Meta has unveiled a major shift in its creator monetization strategy, announcing that Facebook will now compensate creators based on views for their Stories content. This bold move signals Meta’s aggressive push to reclaim creator loyalty amid rising competition from TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Starting this month, eligible creators can earn revenue through Facebook’s “Story Views Bonus Program,” which calculates payouts using a combination of view duration, audience engagement, and content originality. Unlike traditional ad-revenue sharing models, this initiative directly ties earnings to raw viewership metrics. “This is about rewarding creators for what truly matters—consistent audience connection,” stated Meta’s VP of Monetization, Sarah Lee, during the feature’s launch.
The update comes as short-form vertical content continues dominating social media. While platforms like YouTube Shorts and Snapchat Spotlight offer similar incentives, Meta’s decision to focus on Stories—a format with 500 million daily users—reveals strategic priorities. Early testers report earning up to $25 per 10,000 views, though payouts vary by region and content category.
Creators must meet specific thresholds to qualify: at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 total Story views in the previous 30 days. Monetized Stories cannot include licensed music or recycled content from other creators, with AI-powered systems scanning for compliance. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about increased data tracking, but Meta insists user information remains protected.
Industry analysts see this as Meta’s attempt to revitalize Facebook’s aging platform. “Stories are the glue keeping daily users engaged,” explains social media strategist Darren Cox. “By injecting cash here, Meta’s betting big on retaining creators who might otherwise flock to newer apps.”
The program’s long-term success hinges on creator adoption. While some applaud the direct payout model, others criticize the stringent eligibility rules. As platforms wage war for top talent, Meta’s latest play could redefine how social media giants value creator contributions.
