Monetizing your content on social media has never been easier, thanks to programs like Facebook’s Performance Bonus Program. The program opens up significant earning opportunities for creators who are good at making engaging content. You can also leverage Facebook to drive traffic to your business’s website and get paid for it in the process.
Getting approved for the program is no small feat. Facebook uses an invitation-only system, and while eligibility is based on engagement and quality metrics, the exact approval process remains a mystery.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Facebook Bonus Program, from its definition and workings to actionable strategies for getting your page noticed and approved.
Drawing from real experience—and the tips and tools that worked to achieve this—you’ll learn how to optimize your Facebook presence, grow your audience, and create the kind of content that earns bonuses.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook’s Performance Bonus Program rewards creators for public post engagement, excluding Reels and Stories.
- Invitations are based on engagement metrics and follower count; 10,000+ followers increase eligibility.
- The program operates on a 30-day cycle, with unlimited earning potential and no application process.
- Posting 4–6 diverse posts daily and running low-cost Page Likes ads can boost engagement and follower growth.
- At Vertz Marketing, we are experts in Facebook marketing and can help your business scale efficiently.
What Is the Facebook Bonus Program?
Facebook’s Performance Bonus Program is a unique initiative by Meta that rewards creators for publishing engaging content. Unlike other monetization methods, this program focuses on public posts—photos, text updates, videos, and more—rather than ads or Reels. It’s an exciting way for creators to turn organic content into income. Here’s what you need to know about how it works and what it takes to qualify.
How the Program Works
The Performance Bonus Program is invitation-only, meaning Facebook reaches out to eligible creators based on specific criteria. Once approved, you can earn money for every reaction, comment, share, and view your posts receive. Here are the key components:
- Engagement Metrics: Payouts are determined by the reach, reactions, comments, and shares of your posts. Reach—the number of people who see your content—has the most significant impact on earnings.
- Eligible Content: Public posts like photos, text updates, and videos qualify, but Reels and Stories are excluded. Only content created within 90 days of the start of your earning period is eligible.
- Earning Period: The program operates on a 30-day cycle with automatic renewal for eligible creators. Up to 3,000 posts per period are eligible for bonuses, offering unlimited earning potential since the previous $30,000 monthly cap was removed.
Eligibility Requirements
While Facebook doesn’t publicly disclose all criteria for eligibility, specific benchmarks are well-known. Pages with at least 10,000 followers are eligible, though those with 100,000+ followers are more likely to receive invitations.
Your posts must comply with Facebook’s Partner Monetization Policies and Community Standards. High engagement and consistent posting increase your chances of getting invited.
What Makes This Program Different
Facebook’s emphasis on organic content and direct audience engagement sets the Bonus Program apart. Unlike traditional ad revenue sharing, this program rewards creators for the popularity of their posts.
- Viral posts with tens of thousands of engagements can generate significant earnings.
- The payout formula remains undisclosed, but creators earn approximately $0.0065 per engagement.
The program represents a game-changing opportunity to monetize content without relying on traditional ad models or external traffic.
How to Get Approved for the Facebook Bonus Program
When Facebook’s Performance Bonus Program was promoted on Twitter (now X), it sounded almost too good to be true—people were making serious money just by sharing posts. Many claimed they weren’t even linking to their websites; instead, they were monetizing content right on Facebook.
The Reality of Getting Approved
Getting approved for the program isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. There’s no application process. Facebook’s automated systems evaluate pages based on engagement metrics and overall activity. Our page above was invited when at 5,000 followers. There are reports of pages with smaller or larger followings receiving invitations.
- Approval is a Mystery: Facebook doesn’t provide clear guidelines for when or why a page gets flagged for an invitation. The process feels random but likely hinges on consistent engagement and high-quality content.
- No Manual Application: You can’t contact Facebook or apply directly. The invitation arrives organically once your page meets Facebook’s internal criteria.
- Pages That Get Noticed: While the name of your page doesn’t make or break your chances, specific themes seem to resonate better with audiences. Pages with creative, engaging names like “I Love [Niche]” or “[Niche] Wins” tend to attract attention more quickly than pages with overt branding. That said, even branded pages can succeed if their content drives engagement.
