Snapchat Spotlight is a feature within Snapchat that allows users to share short videos publicly to compete for a share of a $1 million USD daily prize fund. Videos submitted to Spotlight have the chance to go viral and be seen by millions of Snapchat users. Snapchat launched Spotlight in November 2020 as a way to compete with TikTok and incentivize creators to post content on their platform. But how much can you actually earn from Snapchat Spotlight? Here is a breakdown of how the Spotlight payment system works.
How Does Snapchat Spotlight Pay?
Snapchat Spotlight pays users out of a $1 million USD daily fund. This fund is distributed between the top performing Spotlight videos for that day. So the amount each creator earns depends on how many views their Spotlight receives compared to the total daily views.
More specifically, Snapchat has said the amount paid out is calculated based on unique video views and proprietary algorithms that reward factors like engagement and creativity. Videos that receive more unique views and engagement in relation to the time posted are likely to earn more money.
Minimum Views Required
Snapchat has not provided exact details on the minimum views required to get paid. But based on user reports, it appears you need to get at least a few thousand views per day to qualify for a share of the Spotlight fund. Snapchat also tends to reward users who post consistently to Spotlight, not just one-off viral hits. So you need to build up an audience over time to maximize earnings.
Payment Threshold
Snapchat has a minimum account balance threshold you must hit before you can cash out Spotlight earnings. Originally, this threshold was set at $250 USD. However, in March 2021, Snapchat lowered the threshold to $50 USD. Once you reach the threshold, you can cash out via direct deposit. Payments are currently only available in the United States.
Payment Timeline
Spotlight earnings start accumulating once your videos begin getting views. You can check your balance in the Snapchat app. According to Snapchat, balances are updated approximately 24 hours after a video is posted as they tabulate the views.
Payments are made on a monthly basis. So you would cash out your balance from the previous month around the 15th of the current month. For example, you would get paid in mid-April for your March earnings.
How Much Do Top Spotlight Creators Earn?
Snapchat does not disclose exactly how much specific creators are earning from Spotlight. However, some top creators have shared estimates of their Spotlight earnings to give an idea of the potential payouts:
| Creator | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Maisy Kinsley (user: maisykinsley) | $100,000 in November 2020 |
| Nathan Apodaca (user: doggface208) | $250,000 in November 2020 for his viral cranberry juice skating video |
| Jessica Andrade (user: bbygirljess) | $125,000 in November 2020 |
| Loren Gray (user: lorengray) | $100,000 – $200,000 per month |
| Mia Finney (user: miafinney) | $100,000 – $150,000 per month |
As you can see from the top earners, it is possible to earn over $100,000 per month consistently on Spotlight if you can continuously create content that receives millions of views and engagement. But realistically, most creators earn much less than the very top users.
Factors That Impact Earnings
There are a few key factors that impact how much each creator can earn on Spotlight:
Number of Views
The number of unique video views your Spotlight receives will be the biggest determining factor for your payout. More views equal higher potential earnings. However, you have to get a substantial amount of views (in the millions) to earn the highest payouts.
Engagement
Snapchat has said they also calculate Spotlight payments based on engagement, not just raw views. So metrics like shares, comments, likes, and time spent watching your video also impact your earnings. More engagement helps boost your payout.
Consistency
You earn more when you post high-performing Spotlights consistently, not just one viral hit. So creators who post multiple times per day tend to earn more over the long run.
Time of Day Posted
When you post may also impact your views and earnings. Snaps published during peak usage hours (evenings in the US for example) tend to get more views initially, which can compound and boost your overall views.
Quality and Creativity
Snapchat rewards videos that are high quality and creative. So putting effort into dynamic edits, sounds, captions etc. can help your videos overperform and earn more compared to quick videos with no effort.
How To Earn More Money on Spotlight
If you are looking to maximize your earnings potential on Snapchat Spotlight, here are some tips:
Post Consistently
Posting to Spotlight once a day is good, but multiple times per day is ideal to build your audience and earnings over time.
Understand Your Analytics
Pay attention to when your best performing Snaps are posted and what content resonates to inform your posting strategy.
Use Trending Sounds
Leverage trending sounds and songs to increase the discoverability of your videos.
Optimize Your Captions
Well-written captions keep viewers engaged and makes your content more shareable.
Interact With Your Audience
Reply to comments and build relationships with viewers who engage with your content.
Post at Peak Times
For most creators, evenings in the US are peak times for views. But analyze your own metrics.
Create Vertical Video
Spotlight was made for vertical mobile video. Use the entire screen real estate.
Use Snapchat Lenses and Stickers
Leverage Snapchat’s unique AR effects to make more engaging videos.
The Future of Snapchat Spotlight
While Spotlight currently offers the potential to earn significant amounts of money, the long term future is still uncertain. Snapchat has said the $1 million per day fund is not indefinite and they will reassess based on adoption of the feature. They could lower the fund amount or adjust earnings metrics in the future as they gain more data on what drives engagement.
However in the near term, Spotlight provides a lot of opportunity for Snapchat creators to monetize their following and talent in a brand new way. And Snapchat will likely continue incentivizing creators in order to keep them posting to Spotlight versus competitors. Overall, Spotlight has the potential to become a lucrative channel, but only time will tell how it evolves.
Conclusion
Snapchat Spotlight provides the opportunity for huge payouts, with top creators earning up to $250,000 for a single video and over $100,000 per month consistently. But it takes a massive amount of views and engagement to reach those top earning thresholds. Most creators will realistically earn much less than the headline-grabbing payouts. However, Spotlight represents an exciting new way for Snapchatters to earn money from their content while the $1 million per day fund remains in place. Consistently posting quality content optimized for the platform is key to earning the most from Spotlight. While the future is uncertain, Spotlight looks set to become an important part of the creator economy.