Understanding Facebook Monetization: Why Many Creators Struggle

This article introduces the Monetization & Business series.

Everyone wants Facebook monetization, but very few understand how it actually works. Gone are the days when you could complete a few steps, hit your targets, and unlock earnings almost instantly. Today, monetization feels like a mystery—almost like waiting for a random invitation.

In this blog, we’ll break down why monetization is harder than ever, the challenges creators face, and what you need to understand before expecting serious results.

1. The Criteria Have Changed

Back in the day, Facebook monetization was straightforward. Complete the steps, meet the targets, apply—and you were in. Now? The official criteria are vague, and no one outside Facebook knows the exact formula. It feels like a waiting game, but it’s really about preparing the right way and following best practices consistently.

Key takeaway: Stop relying on shortcuts or “hacks.” Focus on building your content, community, and engagement—the things Facebook actually measures.

2. One Restriction = Total Lock

Previously, if you were restricted in one monetization tool, like Stars, you could still earn through Ads, Reels, or bonuses. Today, all tools are connected. One small restriction can lock every monetization option.

Action step: Monitor your account carefully, remove risky apps, clean old posts, and avoid behaviors that can trigger violations.

Before monetization can work, your account needs to be prepared correctly, which is covered in Preparing Your Account for Monetization: Avoid Costly Mistakes.

3. The AI Flood

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—so much so that even casual creators, like your grandma, can now generate content. While this seems like good news, it has made the platform crowded. Only creators who combine strategy, originality, and consistency are really winning.

Pro tip: Don’t just chase trends. Focus on creating content your audience uniquely resonates with, and leverage the data Facebook provides to understand what works.

4. Gadgets Are Costly

High-quality phones, laptops, and cameras can feel like an expensive barrier to entry. The reality is that the “rich get richer,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t compete. Smart creators optimize what they already have—mobile cameras, affordable gear, or free editing tools can still produce excellent results if paired with strategy and consistency.

Quick tip: Start where you are. Don’t let gear stop you from building an audience or monetizing.

For a full overview of how monetization actually works today, see Facebook Monetization for Landscape Photographers: How Monetization Really Works Now.

The Bottom Line

Facebook monetization isn’t broken—it’s just more competitive and complex than it used to be. Understanding the challenges today is the first step toward overcoming them:

1. Criteria are unclear, so focus on what you can control.

2. One restriction can lock all monetization, so keep your account clean.

3. AI content makes the platform crowded—originality wins.

4. Gear doesn’t define success—strategy and consistency do.

By accepting these realities and preparing your account strategically, you set yourself up for long-term, sustainable growth, instead of chasing shortcuts or quick wins.

Next up in this series: Blog 2: Preparing Your Account for Monetization: Avoid Costly Mistakes, where we’ll dive into all the steps you must take to protect your account and maximize your eligibility before applying.

This article is part of Photographer’s Corner, a growing collection of essays on photography mindset, growth, storytelling, engagement, and sustainable creative business.