My Page Setup and Strategy
When the page was created, it focused on an entertainment-driven approach rather than overly promotional. The goal was to build an audience that felt naturally engaged with the content rather than marketed to. Here’s what works for pages:
- Use a Fresh Start if Needed: If your existing page has been shadowbanned or penalized by Facebook’s algorithm (e.g., for spammy behavior), create a new page to ensure a clean slate.
- Focus on Authenticity: Pages that feel organic and fun perform better. Even if you’re representing a brand, consider how your content can entertain or inform without feeling like a hard sell.
While approval may seem like a mix of strategy and luck, there are specific steps to maximize your chances.
Setting Up for Success
Getting invited to Facebook’s Performance Bonus Program starts with creating a page that attracts engagement. While the approval process may feel out of your control, there are ways to maximize your chances of getting noticed. Here’s how to prepare you page for success.
Step 1: Create a Facebook Page
No matter if you have a new page or are optimizing an existing one, the setup matters.
- Pick the Right Name: Choose something engaging, such as “I Love [Niche]” or “[Niche] Wins.” These names feel more community-focused and less sales-driven, encouraging people to follow without hesitation. However, if you’re running a brand page, you can still succeed—just focus on entertaining and authentic content.
- Start Fresh if Necessary: Create a new one if your current page has been penalized for spammy behavior.
- Professional Mode: Use Professional Mode, which is required for monetization and access to the bonus program.
Step 2: Batch Your Content
Before you post anything, prepare a batch of Facebook posts. We recommend using the service PostPlanner to create and organize all of your Facebook content. If you want a free option, create an organized folder on your computer with a spreadsheet and images and use Facebook’s built-in tools to schedule posts. Do not skip this step. You’ll thank us later.
- Content Types
- Memes: Create original memes tailored to your niche. Don’t just copy popular ones; adapt them to suit your audience. Tools like Canva or meme generators make this easy.
- Engaging Questions: Use Facebook’s colored background posts to ask questions that spark conversations. Example: “What’s the one thing you love most about [niche]?”
- Link Posts: Instead of posting links directly, share an image with a caption and place the link in the first comment. This approach feels less like a sales pitch and avoids algorithmic penalties.
- Image Posts: Bright, vibrant photos perform best. If you share content from other creators, always get permission and credit them in your post or first comment.
- Tools to Automate
- Use social scheduling tools like PostPlanner to automate posts. These tools allow you to schedule months of content in advance and even recycle it.
- Create a posting schedule with 4–6 posts per day
- 10 AM: Meme
- 1 PM: Engaging question
- 3 PM: Link post
- 5 PM: Image post
- 7 PM: Meme or status update
- Plan at least three months of content to ensure a steady stream of posts.
Step 3: Run a Facebook Likes Ad Campaign
Here’s how to run your ad campaigns to get to the bonus program:
Ad Setup: Use a high-quality image with a simple caption: “Do you love [niche]? LIKE our page!” Keep the ad straightforward.
Budget: Start small; you can often achieve a cost per like under $0.10.
Why This Works: New followers are immediately served your content, thanks to Facebook’s algorithm. With your scheduled posts running, these followers will immediately see your content.
Step 4: Transition to Organic Growth
Once your page reaches 10,000–15,000 followers, reduce ad spend and focus on organic growth. Tools like PostPlanner let you recycle posts infinitely, ensuring your page remains active without overwhelming you with new content creation.
Avoid recycling content too soon, as it can fatigue your audience. A six-month buffer is ideal for maintaining interest.
Avoiding Pitfalls
Respect Copyright: Never use stolen content. Creators can report your page, which could lead to demonetized or suspended accounts.
Diversify Content: Balance memes, questions, and other content types to keep your audience engaged.
With these steps, you’ll create a strong foundation for building an active, engaged page primed for Facebook’s Performance Bonus Program. Next, we’ll explore how to sustain engagement and maximize your earnings once you’re approved.
Sustaining Engagement for Long-Term Success
Once your Facebook page is set up and your follower count is growing, maintaining momentum is key to keeping your audience engaged and maximizing your earnings from the Performance Bonus Program. Here’s how to stay consistent and sustain your page’s success for the long term.
Continue Creating and Recycling Content
A steady stream of high-quality content ensures your audience stays interested and engaged. Here’s how to keep your page fresh without burning out:
Stick to the same batching strategy you used initially. Plan at least 6 months of posts, mixing memes, questions, and vibrant images.
