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Instagram stands out as one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, now surpassing one billion active users. Over recent years, it has transformed from a basic photo-sharing app into a robust digital marketing channel utilized by influencers and brands of all sizes to connect with their target audiences. According to Instagram Business, 60% of users turn to the platform to discover new products. Eighty percent of these users follow at least one brand, with 200 million accounts visiting business profiles daily, and two-thirds of profile visits come from people who do not follow the account. Like TikTok and Facebook, social media marketing on Instagram is at an all-time high.
If you’re interested in monetizing your Instagram, it’s not enough to just grow your followers—you also need the right business model in place. So, where do you begin?
This article will outline the top strategies to start earning money on Instagram this year.
Let’s dive in.
Disclaimer: This content includes affiliate links through which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase a plan. These are tools I have thoroughly vetted and recommend for making money on Instagram. You can read my full affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.
How to Earn Money on Instagram
People have the potential to generate significant income on Instagram: a recent Hopper HQ report states that Kylie Jenner earns about $1.2 million per post. Of course, most users will earn less, depending on factors like follower count, engagement, and reputation.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to monetize your Instagram presence:
1. Promote Affiliate Links
To make money through affiliate marketing, you should join high-paying affiliate programs. This allows you to add affiliate links to your Instagram posts or bio and earn commissions on sales generated.
When executed correctly, affiliate links can be highly profitable.
To get started, consider joining affiliate networks like Shareasale, Clickbank, Awin, and Impact. You can also find individual programs directly on company websites or by searching “COMPANY + affiliate program.” Given Instagram’s large and active user base, it’s a prime platform for promoting affiliate links.
Even if your follower count is modest, you can place a clickable link in your bio. For example, fashion influencer Sophie Shohet uses this space to promote links related to her content:
Since Sophie has over 10,000 followers, she can also utilize clickable Instagram Stories to share affiliate links. She promotes these links both through her posts and her profile, illustrating effective strategies for monetization:
2. Market Physical and Digital Goods
Over recent years, Instagram has become a powerful platform for selling products, especially for well-chosen eCommerce stores. People regularly browse Instagram to discover new items and make purchases. To support this, Instagram has introduced several business features like in-app checkout, a shopping button, product tags, and shoppable stickers, all designed to simplify the buying process. One innovative tool to help turn your Instagram content into sales is Square Online.
This platform transforms your Instagram posts into a fully functional online store in just three steps: first, connect your business account to Square; second, tag the items you want to sell in your posts; and finally, publish your website. The process makes it effortless to expand your sales beyond Instagram by creating a dedicated online storefront. To illustrate, here’s an example image demonstrating how Square Online works from Instagram posts.
Since selling products solely through Instagram can be challenging, creating a dedicated website is a strategic move. Square Online offers a free plan where you only pay transaction fees, and you can upgrade to a paid plan with a custom domain when your sales grow. Alternatively, there are many other eCommerce platforms and website builders like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace that you can use to set up an online shop, using Instagram as an additional marketing channel. If you’re just starting out, dropshipping businesses are a good option—they remove the need to handle inventory or shipping. Learning to sell on Amazon is another route, allowing you to promote your products on Instagram and reach a broader audience.
No matter which approach you choose, including links in your content is vital. Use engaging calls to action and provide website links so followers can easily explore your offerings. If you’ve switched to an Instagram creator account, you can also create shoppable posts directly within Instagram and sell products seamlessly within the app. A notable example is Katie Sturino, who successfully made use of this feature.
From affordable cosmetics and second-hand clothing to luxury apartments and high-end cars, the variety of products bought on Instagram is vast. Whatever product you offer, chances are your target audience is active on the platform. However, it’s crucial to identify your niche and analyze your competitors to stand out and succeed.by searching for relevant hashtags and keywords you want to target.
3. Publishing Sponsored Posts
Influencer marketing is rapidly growing. According to Social Toaster: 92% of people trust word-of-mouth recommendations, 76% feel more confident when content is shared by everyday individuals rather than brands, and 82% prefer getting referrals from friends before making a purchase.
This trend shows why many brands collaborate with influencers to promote their products through shoutouts. Since audiences value transparency, influencers are required to disclose sponsored content following the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines for online advertising. Here’s an example of a sponsored post on Instagram:
Daphne Nur Oz, a well-known TV host with over 387,000 followers, attracts big brands like J.Crew to her account, tapping into her engaged community. The good news is that you don’t need a huge following to earn money through sponsored posts. Brands often focus on engagement rates, so even nano- and micro-influencers with fewer than 1,000 followers can attract offers—especially because followers tend to trust influencers they interact with personally.
4. Becoming a Brand Ambassador
While sponsored posts are effective, many companies prefer long-term partnerships by designating influencers as brand ambassadors. Instagram, being the top platform for influencer marketing, is ideal for connecting with such programs. Major brands often send free products for review and promotion to ambassadors. For example, Jay Alvarrez, a lifestyle blogger with over 6 million followers on Instagram and YouTube, has formed lasting partnerships with brands, creating co-branded products and even designing exclusive collections. In 2018, he launched a travel gear line for Douchebags, a Norwegian luggage company, showcasing how influencers can leverage their reach to develop product lines and strengthen brand relationships.
