Instagram Releases More Creator Payout Features

New Instagram features continue to roll out for creators who look to monetize their following. In order to compete with other brands like TikTok and YouTube, both of which substantially pay their creators with easy-to-access systems, Instagram previously needed to introduce these features to keep up. 

They’ve introduced various new features on a test run, many of which are catching the eye of creators across the platform. Two of them (excluding affiliate, a feature discussed here) seem to be standing out from the rest. 

Badges

Similar to streaming platform Twitch’s subscriber system, Instagram, the new badge feature lets users purchase a “badge” that appears next to their name on a live stream. 

Twitch has been highly successful with subscribers, as streamers will generally acknowledge the comments of users who have purchased a subscription to their channel. 

As such, subscribing provides a pretty cool benefit to the user-it increases the chances of the streamer seeing, reading, and responding to their chat. 

Instagram’s badge program, which is currently only available to a select group of prominent creators, is copying that system. Users can purchase badges that appear next to their name on an Instagram live stream whenever they comment. 

Such a feature could drive large amounts of revenue to creators with a fan base looking to support them, especially for a creator with a large personality. 

Live Milestones

A more direct payout, Instagram is sending substantial amounts of money to creators who go live on Instagram. This feature, again only available to a small group of people, guarantees a $150 commission to anyone who uses a live video for 30 minutes. 

Other, further payouts exist as well. If a creator uses live videos weekly for a certain amount of time, they’ll get another $250 as compensation. 

Combined with badges, live milestones make interacting with followers easier and more lucrative, indicating that Instagram follows Twitch’s footsteps, not YouTube or TikTok.