[FAQ]

I was scrolling through Reels and saw a “Send Gift” button on some videos, and I’ve also heard about them being used during LIVEs.

Can someone explain what the Instagram “Gifts” feature is exactly in 2025 and how it works as a monetization tool for creators? I’m curious about the eligibility requirements and how the payout process works.

Thanks for any info!

[Jeff Bullas]

That’s a smart topic to ask about.

Quick Answer: Instagram Gifts are a feature that allows your followers to send you virtual ‘tips’ on your Reels and during LIVEs, which translate into a monetary payout. It is a direct fan-funding tool for showing appreciation.

It is a way for your most engaged fans to support your work financially with small, one-time contributions, and it is important to know if you are eligible to receive them. Here is a breakdown of how the feature works.

First, your viewers purchase an on-platform currency called ‘Stars’. They can then use these Stars to buy and send various animated, virtual Gifts directly on one of your Reels or while you are broadcasting a LIVE.

Second, when a fan sends you a Gift, you receive a share of the revenue from that purchase. Instagram collects this revenue on your behalf, and you will receive a payout once your total earnings from all monetisation features meet a certain threshold, which is typically around $100.

Third, to be eligible for this feature, you generally need to have a Creator or Business account, meet a minimum follower count which can vary by region, be over 18 years of age, and comply with all of Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies. The feature must also be available in your country.

And fourth, to effectively encourage Gifts, you should occasionally mention the feature to your audience and thank people publicly when they send a gift, especially during a LIVE stream. The key is to consistently create the kind of valuable or entertaining content that makes people feel motivated to show their appreciation.

In summary, Instagram Gifts are a valuable ‘tip jar’ feature that allows for direct support from your audience on your content. To use it, you must first be eligible, and then you need to focus on creating content that builds a strong enough connection with your fans that they are inspired to send a gift.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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