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Does Instagram Pay for Views? & More of Your View FAQs, Answered

Posted on 30th May, 2025.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

Instagram doesn't pay you for views, but a high view count can make it easier to monetise your account.
Buying views is a great way of giving your content a head start and helping the algorithm boost it.
Views play a big part in virality, and by focusing on views, you can supercharge your growth.
Read on for the answers to more FAQs!

So, you’ve posted a Reel, it’s racking up thousands of views, and now you’re wondering: “Does Instagram actually pay me for this?” You’re not alone. With creators going viral left and right, there’s a lot of curiosity (and confusion) about how views turn into money, if they even do. Let’s clear things up, along with some other views FAQs, such as how to get more of them.

Does Instagram Pay You for Views?

No, Instagram does not currently pay users directly for views. The platform previously offered financial incentives through the Reels Play Bonus Program, which rewarded creators based on how many views their Reels received. That program, however, was paused or discontinued in many regions as of 2023. As it stands now, simply getting views on your Reels, Stories, or video posts does not result in a payout from Instagram itself.

That said, views are still important, along with likes, just not as a direct income source. High-performing content can lead to brand deals, increased visibility, and growth opportunities, all of which can help creators monetise their presence in other ways.

So How Do People Make Money on Instagram?

Even though Instagram doesn’t pay per view, many creators still earn income through the platform by using it as a tool to promote or sell. One common path is through brand deals and sponsorships. If your content performs well and aligns with a niche, companies may reach out (or you can pitch them) for paid collaborations. Affiliate marketing is another strategy, where creators earn a percentage of sales generated through links or discount codes.

Many creators also use Instagram to sell their own products, services, or digital content, turning their audience into customers. Instagram has also introduced features like Subscriptions and Creator Marketplace tools, though these are only available to selected users at the moment.

Can You Buy Views?

Yes! Not only can you buy views, but you should, in order to give your content a head start. The algorithm tends to favour content with high engagement, which can be tricky when you're new to the platform and have little engagement to begin with. Buying views gives you a head start, allowing you to show high engagement so the algorithm boosts you, leading to more organic engagement.

Just remember to purchase from a reliable provider, so you get views from real, active users, not bots that can damage your credibility. At Smikky, we only provides views from legit accounts, to boost your engagement authentically.

How to Get More Views?

If you’re looking to grow your reach and increase views, the key is consistency, clarity, and content strategy. Posting regularly keeps your content in circulation and helps the algorithm identify your account as active and engaging. Using trending sounds and music on Reels can also boost discoverability, as Instagram tends to prioritize content that aligns with current trends, just like TikTok.

Equally important is grabbing attention early. If you're making a Reel, the first two to three seconds of your video should be visually compelling or raise a question that encourages viewers to keep watching. Think of it like a headline, if it doesn’t hook them immediately, they’ll scroll past. Strong captions can also help, especially if they include a call-to-action like “watch till the end” or “tell me your thoughts below.”

Don't underestimate the power of hashtags, either. Use a mix of broad and niche tags to reach both wide audiences and your target community.

What Counts as a View on Instagram?

On Instagram, a view is counted when a user watches a video or Reel for at least three seconds. For feed videos and Reels, once someone pauses for that duration, it’s registered as a view. Views on Stories are measured differently, more like impressions, but they don’t contribute to monetization. For Lives, Instagram does track how many viewers tune in, but again, this doesn’t translate to direct earnings.

Understanding how Instagram defines a view helps creators optimize their content to hold attention. After all, those first few seconds really matter, so make sure you've got a good hook so viewers stay for at least a few seconds.

Can You Go Viral With Just Views on Instagram?

Yes. A big part of establishing whether a post or Reel is viral is judging the number of views, but other forms of engagement such as likes and comments also count for a lot. Entertaining, relatable, or educational content has the best chance of being saved, shared, and commented on, all of which Instagram’s algorithm rewards.

So, there you have it! While you don't get paid directly by Instagram for getting views like you do on TikTok, getting more views can make monetisation easier.