Snapchat creators, also known as Snap Stars, are popular users who have large followings on the Snapchat app. Snapchat introduced the Snapchat Creator Marketplace in 2020 as a way for brands to partner with creators and influencers directly within the app. So who exactly is eligible to join the Snapchat Creator Marketplace and monetize their audience on Snapchat?
Snapchat Creator Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Snapchat Creator Marketplace, creators must meet certain requirements related to their account standing, follower count, content type, and more. Here are the key criteria Snapchat outlines for creators looking to apply:
- You must have a public Snapchat account in good standing with no policy violations.
- Your account must have a minimum of 10,000 Snapchat followers.
- You should post frequently (at least 2-3 times per week).
- Your content should align with Snapchat’s recommended content categories: Beauty & Fashion, Fitness & Wellness, Food & Drink, Gaming, Home & Design, News & Entertainment, Sports, Tech, and more.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- Accounts must comply with Snapchat’s community guidelines and terms of service.
These requirements help ensure that only established, active Snapchat creators with a sizable audience are part of the program. Having an account in good standing rules out creators who have had moderation issues, while the minimum follower threshold helps guarantee creators have enough reach for brand partnerships to be worthwhile.
How Do You Apply to Be a Snapchat Creator?
If you meet Snapchat’s eligibility criteria, applying for the Snapchat Creator Marketplace is straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Open the Snapchat app and go to your profile page.
- Tap the gear icon to access Settings.
- Go to Creator Profile and tap “Apply Now.”
- Review the Creator Playbook and agree to the terms.
- Complete the application and submit.
It may take Snapchat up to 30 days to review and approve your application. You’ll be notified through the app once Snapchat has reviewed your application.
What Can Approved Snapchat Creators Do?
Once approved for the Snapchat Creator Marketplace, creators unlock the following monetization features:
- Creator Profile – Get a verified creator profile that makes you discoverable to brands.
- Creator Badges – Earn badges like “Behind the Lens” and “Breaking News” to highlight your expertise.
- Sponsored Lenses – Get paid to promote branded lenses and filters.
- Sponsored Stories – Get paid when you post branded story content that performs well.
- Minis – Develop mini applications for brands that live inside Snapchat.
- Brand Profiles – Get paid to post content and promote brands through your own curated Brand Profile pages within Snapchat.
In addition to opening up these money-making avenues, approved creators gain access to Snapchat’s Creator Hub. Here they can message and collaborate directly with brands, track earnings and metrics, and access resources from Snapchat to support their creator business.
What Are the Requirements to Stay an Approved Snapchat Creator?
To remain in good standing as an approved Snapchat creator, you must continue meeting certain benchmarks. These include:
- Maintaining community guidelines and terms of service compliance.
- Posting consistently high-quality, relevant content that aligns with Snapchat’s values.
- Avoiding posting clickbait, misleading, or inappropriate content.
- Responding to brands and maintaining profile info in a timely manner.
- Not artificially inflating follower counts or engagement.
Snapchat reviews accounts periodically. You risk having creator privileges revoked if you fail to meet their standards. Make sure to regularly review Snapchat’s Creator Playbook for the latest policies and guidelines.
Can You Get Approved with Less Than 10,000 Followers?
Snapchat does not make exceptions to their 10,000 follower minimum. While some other social platforms allow creators with just 1,000 followers, Snapchat’s threshold is firm.
The main reasons Snapchat requires 10,000+ followers to join their Creator Marketplace include:
- Brands want to partner with creators who have enough reach and influence for effective sponsored campaigns.
- It indicates you have an engaged audience that provides value to advertisers.
- It shows you have built authority and trust within the Snapchat community.
- There needs to be enough monetization potential to warrant the management of creator partnerships.
If you don’t have 10,000 Snapchat followers yet, focus on growing your audience organically through compelling content and engagement. Once you hit the threshold, you can apply to become a verified creator.
Do You Need a Certain Amount of Views?
Snapchat has not set any public view count requirements for Snapchat creator applicants. Follower reach seems to be the main threshold.
However, having consistently high viewership and engagement on your Snaps would strengthen your creator application. It shows you have an active audience that interacts with your content.
While views are not a stated requirement, aim to post Snaps that get above-average view counts for your audience size. For example, if the industry benchmark for views is around 30% of followers, try to consistently exceed that percentage. This signals to Snapchat that your followers genuinely enjoy your content.
Should You Have a Certain Content Niche?
While Snapchat creators span a diverse range of niches, some content categories tend to thrive more than others. Based on current top Snapchatters, these include:
- Beauty tutorials and tips
- Fashion and style
- Cooking and recipes
- Comedy and humor
- Dance and choreography
- Gaming highlights and walkthroughs
- Sports highlights and commentary
- Pet and animal content
- ASMR and satisfying visuals
- Travel adventures and destination highlights
Niches related to visuals, demonstrations, and personality-driven content tend to gain huge followings on Snapchat. The platform’s ephemeral, in-the-moment style lends itself well to these content areas. Think visually dynamic, upbeat, fun content that aligns with Snapchat’s youthful vibe.
Do Creators Get Paid by Snapchat?
Snapchat itself does not directly pay creators just for being in the Creator Marketplace program. However, creators can earn money through paid brand partnerships facilitated through the program.
These monetization avenues include:
- Getting paid by brands to promote sponsored lenses, filters, and stories.
- Earning a commission when users engage with a Mini you’ve created for a brand.
- Generating revenue from ads placed by brands on your custom Brand Profile page.
The Creator Marketplace gives you access to these money-making opportunities. But your earnings potential depends on consistently producing engaging content, building relationships with brands, driving campaign results, and having an audience that interacts with sponsored content.
Conclusion
Becoming a verified Snapchat creator presents exciting monetization opportunities. But it requires meeting Snapchat’s eligibility standards, particularly having an account in good standing with at least 10,000 followers. If you’re aspiring to become a Snapchat creator, focus first on growing your audience through compelling content. Then complete Snapchat’s application when you meet the requirements. With creativity and persistence, you can gain status as an influential Snapchat creator.