I started making Facebook videos as a hobby last year. Never thought they’d pay my bills! Facebook videos can actually make decent cash if you know the tricks. I was shocked when my first payment came in – just for posting stuff I enjoyed making anyway.
Making money this way felt impossible at first. I remember staring at the Creator Studio feeling totally lost. Facebook has these rules you gotta follow, and honestly, they confused me for weeks. But once I figured them out, things got way easier.
Videos grab people’s attention way better than text posts. I’ve noticed my video posts get 3x more engagement than anything else I put up. Companies see this too, which is why they pay to run ads on popular videos. When I monetize my videos, I get a cut of that ad money.
Facebook actually wants us creators to make money. They keep adding new tools to help us earn more. Just last month they updated the monetization dashboard, making it way easier to track earnings. I check mine obsessively now!
I’m sharing what I’ve learned about monetizing Facebook videos. These tips work whether you’re just starting or have been at it for a while. Trust me, turning videos into cash is totally doable once you know the system.
Who Can Monetize Facebook Videos
Not everyone can start making money right away. I found this out the hard way! Facebook has specific requirements before you can monetize. You need 10,000 followers minimum. Your videos must get at least 30,000 one-minute views in 60 days. I remember celebrating when I finally hit these numbers – took me about 6 months of consistent posting.
For businesses and serious content creators, you might want to get verified Facebook agency ad accounts to access additional monetization features and improve credibility. When I struggled with verification, a colleague recommended Uproas.io – their ad account helped me a lot.
Following Community Standards
Facebook wants clean content that advertisers feel good about. Your videos have to follow their Community Standards. No controversial stuff, nothing offensive or harmful. I once had a video rejected because of a swear word in the background music – they’re that strict!
They check everything before approving monetization. Not just the video itself, but titles and descriptions too. I now triple-check everything before uploading to avoid any issues.
Creating Original Content
Copying other people’s videos is a big no-no. I learned this when a friend got his account suspended. Facebook wants original content you created yourself. Reposting viral videos from other sources will get you nowhere.
Original stuff performs better anyway. My most-viewed video was something totally unique – me attempting to cook using only tools from my garage. People love seeing something new and different.
Maintaining Regular Activity (H3)
Consistency matters more than perfection. I post three times weekly, even when I don’t feel like it. Facebook rewards regular creators with better reach and monetization opportunities.
I schedule my filming days – Sundays for cooking videos, Tuesdays for reviews, Thursdays for challenges. My audience knows when to expect new content, and my views have grown steadily because of this routine.
How to Set Up Monetization
Setting up monetization isn’t complicated once you qualify. The trickiest part is being patient!
First, make sure you meet all requirements. Head to Creator Studio and click the Monetization tab on the left. Follow the application steps carefully. I remember anxiously waiting for approval – it took about two weeks for me.
Creating a Facebook Page
You need a business page, not just a personal profile. I named mine “Mike’s Garage Kitchen” since I combine cooking with DIY projects. Choose something catchy that represents your content.
Make your page look professional. I spent an afternoon taking a good profile picture and designing a cover image. These little details matter when people decide whether to follow you.
Applying for Monetization
Once you’ve hit the follower and view requirements, apply for review. The process is straightforward – just answer their questions honestly. They asked about my content type, audience, and how I plan to grow my channel.
The waiting game is tough. I checked my status obsessively for 11 days before getting approved. Keep posting quality content while you wait – it can only help your chances.
Setting Up Payment Information
Facebook needs somewhere to send your money. I connected my bank account directly, though PayPal works too. Double-check all your numbers – I messed up one digit and had to wait an extra billing cycle to get paid.
Payment options vary by country. Here in the US, direct deposit works well. My friend in Malaysia uses PayPal because it’s more reliable there. Check what works best in your location.
Ways to Monetize Facebook Videos
There’s more than one way to make money from Facebook videos. I use a mix of methods to maximize my earnings.
Try different approaches to see what works for your specific content. My cooking videos do well with in-stream ads, while my DIY tutorials earn more from Stars during live streams.
In-Stream Ads
These are the commercials that play during your videos. They’ve become my biggest income source. Last month, I earned $643 just from in-stream ads!
Videos need to be at least three minutes long. I structure my content with natural breaks for ads – usually after introducing the topic and before the main demonstration. This keeps viewers watching instead of clicking away.
Facebook places some ads automatically, but you can also choose custom placements. I’ve found that placing ads at the 1:30 mark and 4:00 mark works best for my 6-minute videos.
