Instagram is paying some creators for their posts

Instagram is rewarding select creators for posting, offering a "spring bonus" for engagement on their posts.

First reported by Business Insider, the monetization program is invite-only, offering some creators revenue for content that isn't brand-sponsored or falling under the umbrella of a collaboration.

An Instagram spokesperson confirmed the test to Mashable, saying it applies to certain creators posting reels, carousels, and single image posts.

"Instagram is testing a spring bonus, which rewards creators for sharing their reels, carousels, and single image posts," the spokesperson said. The bonus is currently only applicable to those in South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, but Instagram said they hope to bring the program "to more creators in the future."

The program comes after Instagram notoriously shut down its Reels Play Bonus, which previously rewarded creators for hitting certain view benchmarks on their videos. Creators belonging to the defunct program would make between $500 and $1,000 per month — the loss of which angered many users. Back then, Instagram said it would continue to work on monetization options for creators: referring to the Reels Play Bonus, a spokesperson told the Verge, "We will look into ways to run the program in a more targeted form, for example in potential new markets."

Now it seems the app is playing around with cash incentives once again, which could be good news for creators if the bonus happens to become more widespread.