How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Paid on Snapchat:

Tips for Content Creators

a woman holding a phone and a phone with a snap phone in front of her
a woman holding a phone and a phone with a snap phone in front of her

If you’re looking to make money on Snapchat, it’s essential to understand what the platform values and how to increase your chances of getting paid. Over my five years on Snapchat, I’ve learned a few key things about what works—and what doesn’t. Here’s a guide to help you make the most out of your content creation journey.

1. Original Content vs. RePosts

  • Yes, there are creators who have earned money from reposted content. However, the chances of getting paid with reposts are slim. It’s a hit-or-miss situation. When you focus on creating original content, you increase your chances of earning consistently because Snapchat’s algorithm rewards unique, authentic posts.

  • Original content gives you the confidence that you’re aligned with Snapchat’s expectations, making it easier for the algorithm to recognize and boost your work.

    2. Leverage Snapchat’s Native Tools for Better Reach

  • Snapchat values creators who use its native tools—lenses, filters, and the in-app camera. Recording directly on Snapchat, especially with lenses, can give your content a significant boost. The platform wants creators to use these features, and in turn, it’s more likely to push your content to a broader audience.

  • Don’t worry about high production quality! Some of my low-quality videos have gone viral simply because they were recorded using Snapchat’s tools.

    3. Focus on Engagement, Not Just Views

  • Snapchat rewards videos that spark interaction. Aim for content that gets viewers to comment, share, or react. This kind of engagement signals to Snapchat that your content is valuable, which increases the likelihood of monetization opportunities, like Crystals.

  • Experiment with formats that get people talking—reaction videos are popular, where you respond to or comment on another video. These can be done without high production costs, as long as they’re engaging and creative.

    4.Experiment with Different Types of Content

  • Let’s say you’ve been posting for a while and are seeing great signs: your videos are getting millions of views, you have strong engagement, and your follower count is growing quickly. All these metrics are positive and indicate that your content is resonating with your audience. But if you’re posting mostly reposted or non-original content, it could impact your eligibility for Crystals, Snapchat's reward for top-performing original content.

    Every month, on the 18th, Snapchat reviews accounts for potential payouts in Crystals. If you’re consistently seeing high engagement but not receiving Crystals, this likely means that your content isn’t meeting Snapchat’s eligibility requirements, even though it’s popular. In this case, it’s worth experimenting with original content for the next month to see if that change leads to payment.

    If you try for another month and still don’t receive Crystals despite your account’s high engagement, it’s a strong indication that Snapchat values originality more than just virality. At that point, switching to original content—recorded directly on Snapchat or using Snapchat’s tools like lenses—could make a big difference. Snapchat tends to reward creators who use the platform’s native features, which can boost your chances of being paid.

    In short, if your account shows strong performance but isn’t earning, experimenting with your content style can make all the difference. Embrace originality, stay adaptable, and keep testing new ideas until you find what truly resonates with both your audience and Snapchat’s algorithm.

    5. Multiple Accounts for Better Reach

  • There’s no harm in managing multiple Snapchat accounts to test different strategies—just make sure each account is on a separate device to avoid being flagged. Having multiple accounts can help you explore different content styles without compromising your main account’s engagement.

    6. Know When You’re Eligible for Payments

  • If you’re gaining high engagement with videos that reach millions of views, you’re more likely to receive Crystals. Consistently high-performing accounts can qualify for immediate payouts, especially if they’ve been around for a while. If you’re not seeing Crystals in your account, it may be an indication that your content needs more engagement or originality.

    Building a successful Snapchat account isn’t about overnight success—it’s about consistent, high-quality, and engaging content. The key is to stay creative, experiment, and find what resonates with your audience. By using Snapchat’s native tools, staying original, and focusing on engaging content, you can increase your chances of growing a loyal following and getting paid for your efforts.