Social media apps have created a new normal. From how we communicate and socialise to what we consider fun and even how we make money — it seems like everything happens on social media these days. Today, with only your phone, internet access, and tons of creativity, you can monetise a platform that most people only use for weird memes, quirky pictures and posting stories. Yes, we’re talking about Snapchat.

You can make money on Snapchat from Creator Stories, via Spotlight rewards, or through virtual gifts from fans. You can also join the Creator Marketplace, become a Lens Creator or open a premium account to monetise Snapchat.

As you can see, there are several options to explore if you want to make money on Snapchat. In this article, we’ll explore seven confirmed methods and show you exactly how to get into it in Nigeria. Afterwards, we’ll share some handy tips for maximising your Snapchat earnings to ensure you get all the coins you deserve. Ready? Let’s go!

How to make money on Snapchat in Nigeria

While Snapchat might not be a behemoth like WhatsApp or Facebook, it’s still the fifth most popular social media app in the world — with a staggering 422 million users every month as of April 2024 (according to a report by Statista). Around 16 million of these users are from Nigeria, which means the platform is an exciting way for almost anyone to make money locally and internationally without having to leave the country. 

Here are seven ways you can make money on Snapchat in Nigeria:

1. Enjoy revenue sharing from Creator Stories
2. Get rewarded on Spotlight
3. Receive virtual Gifts from fans and Snapchatters
4. Join the Creator Marketplace and partner with brands
5. Become a Lens Creator
6. Open a premium Snapchat account
7. Sell products and services to your audience

Now, let’s show you exactly how each method works.

1. Enjoy revenue sharing from Creator Stories

Do you enjoy posting stories on Snapchat? Are you a content creator, meme merchant, or mini (or actual) celebrity? Then you may be able to make money directly from Snapchat via their revenue sharing program.

This program is exactly what it sounds like — a way for Snapchat creators to enjoy ad revenue generated by their accounts. It’s the platform’s way of promoting and rewarding awesome content everyone knows and loves. All you have to do to make money this way is post on your stories, but there are some guidelines. 

Here are the qualifying factors for revenue sharing via Snapchat Creator Stories:

• Have at least 50,000 subscribers on your Public Profile.
• Have over 25 million views or 12,000 hours of view time on your Public Profile over the past 28 days.
• Have posted content to your Public Story for 10 days — each with at least 20 Snaps each day over the past 28 days.
• Be at least 18 years old or the age of legal majority in your country.
• Publish advertiser-friendly content compliant with Snapchat’s Community Guidelines & Content Guidelines for Recommendation Eligibility
• Reside in an eligible country (like Nigeria!).
• Comply with Snapchat’s Creator Stories Terms.

If you tick all seven of these, then congratulations! You can now enjoy a share of the money Snapchat makes from the ads that appear between the Snaps on your Public Story. 

The exact amount you’ll make depends on the popularity of your posts, but it’s possible to make a substantial sum and cash out whenever — as long as you’re withdrawing at least $100. You can learn more about how Snapchat’s wallet works and how to set it up to receive your revenue by reading the official Payout Portal guide by Snapchat. 

Want to learn more about Public Stories best practices to maximise your income? Then, check out Snapchat’s Guide for earning revenue from Creator Stories.

2. Get rewarded on Spotlight

Spotlight is Snapchat’s video feed feature, where users can discover short, engaging videos from creators and other users worldwide — without subscribing to their content. It’s pretty much like TikTok’s For You Page (FYP), and the platform’s algorithm determines the videos you see.

So, if you’re down to create short-form videos — no more than 60 seconds long — for a global audience and get paid for it, use Spotlight! This method is especially great if you’re still building your Snapchat profile and you can enjoy monthly rewards if you’re one of the top-performing creators in that calendar month.

Snapchat determines content performance using a proprietary formula based on various factors but views and other engagement metrics are the major drivers.

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Here are the eligibility requirements to make money via Snapchat Spotlight:

•  Your account must be at least one month old.
• Your profile must be set to public.
• You must have a minimum of 1,000 followers.
• You must have received a minimum of 10,000 views in that calendar month.
• You must post at least 10 times on at least 5 different days in that calendar month.
• At least 5 posts must use a Snapchat Creative Tool (any one of Camera, Editing, or Music). 
• Your content must be original (created by you, preferably using your phone).
• You must reside in and post Snaps from an eligible country (like Nigeria).
• You must successfully set up a payment account.
• You must comply with the Community Guidelines, Content Guidelines, Spotlight Guidelines, Terms of Service, Music Guidelines, and Snapchat’s Spotlight Terms.

