Contents:
- Monetization in Zen: how bloggers can earn money
- How to enable monetization on the Zen platform
- What is the real income of authors on the Zen platform?
- Effective strategies for earning money on Zen from scratch
- The main obstacles to earning money on the Zen platform: what are the current problems?
- How to successfully start on Zen in 2023
- Expert advice on increasing income on the platform ‘Zen’
- Key aspects of monetization on the Zen platform
- How to deepen your knowledge of content marketing
- Additional resources from Skillbox Media

Marketing: 18 courses for 0 ₽ for beginners and professionals
Find out moreMonetization in "Zen": how bloggers can earn
The "Zen" platform provides authors with unique Content monetization opportunities. This system is based on the time users spend viewing authors' content. For authors integrated into this system, compensation varies and is updated daily. This allows them to create high-quality content and maintain active engagement with their audience, which in turn contributes to increased income. The Zen incentive system encourages authors to continually develop and improve their publications, making the platform attractive to creative people.
The system operates on a simple principle. Zen receives daily revenue from advertisers for placing their ads. This revenue is used to create a payout fund, which is distributed among authors enabled for monetization based on the time users spend viewing their content. The more time users spend reading articles or watching videos, the higher the author's income. This approach motivates content creators to produce high-quality and engaging material, which in turn contributes to increased audience engagement.
To understand the payout distribution mechanism on the Zen platform, consider the following example. If users spend a million minutes viewing content in a day, and the author receives 10,000 minutes of views, this represents 1% of the total time. Therefore, the author will receive 1% of the payout fund generated for that day. This approach allows for fair compensation of authors based on their contribution to the total viewing time.
The profit from one minute of content viewing is approximately 0.058 rubles, according to the Prodzen channel. It is important to note that not all minutes are counted when calculating this amount, which can impact overall profitability. Therefore, for a more accurate income assessment, it is necessary to also consider factors such as audience engagement and content quality.
"Zen" only evaluates engaged viewing time, which ensures a fairer system. The platform's algorithms analyze user engagement levels, but the exact parameters are not disclosed to prevent fraud. This allows for the creation of a transparent environment in which content is evaluated based on genuine audience interest, which in turn facilitates high-quality interactions between content creators and viewers.
It should be noted that there are instances where content views will not be counted as engagement. For example, if a user opens a post and immediately closes it, this time will not be counted in the statistics. Furthermore, if the author sets a video to autoplay for 24 hours, such views will also not be counted. This is important for accurately assessing audience engagement and content effectiveness. Therefore, to improve user engagement, it is important to pay attention to how they perceive and interact with posts.
The monetization system on Zen has undergone a number of changes since its launch. The current model went into effect on August 1, 2023, replacing previous approaches based on payment for article completion and subscriber activity. The new model is aimed at improving interaction with content and optimizing authors' income, which contributes to more effective audience engagement and improved publication quality.
How to enable monetization on the Zen platform
Content monetization on the Zen platform is open to authors who create in-demand and engaging content. To participate in the program, it is important to consider the specific requirements set by this platform. Key aspects include the quality of the materials, their originality, and relevance to the interests of the audience. The author must actively interact with readers and monitor current trends to ensure high engagement and increased popularity of their publications.
To participate in the monetization program, your content must have received at least 30 hours of views from subscribers over the past 30 days. This metric can be easily tracked in the "Studio" section, which is located in the author's personal account on the Zen platform. Pay attention to the activity of your subscribers and strive to create high-quality content that will attract attention and retain viewers.

Once you've reached the 30-hour threshold, you can submit an application to enable monetization through the "Studio." When submitting your application, you'll need to provide important information that depends on the format of your collaboration. Individuals must provide their passport information, SNILS, and TIN, and attach a photo. By preparing all the necessary documents, you'll increase your chances of successfully enabling monetization.
The "Zen" platform works with a variety of categories of authors, including the self-employed, individuals, sole proprietors, and legal entities. For individuals, the income tax rate is 13% (personal income tax). However, other categories of authors are responsible for their own tax payments, which requires them to carefully account for their income and obligations to tax authorities. Understanding tax nuances and properly completing paperwork will help authors avoid fines and optimize their financial flows.
One author can simultaneously manage and monetize several channels. However, it is important to choose a single format of cooperation for all channels. You cannot apply for one channel as an individual and for another as self-employed. This requirement must be met to ensure fair and transparent interactions with the platforms. Properly completing applications will help avoid potential problems with monetization and channel management.
What is the real income of authors on the Zen platform?
We conducted a study among channel authors on the Zen platform to determine whether it is possible to earn 200,000 rubles per month. During the survey, we also identified factors influencing income levels in the current environment. The results showed that to achieve this goal, it is necessary to consider content quality, audience activity, and publication frequency. These aspects play a key role in generating income for authors on the platform.

