If you’re eager to earn some money through the Instagram, remember that it’s not just about sharing your photos and videos – it’s also about sharing your audience.
Companies find value in engaged communities on Instagram, even if your follower count is relatively modest. If your followers match the kind of consumers a brand is aiming to connect with, there’s potential for you to monetize your account.
The strategies that suit you best will hinge on your specific Instagram content, the people you’re targeting, and how dedicated you are. And if becoming an influencer isn’t your thing, don’t worry – you can explore selling your own products.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you can expect when it comes to getting paid on Instagram, along with some useful tips for achieving success.
Table of Contents
7 Ways to Start Making Money on Instagram
- Collaborate with Brands on Sponsored Content
- Affiliate Marketing
- Start Your Own eCommerce Store
- Create an Instagram Shop
- Sell Your Photos on Instagram
- Monetize Your Video Content on Instagram
- Sell Unwanted Stuff
1. Collaborate with Brands on Sponsored Content
In the modern digital realm, the term “Instagram influencer” is everywhere. These influencers have become more than just trendsetters; they’re trusted authorities who’ve built their reputation by sharing captivating content. This magnetism makes them enticing partners for brands seeking visibility.
But it’s not just about followers; brands want audience trust and engagement through great content. Balancing Instagram income with creative integrity can be tough. However, if you’re not solely reliant on it, you can pick brands to work with, just as they choose influencers.
Here’re some tips to keep in mind:
#1. Know Your Worth as an Influencer
Influencer collaborations involve creating Instagram ads, posts, videos, and Stories. Brands might also use this content. Deals can be for one post or a whole campaign, exchanged for money, products, services, or exposure.
Remember, you’re offering more than content; you’re giving brands access to your audience on a popular platform. For instance, influencers with around 100,000 followers can earn up to $500 per post. Knowing this helps you negotiate better.
Check your audience makeup and engagement rate using Instagram analytics. This data is crucial when discussing terms.
#2. Find the Right Brands
Big brands might reach out if you have many followers. But you can also approach brands that match your values. This ensures your audience doesn’t see you as just selling stuff.
You might consider using influencer marketplaces or platforms like Shopify Collabs to streamline the process.
#3. Follow Sponsored Content Rules
Sponsored content guidelines differ, but it’s wise to use a #sponsored hashtag for transparency and retaining your audience’s trust.
Instagram provides the “Paid Partnership with” tag, a clear indicator for sponsored posts, which some brands might insist on.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is different from influencers. Affiliates work to make sales for partner brands and earn a commission when people buy something. To do this, they use special links or codes that track their sales efforts.
You can put these links in your Instagram profile or Stories. While you can’t directly post links in regular posts, you can use promo codes to help people buy and earn commissions in a different way.
You have many options for affiliate programs. Some include:
- ClickBank: Anyone can join and they offer different commission levels.
- LTK: This is for fashion and lifestyle influencers by invitation, with 20% commissions.
- Amazon Associates: Popular, with a 10% commission structure.
Affiliate marketing needs a good plan, not just big numbers. To succeed, create a strategy and build your online presence. Having a website and using different marketing methods can help you have a bigger impact and earn more.
3. Start Your Own eCommerce Store
Remember the days when making money on Instagram was all about partnering with brands? Well, that’s old news. Today, creators have an incredible chance to transform their creative energy into a thriving business by selling their own lineup – whether it’s tangible products, services that shine, or digital masterpieces.
Opening an e-commerce store allows your unique brand identity to shine on the products you offer. The best part? Your devoted fans can show their support by purchasing from your collection of merch.
Here are a few ways you can consider of selling your goodies:
Print-on-Demand Delights: Get hands-on without the hassle. Create and dispatch items like trendy tees, quirky mugs, and captivating wall art through print-on-demand services.
Your Expertise, Your Service: Leverage your skills – be it photography finesse or wise consultation – to offer sought-after services. Your Instagram bio can serve as a beacon, guiding intrigued folks to your contact info or professional website.
