Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. With over 300 million daily active users, Snapchat offers a fun way to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. But beyond just sending snaps to friends, there are also ways to potentially make money on Snapchat.
Get paid to create Snapchat content
One of the top ways to earn money on Snapchat is by creating engaging content that brands want to sponsor. There are a few options here:
- Work with brands directly. If you have a sizable Snapchat following, brands may reach out to pay you directly to create branded content and promote their products. The pay can vary greatly depending on your audience size and engagement.
- Join a Snapchat network. There are companies like Snapfluence and Tring that connect Snapchat creators to brand deals. These networks take care of matching brands to creators, negotiating deals, and managing payments.
- Sell shoutouts. You can sell custom video shoutouts to followers, friends, or businesses through platforms like Cameo. Prices are set by the creator.
The key is building an audience and creating content that aligns with brand campaigns. Types of sponsored content can include:
- Discount codes and affiliate links
- Product reviews or unboxings
- Brand takeovers of your account for a day
- Polls or questions to engage your audience
- Behind-the-scenes content
Micro and nano influencers with just a few thousand engaged followers can earn hundreds or even thousands per sponsored post. The more followers you have, the more you can potentially charge.
Sell products on Snapchat
In addition to sponsored content, you can also earn money on Snapchat by selling products directly to your followers. Here are some ways to sell on Snapchat:
- Link to an online shop in your bio. You can drive followers to your online store or merchandise to purchase.
- Promote physical or digital products. Showcase items you’re selling in your Story or posts and instruct followers how to purchase.
- Leverage Shopify or Snapchat Checkout. These platforms make it easy to sell products you’ve created right within the Snapchat app.
- Get creative with “snaps for sale.” Offer custom snaps, videos, filters, or other content in exchange for payment.
If you have a craft, skill, or service to offer, you can promote it to your audience on Snapchat and facilitate easy transactions. Even simply selling shoutouts, chats, advice, or graphics can generate revenue.
Earn money with Snapchat Spotlight
Snapchat Spotlight is a section within the app where public Snaps from the Snapchat community appear. When you submit a Snap to Spotlight, it becomes eligible to earn money if it is entertaining and gets a lot of views.
Snapchat shares ad revenue with Spotlight creators each month. While not guaranteed, you can potentially earn a share of over $1 million per day just by posting fun content that gets viewed and screenshotted often. Some tips for earning with Spotlight include:
- Post frequently to increase your chances.
- Try trending challenges, filters, sounds, etc.
- Engage viewers by asking questions in your Snaps.
- Offer value, information, humor, or surprise in your content.
- Promote your best Spotlight Snaps on other social platforms.
Monetize a Snapchat account with ads
If you have a public Snapchat account with lots of views and engagement on your Stories, you may be able to make money by placing ads. Here are a few options:
- Snapchat Ad Manager. This self-serve platform allows you to place video and collection ads within your organic content. You earn a percentage of the revenue earned from your Story views.
- Influencer networks. Join an influencer network that connects brands to Snapchat creators for paid partnership opportunities.
- Direct advertising sales. If you have a sizable following, you can pitch and sell advertising directly to brands that want to reach your audience.
Make sure your content remains engaging and non-spammy, as your audience will skip or block too many disruptive ads. But strategically placed ads that complement your content can monetize your following.
Other ways to earn money on Snapchat
A few other potential ways to leverage Snapchat for money include:
- Get Snapchat tips. Add your tip link to start earning money when followers send you tips.
- Promote your other social channels. Drive traffic to YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc. where you also monetize content.
- Resell Geofilters. Create custom geofilters for occasions through Snapchat then resell them at a markup.
- Provide consulting/coaching. If you’re an expert Snapchatter, offer consulting or virtual coaching sessions.
Snapchat doesn’t have as many native monetization features as other platforms. But with some creativity, you can find multiple avenues to earn – especially once you build a loyal following.
Optimize your Snapchat profile to attract brands
To build your credibility and maximize sponsorships and partnerships on Snapchat, make sure to optimize your profile properly:
- Fill out your bio with relevant info, links, and contacts for business inquiries.
- Highlight your specialty area or niche to attract relevant brands.
- List your other social media accounts and following size to showcase your influence.
- Add emojis and personality to your username and bio to stand out.
- Use a branded profile photo that’s visually appealing and consistent with your image.
Also be sure to post content consistently, engage with your audience, post Stories highlights to showcase your best work, and drive traffic to your account from other channels. This will help you stand out when brands look for Snapchat partners.
Snapchat monetization rules and limits
While there are many possibilities to earn with Snapchat, it’s important to follow Snapchat’s guidelines to avoid issues. Here are some key Snapchat monetization rules:
- Don’t spam followers with too many ads or sales pitches.
- Clearly label promotional content as #ad as required by the FTC.
- Don’t make false or misleading claims about products or earnings potential.
- Don’t promote illegal, prohibited, or age-restricted products or services.
- Comply with platform-specific requirements for commerce features like Shopify.
Also, be aware of any applicable limits or restrictions:
- Spotlight earnings have caps determined by Snapchat per country.
- Ad revenue share is limited to accounts with 10K+ followers who are 18+ years old.
- Snapchat creator networks may require a certain following size to join.
Do your research to ensure you meet eligibility requirements and follow all rules. This will keep your account in good standing.
Snapchat Alternatives
If you’re looking to make money from social media, Snapchat is one option – but there are other great platforms to consider too:
YouTube
YouTube offers robust monetization through its Partner Program which allows you to earn a cut of ad revenue from your videos. There is also channel membership, SuperChat, and YouTube Premium revenue sharing. Top YouTubers easily earn 6-7 figures annually.
From sponsored posts to Instagram Shop and Live video badges, there are plenty of ways to monetize on Instagram. Become an affiliate, sell products or services, and work with brands for multiple income streams.
TikTok
TikTok’s Creator Fund compensates top creators, and live gifts allow you to earn during livestreams. Sponsored content is popular too – promoting brands and products through organic, entertaining videos.
Twitch
For gamers and streamers, Twitch enables monetization through ad revenue share, channel subscriptions, cheers and tips, and more. Top streamers make over $5 million per year on Twitch.
| Platform | Main Monetization Methods |
|---|---|
| YouTube | Ad revenue share, channel memberships, SuperChats |
| Sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, Instagram Shop | |
| TikTok | Creator Fund, live gifts, brand sponsorships |
| Twitch | Subscriptions, bits/tips, ad revenue |
Conclusion
While Snapchat may not be quite as lucrative as other social platforms yet, the opportunities are growing. By creating engaging content, cultivating an audience, and leveraging Snapchat’s variety of monetization features, you can start earning. With consistency, creativity, and commitment, many Snapchat creators make hundreds or thousands per month already.
The top ways to monetize include creating sponsored content, selling products, earning through Spotlight challenges, placing limited ads, and potentially receiving tips. As you build your following, focus on high-quality Snaps, interact with your community, and properly disclose any branded content.
With some strategic effort, Snapchat can become part of your portfolio of social media monetization methods. Combined with other platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch, you can diversify your income streams and maximize your earnings as an influencer or creator.