Alexander, creator of the popular YouTube channels "Popular Science" and "Fitness in Russian", Shares his earnings experience. Currently, he earns 350,000 rubles per month from two channels. Alexander's main channel ranks first in the "Science and Education" category. However, following recent changes to the platform's algorithms, there has been a trend toward a shift in focus toward broader, more entertaining content. This change highlights the importance of adapting to new audience and algorithm demands, which can impact channel success and profitability.
Currently, the Zen platform targets a broad audience, focusing on popular topics such as politics and celebrities. This change has created a challenging environment for creators striving to create quality content, as it has become more difficult for them to compete with those rewriting news. In a competitive environment, the importance of unique and original content is growing, and creators must find new approaches to attract readers and stand out from the mass media.
Unfortunately, Zen is increasingly becoming more of a news aggregator. The question of whether there's truly a market need for such a product remains. Users are looking for unique content and a variety of formats, not just a stream of news. This necessitates a rethinking of the platform's functionality and content strategy.
Andrey, the author of the Bunbich channel, emphasizes that his income on the platform has noticeably decreased as a result of the introduction of the new monetization model. Currently, his income is around 150,000 rubles per month, more than half his previous level. Although he earns more on some days than before, his overall financial situation remains unstable.
Income is now based on the time users spend viewing content, making the system less transparent. Previously, everything was simpler: the more views, the higher the income. Today, a million views can generate the same amount as 200,000. This new monetization model emphasizes the quality of interaction with content, not simply the number of views.
Andrey notes that the new monetization program has significant advantages. He welcomes the updates to the main page and video section, which indicate progressive changes to the platform. These improvements can help increase user engagement and improve the overall user experience.

Timur, co-owner of the Mediasfera Group of Companies and author of the ZenoPulse and "Timur Ugulava | Travel with Soul" claims that earning 200,000 rubles per month on the Zen platform is possible, but this is not the average. Currently, active creators earn between 15,000 and 30,000 rubles. This fact emphasizes that success on Zen requires effort, creativity, and a strategic approach to content creation.
Yakov Oskanov, a well-known content creator, noted a significant decrease in income on one of his channels, while simultaneously observing an increase on another. This case illustrates how new monetization conditions affect the redistribution of income among creators. Changes in the rules can significantly impact financial results, requiring content creators to adapt to the new reality.
Currently, the Zen platform demonstrates greater transparency and fairness, which positively impacts its reputation among advertisers. Improved cooperation conditions and openness regarding algorithms and processes are attracting more brands seeking effective promotion. This creates trust and helps grow the number of advertisers interested in using this platform to achieve their marketing goals.

Igor, the author of the channel “I work at an ATM,” notes that many channels have encountered A decrease in revenue due to changes in the Zen platform's algorithms. He points out that his channels don't keep up with current trends, which has led to a significant decrease in revenue. Recent changes to the platform's algorithm stopped taking subscriber activity into account and began focusing on "engaged viewing time." This has created significant challenges for creators accustomed to working with subscribers. Channels that have adapted to the new conditions are beginning to earn higher revenue. Igor expresses concern about the growing prevalence of tabloid content and clickbait on the platform. This phenomenon negatively impacts the quality of information and audience trust. It is important to find a balance between attracting attention and providing valuable content for users. Evgeny, author of the channel "But Not on Credit," claims that a stable income of 200,000 rubles per month on the Zen platform is a myth. He has over 80,000 subscribers, but his monthly income is around 20,000 rubles. After a recent system update, his earnings have decreased slightly, but this is not a critical issue. Therefore, the reality of your income on Zen can differ significantly from your expectations, which is important to consider when developing a content strategy for this platform.
Previously, my income was around 1,300 rubles per day, but now it has dropped to 700-800 rubles. This highlights that maintaining a stable income has become a challenge even for large channels. The content market is changing, and many creators are facing monetization issues.
Effective Strategies for Making Money on Zen from Scratch
Making money on Zen begins with creating a channel where you can post a variety of content, including articles, videos, posts, and clips. To successfully earn money, it is important to attract your audience's attention and gain subscribers. A key aspect is compliance with the platform's algorithms, which influence what content appears in users' feeds. Optimizing content for your target audience and using keywords will help increase your channel's visibility and popularity.
Zen's algorithms remain a mystery, as the platform doesn't disclose all of its internal mechanisms. However, experts believe they are based on user interactions with content. The more clicks on covers, likes, and comments, the higher the likelihood of expanded reach. Therefore, creating high-quality content that evokes positive emotions in the audience is key to successful promotion. Optimizing content for the interests of the target audience and using relevant topics can significantly increase user engagement and improve positions in the Zen algorithms.

