Facebook Content Monetization 2026: Sri Lanka Guide to Eligibility, TIN & Bank Setup

 It can be incredibly frustrating to see high traffic and engagement on your Facebook page without seeing a cent in return. In 2026, Facebook (Meta) has moved toward a more automated, unified system called the Content Monetization Program, which merges in-stream ads, Reels ads, and Performance Bonuses.

However, "high views" do not always equal automatic activation. Here is a detailed report on how to trigger monetization and the hidden reasons why Facebook may be withholding it.

1. How to Trigger/Activate Monetization

Monetization is rarely "automatic" in the sense that money just starts appearing; you usually must pass a threshold and then manually set up a Payout Account.

The Eligibility Checklist (2026 Standards)

To trigger the activation button in your Meta Business Suite, you must meet these specific minimums:

• Followers: Minimum 5,000 to 10,000 (depending on the specific program tier).
• Watch Time: 600,000 total minutes viewed in the last 60 days.
• Content Volume: At least 5 active video uploads (minimum 1 minute each) in the last 30 days.
• Account Age: Your Page must be at least 90 days old to establish "presence."

Manual Steps to Activate

1. Open Meta Business Suite: Go to the Monetization tab.
2. Check Status: Click on "View Page Eligibility." If you see "Set Up" next to a tool (like In-Stream Ads), click it immediately.
3. Onboarding: You will be asked to provide your Tax ID (TIN), legal name, and a bank account or PayPal for payouts. Note: Activation will stay "pending" until this paperwork is verified. 

2. Why Activation is Withheld (The "Hidden" Angles)

If you meet the numbers but the button is still greyed out or you're stuck in "Review," one of these underlying factors is likely the cause:

A. The "Originality" Filter (Most Common)

Facebook's 2026 AI is aggressive at detecting "Limited Originality of Content." * The Trap: If you repost viral clips, memes, or movie segments—even if you edit them—Facebook may refuse to monetize.

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• The Fix: You must add "significant creative value" (e.g., your own voiceover, face-cam commentary, or transformative editing).

B. Geographic Restrictions

Monetization is not global. If your Page admin is located in an ineligible country, or if the majority of your traffic comes from a region where In-Stream ads aren't supported, the platform will withhold activation.

C. "Engagement Bait" & Bot Traffic

If the algorithm detects that your "high views" come from "Share Groups" (where people trade shares) or bot farms, it marks the engagement as inauthentic.

• The Result: Your views count toward "reach," but the system flags the account as "high risk" and pauses the monetization review indefinitely.

D. The "Advertiser-Friendly" Ghost Ban

High views on controversial topics (e.g., sensitive news, political rants, or "borderline" suggestive content) often result in a shadow-hold.

• Angle: Advertisers don't want their products next to "risky" content. If your page isn't brand-safe, Facebook will let you keep the views (to keep users on the app) but won't let you run ads. 

3. Advanced Troubleshooting Table

Issue	Symptom	Solution
Policy Violation	"Partner Monetization Policy" error.	Delete any videos containing licensed music or unoriginal clips.
Pending Review	"Under review" for more than 2 weeks.	Go Live once a week. Live video is the best way to prove to the AI that you are a real human creator.
Professional Mode	Personal profile views aren't counting.	Ensure Professional Mode is toggled ON in your profile settings.
Payment Block	Eligibility is green, but no "Set Up" button.	Check if you have any outstanding "Community Standards" strikes on your personal admin profile.

 Summary of Potential "Hidden" Reasons

• Inauthentic Presence: The page has no "About" info, no linked website, and no "Face" to the brand.
• Static Content: You are posting "videos" that are actually just static images with music or text overlays.
• The "Wait" Period: Sometimes, even after hitting the 600k minute mark, the system takes 7–14 days to refresh the "Eligibility" status. 

To help you get your monetization back on track, I have prepared two high-value tools: an Audit Checklist to identify hidden policy violations and a Formal Appeal Template to send to Meta Support. 

Part 1: Monetization Audit Checklist

Before appealing, you must ensure your page is "clean." Facebook’s 2026 AI often flags pages for "Limited Originality" if it detects even a few seconds of recycled footage.

1. Content Originality & "Clean-up"

• [ ] Delete Unoriginal Content: Have you deleted every video that contains movie clips, viral memes, or music you don't own the rights to? (Even if they have high views, they are likely the reason for the hold).
• [ ] Check for Watermarks: Do any of your videos have TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube watermarks? Facebook will automatically disqualify these.
• [ ] Transformative Value: For videos that use clips from others, have you added a face-cam or a unique voiceover? (Static text overlays are no longer enough in 2026).
• [ ] Music Check: Are you using music from the "Meta Sound Collection"? Third-party "royalty-free" tracks sometimes get flagged by mistake.

2. Page Integrity & Identity

• [ ] Account Standing: Is your personal Facebook profile (the Admin) in "Good Standing"? If your personal account has a warning, it can block your Page's monetization.
• [ ] Country Eligibility: Is your primary Page Admin located in an eligible country?
• [ ] Verification: Is your page set to Professional Mode or a verified Business Page?

