Earning money on Snapchat Spotlight has evolved, and the "Snapchat Spotlight Rewards" program that was in place in 2023 has been replaced by a new, unified monetization program. The old program, which was known for its large daily payouts to a small number of viral creators, officially ended on January 31, 2025.

Here's a breakdown of how to earn on Snapchat Spotlight and other monetization methods as of late 2024/early 2025:

The New Snapchat Monetization Program
Snapchat's new, unified program rewards creators for consistent, high-quality content on both Public Stories and Spotlight. This is a shift away from the old, lottery-style system.

Eligibility Requirements (as of early 2025):

Follower Count: You need at least 50,000 followers on your public profile. This is a significant increase from the previous program and means you need a dedicated audience to qualify.

Engagement Metrics (within the last 28 days):

Achieve at least 10 million Snap views, OR

Achieve at least 1 million Spotlight views, OR

Accumulate 12,000 hours of view time.

Content 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.

Live in an eligible country.

Publish original, advertiser-friendly content that complies with all of Snapchat's guidelines.

How Earnings Are Calculated
Ad Revenue Sharing: The new program pays creators based on ad revenue. Ads are placed between Snaps in a Public Story or within a Spotlight video, and eligible creators receive a share of that revenue.

Video Length: Spotlight videos must be at least 1 minute long to be eligible for monetization. This encourages creators to produce more engaging, longer-form content.

Payment System: Creators are paid in "Crystals," an in-app currency that can be cashed out for real money. The minimum payout threshold is $100. The exact payment formula is proprietary and depends on factors like total unique video views, engagement, and the geographic location of your viewers.

Tips for Creating Content That Earns
Since the focus is now on consistent, high-quality content, here's how to maximize your chances of getting paid:

Create Engaging, Authentic Content: The more authentic and engaging your content is, the more time users will spend watching it, which directly impacts your ad revenue.

Focus on Longer-Form Content: With the new one-minute minimum for monetization, think about creating mini-stories, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content that can hold a viewer's attention.

Use Snapchat's Creative Tools: Utilize lenses, music, and other editing features to make your content stand out. Snaps that are just text or images are not eligible for Spotlight.

Promote Your Snapchat: Use other social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok to drive followers to your Snapchat profile and increase your view counts.

Post Consistently: The new requirements emphasize regular posting. Create a content calendar and stick to a consistent schedule to meet the monthly posting criteria.

Follow the Guidelines: Ensure your content is advertiser-friendly and adheres to all of Snapchat's community and content guidelines. Avoid copyrighted music, branded watermarks, or promotional content.

Other Monetization Methods on Snapchat
While the main way to earn on Spotlight has changed, there are other methods creators can use to make money on the platform:

Brand Partnerships: Once you have an established following, brands may pay you to create sponsored content. You can use the "Paid Partnership" label on your Snaps to disclose this.

Affiliate Marketing: You can promote products from affiliate networks and earn a commission on sales made through your link.

Selling Your Own Products or Services: Use your platform to drive traffic to your own e-commerce store or service website.

Creator Gifts: Viewers can purchase and send virtual gifts ("Crystals") to their favorite creators on Public Stories, which can be converted to money.