To increase engagement and views, you need to clearly understand your target audience and create content that resonates with their interests. It is recommended to structure your materials, use visual elements, and add valuable information. Actively engaging with your audience is also key: communicate in the comments, repost, and mention other authors. This not only helps attract new subscribers but also strengthens connections with existing ones.
The Skillbox course "Copywriter Profession from Zero to Pro" offers a unique opportunity to master the basic skills of content creation. As part of the program, you will become familiar with a variety of text formats, learn how to write compelling headlines, and use storytelling techniques. This knowledge will help you create captivating texts that will attract attention and retain the interest of readers. After completing this course, you will be able to confidently work in the field of copywriting and effectively convey information to your audience.
For successful promotion of your channel, it is important to actively use other social networks. This is a key aspect of achieving success on the platform. Interacting with your audience and regularly updating content will help you build trust with your subscribers and contribute to their growth. Don't forget that active work across multiple communication channels increases your visibility and attracts new viewers.
The main obstacles to making money on the Zen platform: what are the current problems?
Channel authors on Zen express their concerns and describe the difficulties they face on this platform. The main problems include low impressions and unstable algorithms, which significantly impact the profitability of their content. Low impressions limit the ability to attract an audience, and constant changes in the algorithms complicate the promotion process. These factors require creators to adapt and strategically approach content creation and distribution to ensure its effectiveness and financial sustainability. Evgeny Seleznev, owner of the channel "Zato Ne V Kredit," reports that his popular resource, which has over 80,000 subscribers, receives only about 10,000 impressions per article. This indicates extremely low reach, raising significant doubts about the platform's effectiveness. Abnormal content reach may indicate issues with algorithms or promotion strategies, which require the attention of content creators and marketers.

Igor Torkhov, manager of the channels "I Work at an ATM" and "Prodzen," focuses on the key challenges facing content creators. The main ones are a lack of stability and limited growth opportunities. He notes that changes in platform algorithms can significantly reduce a channel's reach, even if it has a significant number of subscribers. This means that publications don't reach their target audience, which negatively impacts interaction and engagement. In an environment of constant change, it's important to adapt and find new approaches to maintain subscriber interest and improve content visibility.
One of the serious problems in content distribution is the insufficient availability of new material to a regular audience. Timur Ugulava, co-owner of the Mediasfera Group of Companies and creator of the ZenoPulse channel, notes that subscription feeds don't provide the necessary level of user engagement. Despite this feature's existence, its use remains low, significantly hampering the platform's growth and development. Effective content distribution is key to attracting and retaining an audience, and addressing this issue is paramount to the platform's success.
Some authors, especially newcomers, face difficulties interacting with the platform due to constant changes. This can lead to frustration and contribute to conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, more experienced authors choose to analyze changes and test new methods, which often leads to improved revenue. Understanding these changes and adapting to them are key factors in successfully working on the platform.
Andrey Bunbich, host of the Bunbich channel, does not see any serious problems in the content sphere. In contrast, Alexander Dementyev of the publication Popular Science emphasizes that high-quality authors are losing ground. While those who merely rewrite news find themselves in a more favorable position.
The problems of the Zen platform require the attention of both authors and administration. A strategic approach to content creation and adaptation to algorithm changes can become the basis for successful earnings on this platform. It is important to consider audience demands and current trends to increase the visibility and appeal of materials. Ensuring high-quality content and its relevance to user interests will help improve search engine rankings and increase revenue.
How to Successfully Start in Zen in 2023