3. The "AI Trust" Factor

• [ ] Live Video Proof: Have you gone "Live" at least 3 times in the last 14 days? Live video is the fastest way to prove to Meta’s AI that you are a real human and not a bot farm.
• [ ] Engagement Ratio: Is your comment-to-view ratio healthy? (High views with zero comments often trigger "Inauthentic Engagement" flags). 

Part 2: Formal Appeal Template

If your metrics are met but you are stuck in "Review" or have a "Policy Violation" error, use this professional template. Send this via the Meta Business Suite > Help > Contact Support or the "Request Review" button.

Appeal Letter Template

Subject: Appeal for Monetization Review - Page ID: [Your Page ID]

To the Meta Creator Support Team,

I am writing to formally request a manual review of my Page, [Page Name], regarding its monetization eligibility.

Currently, our page has reached the required milestones (over [Number] followers and [Number] minutes of watch time), but the monetization features remain inactive/restricted.

I have conducted a thorough audit of my page and can confirm the following:

1. Originality: I have audited my video library and removed any content that does not meet the "Originality of Content" standards. All current videos are created by me/my team with significant creative input.
2. Policy Compliance: I have reviewed the Partner Monetization Policies and believe my page is in full compliance with Community Standards.
3. Authenticity: This page is managed by a real creator. I have recently performed [mention number] Live streams to verify my identity and presence on the platform.

Requested Action:

I kindly ask for a manual specialist to review my page status. If there is a specific violation I have missed, please provide guidance so I can rectify it immediately to ensure a positive experience for our viewers and advertisers.

Thank you for your time and for supporting the creator community.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Link to your Page]

[Your Contact Email] 

Your Next Step

I recommend you go Live for at least 10 minutes today. This creates a "trust signal" in the Facebook database. 

To help you get your monetization back on track, I have prepared two high-value tools: an Audit Checklist to identify hidden policy violations and a Formal Appeal Template to send to Meta Support. 

Part 1: Monetization Audit Checklist

Before appealing, you must ensure your page is "clean." Facebook’s 2026 AI often flags pages for "Limited Originality" if it detects even a few seconds of recycled footage.

1. Content Originality & "Clean-up"

• [ ] Delete Unoriginal Content: Have you deleted every video that contains movie clips, viral memes, or music you don't own the rights to? (Even if they have high views, they are likely the reason for the hold).
• [ ] Check for Watermarks: Do any of your videos have TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube watermarks? Facebook will automatically disqualify these.
• [ ] Transformative Value: For videos that use clips from others, have you added a face-cam or a unique voiceover? (Static text overlays are no longer enough in 2026).
• [ ] Music Check: Are you using music from the "Meta Sound Collection"? Third-party "royalty-free" tracks sometimes get flagged by mistake.

2. Page Integrity & Identity

• [ ] Account Standing: Is your personal Facebook profile (the Admin) in "Good Standing"? If your personal account has a warning, it can block your Page's monetization.
• [ ] Country Eligibility: Is your primary Page Admin located in an eligible country?
• [ ] Verification: Is your page set to Professional Mode or a verified Business Page?

3. The "AI Trust" Factor

• [ ] Live Video Proof: Have you gone "Live" at least 3 times in the last 14 days? Live video is the fastest way to prove to Meta’s AI that you are a real human and not a bot farm.
• [ ] Engagement Ratio: Is your comment-to-view ratio healthy? (High views with zero comments often trigger "Inauthentic Engagement" flags). 

Part 2: Formal Appeal Template

If your metrics are met but you are stuck in "Review" or have a "Policy Violation" error, use this professional template. Send this via the Meta Business Suite > Help > Contact Support or the "Request Review" button.

Appeal Letter Template

Subject: Appeal for Monetization Review - Page ID: [Your Page ID]

To the Meta Creator Support Team,

I am writing to formally request a manual review of my Page, [Page Name], regarding its monetization eligibility.

Currently, our page has reached the required milestones (over [Number] followers and [Number] minutes of watch time), but the monetization features remain inactive/restricted.

I have conducted a thorough audit of my page and can confirm the following:

1. Originality: I have audited my video library and removed any content that does not meet the "Originality of Content" standards. All current videos are created by me/my team with significant creative input.
2. Policy Compliance: I have reviewed the Partner Monetization Policies and believe my page is in full compliance with Community Standards.
3. Authenticity: This page is managed by a real creator. I have recently performed [mention number] Live streams to verify my identity and presence on the platform.

Requested Action:

I kindly ask for a manual specialist to review my page status. If there is a specific violation I have missed, please provide guidance so I can rectify it immediately to ensure a positive experience for our viewers and advertisers.

Thank you for your time and for supporting the creator community.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Link to your Page]

[Your Contact Email]

Your Next Step

I recommend you go Live for at least 10 minutes today. This creates a "trust signal" in the Facebook database. 

Since Sri Lanka is officially on the eligibility list for 2026, the absence of an activation button is likely due to either a data mismatch in your profile or the system waiting for you to provide Tax and Banking information.

