Facebook ends Performance Bonus, moves Nigerian creators to unified Content Monetisation

Facebook has folded its Performance Bonus and other creator earning programmes into one system called Facebook Content Monetisation. The change affects how Nigerian creators can earn from videos, Reels, photos, Stories and text posts.

Meta introduced Facebook Content Monetisation in October 2024. It combined In-stream Ads, Ads on Reels and Performance Bonus into a single programme. Eligible creators can now monetise Reels, longer videos, photographs and text-based posts through one route. Stories are also part of Facebook's expanded monetisation opportunities.

Invitation still controls access

The programme remains invitation-based. Creators cannot switch on earnings simply because they have thousands of followers. Meta offers an interest registration option, but submitting the form does not guarantee acceptance.

To participate, creators must generally be at least 18 years old, operate in an eligible country, and comply with Facebook's Partner Monetisation Policies and Content Monetisation Policies. They must also maintain an eligible Facebook Page or professional-mode profile in good standing.

Older monetisation guidelines reference 10,000 followers, 600,000 minutes of video watch time within 60 days and at least five active videos. Meta has not made those historical benchmarks mandatory entry conditions for every creator under the unified programme. Invitations and eligibility assessments depend on the creator's account status and Meta's applicable programme requirements.

Stars and subscriptions remain separate

Facebook Stars and fan subscriptions remain distinct earning opportunities. Stars allow eligible creators to receive financial support from viewers. Subscriptions provide recurring income from followers who pay for exclusive content. Meta previously reduced the Stars follower requirement to 500 followers over 30 days, although additional eligibility conditions apply. Subscription requirements vary by market, account and programme availability.

Original content gets priority

Meta is tightening its approach to copied and recycled content. In March 2026, the company announced stronger measures to reward original creators while reducing the visibility and monetisation opportunities of accounts that repeatedly publish unoriginal material. Creators who repost other people's videos without meaningful creative contributions risk losing reach and monetisation privileges. Meta is also placing greater emphasis on qualified views, watch time and audience engagement when calculating earnings.

Nigerian creators can open Facebook's Professional Dashboard, select Monetisation and navigate to Content Monetisation. Where available, they can complete the interest form to indicate willingness to participate. Page administrators can also review monetisation information through Meta Business Suite. Expressing interest does not guarantee an invitation or immediate payment.

Separately, the Nigeria Revenue Service has urged content creators, influencers and other creative industry operators to register their businesses and comply with the country's new tax law. NRS officials delivered the message on Thursday, November 5, during a tax policy panel at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2026 in Lagos. The agency said formalisation opens the door to incentives, investors and long-term growth.

For Nigerian creators, the message is clear. Building an audience matters, but original content, policy compliance and meaningful engagement could determine who benefits most from Facebook's changing payment system.