The monetization of Reels with music is one of the most misunderstood topics among content creators on Facebook and Instagram. As short-form video continues to dominate social media, more and more creators are asking whether they can make money from Reels that include music—especially trending tracks or commercial hits. The simple answer is: yes, but with important limitations and conditions. Not all music is monetizable, and even some popular music that helps your Reel go viral may result in no earnings for you at all.
To monetize Reels with music successfully, creators must understand Meta’s licensing rules, audio categorization, content recognition systems, and what qualifies a video for Ads on Reels monetization. In this guide, we’ll explore all the factors that affect whether a Reel with music can generate income—and how to avoid demonetization or copyright claims.
What Type of Music Can Be Monetized on Reels?
There are two broad types of music you can use on Meta platforms: licensed commercial music and monetization-approved music. The former includes songs by major artists—what you usually see in the trending section—while the latter includes original audio or tracks specifically approved for monetization.
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When you use popular commercial music from the in-app music library, your content can still be published and go viral, but Meta may not allow monetization. The advertising revenue for that Reel, in most cases, goes to the music rights holder (record label or artist), not to you.
On the other hand, if your Reel uses music from Meta’s Sound Collection, a royalty-free library, or your own original audio, you retain the right to monetize it fully. These types of audio are not subject to third-party claims and are safe to use in any monetized content, including Ads on Reels.
How Meta Identifies Music in Your Reels
Meta uses a system called Rights Manager, which automatically scans every video or Reel uploaded to Facebook or Instagram. It compares the audio in your video with its database of copyrighted tracks. If it finds a match, it checks whether you have permission to use that music for commercial purposes.
If you used music from the in-app music library—which includes most commercial songs—Rights Manager typically flags the video as not eligible for monetization. In some cases, the video will still be allowed to play, but the ad revenue will be diverted to the music copyright holder, not the creator.
You’ll see these messages in your Professional Dashboard or Creator Studio, often labeled “Limited monetization” or “Monetization not available due to music.” If the track is completely restricted in certain regions, Meta may mute the audio or block your Reel entirely in those countries.
What Is Meta’s Sound Collection?
Meta’s Sound Collection is a free library of music and sound effects that Facebook and Instagram creators can use in videos, Reels, and Stories. All tracks in this collection are cleared for use in monetized content, including Reels eligible for Ads on Reels.
Unlike the music found in the Reels “Trending” or “For You” tabs, the Sound Collection includes royalty-free and production-grade audio, making it ideal for creators who want to stay compliant with monetization policies.
To access it, go to:
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Use the filters to find music by genre, mood, duration, or instrument.
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Download and add the music to your Reel manually using a video editor, or directly from Facebook’s tools when posting.
Using music from Meta’s Sound Collection ensures full monetization rights and protects you from copyright claims.
The Role of Original Audio in Monetization
Another monetization-safe option is to use original audio. This means any sound you create yourself, whether it’s your voice, an original soundtrack, or ambient background noise. If you upload a Reel using original audio, you automatically retain full monetization rights, unless you include any copyrighted material in the background.
Creators who consistently publish Reels with original audio are in the best position to benefit from Meta’s monetization programs. These Reels can go viral, be reused in compilations, or even become trending sounds that others use—further boosting your visibility and potential earnings.
If you remix a Reel, duet with another creator, or add a voiceover to a trending video, check whether the underlying music remains audible. If it does, and it's a copyrighted track, monetization may still be limited.
Can Trending Music Help Reach But Block Monetization?
Yes. Many creators use trending songs to ride viral waves, participate in challenges, or increase discoverability. These Reels often receive higher reach, engagement, and visibility, because the algorithm boosts content that uses trending audio.
However, Reels with trending music are usually not monetizable under the Ads on Reels program. The result is a trade-off: more views but no revenue. This is especially common with creators who use songs from major artists like Beyoncé, Drake, or Taylor Swift. While these tracks can explode your reach, they typically generate income only for the music rights holders, not for you.
To benefit from both worlds, many creators make two versions of each Reel:
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One version with the trending audio to maximize reach.
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One version with royalty-free or original audio for monetization.
By posting both versions strategically, you gain visibility and monetize safely.
Understanding the Ads on Reels Program
Ads on Reels is Meta’s revenue-sharing program where creators earn a portion of the advertising revenue generated from ads shown between Reels. Unlike YouTube or Facebook In-Stream Ads (which are placed within the video), Reels ads show up between multiple Reels or in post-loop format.
To qualify for Ads on Reels:
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You must live in an eligible country.
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Have a Facebook Page or Professional Mode profile.
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Consistently post original, high-quality Reels.
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Meet Meta’s monetization and community standards.
If you meet the above, your Reels become eligible for ad placement and revenue sharing—only if your audio is approved for monetization.
Using non-monetizable music (like trending commercial songs) will still allow your Reel to appear and get views, but Meta will not pay you for the views or interactions it receives.
What Happens if You Use Commercial Music Anyway?
If you post a Reel with commercial music and try to monetize it, several things can happen:
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The Reel may remain live but not generate revenue for you.
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The ad earnings will go to the music rights holder, not the creator.
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Your Reel may receive a limited monetization status or be muted.
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In some cases, your Reel could be blocked in certain regions.
Repeated use of unapproved music in monetized content can lead to reduced distribution, demonetization warnings, or even account review.
To avoid these penalties, always double-check your audio source, use Meta’s Sound Collection, or upload original audio when your goal is to earn.
Creative Workarounds and Alternatives
Many creators use creative strategies to get around music limitations:
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Create original background beats and use those consistently.
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Collaborate with independent musicians and get written permission to use their tracks.
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Use royalty-free music from services like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Incompetech.
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Remix or distort the audio just enough to make it unrecognizable—though this is risky and not foolproof.
These methods allow you to have engaging soundtracks without sacrificing your monetization eligibility.
You can also repurpose your content across platforms like YouTube Shorts or TikTok using different sound options, then upload a monetization-safe version on Facebook or Instagram.
Does This Apply to Instagram Reels Too?
Yes, the same rules apply to Instagram Reels. Meta’s monetization policies and music rights framework are shared across both Facebook and Instagram. If your Reel on Instagram includes copyrighted music, the same limitations will apply.
To monetize on Instagram, you also need to meet the monetization criteria and live in a supported region. Use the Professional Dashboard to check your eligibility and manage your monetization status.
Instagram has the same Sound Collection integration and also allows creators to post original audio, voiceovers, and remix content. For best monetization results, keep your audio original or use cleared tracks.
Monetization Summary: What Works and What Doesn’t
Monetizable:
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Reels with original audio.
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Reels using music from Meta’s Sound Collection.
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Reels with royalty-free music you own or license.
Non-Monetizable:
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Reels using popular commercial tracks from the in-app music library.
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Reels using trending sounds from other creators that include copyrighted music.
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Reels that remix or reuse copyrighted music without clearance.
Final Thoughts
Monetizing Reels with music is entirely possible, but it requires awareness, planning, and compliance with Meta’s music usage rules. If you rely on trending sounds to build reach, be aware that monetization will likely be disabled for those Reels. But if your goal is consistent revenue through Ads on Reels, your best approach is to:
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Use original audio or music from Meta’s Sound Collection.
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Avoid trending commercial music unless you’re focused solely on visibility.
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Review each Reel’s monetization status after publishing and adjust as needed.
In today’s creator economy, every decision counts. Knowing how music impacts your ability to earn puts you ahead of thousands of others posting blindly. With the right content strategy, you can achieve both reach and revenue—and turn your Reels into a sustainable income source.
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