In today's environment, it makes sense to start your journey on the Zen platform. Previously, this platform had strict requirements for content quality and audience engagement, with blogs by experienced authors occupying the top positions. However, new opportunities are now opening up for aspiring authors. Creating unique, high-quality content can help you attract attention and build an audience. Regularly updating materials and actively engaging with readers also play a key role in successful promotion on this platform. Start developing your blog on Zen and seize the opportunity to stand out from other authors.
Today, Zen has significantly simplified the registration process for new authors, which is a key advantage of the platform. Beginning writers working on relevant and in-demand topics can quickly attract readers and start earning money. This creates opportunities for creative people who want to share their knowledge and ideas, as well as receive financial compensation for their work.
The second advantage of the Zen platform is a more even distribution of income across different niches. This creates opportunities for beginners, even those with no experience, to achieve a decent income. Now every author has a chance to succeed, regardless of their topic. This approach promotes content diversity and increases the chances of attracting an audience.

Now are excellent conditions for starting work in "Zen". If an author has experience running a channel and is creating a new one, they can achieve monetization in as little as a month. Using an existing channel to promote a new one will significantly speed up this process and increase the chances of success. Experienced authors can effectively use their knowledge and skills to attract more subscribers and increase audience engagement. This will allow you to achieve your desired result faster and start earning income from your content.
Starting from scratch is entirely possible, but keep in mind that the monetization process may take longer. The key is maintaining motivation and persistence along the way. Success requires patience and perseverance, so it's important not to lose hope and keep moving towards your goal.
Before starting a blog, it's important to clearly define its purpose. If you're aiming to make money, focus on creating content that will attract a wide audience, not just your personal interests. Research successful blogs and channels in your niche to find inspiration and understand which topics and formats are most in demand. This will help you build a content marketing strategy and attract more readers.
If blogging is your hobby, approach it with this in mind, but keep in mind that this may lead to a smaller audience reach and lower income.

Launching your project on Zen is a good idea if your goal is to attract and monetize an audience. However, you shouldn't rely solely on internal monetization mechanisms, as this can be a risky approach. A more effective solution would be to use a comprehensive strategy that includes various methods of earning money and engaging with the audience.
Creating high-quality content and properly positioning the channel are key to successful promotion. The Zen platform is just one of many channels for distributing information. Relying solely on it is impractical, especially given recent changes in the market. It is important to consider the diversity of platforms and approaches to distribution to ensure the stable growth and development of your content.

From August 1, 2023, the conditions for connecting to monetization have changed, which This makes it more difficult for channels dedicated to narrow topics to launch. The platform faces challenges in targeting these niches, which negatively impacts subscriber growth. This change requires content creators to develop a deeper understanding of their audience and effective promotion strategies. In an increasingly competitive environment, it's crucial to tailor content to viewers' interests to increase their chances of successful monetization. Channels with diverse interests have the opportunity to reach monetization levels faster and begin generating revenue. Diversity in content attracts a wider audience, leading to increased views, subscribers, and, consequently, advertising revenue. The more topics the channel covers, the higher the likelihood of attracting different target groups, which ultimately leads to successful monetization.

