How to Make Money on Threads: 15 Proven Methods (2026)
Threads just surpassed X on mobile with 143M daily users, and Meta rolled out global ads in January 2026. Here are 15 ways to monetize Threads — even without native creator payouts.
Threads just surpassed X on mobile — averaging 143.2 million daily active users versus X's 126.2 million in January 2026. With 450 million monthly users, 73.6% higher engagement rates than X, and Meta's global ad rollout launching in January 2026, Threads is the fastest-growing text-based social platform in the world.
Here's the catch: Threads doesn't have native creator payouts yet. Meta quietly killed its bonus program in early 2025. But that doesn't mean you can't make money — it just means you need to think differently. The creators earning the most on Threads right now are using it as a growth engine to fuel monetization on other platforms and through external revenue streams.
This is the same window that existed on Instagram in 2014 and TikTok in 2019 — high organic reach, low competition, and an audience that's growing fast. Here are 15 ways to monetize Threads in 2026.
1. Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Posts
Threads' high engagement rates make sponsored content especially valuable. With median engagement of 6.25% on Threads versus 3.60% on X, brands are getting significantly more interaction per post.
Rates:
- Nano creators (1K-10K followers): $100-$300 per sponsored Thread
- Micro creators (10K-50K): $300-$800 per Thread
- Mid-tier creators (50K-200K): $800-$2,500 per Thread
- Established creators (200K+): $2,500-$5,000+ per Thread
Why brands are interested: Threads' conversational format makes sponsored content feel more authentic than ads on other platforms. Text-first content that reads like a genuine recommendation outperforms polished ad copy.
How to land deals: Build a niche audience with strong engagement. Create a media kit highlighting your Threads engagement rates (they'll likely be impressive compared to other platforms). Approach brands directly or use influencer platforms.
2. Affiliate Marketing
One of the easiest entry points for Threads monetization. Share product recommendations through conversational posts and earn commissions when followers purchase.
How it works on Threads: Write story-driven posts explaining why a product matters, building trust that drives clicks. Threads has limitations on clickable links within posts, so place affiliate links in your bio or use link-in-bio tools (Linktree, Stan Store, etc.).
Why it works: Engagement rates up to 8.3x higher than X mean more eyeballs on your affiliate content. The conversational format is ideal for "mini reviews" and genuine product recommendations.
Best formats: Product comparisons, "5 tools that changed my workflow" threads, honest reviews, and use-case demonstrations.
Compliance: Always disclose affiliate relationships with #ad or #affiliate tags.
3. Driving Traffic to Instagram (Cross-Platform Monetization)
This is the most commonly used strategy — and the most effective. Since Threads and Instagram are tightly integrated (same Meta ecosystem, linked accounts), Threads serves as a top-of-funnel growth tool.
The funnel: Spark curiosity and conversations on Threads → nudge engaged users to your Instagram → monetize through Instagram's built-in tools.
Instagram monetization you can access:
- Instagram Subscriptions ($0.99-$99.99/month)
- Instagram Reels bonuses
- Instagram Branded Content partnerships
- Instagram Shopping
Seamless integration: Meta allows users to share Instagram Reels directly to Threads, making cross-promotion frictionless. Your Threads audience is one tap away from your Instagram.
For more on Instagram monetization, see our full guide: How to Make Money on Instagram.
Schedule content across Threads and Instagram from one dashboard. PostEverywhere's social media scheduler lets you plan and auto-publish to both platforms. Start free trial →
4. Selling Digital Products
Use Threads to build authority and demonstrate expertise, then direct followers to purchase your digital products.
What to sell: Online courses, ebooks, templates, Notion templates, Canva templates, presets, guides, swipe files.
Earnings potential: Digital products can generate $20,000-$100,000+ in initial revenue with ongoing passive income potential.
Why Threads works: The text-heavy, conversation-driven format is perfect for demonstrating the expertise that builds trust for product purchases. Share insights, frameworks, and results — then link to your product.
Where to sell: Gumroad, Teachable, Kajabi, Stan Store, Shopify, or your own website.
5. Newsletter Growth and Monetization
Use Threads content to build your email list, then monetize through your newsletter.
Strategy: Share valuable insights on Threads, include your newsletter signup link in your bio, and convert your most engaged followers into subscribers.
Newsletter monetization:
- Sponsorships ($50-$500+ per issue depending on list size)
- Paid subscriptions ($5-$15/month via Substack, Beehiiv, ConvertKit)
- Affiliate links within emails
- Product launches to a warm audience
Why it works: Threads content can be repurposed into newsletter content and vice versa. Your Threads engagement builds the trust that converts followers into email subscribers — the most valuable audience you can own.
