If you're looking to earn residual income from social media platforms, some directly pay creators for their content and engagement. Unlike affiliate marketing or sponsored posts, these platforms offer monetization programs that pay based on views, ad revenue, or exclusive memberships. Here's a breakdown of 10 platforms you can use to generate income and what you need to get started.

1. YouTube

How It Pays: Ad revenue through Google AdSense, memberships, Super Chats, and YouTube Premium.

• Requirements: To start earning, you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within 12 months. Set up an AdSense account to receive payments.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Create a channel and select a niche.
  2. Post consistent, engaging content.
  3. Enable monetization in your channel settings once eligible.
  4. Sign up for AdSense to receive payments.

2. TikTok

How It Pays: TikTok Creator Fund and live gifts.

• Requirements: You need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days to join the Creator Fund.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Open a TikTok account and focus on viral, engaging content.
  2. Grow your audience to 10k followers.
  3. Apply for the Creator Fund once you hit the threshold.

3. Facebook

How It Pays: In-stream ads, fan subscriptions, and Stars.

• Requirements: 10,000 followers or more, and at least 600,000 minutes of viewed content in the last 60 days.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Create a Facebook page and regularly post video content.
  2. Grow your audience to 10k followers.
  3. Enable monetization in the Facebook Creator Studio.

4. Instagram

How It Pays: Instagram Live Badges and IGTV ads.

• Requirements: You must have a professional account and be at least 18 years old.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Convert your Instagram profile to a business or creator account.
  2. Enable badges during live streams to earn from viewers.
  3. Post long-form videos to IGTV with ads enabled to start earning.

5. Twitch

How It Pays: Ad revenue, subscriptions, Bits, and donations.

• Requirements: To earn from Twitch, you must become an Affiliate or Partner by having at least 50 followers, 500 minutes broadcasted in the last 30 days, and an average of 3 viewers.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Stream consistently to build a following.
  2. Apply for Affiliate or Partner status.
  3. Enable ads and accept donations.

6. Patreon

How It Pays: Through subscription memberships from your fans.

• Requirements: No specific requirements, but a loyal fanbase helps.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Create a Patreon page offering exclusive content or perks for subscribers.
  2. Promote your Patreon to your followers on other social media platforms.
  3. Grow your subscriber base to earn monthly.

7. Snapchat Spotlight

How It Pays: Cash payments for viral content through the Spotlight program.

• Requirements: You must be 16 or older to qualify, and content needs to go viral.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Create short, engaging videos and submit them to Spotlight.
  2. If your content goes viral, Snapchat will reward you.
  3. Maintain consistent viral content to earn residual income.

8. LinkedIn

How It Pays: Through LinkedIn Learning if you're selected as an instructor.

• Requirements: You must be selected by LinkedIn Learning to contribute courses.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Build a strong LinkedIn presence showcasing your expertise.
  2. Apply to become a LinkedIn Learning instructor.
  3. Create courses to generate passive income.

9. Pinterest

How It Pays: Ad revenue through affiliate links and product tagging.

• Requirements: You need to be a part of the Pinterest Creator Rewards Program or promote pins with affiliate links.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Create a business account on Pinterest.
  2. Post high-quality, engaging pins that link to monetized content.
  3. Join the Creator Rewards Program when eligible.

10. Substack

How It Pays: Through paid newsletter subscriptions.

• Requirements: No requirements; the more subscribers you have, the more you earn.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Create a Substack account and start a newsletter.
  2. Offer valuable content and exclusive insights to your readers.
  3. Set up paid subscription options to generate residual income.