Here is how to navigate the technical setup specifically for a Sri Lankan creator.

1. Sri Lanka Bank SWIFT Codes

When you reach the "Payout Method" screen, you must enter a SWIFT code. Do not use your local branch's code; use the Head Office SWIFT code for the fastest payment.

Bank Name	SWIFT Code (Head Office)
Bank of Ceylon (BOC)	BCEYLKLX
Commercial Bank	CCEYLKLX
Sampath Bank	BSAMLKLX
Hatton National Bank (HNB)	HBLILKLX
Peoples Bank	PSBKLKLX
Seylan Bank	SEYBLKLX
NDB Bank	NDBSLKLX
Nations Trust Bank (NTB)	NTBCLKLX

Tip: Ensure the bank account is in the same name as your National Identity Card (NIC). If they don't match exactly, Meta may hold your funds. 

2. Tax Information (TIN) for Sri Lanka

Facebook is a US-based company, so even in Sri Lanka, you must fill out a W-8BEN form (this is done digitally inside the Facebook interface).

• TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number): This is now mandatory in Sri Lanka for anyone earning an income. You must use your 9-digit or 12-digit TIN issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
• Can you use your NIC? In the past, some creators used their NIC number, but for 2026, Meta’s automated systems often reject NICs in favor of official government TINs to comply with global tax reporting.
• The 30% Rule: By providing your TIN and a valid Sri Lankan address, you reduce the US withholding tax from 30% down to 0% (or a lower treaty rate), meaning you keep more of your money.

3. How to Trigger the "Missing" Activation Button

If you meet the 5,000 followers and 600k minutes but the "Set Up" button hasn't appeared, follow this "Force Refresh" sequence:

1. Switch to Professional Mode: If you are using a personal profile, ensure "Professional Mode" is ON. If it's a Page, ensure you are using the Meta Business Suite app (not the regular Facebook app).
2. Verify Account Quality: Go to Meta Business Suite > Monetization > Policy Issues. If you see a green circle, your page is healthy. If you see a yellow/red warning, you must fix it before the button appears.
3. The "Live" Trigger: Meta’s 2026 algorithm often "holds" South Asian accounts until it sees a live human. Go Live for 10–15 minutes (show your face and talk to the camera). This often triggers the "Set Up" button within 48 hours.
4. Clear Browser Cache: Log in to Meta Business Suite on a Desktop Computer (not mobile). Mobile apps often fail to show the activation buttons due to interface bugs. 

4. Final Checklist Before You Click "Submit"

• [ ] Is your Legal Name exactly as it appears on your Bank Statement?
• [ ] Is your Street Address the same one registered with your Bank?
• [ ] Have you removed any music from your videos that isn't from the Meta Sound Collection? 

In Sri Lanka, obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is now mandatory for all citizens over 18 (as of 2024/2025) and is essential for receiving payouts from platforms like Meta.

Here is the step-by-step guide to registering for your TIN online via the RAMIS (Revenue Administration Management Information System) portal. 

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before starting the online form, scan and save the following as PDFs:

• National Identity Card (NIC): Clear scans of both the front and back.
• Proof of Address: If your current address is different from your NIC, have a utility bill (electricity/water), a bank statement, or a Grama Niladhari certificate ready.
• Mobile Number & Email: You must have a unique email address that has not been used for another TIN before. 

Step 2: Access the IRD e-Services Portal

1. Go to the official Inland Revenue Department website: www.ird.gov.lk.
2. Navigate to e-Services on the top menu.
3. Click on Registration and then select Taxpayer Registration.
4. Alternatively, go directly to the RAMIS Registration Page. 

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Form

The system will ask you to select a "Registration Type." Choose Individual Local.

Section	What to Enter
Purpose of Registration	Select "Income Tax" or "Others" (for social media monetization purposes).
Personal Details	Enter your full name, NIC number, and Date of Birth exactly as they appear on your ID.
Contact Info	Provide your active mobile number and email. Important: Meta will pay you based on these details, so ensure they match your bank records.
Address	Enter your permanent address. If you have a separate mailing address, specify it here.

 Step 4: Upload and Submit

1. Upload Documents: Attach the PDF scans of your NIC and address proof.
2. Review: Double-check every field. Errors in your NIC or Name will lead to a rejection.
3. Submit: Click the "Submit" button. You will receive an Acknowledgement Number. Save this number to track your application.

 Step 5: Receive Your TIN

• Approval Time: In 2026, the online process typically takes 5 to 10 working days.
• Notification: You will receive an email containing your TIN (10-digit or 12-digit number) and a temporary PIN to log in to the RAMIS portal.
• Physical Certificate: The IRD will also mail a physical TIN certificate to your registered address.

 How to use this for Facebook (Meta)

Once you have your TIN, go to your Meta Business Suite Payout Settings:

1. Select Sri Lanka as the country.
2. Choose Individual/Sole Proprietor as the business type.
3. When asked for a Tax ID (TIN), enter the number you received from the IRD.
4. Upload the digital copy of your TIN certificate if Meta asks for a "Tax Document."