Digital Dreams Come True: The digital sphere beckons. Offer online courses, captivating ebooks, or eye-catching design templates that tickle the digital fancy of your audience.
Originate Your Startup: Don the hat of an Instagram business account owner and birth a startup spotlighting your original gems. Take a load off with dropshipping fulfillment, sidestepping inventory headaches and return tangles.
4. Create an Instagram Shop
Instagram Shopping is a blend of online shopping and social media. It includes an array of features makes shopping an effortless part of enjoying your captivating visuals.
Think of your Instagram shop as your artistic canvas – personalize it to showcase your creativity. Curate collections and themes, whether it’s featuring new arrivals or seasonal gems, enhancing the shopping journey for your followers.
Similar to an online store, your products shine with detailed description pages. Price tags, compelling descriptions – everything you need is right there. Shoppers can complete purchases on your website or use Instagram checkout for ultimate convenience within the app.
But the excitement doesn’t end! Instagram offers a variety of features for a seamless shopping experience:
Shoppable Posts and Stories: Add product tags to videos and images, transforming them into gateways to your catalog. A tap gives more info about the item, seamlessly merging content and shopping.
Shoppable Ads: Elevate your shoppable posts with product tags in your ads. It’s easy, whether in Ads Manager or boosting existing feed posts.
Instagram Shop Tab: A haven for the curious, the shopping tab lets new customers discover brands that resonate with them, expanding your reach on the app.
Live Shopping Thrills: Love livestreaming? Instagram’s live shopping feature is your platform. Go live, showcase catalog or Facebook shop products with tags, and see them appear on-screen for instant purchases.
The best part? Creating your Instagram shop doesn’t cost a thing. You only pay a commission when Instagram checkout seals the deal. So, whether you’re into entrepreneurship or your passion fuels your creativity, Instagram provides a space to monetize your talents and authentically connect with your audience.
5. Sell Your Photos on Instagram
Turn your photography passion into profit on Instagram. It’s more than an image-sharing platform; it’s a potential art marketplace. To monetize your visual talent:
Showcase Quality: Don’t just scroll; list top-notch pics on platforms like 500px or Twenty20. Brands and individuals can license your work for income.
Beyond Digital: Selling isn’t limited to licenses. Use Printful, Teelaunch, etc., to create products like posters or phone cases. They handle orders and service, letting you focus on creating.
Inspiration from Success: Look at Daniel Arnold, who turned struggling to success. Selling prints of his work transformed his income.
Meet Demand: If people want your content, offer them the chance to own your art. This shift could be a game-changer.
Monetizing on Instagram isn’t just about likes; it’s about turning creativity into a revenue stream. Your photography could be more than a hobby; it could be a business.
6. Monetize Your Video Content on Instagram
Did you know you can earn money on Instagram by creating videos and going live? Here’s how:
In-Stream Video Ads:
If you enjoy making videos, you can now make money from them! Instagram lets you include ads in your videos. When people watch your videos, you earn a part of the ad money. It’s like getting a share of the ads’ income.
To start, go to your Account Settings, then tap on the Creator section, and find In-Stream Video Ads. Just follow the steps to turn it on. But remember, your videos must be original and at least two minutes long. Also, make sure you have the rights to any music you use.
Live Badges:
Imagine if your live videos could earn you money. Well, with Live Badges, they can! During your live broadcasts, your viewers can buy virtual badges. These badges give them special features, like unique hearts and a place on your badge list.
Viewers can choose from different badge options, like one heart for $0.99, two hearts for $1.99, or three hearts for $4.99. It’s like a virtual tip to show support for your awesome content!
7. Sell Unwanted Stuff
Do you know that you can make money on Instagram by selling your old stuff? Whether it’s clothes, furniture, or neat collector’s items, you can totally turn them into money. First, take nice pictures of your things and write fun descriptions. Then, share these pics on your Instagram page. Use hashtags like #ForSale or #VintageFinds to reach more people.