6. Coaching and Consulting Lead Generation
Threads attracts a valuable demographic for coaching: 65% of users are aged 25-44, representing higher earning potential and willingness to invest in professional development.
Earnings:
- Business coaching: $75,000-$235,000 annually
- Executive and leadership coaching: $135,000-$285,000 annually
- 1:1 coaching sessions: $200-$1,000+ per hour
- Group coaching programs: $2,000-$10,000 per cohort
Strategy: Share actionable insights, frameworks, and case studies on Threads. Build relationships through genuine engagement in replies. Convert warm leads through your bio link to a booking page (Calendly, Cal.com, etc.).
7. UGC (User-Generated Content) Creation
Brands hire UGC creators to produce authentic-looking content for their marketing — and you don't need a large following to get started.
Rates:
- Beginners: $150-$200 per deliverable
- Intermediate (6 months to 2 years experience): $300-$500
- Expert creators (3+ years): $600-$1,000+
- Extended usage rights add 20-100% to base rate
How Threads helps: Showcase your content creation abilities on Threads to attract brand attention. The platform's emphasis on authentic, conversational content aligns perfectly with the UGC aesthetic brands want.
8. Freelance Client Acquisition
Threads' conversational format is ideal for demonstrating the expertise that attracts freelance clients.
Why it works: B2B marketers are flocking to Threads in 2025-2026. The platform actively deprioritizes political content and conspiracy posts, making it a safer, more professional space for business engagement.
Best for: Social media managers, copywriters, designers, consultants, developers, and marketing strategists.
Strategy: Share your process, results, and insights regularly. Engage authentically in conversations within your niche. Include your services link in your bio. 43% of independent workers use social media for client acquisition — Threads' high engagement makes it one of the most efficient options.
Create scroll-stopping content faster. PostEverywhere's AI content generator helps you write engaging posts, brainstorm content ideas, and maintain a consistent schedule across platforms. See plans →
9. Community Building for Paid Communities
Build an engaged audience on Threads, then funnel your most loyal followers into a paid community.
Platforms for paid communities: Patreon (recurring monthly income), Discord (subscription servers), Skool, Circle, or membership areas on your website.
Pricing: $5-$50/month for community access, depending on the value and exclusivity offered.
Strategy: Use Threads' high engagement to build genuine relationships. When followers consistently engage with your content and ask for more, offer a paid community as the "next level."
10. Print-on-Demand and E-commerce Promotion
Promote your products through Threads' conversational format without inventory risk.
Market size: The global print-on-demand market reached approximately $10 billion in 2024 and is growing at 26% annually.
Services: Printful, Printify, Gelato — integrate with Shopify, Etsy, and other e-commerce platforms.
Strategy: Design products that resonate with your niche audience. Use Threads to share the stories behind your products, building emotional connection that drives purchases. Social media is still the cheapest way to promote merchandise.
11. Cross-Promoting YouTube, Podcast, or Blog Content
Use Threads to drive traffic to your monetized long-form content on other platforms.
Strategy: Share key takeaways, behind-the-scenes insights, or provocative questions from your YouTube videos, podcast episodes, or blog posts. The text-first format works well for creating "hook" content that sends people to longer-form content.
Why Threads works for this: Higher engagement rates mean more visibility for your cross-promotional content. Unlike X, Threads doesn't algorithmically suppress posts with external links (as aggressively).
12. Running Threads Ads for Your Business
Meta rolled out ads on Threads globally starting January 26, 2026 — and the early data is promising for businesses.
Cost benchmarks:
- CPM: $3-$10 (vs Facebook $8-14, Instagram $6-18)
- CPC: $0.30-$1.50 (vs Facebook $0.50-$1.00, Instagram ~$1.42)
Ad formats: Image and video ads, including 4:5 aspect ratio and carousel ads.
Integration: Manage Threads ads alongside Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp campaigns in Meta Business Settings. Third-party brand safety verification is available through Meta Business Partners.
Why it matters for creators: Lower ad costs mean you can promote your products, courses, or services on Threads for a fraction of what you'd pay on Instagram or Facebook. Early movers are getting the best rates before competition increases.
13. Offering Threads Management Services
Many businesses know they need a Threads presence but don't yet have a strategy. This creates a service opportunity.
Rates: $500-$2,000/month per client for content creation, scheduling, and community management.
What to offer: Content strategy, post creation, engagement management, analytics reporting, and growth consulting.
