Social media monetization can feel like a maze. One day you hear about creators making thousands from short videos, and the next, the rules change. To help cut through the noise, Social U sat down with Angela, a social media manager who works with major food creators—some with millions of followers—to talk about how creators really make money online.

Angela has seen it all: the highs of five-figure payouts and the frustrations of platforms shifting their policies overnight. She’s proof that consistency and adaptability are the keys to turning content into cash.

Where Do You Start?

The big question for most creators: how many followers do you need to start earning?

“Most platforms require around 5,000 followers,” Angela explained. “It used to be 10,000, but Facebook recently lowered it, which makes it easier for smaller creators to qualify.”

Once you hit the threshold, Facebook usually notifies you that your page is eligible. Other platforms, like TikTok, have different rules and requirements (and they tend to change often).

Who Pays the Most?

While TikTok and YouTube get a lot of attention, Angela is clear: “Facebook is still paying the most.”

She pointed to a recent example where a creator showed her payouts: a few hundred dollars from TikTok versus $8,000 from Facebook for similar content. YouTube is also strong, but Facebook’s push to stay competitive has made it one of the most profitable platforms for creators.

And don’t underestimate Google/YouTube—many creators build steady income there, particularly with longer videos.

Ways to Monetize

Earning from social media isn’t just about views. Angela broke down the most common monetization streams:

• Ad Revenue: Longer videos (over 3 minutes) often pay more than quick reels. But reels are still valuable because they grow your audience.

• Photos & Stories: With Facebook’s latest content monetization program, creators can now earn on photos and stories, not just video.

• Bonuses: Facebook offers challenges—like reaching certain engagement milestones—for extra cash. “One of my clients earned an $1,800 bonus just for hitting Facebook’s weekly goals,” Angela shared.

• Affiliate Links: Using programs like Amazon, Walmart, and Sam’s Club, creators can earn commissions without their followers spending extra money.

• Sponsorships/Brand Deals: Brands often notice which creators drive sales and offer direct partnerships.

Angela’s advice: “Affiliate links are fantastic because they show brands your followers take action. That can lead to brand deals, which is where the serious money is.”

What’s Realistic for New Creators?

Here’s the hard truth: you won’t get rich overnight.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is thinking you’ll post one viral TikTok and instantly make thousands,” Angela cautioned. “That’s not how it works anymore. You might start with a couple hundred dollars, but with consistency, that can grow to thousands a few months later.”

Creators who stay consistent often see steady growth in both revenue and audience.

Original Content Is King

Every platform values original content—but especially Facebook.

“Don’t download a TikTok video with the watermark and repost it to Facebook,” Angela warned. “They don’t consider that original, even if you created it yourself.”

Facebook wants content that appears on their platform first. The good news? Once it’s live there, you can post to YouTube, TikTok, and others afterward without penalty.

Avoiding the “Salesy” Trap

Nobody likes content that feels like a commercial. So how do you monetize without turning off your audience?

Angela recommends authenticity. “If you’re using a skillet in a recipe video, share the link in the comments. People are going to ask about it anyway. By posting the link, you’re answering their question and reducing the flood of private messages.”

She also notes that creators should balance promotional posts with non-sales content. “If all you do is push links, Facebook will notice. Mix it up with reels, photos, and behind-the-scenes posts.”

Key Takeaways

Angela’s insights boil down to a few core truths for creators looking to turn content into income:

1. Start at 5,000 followers. That’s the threshold for many monetization programs.

2. Facebook leads in payouts. Don’t ignore it just because it’s not the “new” platform.

3. Diversify income streams. Ads, affiliates, and bonuses all add up.

4. Prioritize original content. Post to Facebook first, then share elsewhere.

5. Stay consistent. Growth takes time, but small payouts can turn into big wins.

Monetization isn’t easy—it takes creativity, patience, and persistence. But with the right strategy, your content can become a source of real income. As Angela puts it: “Get out there and start. Stop waiting to be perfect—just do it.”