthen its competitive position against TikTok. These changes reflect a broader industry trend towards rewarding creators for engaging content.