Tools to use: PostEverywhere's multi-account management to handle multiple client accounts from one dashboard. Other options include Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Buffer, Later, and Metricool — all support Threads scheduling and analytics.
14. Building Authority for Book or Course Launches
Threads' conversational format is perfect for building pre-launch buzz.
Strategy: Share insights from your upcoming book or course, building anticipation and an audience of potential buyers. The high engagement rates mean more visibility for your launch content.
Why Threads over other platforms: The text-first format lets you share deep insights that demonstrate your expertise — the kind of content that convinces people to buy a $30 book or a $300 course.
15. B2B Lead Generation
B2B marketers are increasingly turning to Threads because of its professional user base and lower advertising costs.
Advantages for B2B:
- Lower CPCs than LinkedIn, Facebook, or Google Ads
- Less ad fatigue (newer ad platform, less clutter)
- Cross-platform targeting via Meta's ad ecosystem (Facebook + Instagram + Threads)
- Professional demographic (65% aged 25-44)
Strategy: Share industry insights, case studies, and thought leadership content. Use Threads ads for retargeting. Funnel leads to landing pages or demo booking links.
Manage your B2B social presence from one dashboard. PostEverywhere lets you schedule posts across Threads, LinkedIn, X, and more from a single content calendar. Start free trial →
Threads by the Numbers
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly active users | 450 million |
| Daily active users (mobile) | ~143 million |
| Year-over-year DAU growth | 128% |
| Median engagement rate | 6.25% |
| Engagement advantage over X | 73.6% higher |
| Largest age group | 25-34 (29%) |
| Users aged 25-44 | 65% |
| Global ad rollout date | January 26, 2026 |
| Threads ad CPM | $3-$10 |
| Threads ad CPC | $0.30-$1.50 |
What Happened to the Threads Bonus Program?
Meta ran an invite-only creator bonus program where selected creators earned $500-$5,000 per month for meeting view and post targets. Payments stopped around April 2025 with no public explanation.
The bonus program appears to have been replaced by a "Threads Creator Program," though details remain scarce. Meta seems to believe Threads has enough organic momentum to grow without direct payouts.
What this means for you: Don't wait for native creator payouts. The creators earning the most on Threads right now are monetizing through the 15 methods above — not through platform payouts. When (not if) Meta introduces revenue sharing on Threads, you'll be positioned to benefit immediately.
FAQ
Can you make money on Threads without native monetization?
Yes. While Threads doesn't offer direct creator payouts, all 15 methods in this guide work without them. The most successful Threads creators earn through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, cross-platform funneling to Instagram, digital product sales, coaching, and freelance client acquisition.
How many followers do you need to make money on Threads?
No minimum for most methods. Affiliate marketing, digital product sales, and freelance client acquisition can start with any follower count. Brand deals typically require 1,000+ engaged followers. The key metric on Threads is engagement rate, not follower count.
Is Threads bigger than X (Twitter)?
On mobile, yes. Threads averaged 143.2 million daily active mobile users in January 2026, surpassing X's 126.2 million. However, X still dominates web traffic (145.4 million daily web visitors vs Threads' 8.5 million). Combined mobile and web, X still has more total daily users.
Will Meta add creator monetization to Threads?
Almost certainly. Meta rolled out global ads in January 2026, with revenue projections of $8-$11 billion. Once the ad infrastructure matures and stabilizes, creator revenue sharing is the logical next step — following the same playbook Meta used with Facebook and Instagram.
What type of content performs best on Threads?
Conversational, authentic, text-first content. Unlike Instagram (visual) or TikTok (video), Threads rewards written communication — opinions, insights, stories, frameworks, and genuine recommendations. Threads actively deprioritizes political content and conspiracy posts.
How does Threads compare to X for making money?
X has native monetization (ad revenue sharing, Subscriptions, Tips, Ticketed Spaces). Threads has higher engagement but no direct payouts. X is better for immediate platform income. Threads is better for organic reach, brand partnerships, and cross-platform growth. Most creators benefit from using both — see our X monetization guide.
Start Earning on Threads
Threads' explosive growth, high engagement rates, and Meta's investment signal that this platform is here to stay. The creators who build their presence now — while organic reach is high and competition is low — will be best positioned when native monetization arrives.
Pick 2-3 methods that match your current situation, focus on consistent high-quality content, and treat Threads as a growth engine for your broader monetization strategy.
Use PostEverywhere to schedule Threads posts alongside all your other platforms, and manage everything from one dashboard.
Related reading:
Jamie Partridge
Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere
Jamie Partridge is the Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere. He writes about social media strategy, publishing workflows, and analytics that help brands grow faster with less effort.