5. Creating Visual Content for Sale
Instagram is inherently visual, with over 100 million photos and videos uploaded daily. However, standing out requires more than high-quality images. Consumers now value authenticity and are particularly influenced by user-generated content (UGC). Studies show that UGC is perceived as 35% more memorable than traditional advertising, making it a valuable asset for brands of all sizes. If you’re skilled at creating captivating photos and videos, this presents an opportunity to monetize your content by selling it directly to brands or using it to build a personal brand.The travel industry increasingly relies on connecting with real travelers who share their experiences through photos taken during their stays at various hotels and resorts. In exchange for free accommodations and sometimes payment, travelers post images on platforms like Instagram to showcase their visits. For example, a hotel might feature a traveler’s Instagram photo on their official profile, highlighting guest experiences and engaging potential visitors.
Similarly, businesses in the hospitality sector have seen great success leveraging user-generated content. Wanaka, a small town in New Zealand, experienced a 14% boost in tourism after collaborating with Instagram influencers who shared pictures of the area with their followers. Despite these benefits, this strategy works best if you have a substantial social media following. Small or less-known hotels should be cautious, as asking for free stays from influencers without a solid follower base can come across as insincere or annoying, especially to hotel owners.
Providing social media marketing services has become a lucrative opportunity, especially given Instagram’s significant sales potential. More companies want to use the platform to promote products, reach their target audiences, and drive sales. According to Business Instagram, over 25 million businesses and 2 million advertisers actively use the platform. With so much competition, brands seek professional help to stand out, increasing demand for social media marketing experts.
For instance, Jenn Herman, a recognized Instagram specialist who writes for Social Media Examiner and collaborates with major brands, offers a broad range of social media services, including strategy development, consulting, and training. She effectively uses Instagram herself to promote her services, demonstrating how experts can leverage the platform for business growth.
Another valuable service in this space is crafting captivating captions for businesses. The era when only large corporations could afford to market on Instagram has passed. Today, small and medium-sized businesses are eager to participate, with 92% planning to increase their social media efforts. While big companies often have dedicated content teams, smaller businesses frequently hire freelance writers to produce engaging captions at affordable rates.
Platforms like Freelancer and Upwork are full of opportunities for freelance writers skilled at creating compelling social media copy. Whether it’s offering personalized captions, strategic content advice, or ongoing support, social media experts and writers have many avenues to monetize their skills and help brands grow their online presence.
Image Source: Upwork.com
To stand out and secure a full-time position, your job application must grab attention, and showcasing your social media marketing portfolio is one of the most effective methods. Maintaining a creative Instagram page is equally important, as it displays your skills through captions, compelling followers and potential employers alike. The more innovative and captivating your captions are, the more chances you have to attract clients.
Make Instagram Stories masks and filters to enhance your content. Since their launch in 2016, Instagram Stories quickly gained immense popularity, surpassing Snapchat’s temporary content feature. Today, over 500 million users create or watch Stories daily. The limited nature of these posts keeps audiences engaged, providing brands a powerful platform to connect more deeply with their followers.
Companies often develop Instagram masks and filters to showcase their expertise and promote products. While some brands have dedicated designers, others collaborate with specialists in creating AR effects. If you have a flair for creativity, you can monetize your skills by designing filters using Spark AR Studio, which allows anyone to craft augmented reality effects for Instagram. For instance, Brenda Cardenas uses her Instagram profile to promote her custom-made filters, gaining visibility and income through her work.
With Instagram Stories becoming a dominant trend in ephemeral content, creating masks and filters is a fantastic way to demonstrate your creativity while earning money.
Instagram isn’t just a platform for sharing personal moments; it’s also a powerful networking tool, especially for creative professionals. When the platform hit 1 billion active users, it transformed into a hub for showcasing portfolios and attracting clients. Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, or public speaker, Instagram can serve as your online showcase to connect with potential clients.
For example, Jing Wei, an illustrator with over 20,000 followers, leverages her Instagram account to display her latest projects. She has collaborated with companies like Etsy, Panda Express, and the New York Times. Recently, she partnered with Shake Shack to create a mural, sharing the process and final result on her profile, illustrating how Instagram can be an effective platform for networking and attracting professional opportunities.
Image Source: Instagram.com
When individuals create dedicated Instagram profiles for their professional work, like Jing Wei, it’s clear that their goal is often to attract new clients. You can also optimize your Instagram bio to let visitors know that you’re open to freelance gig opportunities. Here’s an example of what that might look like:
Image Source: @upworkitagency
You can take a proactive approach by reaching out directly to potential clients—simply find an Instagram account relevant to your services and send them a direct message. For example, Al Falk, a web designer, uses this strategy to secure freelance clients, and it has proven effective. Ultimately, the key to success is maintaining credibility in your field; showcase your work on Instagram and clearly communicate that you are available for new freelance projects.
