Based on the latest information, earning money on Snapchat Spotlight in 2024 (and going into 2025) is primarily done through the unified Snapchat Monetization Program. The previous "Spotlight Rewards" and "Spotlight Challenges" programs have been discontinued or are being phased out.

Here is a beginner's guide on how to navigate the new system and increase your chances of getting paid.

The New Snapchat Monetization Program
Snapchat has moved away from its old payment methods for Spotlight and has consolidated its creator monetization efforts into a single program. This program allows eligible creators to earn a share of ad revenue from both their Public Stories and Spotlight videos.

Key changes and requirements for the new program include:

Higher Entry Barriers: The eligibility criteria have been significantly raised. The old Spotlight Rewards program required as few as 1,000 followers, but the new, unified program demands a much larger audience.

Focus on Established Creators: The program is designed to reward creators who consistently post engaging content and have a proven audience.

Ad-Based Revenue: Creators in the program earn money from ads that are placed between Snaps in their Public Stories or within their Spotlight videos. The revenue share is based on the performance of the content.

Payouts: Earnings are paid out in "Crystals," which can be cashed out once you have accumulated a minimum of $100.

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for an invitation to the Snapchat Monetization Program, you must meet a specific set of criteria. Snapchat reviews creators for potential invitation and will notify you via email if you are selected.

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Audience & Engagement:

Have at least 50,000 followers on your Public Profile.

Achieve at least one of the following in the last 28 days:

10 million Snap views

1 million Spotlight views

12,000 hours of public view time

Consistency:

Post at least 25 times per month to Saved Stories or Spotlight.

Post to either Spotlight or Public Stories on at least 10 of the last 28 days.

Compliance:

Be at least 18 years old or the legal age of majority in your country.

Reside in an eligible country.

Publish original, advertiser-friendly content that complies with Snapchat's Community Guidelines and other policies.

A Beginner's Guide: How to Get Started and Meet the Requirements
If you are a beginner, your primary goal is to grow your audience and build a reputation for creating high-quality, engaging content. Here's how to do it:

1. Create High-Quality, Original Content:

Focus on a Niche: Find a specific area of interest (e.g., comedy, DIY, tutorials, cooking, gaming) and consistently create content around that theme.

Make it Engaging: Snapchat users are looking for short, snappy, and entertaining videos. Hook your audience in the first few seconds with strong visuals, dynamic motion, and trending sounds.

Use Snapchat's Creative Tools: Utilize lenses, filters, and captions to make your Snaps stand out. Videos shot within the Snapchat app often perform better.

Maintain a Consistent Style: Develop a consistent "brand" with your videos so viewers know what to expect from you.

2. Focus on Spotlight Performance:

Create for Virality: The algorithm rewards content that gets high engagement, so aim to create videos that are funny, relatable, or showcase unique talents.

Use Trending Audio: Incorporate trending sounds and music to increase the discoverability of your videos.

Use Hashtags and Topics: Add relevant hashtags and topics to your Spotlight Snaps to help users find your content.

3. Build Your Public Profile:

Be Consistent: Post regularly to both your Public Story and Spotlight. The monetization program requires posting on at least 10 days out of the last 28.

Promote Your Profile: Share your Snapchat account and Snapcode on other social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to attract new followers.

Engage with Your Audience: Interact with comments and questions on your public content to build a community and encourage loyalty.

4. Understand Monetization Beyond the Program:

While the main monetization path for Spotlight is the official program, there are other ways to earn money on Snapchat as a creator:

Brand Partnerships: Once you have a significant following, you can work with brands to create sponsored content. You can use the "Paid Partnership" label on your Snaps.

Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and include affiliate links in your Snaps to earn a commission on sales.

Sell Your Own Products: Use Snapchat to market your own merchandise or digital products to your followers.

By focusing on creating original, engaging content and building a dedicated following, you can position yourself for an invitation to the Snapchat Monetization Program and start earning money from your Spotlight videos.