Instagram Live badges are the latest feature aimed at helping influencers and creators to make money on Instagram.
In a nutshell, badges are monetary tips that viewers can contribute during an Instagram Live broadcast.
This opens up a whole host of new opportunities for creators (from influencers to digital service providers, such as fitness instructors) to earn money.
We’re jumping into all the details, as well as how to get access, in this blog post.
What Are Instagram Live Badges?
Never heard of badges? They're a new monetization concept on Instagram – and they're about to go mainstream!
Why? Because Instagram has just announced that Badges are being rolled out to all eligible creators in the US.
The concept of “badges” plays off a popular feature within Twitch and TikTok, which allows followers to “tip” a broadcaster during a live stream.
Creator Jon Youshaei recently hosted a live session to demo exactly how the new feature will work:
According to Instagram's press release: “Live has helped creators and businesses stay connected to their followers and bring people together [during the pandemic]. With badges, creators can generate income from the content they’re already creating.”
With the new feature, viewers can purchase a badge during a Live video that will stand out in the comments and unlock additional features, including placement on a creator’s list of badge holders and access to a special heart.
It’s a way for followers to show their support – while also becoming "VIP" community member.
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How Do Instagram Live Badges Work?
Badges are available in 3 different levels, based on the number of hearts available to purchase.
Viewers can buy one heart for $0.99, two for $1.99, or 3 for $4.99.
Creators can see how many hearts a viewer has purchased thanks to a visual icon in the chat stream, making it easy to give them a shout out during the live broadcast.
This new revenue stream could make a real difference to how creators earn from their platform. In the future, every Instagram Live they host as the opportunity to make them money.
ICYMI: Instagram recently released a ton of new features to help influencers and creators make money on the platform – find out more here!
How to Get Instagram Live Badges for Your Profile:
The good news is that badges are now coming to all eligible US-based creators. The bad news is that it’s still unconfirmed when the rest of the world will gain access – but Instagram's Creator's site states that it will be available in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, Australia, Turkey, Brazil and Mexico soon.
Who Is Eligible for Instagram Live Badges?
To be eligible for Instagram Live Badges, creators must:
Have a professional account (creator or business)
Be 18+ years old
Comply with Instagram's Partner Monetisation Policies and Community Guidelines.
Be in a region with access to the feature
Have 10K+ followers
How to Turn On Badges on Instagram
Once your region has access, you can turn on badges and start earning from your live videos. Here's how:
Step 1: Go to "Profile," then "Professional dashboard," tap "Grow your business," then select "Badges."
Step 2: Once you've been onboarded, head to the Live tab on stories. Tap the "badges" icon on the left side of your "Going live" screen. Confirm that you want badges turned on, add a title, and go live.
It's that simple!
Instagram Live badges are a huge new monetization opportunity for creators on the platform – and a great opportunity to get creative.
Will you be using this new feature? Let us know over on Later's Instagram account!
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