It is not worth starting work on the platform at the moment. The main problem lies not only in monetization but also in the lack of an active subscriber community. Unlike Telegram, where 80,000 subscribers can constitute an active audience, on Zen, such a large number of subscribers doesn't guarantee similar activity and engagement. Therefore, it's difficult to achieve the desired level of audience engagement on this platform.
To successfully run a blog, you need to consider not only the choice of platform but also effective methods of interacting with the audience, which may vary depending on the target group. Focus on creating high-quality content that matches the interests of your readers and use a variety of channels to communicate with them. This will help not only increase blog traffic but also improve audience engagement.
Expert tips for increasing income on the Zen platform
Modern bloggers often think about how to increase income on the Zen platform. Evgeny Seleznev, author of the channel "But not on credit", advises experimenting with different content formats. He notes that for some users, video is more successful, while others achieve success with text articles. It is important not to set overly ambitious goals, but to view your channel as a platform for testing and finding optimal solutions. This approach will help you better understand your audience and tailor your content to their preferences, which, in turn, will lead to increased revenue.
Alexander Dementyev, founder of the "Popular Science" channel, shares three key recommendations for effectively managing a YouTube channel. Focus on content quality, update regularly, and engage with your audience. Following these tips will help attract more subscribers and increase viewer engagement.
- Use Zenstat to analyze posts from other high-performing channels. This will help you tailor your content to current trends.
- Create text materials—optimally, articles at least 3,000 characters long. Regular rewriting will also work.
- Develop compelling, emotionally engaging headlines. This will significantly increase your CTR and impressions.
Clickbait on Yandex.Zen has become a hot trend today, where the highest click-through rate (CTR) takes center stage, while topical relevance fades into the background, says Alexander Dementyev.
There are a variety of opinions about the usefulness of content creation courses for Zen. Experts disagree, emphasizing both the advantages and disadvantages of such training programs. Some argue that courses help develop skills in creating high-quality content and better understanding of the audience, while others believe that success on the platform depends more on creativity and unique ideas than on formal training. It is important to consider these aspects when choosing a course to maximize your effectiveness on Zen.
Evgeny Seleznev believes that the courses will not provide significant benefits. He notes that the Zen platform employs specialists from various fields, including sailors and housewives. Practical experience, rather than theoretical training, is sufficient to effectively understand the needs of both the platform itself and its audience. Alexander Dementyev argues that although courses do not provide clear advantages on the Zen platform, they still have their value in everyday life. He emphasizes that the constantly changing nature of the platform requires authors to acquire new skills. This knowledge can be useful not only within Zen, but also beyond it, as qualified authors always remain in demand. Training helps develop flexibility of thought and adapt to change, which is an important aspect of successful writing. Experts, including Andrey Bunbich and Timur Uglava, emphasize the importance of courses and ongoing training. They believe that continuous skill development is key to a successful career. In today's world, where technology and work practices are rapidly changing, regularly updating your knowledge helps you stay competitive in the labor market. Courses provide the opportunity not only to master new skills but also to deepen existing knowledge, which contributes to personal and professional growth. Igor Torkhov, author of the "I Work at an ATM" channel, emphasizes that the main value of the courses is to increase participants' confidence. Although no one can guarantee a high income, the knowledge and skills gained in the courses will be useful on any platform. This is especially important for those seeking to develop in finance and investment. The course provides not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, which will help you successfully adapt to various working conditions in the future. Key aspects of monetization on the Zen platform The Zen platform has an integrated monetization system that allows authors to earn money based on the time users spend viewing their content. The longer viewers stay on the page, the higher the potential income.
How to Deepen Your Content Marketing Knowledge
Skillbox Media provides a wide range of resources for those looking to master content and content marketing. We offer a variety of materials and courses to help you become an expert in this field. We offer training programs that cover key aspects of content creation and promotion, as well as modern content marketing strategies. With our courses, you can develop the necessary skills and improve your qualifications, which will open up new opportunities for career growth.
- Check out our articles on advertising on Zen and promotion through Promo Pages. These materials explain in detail how to create effective sales articles and select the right visual elements.
- Check out our guides on writing sales copy, which will help you master the fundamental formulas for successful copywriting and learn to write on any topic.
- If you're interested in earning money from content, we recommend reading our detailed overview of the copywriting profession. You'll learn about the potential earnings in this field, how to start a career, and how to grow within it.
- For beginners who want to master content writing skills and start earning money, Skillbox offers the "Copywriter Profession from Scratch to Pro" course. This course will teach you how to create texts for different audiences, write compelling headlines, and use neural networks like YandexGPT and Airuco to increase productivity. You'll be creating 20 texts in various genres and receiving professional feedback.
- Courses like "Copywriting from A to Z 2.0" are also available, ideal for those looking to master a new profession. Upon completion, you'll be able to work both full-time and freelance. The Content Marketing Fundamentals program is designed for those who want to improve their skills and increase their income by learning how to create content strategies, select a team, work with metrics, and manage a budget.
Additional resources from Skillbox Media
- 11 myths about copywriting that hinder your development and income.
- What is text uniqueness and how to achieve the required level of uniqueness.
- 7 tips for beginning copywriters that will help you become better.
- Why does a business need a content strategy and how to develop it correctly.
- SEO text analysis: everything you need to know for successful promotion.
Internet Marketer: 7 Key Skills for Success
Want to become an internet marketer? Learn 7 key skills for a successful career! Read the article.
Find out more
