IGTV Monetization: How Instagram Video Monetization Works in 2026
TL;DR - Quick Answer
13 min readComprehensive guide with practical insights you can apply today.
IGTV as a standalone feature no longer exists. Instagram merged it into Instagram Video in 2021, but monetization opportunities for long-form video have actually grown since then.
Here's everything you need to know about earning money from Instagram video content in 2026.
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In October 2021, Instagram merged IGTV into a unified Instagram Video format. Key changes:
- IGTV tab removed from profiles
- IGTV app discontinued
- All long-form videos now appear in the Video tab on profiles
- Reels became Instagram's primary video format
- IGTV monetization features carried over into the new system
If you had IGTV content, it's still on your profile under the Video tab. The monetization path just evolved.
What happened to IGTV in 2021?
Instagram Video Monetization Options in 2026
1. In-Stream Video Ads (Formerly IGTV Ads)
The direct successor to IGTV monetization:
- What: Short ads that play during your longer video content
- Eligibility: 10,000+ followers, 600,000+ total minutes viewed in the last 60 days
- Revenue split: 55% to the creator, 45% to Instagram
- Video length: Videos must be at least 3 minutes for ad placement
- How to enable: Settings > Creator > Monetization > In-Stream Video Ads
2. Reels Bonuses & Reels Ads
Instagram's main push for creator earnings:
- Reels Play Bonus: Invite-only program paying creators for Reel views
- Reels Ads: Ads shown between Reels, with revenue shared to creators
- Eligibility varies, check your Professional Dashboard for available programs
- Earnings: Based on views, engagement, and advertiser demand
3. Instagram Subscriptions
Monthly recurring income from your most loyal followers:
- What: Followers pay $0.99-$99.99/month for exclusive content
- Subscribers get: Exclusive posts, Stories, Reels, Lives, badges, and chats
- Revenue split: Instagram takes 0% through 2026 (may change after)
- Eligibility: Professional account, 10,000+ followers, 18+
4. Badges in Instagram Live
Earn money while streaming:
- What: Viewers buy badges ($0.99, $1.99, $4.99) during your live videos
- Revenue split: 100% goes to the creator (Instagram waives fees through 2026)
- Eligibility: Professional account, 10,000+ followers, 18+
5. Branded Content & Partnerships
The biggest income source for most creators:
- What: Brands pay you to feature their products in your video content
- No platform fee, negotiate directly with brands
- Use the Paid Partnership tag for transparency
- Earnings: Vary widely based on niche and follower count
6. Instagram Shopping in Videos
Sell products directly from your videos:
- What: Tag products in your videos that viewers can purchase
- Works in: Feed videos, Reels, and Live
- Best for: Product-based businesses and affiliate marketers
What's the creator revenue split for Instagram in-stream video ads?
How to Get Started With Instagram Video Monetization
Step 1: Switch to a Professional Account
- Go to Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account
- Choose Creator or Business
- Select your category
Step 2: Check Your Monetization Status
- Go to Professional Dashboard
- Look for the Monetization section
- See which programs you're eligible for
Step 3: Meet the Requirements
Step 4: Create Monetization-Friendly Content
- Post consistently, 3-5 Reels + 1-2 longer videos per week
- Hit 3+ minutes on feed videos for in-stream ad eligibility
- Engage your audience, comments and shares increase algorithm distribution
- Stay in guidelines, content that violates policies won't be monetized
How Much Can You Earn?
Rough estimates by tier (combining all income streams):
These are rough estimates only. Actual earnings depend heavily on niche, engagement rate, and content quality.
Which monetization method typically generates the most income for creators?
Tips to Maximize Instagram Video Revenue
- Diversify income streams, don't rely on just one monetization method
- Build an email list, own your audience outside of Instagram
- Niche down, specific niches attract higher-paying brand deals
- Track analytics, use Instagram Insights to see what performs best
- Create for Reels first, it's where Instagram pushes the most reach
- Go live regularly, Live has the highest engagement and badge potential
- Repurpose content, turn one video into a Reel, a Story, and a post
Related Reading
- How to Make Money on Social Media
- Best Tools for Content Creators
- Instagram Creator vs Business Account
- Instagram Reels Ideas
- YouTube Monetization Requirements
- Content Creator Contracts Guide
FAQ
Is IGTV still available on Instagram?
No. IGTV was discontinued as a standalone format in 2021. All long-form videos now appear under the Video tab on your profile.
Can I still monetize long-form videos on Instagram?
Yes. In-stream video ads work on videos 3 minutes or longer in your feed. This is the direct replacement for IGTV ads.
How many followers do I need to start monetizing?
For platform programs (ads, badges, subscriptions), you generally need 10,000+ followers. For branded content there's no minimum, but brands often prefer creators with 1,000+ engaged followers.
Does Instagram pay for Reels views?
Instagram offers Reels bonuses to eligible creators, and Reels ads share revenue with creators. Check your Professional Dashboard to see if you qualify for current bonus programs.
What content can't be monetized?
Content that violates Instagram's Partner Monetization Policies can't be monetized. This includes violence, misinformation, political content, or intellectual property infringement.
How long does it take to get approved for Instagram monetization?
After you apply through your Professional Dashboard, Instagram typically reviews your account within a few days to a few weeks. Make sure your account follows all community guidelines and monetization policies before applying.
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