Facebook Stars
Stars are like virtual tips from viewers. Each star is worth about one cent. My first Stars came during a live cooking disaster – I accidentally set a towel on fire, and viewers sent Stars like crazy!
Live videos earn way more Stars than pre-recorded ones. I interact directly with viewers who send Stars, thanking them by name. “Thanks for the 500 Stars, Jennifer! Yes, I’ll try your garlic bread suggestion next week!”
Brand Collabs Manager
This tool connects creators with companies looking for promotion. I’ve worked with three kitchen gadget companies so far. These deals pay better than regular ads – my last brand deal paid $800 for one video!
Create a solid portfolio in Brand Collabs Manager. Include your best-performing videos and audience demographics. Companies search for creators whose followers match their target customers.
Fan Subscriptions
Monthly subscriptions create reliable income. Subscribers pay a fee each month for exclusive content. I offer early access to videos and monthly Q&A sessions for my subscribers.
Plan valuable exclusives for paying fans. My subscribers get access to my recipe PDFs and can request specific tutorials. The benefits must feel worth the monthly cost, or people will cancel.
Tips to Increase Video Monetization
I’ve learned some tricks that dramatically increased my earnings. Small changes can make a big difference.
Focus first on quality. Better videos get more views and engagement. My earnings doubled when I invested in a $75 microphone – clear audio matters more than you’d think!
Creating High-Quality Videos
Quality doesn’t mean expensive equipment. I film on my phone, but I make sure the lighting is good. I bought a $20 ring light that improved my videos dramatically. Good sound matters too – I record in my closet sometimes because the clothes absorb echo!
Edit out mistakes and boring parts. My first videos were 10+ minutes long and rambled. Now I keep most videos under 5 minutes, tightly edited. Engagement skyrocketed after I made this change.
Understanding Your Audience
Know who watches your stuff. Facebook provides detailed audience data. I discovered 65% of my viewers are men aged 25-34 who watch during lunch breaks. This changed how and when I post.
Make videos your audience wants. When I noticed my viewers loved budget-friendly projects, I created a “Under $10” series that became my most popular content. Listen to what your audience tells you!
Promoting Videos Effectively
Share beyond your page. I post in Facebook groups related to cooking and DIY. Last week, I shared a video in a homesteading group and gained 400 new followers overnight.
Use searchable titles and descriptions. Instead of “My Latest Recipe,” I use specific titles like “15-Minute Pasta Dish for Busy Weeknights.” This helps new viewers find my content through search.
Common Challenges in Video Monetization
The path isn’t always smooth. I’ve faced plenty of obstacles along the way.
Growth is usually slow at first. I remember feeling discouraged after a month of posting with barely any views. Now I average 15,000 views per video. Persistence really pays off.
Dealing with Algorithm Changes
Facebook changes how videos are shown constantly. Last year, a major algorithm update cut my views in half overnight! I panicked but then adapted my strategy.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I make different types of videos – tutorials, reviews, challenges, and vlogs. When one type stops performing well, others usually pick up the slack.
Managing Content Restrictions
Some topics face more restrictions. I once made a video about homemade wine that got flagged immediately. Now I research content guidelines before filming anything questionable.
Plan with monetization in mind. I avoid controversial topics entirely. It’s not worth the hassle of appeals and demonetization. Focus on content that’s advertiser-friendly from the start.
Conclusion
Monetizing Facebook videos has changed my life. What started as a hobby now pays my car payment each month. The process takes patience and persistence, but it’s worth it.
Start by building your audience first. Create content people actually want to watch. Apply for monetization when you meet the requirements. Try different video formats to see what works best.
The most successful creators stay consistent. I’ve posted three times weekly for over a year now. There were times I wanted to quit, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. With practice and persistence, you can turn Facebook videos into a reliable income stream too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Facebook pay for video views?
I typically earn between $0.25 and $3.50 per 1,000 views. My cooking videos earn more than my DIY videos. It varies based on your audience’s location and the types of ads shown.
- How long must videos be for monetization?
Videos need to be at least 3 minutes for in-stream ads. I aim for 4-6 minutes to include multiple ad breaks without boring viewers.
- How many followers do I need to monetize?
You need 10,000 followers minimum. I hit this mark after about 4 months of consistent posting, but everyone’s growth rate differs.
- Can I monetize live videos?
Absolutely! My live cooking sessions earn more than pre-recorded videos. Stars really add up during live streams – I earned $180 in Stars during a two-hour BBQ livestream last weekend.
- How long does monetization approval take?
My approval took 11 days. Friends have waited anywhere from 1-3 weeks. Facebook reviews your content thoroughly before approving.
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