Snapchat expands creator payment program with new monetization terms
Snapchat announces updated monetization program for creators, with new eligibility requirements and revenue sharing model starting February.
On February 1, 2025, Snapchat introduced substantial changes to its creator monetization program, marking a significant update to how content creators generate income on the platform. The announcement, made yesterday through the platform's official creator communication channels, outlines specific technical requirements and compliance standards for participation.
According to the newly released Creator Stories Terms document, all existing agreements will be superseded by updated Monetization Terms starting February 1, 2025. The program establishes concrete metrics for creator eligibility, setting clear numerical thresholds for participation.
The technical requirements demonstrate Snapchat's focus on sustained engagement. According to Snapchat's official documentation, creators must maintain a minimum threshold of 50,000 followers and achieve one of three engagement metrics within a 28-day period: 10 million Snap views, 1 million Spotlight views, or 12,000 hours of viewing time.
Content consistency represents another critical component of the program. The platform mandates that creators post at least 25 times monthly to either Saved Stories or Spotlight. Additionally, creators must maintain activity on either Spotlight or Public Stories for a minimum of 10 days within each 28-day period.
The payment structure operates through a proprietary system called Crystals, which functions as an internal measurement tool for tracking creator activity. The documentation specifies that creators must accumulate enough Crystals to reach a minimum payment threshold of $100 USD before requesting payment disbursement.
Financial transactions occur through authorized third-party payment providers, with payments made in United States dollars. Creators retain the option to withdraw funds in local currency, subject to exchange rates and associated transaction fees. The program includes specific tax implications, with Snapchat reserving the right to deduct or withhold taxes as required by applicable laws.
The platform implements strict controls around advertisement placement. Based on the provided documentation, advertisements appear between Snaps in Public Stories or within Spotlight content. For Spotlight content to qualify for monetization, videos must meet a minimum duration requirement of one minute.
Legal requirements establish clear age restrictions. Creators must be at least 18 years old or have reached the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction. The program maintains geographic restrictions, limiting participation to creators residing in eligible countries, though the platform continues to expand its territorial reach.
Content standards remain stringent, with all submissions required to adhere to Snapchat's Community Guidelines and Content Guidelines. The platform explicitly prohibits artificial engagement metrics, including invalid activities such as automated views, click farms, or purchased engagement.
Timeline of Key Events
- March 18, 2022: Previous Creator Stories Terms established
- February 1, 2025: Implementation of new Monetization Terms
- February 22, 2025: Official announcement of program updates
- February 23, 2025: Current operational status
The program represents Snapchat's structured approach to content creator compensation, establishing defined metrics for participation while maintaining platform-specific content standards. The technical framework provides a foundation for scalable creator monetization across the platform's global user base.