Your VIP status needs to be Active in order for you to reap its benefits. Your VIP is active for 24 hours every time you level up your VIP, granting you the immediate level up benefits. When the VIP runs out, tap "ACTIVATE VIP" and purchase more time from the Items Store or earn time through Events, Crates, Alliance Gift, and Quests. You can tell your VIP status is Active by the glow around the VIP Icon on the upper- left corner of the City View Screen.