Snapchat has about 850 million monthly active users as of 2024, and the number keeps on growing. With such a vast user base, one could only begin to wonder

“How to make money on Snapchat”

My friend, Kim uses Snapchat to make videos of everything around her, from food pictures to selfies with friends when they are out shopping. One day when we were out for coffee, she said 

“If only there was a way I could make money with Snapchat”

That question intrigued me, so I did what anyone would do…write an article to discuss the best ways you can make money on Snapchat and is there an alternative..much better way.

Top 9 Ways to Make Money on Snapchat

1. Snapchat Spotlight Program

Source: The screenshot above is from my friend’s Snapchat Spotlight. 

Snapchat’s Spotlight feature is an innovative way to reward creators for sharing engaging, viral content. 

Spotlight allows users to submit short videos for a chance to earn. With a similar appeal to TikTok, it’s a powerful feature that gives budding influencers the chance to reach massive audiences without needing a large following initially.

Snapchat’s algorithms prioritize original, trend-following, and humorous content, so creators have a fair chance to go viral. This program opens doors for users who love capturing short, catchy moments that appeal to a wide range of viewers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be 16 years or older
• Post content that aligns with Snapchat’s guidelines.
• Maintain high engagement and retention rates on videos.

How Much Can You Earn With Snapchat Spotlight Program

In my talks with creators, who regularly post on Snapchat they reported that through this program they earn up to $20,000 per video. Given that it follows Snapchat’s Community guidelines and people engage with your content and share it with friends.

2. Snapchat Influencer Marketing

When answering “how to make money on Snapchat”, influencer marketing is ideal for users with dedicated followers who engage with their content regularly. As an influencer, creators can attract brand deals and promotions by aligning with companies interested in reaching younger audiences. 

Brands are increasingly turning to Snapchat influencers to create authentic content, making this a prime revenue opportunity. 

For instance, beauty, lifestyle, and tech brands may approach influencers to showcase products, which helps increase brand visibility. By focusing on unique personal branding, influencers can differentiate themselves and connect with brands that resonate with their content.

Eligibility Criteria 

• You must be a legal resident of an Eligible Country.
• You must have your Profile set to Public.
• Your Snapchat account must be at least one month old.
• You must have at least 1,000 followers.

How Much Can You Earn With Snapchat Influencer Marketing

Influencers might earn anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per post depending on views and reach. The larger the following, the higher the pay per collaboration​.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing lets Snapchat users earn a commission by promoting products or services through affiliate links in their Snaps. It’s ideal for creators who prefer subtle advertising and can weave product recommendations naturally into their content. This is one of the top ways on how to make money on Snapchat.

With affiliate marketing, creators only earn when their followers purchase through shared links. It’s a strategy well-suited to users who understand their audience’s preferences and can recommend genuinely useful products, enhancing trust with their followers.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Access to affiliate marketing programs (like Amazon Associates)
• Have at least 50,000 subscribers on your Public Profile, and more than 25 million views or 12,000 hours of view time in the past 28 days
• Post to your Public Story for 10 days, with at least 20 Snaps each day in the past 28 days
• Be at least 18 years old or the age of legal majority in your country, and publish content that complies with Snapchat’s Community Guidelines and Content Guidelines for Recommendation Eligibility
• Reside in an eligible country

How Much Can You Earn With Snapchat Affiliate Marketing

Earnings vary widely, as they are commission-based. With high engagement, users can generate significant income, especially if they frequently promote popular items​. Usually, you can get a 30% commission if you sell the brand’s product. On $500 worth of product, you can earn $150. This amounts to a huge sum annually. 

4. Snapchat Premium Content

Snapchat Premium is an effective method for creators exploring how to make money on Snapchat by offering exclusive content through private subscriptions and monetizing unique or niche material. This model is popular among influencers with a strong, engaged audience willing to pay for more personalized content. 

From behind-the-scenes looks to premium advice or personalized interactions, Snapchat Premium content can be highly customized to match subscriber interests. It’s a great way to reward loyal fans, allowing creators to foster closer connections while generating a steady income.

Eligibility Criteria

• Set up a private Snapchat account or use third-party services for payments
• Content should appeal to subscribers willing to pay for exclusivity
• Regular updates to retain subscribers

How Much Can You Earn With Snapchat Premium and Private Content

Creators can charge subscription fees, earning consistent income if they have a dedicated subscriber base. I had a conversation with a Snapchat creator who charges $50 for lifetime access to her snaps, and $25 every month that a user decides to stay subscribed. 

5. Snapchat Takeovers

Snapchat takeovers involve creators temporarily running another person’s or brand’s account, usually for promotional events or product launches. This strategy is a fun and interactive way to reach new audiences, offering creators a fresh engagement boost and brands a unique promotional approach. 

Takeovers are especially popular with influencers who have a distinct style, as they allow brands to connect with followers in an authentic, engaging way. 