Make your page awesome by posting interesting stuff, not just sales posts. Check out Lavender Loveseat – they fix up old furniture and show it off on Instagram with cool pics. When people like what you’re selling, they’ll message you. Chat with them, maybe even lower the price a bit if they ask.
Once you agree on a price, they can pay you safely through methods like PayPal. Boom! You’re making money, decluttering, and helping the planet by giving things a new life.
How Much Do Instagram Influencers Make?
The amount of money Instagram influencers earn can vary quite a bit, from just a little bit of money to a whole lot! Their earnings depend on a few important things.
First, think about how many people follow them. If someone has a lot of followers, they might earn more money. Also, how active their followers are matters. Do people like and comment on their posts a lot? That can make a difference.
Another thing is how they promote stuff. Some influencers work with companies to promote products. They might earn money based on how many people buy things because of their posts.
The good news is that you don’t need a gazillion followers to make money. There are different levels of influencers:
- Nano-influencers: These are folks with around 1,000 to 10,000 followers. They might earn $10 to $100 for a post.
- Micro-influencers: With about 10,000 to 50,000 followers, they could make $100 to $500 per post.
- Mid-tier influencers: Those with 50,000 to 500,000 followers might earn $500 to $5,000 per post.
- Macro-influencers: People with 500,000 to 1 million followers might make $5,000 to $10,000 for a post.
- Mega-influencers: These big shots have 1 million or more followers and could earn $10,000 or even more for just one post!
So, whether you’ve got a little group of followers or a big bunch, there’s a chance to make some money. It’s not just about the numbers, though – it’s about connecting with your followers and having fun along the way!
How Many Instagram Followers Do You Need to Make Money?
Curious about how many Instagram followers you need to start making money? Well, the good news is that you don’t need a massive following like you might think. It’s not all about big numbers! What really matters is the connection you have with your followers and the stuff you share.
Here are a few things that count:
What You’re Into: If your posts are about things like fashion, food, beauty, or fitness, you’re in a popular group. People love those topics!
Friends, Not Fakes: Having lots of real, interested followers is much better than having a bunch of fake ones. Those fake accounts won’t help you much.
How You Make Money: There are different ways to earn, like promoting products or doing sponsored posts.
Even if you have around 1,000 engaged followers, you’re in the game. Some big Instagrammers make loads of cash, but even small accounts can start raking in some money.
Making Money on Instagram FAQs
Can I Really Make Money on Instagram?
Absolutely! Instagram isn’t just for sharing photos and connecting with friends anymore. It’s also a platform where you can earn money. There are seven cool ways to do it:
- Showcasing Sponsored Posts: When brands pay you to talk about their products.
- Becoming an Affiliate: You promote stuff, and when people buy through your link, you get a cut.
- Having Your Own Store: You can sell things you make or love.
- Creating an Instagram Shop: Like having your own little online store within Instagram.
- Selling Your Photos: If you’re a photography wizard, you can sell your cool snaps.
- Turning Your Content into Cash: If you’re super popular, you can make money through ads and stuff.
- Getting Rid of Old Stuff: Sell things you don’t need anymore to make some extra bucks.
Can I Make Money Even if I Don’t Have Many Followers?
Yes, you can! Neil Patel, a smart person who knows about this stuff, says you can make money with just 1,000 followers. The secret sauce is having followers who really like what you share. When they comment, share, and like your posts, it shows you have an engaged bunch of friends. Brands like that because they know people trust what you say. So, don’t worry if you don’t have a gazillion followers – you can still make some cash!
How Much Money Can I Make with 10K Followers?
If you have around 10,000 followers or less, you’re a micro-influencer. Cool title, right? These folks usually make about $88 for every post they make on Instagram. So, you don’t need a Kardashian-level following to score some pocket money.
Does Instagram Pay Me for Getting Likes?
Nope, sorry! Instagram is a friendly place where people give likes to show they like your posts. But these likes are like virtual high-fives – they don’t come with money. Even if you get a ton of them, Instagram won’t slide dollars into your account. So enjoy the love, but remember, the real cash comes from other sources.
Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.