Automation tools like PostPlanner can be used to reintroduce older content after six months. This keeps your feed active without exhausting your creative energy.
Pay attention to which types of posts perform best and adapt your strategy. For example, if memes consistently get more shares, increase their frequency.
Engage Directly With Your Audience
Engagement doesn’t stop after you hit “post.” Interacting with your followers builds loyalty and encourages more activity on your page.
Show your audience that you’re present and invested in their feedback. Engaging directly in the comment section fosters community and encourages more interactions on future posts.
Facebook’s polling feature is a great way to engage your audience. Simple, niche-relevant questions can spark meaningful discussions and keep your followers returning.
Experiment With Post Timing and Formats
As your page grows, your audience’s preferences and habits may change. Keep experimenting to optimize your strategy.
- Refine Your Posting Schedule: Test different posting times to see when your audience is most active. While a 10 AM–9 PM schedule is a great starting point, fine-tune it based on your page’s analytics.
- Diversify Formats: Incorporate videos, live streams, and carousel posts to vary the content experience. While Reels and Stories don’t count toward bonuses, they can increase your page’s traffic.
Maintain a Safe and Compliant Page
Avoid actions that could jeopardize your eligibility for the program. Never post stolen or uncredited content. Originality is crucial—not only for compliance but also for standing out in the algorithm.
Avoid repetitive patterns, like always linking in the same way, to prevent algorithmic penalties. Tools like PostPlanner can randomize comment phrasing for link posts.
Scale Your Growth
Even after reaching the 10,000-follower milestone, don’t stop growing. If engagement begins to plateau, run a small campaign to bring in fresh followers. New users can reignite activity on your page.
Share your Facebook page on Instagram, email newsletters, or other platforms to keep the growth pipeline active.
*Looking to grow on Instagram? At Vertz Marketing, we excel in helping businesses grow with our Instagram marketing experts.
Advanced Tips for Facebook’s Performance Bonus Program
Once your page is approved for Facebook’s Performance Bonus Program, the focus shifts from gaining approval to maximizing your earnings.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
While frequent posting helps maintain visibility, the posts that genuinely resonate with your audience will drive the most engagement—and, consequently, the most income.
To consistently deliver high-performing content, use tools like Facebook’s Professional Dashboard to analyze what works best. Are your memes sparking conversations? Do your image posts get shared widely? Let the data guide your strategy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with new formats like carousel posts or niche-specific video updates.
Build a Community Through Engagement
Audience engagement doesn’t stop at creating posts—it’s about fostering community and interaction. Ask questions, host discussions, or prompt them to tag friends in the comments.
When people comment on your posts, take the time to respond, react, and even start conversations. This increases engagement on that post and encourages repeat interactions, as your audience feels valued and connected to your page.
Use Reels and Stories to Drive Traffic
While Reels and Stories don’t directly count toward your Performance Bonus earnings, they are great for expanding your reach. A well-crafted Reel can attract new followers, and Stories can drive traffic to your eligible posts.
Recycle Content Without Losing Momentum
Content recycling is another powerful strategy for long-term success. You can maintain a steady content pipeline by reusing high-performing posts without overextending yourself—space out recycled posts to avoid alienating your audience.
A six-month gap is ideal, allowing your followers enough time to forget older posts while capitalizing on proven engagement tactics. When you reuse content, refresh captions or visuals to keep it feeling new and relevant.
Boost Growth With Targeted Page Likes Campaigns
To sustain growth, run occasional Page Likes campaigns even after reaching your follower milestone. These campaigns can attract fresh followers who engage with your content and help rejuvenate your page.
Stay Informed and Adapt to Changes
Staying informed about Facebook’s evolving guidelines and algorithms is critical. Meta frequently updates its monetization policies, so creators who adapt quickly will maintain their edge.
Follow announcements through the Professional Dashboard, join online creator communities, and stay active in learning from others in the program.
Final Thoughts
Approval for the Facebook Bonus Program requires a mix of strategy and patience—our steps can significantly increase your chances of success. At Vertz Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses thrive on social media by handling everything from content creation and audience engagement to analytics and ad management.
If you want to get your page invited to the Facebook Performance Bonus, our team can help you reach that goal in weeks rather than months without trial and error. Contact us today to learn how we can tailor a social media strategy for your business—and take the guesswork out of social media success.