Snapchat will send you a push notification and an in-app message in “My Profile” when you can make money this way. The exact amount you’ll get depends on the performance of your videos, but it’s possible to earn a decent sum monthly. 

Please note that Snaps you delete from Spotlight won’t be eligible for payment. Good luck!

3. Receive virtual Gifts from fans and Snapchatters

In our article on how to make money on TikTok in Nigeria, we shared that receiving virtual gifts is an excellent way to monetise the platform. There’s a similar feature on Snapchat, but you receive gifts through Story Replies. This feature is called “Gifting” and only verified Snap Stars who are at least 16 years old in eligible countries (including Nigeria) can receive Gifts.

 Here’s how Gifting works:

1. A Snapchatter purchases Snap Tokens on the platform.
2. They use these Tokens to send virtual Gifts when they see your Snap.
3. The Gifts generates a Crystals Award for you if you’re an eligible Creator. 
4. You cash out your Crystals for cash as soon as you hit a minimum of $100.

Please note that Crystals are how Creators get paid, so larger Gifts equal bigger payouts!

Besides being an excellent way to make money, Gifting can also help you build a stronger relationship with your followers since Snapchat prioritises users who send Gifts in your Story Reply feed.

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4. Join the Creator Marketplace and partner with brands

Social media influencer marketing is one of the most popular and effective ways to make money online. From Instagram to WhatsApp and even Facebook, influencing is pretty profitable on all platforms — if you do it right. Fortunately, there’s a way to actually get it right on Snapchat, thanks to Creator Marketplace.

Creator Marketplace is Snapchat’s way of connecting brands and creators — allowing them to partner and collaborate. It’s perfect for finding and working with top global brands and comes with tools for creating amazing content as well as a wallet to receive your funds.

Currently, you can only join Marketplace via an invitation from Snapchat. Still, you can increase your chances of getting an invite by setting up a public profile, creating awesome content, and becoming a Snap Star.

Once on Marketplace, you can create a portfolio that will help brands find you and make money from collaborating!

Of course, you don’t have to be on Creator Marketplace to partner with brands. You can do social media influencing the old-fashioned way — by reaching out to brands and businesses you know and love.

5. Become a Lens Creator 

Snapchat is popular for many reasons. It has streaks, disappearing messages, filters and even lenses — all designed to make messaging and content creation a fun experience for all users. But do you know you could be making money by creating tools for creators?

Yes, you can become a Snapchat Lens creator or Filter designer!

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As a “creator for creators,” you can make money by partnering with brands, working with agencies, selling your skills to other creators, or even creating and selling courses on platforms like Selar.

There’s so much you can do! Snapchat even has a Lens Creator Reward Program that pays popular Creators for their work — as long as they’re 18 years old and live in an eligible country (including Nigeria). 

To get started, simply visit the Snapchat Lens Studio website and start creating.

But what if you don’t know how to create a lens? That’s okay. All skills can be learned. Snapchat has a fantastic (and free) learning program you can check out.

6. Open a Premium Snapchat account

Premium social media accounts have been a thing for a while now and they’re great for monetising content quickly and without fuss. All you have to do is have high-quality (or exclusive) content that people are willing to pay for and then put it behind a paywall.

You can create private Stories on Snapchat, share exclusive Snaps or even design unique paid Lenses — all of these are premium content.

Then, you can charge users on a subscription basis (weekly, monthly — whatever works) or ask that they pay a one-time fee. It’s up to you. All that matters is you get paid. Fortunately, you can use PocketApp to receive payments and manage your cash flow.

This way, you can focus on creating great content that your subscribers love. 

7. Sell products and services to your audience

Selling directly to your audience is another excellent way to make money on Snapchat. All you have to do is take photos of your products or design a flyer detailing your services, and you’re good to go.

You can post on your Stories, share on your Public Profile (Spotlight or Public Story) or even send a Snap — all that matters is that it gets out there. Then, you can chat with intending buyers and receive payments using PocketApp.

Summary

Snapchat offers several effective methods for Nigerian creators and users to monetise their content, from revenue sharing and virtual gifts to creating lenses and selling products. By leveraging these opportunities, you can build a sustainable income stream via a global audience.

However, to maximise your earnings on Snapchat, we recommend that you always create high-quality and engaging content with your audience using Snapchat’s various tools and programs.