Snapchat is a lucrative revenue stream for many creators who use the app.
Many creators focus on more mainstream platforms like Instagram or YouTube when it comes to monetizing; by doing this, they are missing out on the many under-the-radar opportunities for making money on Snapchat.
How To Earn Money On Snapchat
Snapchat offers unique opportunities for creators to monetize their content and build a sustainable income. The app provides various monetization options, including sponsored content, revenue share programs and “Gifts.” For many creators, this allows them to make enough money to sustain a full-time career.
1. Stories Affiliate Program
Creators who consistently share stories on Snapchat may be eligible for the Stories revenue share program. In this program, Snapchat inserts ads between creators’ Snaps, and they receive a portion of the payment based on the revenue generated from those ads.
The qualifications to be part of this revenue share program are as follows: have at least 50,000 subscribers on a public profile and more than 25 million views or 12,000 hours of view time in the last 28 hours, post to your Public Story for 10 days, each with at least 20 Snaps each day over the last 28 days and be 18 years or older.
2. Sponsored Content Via The Creator Marketplace
Many brands are tapping Snapchat creators to partner on sponsored content similar to how they are for platforms like Instagram, TikTok or YouTube. Snapchat’s Creator Marketplace offers brands the opportunity to discover Snapchat creators to partner with.
In the Creator Marketplace, businesses can filter creators by multiple search parameters, including budget, language and specialty. Creators have full control over their rates and which projects they accept or decline.
The Snapchat team must select creators to join the Creator Marketplace. Their best advice? Ensure that your profile is public and create engaging content regularly.
3. Creator Gifts
The audience can “thank” creators for their content by sending them virtual Gifts. Fans can purchase Snap Tokens that can be redeemed for Gifts. The fan will be notified when the creator has opened their Gift. The creator then has the option to reply to thank the fan. You must be 16 years or older to receive Gifts.
4. Snapchat Spotlight
Snapchat Spotlight is where users can go to discover new content on the app. The Spotlight algorithm aims to cater to each user’s experience specifically based on their interests.
Creators can also be rewarded on Snapchat Spotlight. Snapchat’s blog states, “Eligible Snapchatters can receive monthly rewards—which can be cashed out for money—if they are top-performing creators in that calendar month.” The reward is determined by factors such as your engagement and/or views.
To be eligible, you must have an account that is at least one month old, have a public profile, have at least 1,000 followers, receive at least 10k views in a calendar month, post at least 10 times on at least 5 different days in a calendar month using the Snapchat Creative Tool, submit original content and correctly set up your payment account.
Creators who are a good fit for the program will receive a notification on the Snapchat app.
5. Selling Merchandise
As you grow a loyal, engaged Snapchat subscriber base, you might find that they are interested in purchasing physical merchandise to represent your brand and spread the word beyond the app.
Creators can sell their merchandise on Snapchat by utilizing the platform’s integrated shopping features to reach their audience directly. Snapchat’s “Shop” feature allows creators to set up a storefront to showcase their products.
To get started, creators can use the Snap Store or integrate with Shopify to manage their inventory and sales. This allows followers to browse and purchase merchandise without leaving the app, making the process convenient and engaging for both the creator and their audience.
6. Selling Digital Products & Services
You can also monetize as a creator using your expertise. Many creators choose to offer coaching services or sell digital products like e-books, courses, mentorships or consulting sessions directly through the platform or off-platform.
By promoting these digital products through engaging Snap Stories, personalized messages, and targeted Snap Ads, creators can effectively reach their audience and generate a lucrative income stream.
Bottom Line
By leveraging Snapchat’s unique features, like its integration with Shopify, and building a loyal, engaged community, creators can build various lucrative revenue streams. Whether through sponsored content, revenue share programs or innovative the Spotlight feature, the potential for financial success on Snapchat is significant.
