Instagram Referral Program: Last Days to Earn Up to $20,000!
Instagram is running an invite-only referral program for U.S.-based creators. The clock’s ticking, but there’s still some time to squeeze the most out of this offer. Here’s what you need to know (and do!).
What is Instagram’s Referral Program?
Let’s say it’s Instagram’s new way of saying:
“Help us grow? You’ll be rewarded.”
With approx. 169 million U.S. users on the platform today, Instagram has its sights set on boosting that number. And who better to help spread the word than its own creators?
If you’re a creator or have a business account, you can earn money when people:
- Click your referral links,
- Engage with your Stories or Reels,
- Or even sign up for Instagram through you.
Basically, it’s like affiliate marketing, but powered by IG.
Let’s face it: Instagram is trying to win creators back. With growing competition from TikTok, YouTube Shorts, etc., this is their way of nudging creators to refocus their energy on Instagram.
And it’s not the first time. We’ve seen this before with Meta’s Breakthrough Bonus — another reward scheme that popped up during the (still ongoing) “TikTok ban saga”.
How Can You Earn Up to $20,000 as a Creator?
Let’s get to the good part. Here’s how the payout works:
- $100 for every new user who signs up using your referral link.
- $100 for every 1,000 eligible visits to your content from outside of Instagram (like TikTok, YouTube, Discord, Substack).
💰 Payouts are capped at $20,000 and handled via Glimmer, a third-party platform that manages these payments.
💡One important detail: only one visit per person counts during the six-week program. So… no refreshing your own link 100 times. 😉
What Counts as a “Referral Link”?
In Instagram’s referral program, any clickable link to your content that you share outside of Instagram counts as a referral link. That includes links to:
- Your profile
- Reels
- Stories
- Highlights
- Regular posts
- Your Broadcast Channel
You can add these links to your bio, your newsletter, or any other platform you’re active on (TikTok, YouTube, Discord, Substack… even WhatsApp groups).
How Long Does the Program Run?
⏳It’s a 6-week test, running from June 6 to mid-July 2025. So yes. Time is almost up. 😬
If you haven’t started, this is your now-or-never moment.
Who Can Join the Program?
Think the Instagram referral program might be for you? Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
- You must have a business or creator account
- You need to be based in the U.S.
- Your content and account must comply with Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies
- It’s invite-only! You’ll see a pop-up or an invitation in your Professional Dashboard if you’re selected
- During setup, you’ll need to enter your email so Glimmer (Instagram’s payout provider) can reach out about your earnings
Ready? If you’ve got the invite, you’re good to go!
Where Can I Track My Progress?
Once you’re in, head to the Referrals tab in your Professional Dashboard.
There you’ll find:
- How many people clicked your links
- How much you’ve earned (estimated)
- How many new sign-ups you’ve brought in
Where Are Clicks and Signups Valid From?
To qualify, visits and new sign-ups need to come from one of these eligible countries: USA, Germany, France, UK, Spain, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia… and a few more.
The full list includes over 30 eligible countries (you’ll find it in the Instagram Referrals Program Terms of Service).
Looking at how fierce the competition between social platforms is today, it’s likely we’ll see more reward programs like this coming soon.
And we’ll make sure to keep you posted whenever a new opportunity pops up.
💡 Are you active on multiple social platforms?
See how Metricool can save you time (and sanity) managing it all:
