Snapchat has announced a new, unified monetization program designed to streamline and enhance revenue opportunities for creators on its platform. Set to launch on February 1, 2025, this initiative allows eligible creators to earn income from both Stories and longer Spotlight videos, marking a significant shift in Snapchat’s approach to content monetization.

Key Features of the Monetization Program

Under the new program, creators can monetize Spotlight videos that are longer than one minute, in addition to their Stories. This change reflects a growing opportunity for creators to benefit from the increasing viewership of Spotlight, which has seen a 25% year-over-year increase.

To qualify for the program, creators must meet specific criteria:

• Follower Count: A minimum of 50,000 followers.
• Posting Frequency: At least 25 posts per month to Saved Stories or Spotlight, and activity on at least 10 of the last 28 days.
• Engagement Metrics: Achieve one of the following in the last 28 days:
  • 10 million Snap views.
  • 1 million Spotlight views.
  • 12,000 hours of view time.

These requirements are designed to ensure that monetization opportunities are available to creators who actively engage with their audience and produce content that resonates with viewers.

Transition from Spotlight Rewards Program

As part of this transition, Snapchat will conclude its existing Spotlight Rewards Program on January 31, 2025. The new unified monetization approach aims to provide a more sustainable and equitable system for creators to earn revenue, moving away from the previous model that offered variable rewards based on individual Spotlight submissions.

Implications for Middle Eastern Creators

For creators in the Middle East, Snapchat’s updated monetization program presents new opportunities to generate income through engaging content. The platform’s emphasis on longer-form videos and consistent posting aligns with the region’s growing appetite for diverse and authentic digital content.

Creators who meet the eligibility criteria can leverage this program to monetize their presence on Snapchat, potentially reaching a wider audience and enhancing their content’s impact. Additionally, the unified program simplifies the monetization process, making it more straightforward for creators to understand and maximize their earning potential.

To explore this topic further, check out our Snapchat’s New Tools: A Major Shift for Creators and Marketers for more insights.

Key Takeaway for Marketing Managers

Marketing professionals in the Middle East should take note of Snapchat’s evolving monetization landscape, as it reflects broader trends in digital content consumption and creator partnerships.

By collaborating with eligible Snapchat creators, brands can tap into authentic and engaging content that resonates with regional audiences. Understanding the new monetization criteria can help marketers identify and partner with creators who have a proven track record of audience engagement and content consistency.

Furthermore, the shift towards longer-form content monetization indicates a potential change in user preferences, suggesting that audiences may be seeking more in-depth and substantial content experiences. Marketing strategies that incorporate such content formats could see increased engagement and effectiveness on platforms like Snapchat.