How Is Facebook Monetization Going in January 2026?

In January, most people experienced slower-than-expected growth due to fluctuations in reach and policy constraints. Low RPMs at the beginning of the month are normal. Short, engaging videos (Reels) are the only thing currently generating consistent income.
 
Advertise on BHW

January is almost always weaker​


Across:


  • In-stream ads
  • Reels monetization
  • Performance bonus–type programs

Early January CPMs drop because:


  • Advertisers pull back after Q4
  • Budgets reset slowly
  • Less brand spend, more cautious bidding

So even creators who:


  • Scaled well in Nov–Dec
    often see 20–40% lower earnings in early January, even with similar views.
  • SABQCES said:
    Have you reached the scale you aimed for in the Facebook Monetization Program? How are your earnings progressing at the start of January, and are they meeting your expectations?
    Click to expand...
 
Past success is not insurance for the future. Instead of resting on positive feedback, wise advertisers need to activate contingency plans now. The drop in revenue at the beginning of January is not a failure, but an inevitable 'lull' as brands restructure their budgets after the peak season. Don't panic over the temporary numbers; prepare your resources to anticipate the recovery wave at the end of the month.
 
It’s still a bit early to draw conclusions about January. Lower RPM at the beginning of the month is fairly common. Pages that maintain consistent posting and strong retention often see performance stabilize and improve toward the middle or later part of the month.
 
SABQCES said:
Have you reached the scale you aimed for in the Facebook Monetization Program? How are your earnings progressing at the start of January, and are they meeting your expectations?
Click to expand...

What creators are seeing in early January (typical patterns)​


CPMs drop after December — but not a crash​


  • December (Q4) = peak CPM
  • Early January = 20–40% drop
  • BUT in recent years (and now), the drop is less brutal than it used to be

Creators expected a crash — instead they got a controlled pullback.
 
aprildfwida said:
Results can differ widely, but many people find that scaling happens more slowly than expected because of changes in reach and platform limits. Performance in early January is often weaker, then gradually improves as user activity and advertising demand increase again.
Click to expand...

Monetization programs have shifted​


Meta consolidated older individual pay models (like Reels bonuses, Ads on Reels, In-Stream Ads) into a single Content Monetization Program aimed at paying creators across multiple content types (Reels, long-form video, photos, text). This transition is ongoing and still in roll-out phases
 
Most people don’t hit their target scale as fast as planned because reach and eligibility fluctuate. Early January earnings are usually softer, then improve as engagement and ad demand pick up.
 
I’ve reached my target scale in the Facebook Monetization Program. Early January performance has been steady and slightly ahead of my initial expectations. Still focusing on consistency and long-term growth rather than pushing too aggressively.
 
Advertise on BHW
You must log in or register to reply here.
Sign up now!

Main Menu

Home Main Forum List Black Hat SEO White Hat SEO BHW Newbie Guide Blogging Black Hat Tools Social Media Downloads

Marketplace

Account Selling Content / Copywriting EBooks / Methods Hosting Misc Proxies For Sale SEO - Link building SEO - Packages Social Media Social Media - Panels Web Design More

Making Money

Affiliate Programs Hire a Freelancer IM Journeys Making Money Pay Per Click Site Flipping Want to Buy

BlackHat World

Dispute Resolution Forum Suggestions & Feedback Introductions Lounge
Back
Top