For creators wondering how to make money on Snapchat, takeovers provide an opportunity to monetize their content by leveraging Q&As, interactive Snaps, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content to captivate viewers and drive engagement during the takeover.

Eligibility Criteria

• An invitation to the brand’s Snapchat account
• Pre-established relationships with brands.
• A well-planned content strategy for the takeover
• Ability to engage and entertain a different audience
• A discount/promo code associated with the influencer’s name

How Much Can You Earn With Snapchat Takeovers

Payment varies based on brand deals and the duration of the takeover. It can vary depending on your followers on Snapchat. 

6. Selling Snapchat Filters and Lenses

Snapchat’s filters and lenses are iconic and have evolved into a lucrative design opportunity. For creators with graphic design or AR skills, offering personalized or event-specific lenses can attract individual users or companies wanting unique Snapchat filters. 

Learning how to make money on Snapchat through these customized designs has become a popular choice for designers catering to events, small businesses, and social media enthusiasts. By creating original filters, designers tap into Snapchat’s visual appeal while enabling memorable, shareable moments for users.

Eligibility Criteria

• Knowledge of AR filter design tools
• Creative skills in creating custom designs
• A platform for marketing filters, such as Etsy

How Much Can You Earn Selling Snapchat Filters and Lenses

Filter prices range from $5 to $50. Creators of the top-performing lenses on Snapchat can receive monthly payments of up to $7,200. There are no minimum follower counts or publishing requirements to participate.

Creators can earn tens of thousands of dollars by creating lenses for brands. Some creators charge brands as much as $30,000 for more complex lenses

7. Public Stories and Ad Revenue

With Snapchat’s Public Stories feature, high-traffic users may qualify for revenue sharing from ads displayed between their Story segments. It’s an income option that rewards large followings and high engagement, with Snapchat’s ads delivering a share of revenue to qualifying accounts. 

By consistently posting content that attracts millions of monthly views, creators can develop a stable income stream while maintaining regular engagement with their followers.

Eligibility Criteria

• At least 50,000 subscribers
• Over 25 million views per month
• Consistent posting schedule to keep up engagement

How Much Can You Earn With Snapchat Public Stories and Ad Revenue

If you have a following like David Dobrik (6.83 million), you can expect to earn somewhere between $10k to $15k per month.  

8. Selling Merchandise

Snapchat allows creators to sell personalized merchandise to followers directly through Snaps or Stories. Merchandise can range from apparel to personalized items that represent the creator’s brand. 

This method is perfect for creators who’ve established their brand identity and have an engaged audience likely to purchase items as a form of support. With the right promotion and products, Snapchat users can enjoy profitable merch sales directly linked to their online persona.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must have a verified public profile on Snapchat. 
• You must have a linked catalog on Snapchat. 
• You must clearly disclose the condition of your products. 
• Your ads must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and cultural sensitivities in the geographic areas where they will run. 
• All required disclosures, disclaimers, and warnings in ads must be clear and conspicuous. 
• You must be accurately and clearly identified in the ad. 

How Much Can You Earn Selling Merchandise on Snapchat

Earnings depend on product popularity and pricing. Consistently selling to an engaged audience can result in significant monthly income.​

9. Promoting Events or Local Businesses

For Snapchat users with a local or niche audience, promoting events or businesses provides a profitable opportunity. Whether it’s highlighting new openings, special events, or community activities, local promotion enables 

Snapchatters to work closely with brands looking for local exposure. It’s an effective approach for those with engaged local audiences who can increase awareness through engaging, location-based Snaps.

Eligibility Criteria

• Established local or niche audience
• Contact with local businesses for partnerships
• High-quality content that appeals to local interests

How Much Can You Earn Promoting Events on Snapchat

It varies by business size and event popularity, but local promotions can generate between $100–$1,000 per feature depending on audience size and engagement​

Making Money on Snapchat: The Bad and the Ugly

Snapchat may seem like a suitable side hustle but it comes with its own set of challenges. The app doesn’t have many ways to make money compared to other platforms like YouTube or Instagram. 

On Snapchat, most people make money by getting sponsorships from brands, but it can be hard for new creators to find brands willing to pay them.

Another issue is that Snapchat content disappears quickly—usually after 24 hours. This means creators have to keep making new videos or photos every day to keep their followers interested, which can be a lot of work without a sure way to get paid for it.

Ditch Snapchat Money: Download Passive app

Due to the above reasons, I recommend the Passive app. This app enables users to earn money by simply sharing their internet connection. Available on iOS, Android, and desktop, it provides the flexibility to earn from virtually anywhere.

One of its greatest advantages is that it requires no investment—just a device and a stable internet connection. Running in the background, Passive app allows users to relax and watch their earnings grow from $0 up to $55 per month.

However, the money you make depends on these factors: 

• Location
• Number of IP Addresses
• Your Network

If you are looking to earn more, refer a friend to use Passive app and get 10% of their earnings. 

Things really can’t get better than this!