Tips To Make Instagram Work For You
Here are some actionable tips to help you leverage Instagram for business growth:
Find your niche. Running an Instagram shop allows you to target your ideal audience effectively and boost sales beyond what traditional marketing channels can achieve. To identify the right niche, dive deep into the subject—you should be immersed in it, living and breathing the topic rather than just thinking about it academically.
Authenticity is crucial. Audiences crave genuine content. Share photos and stories that reflect your true life and personality, which helps build your personal brand. Creating original, valuable content that resonates with your followers will also improve your visibility through Instagram’s relevance-based algorithm.
Learn how to market yourself. Effective self-promotion across platforms like Instagram, Shopify, or TikTok is essential. Start by sharing personal stories and everyday experiences to give your audience insights into your brand and how your product or service fits into real life.
Be transparent and cultivate trust. Whether you’re running ads, creating reels, or hosting live videos, clear and honest communication is vital. When people perceive authenticity and transparency, they are more likely to engage and develop trust with your brand.
Provide outstanding customer service. If you’re selling products on Instagram, ensure your online store offers excellent support. For newcomers, using tools like Shopify dropshipping can streamline this process. Remember, Instagram is a community—you’re not just selling but building relationships. Taking care of your customers and being dependable encourages loyalty and sets the foundation for long-term success.
How Much Money Can You Earn on Instagram?
Influencers and celebrities can earn substantial amounts through Instagram posts. The top-paid social media influencers can make anywhere from $8,400 to over $1.2 million per post. Your earnings largely depend on your reputation, follower count, and ability to grow your audience over time. To estimate your income potential, focus on your engagement rate—this metric signals how active your followers are. Likes and comments are more meaningful than views alone, as they reflect actual user interaction.
To calculate your engagement rate, add up the likes and comments on a post, divide this number by your total followers, then multiply by 100. This percentage indicates how engaged your audience is and influences your earning potential.
No matter your current engagement rate, there’s always a chance to improve. The key is to identify your specific niche and focus on promoting your services effectively, which can lead to greater income over time.
How you approach monetization on Instagram plays a big role. From sponsored content to social media marketing services, there are many creative ways for individuals to earn money on this platform. Consistent effort and smart strategies can make a significant difference, and it’s never too late to start building your income streams on Instagram.
How to Make Money on Instagram FAQ
Can I sell products on Instagram?
Yes, you can sell products directly through Instagram using Shoppable Posts. To maximize your sales, it’s best to integrate your account with an ecommerce platform. Here are the essential steps:
– Switch your account to a business profile.
– Ensure you have a Facebook Page linked with an active product catalog.
– Sell physical products, as services aren’t permitted.
– Once eligible, add product tags to your posts by selecting a photo, tapping on the product, entering your catalog’s product name, and confirming.
Can I make money with only 1,000 Instagram followers?
While earning substantial income with just 1,000 followers is unlikely, it remains possible. Brands tend to pay anywhere from $10 to $500 for every 1,000 followers, depending on your niche and engagement. If you’re aiming to monetize, consider combining Instagram with other marketing channels. For example, you could start a blog and promote your digital products or affiliate marketing links. Alternatively, you could sell products through your own website using a trusted ecommerce platform. Although the earnings might be modest with a small following, using multiple channels can significantly boost your overall income.
How many followers are needed to make money on Instagram?
The exact number varies depending on your industry and engagement levels. You can generate income with as few as 1,000 followers or as many as a million. However, brands value active, engaged audiences more than just large follower counts. Micro-influencers with passionate followings often have more influence than celebrities with millions of followers because brands seek genuine interaction and results—such as leads, sign-ups, and sales—not just views.
How can I grow my Instagram followers quickly?
There are numerous strategies to increase your followers rapidly. Some of the best include:
– Developing a targeted social media plan suited to your audience.
– Creating a compelling bio and profile.
– Maintaining consistent branding and visual themes.
– Sharing high-quality content and cross-promoting on other platforms.
– Using hashtag research tools to find relevant tags and adding up to 30 hashtags per post.
– Posting regularly and on a consistent schedule.
– Hosting contests, giveaways, or offering promo codes to encourage following.
– Collaborating with influencers and engaging with their followers.
– Using Instagram ads to reach a broader audience.
– Participating actively in niche communities to boost visibility.
**What is considered an average number of followers on Instagram?**
Follower counts vary widely, but the average is approximately 150 followers. Many accounts have fewer than 100 followers, while some reach millions. Whether you’re an individual or a small business, the focus should be on building an engaged and active community rather than fixating on vanity metrics.
How do you get sponsored on Instagram?
Gaining sponsorships involves consistent effort and strategic growth. Often, you’ll need to pitch brands directly rather than waiting for offers. To get started:
– Clearly define your personal brand and understand your audience deeply.
– Post consistently with relevant hashtags and location tags.
– Tag brands in your posts that align with your niche.
– Include contact details and sponsorship interests in your bio.
– Reach out proactively to brands with sponsorship proposals.
The Bottom Line
Instagram is one of the most rapidly expanding social media platforms, boasting high engagement levels. With the right approach, it’s entirely possible to earn money—whether through sponsored posts, marketing services, or selling products. Building a successful income stream requires dedication over time, but the effort can pay off significantly. There’s no better time than now to start monetizing your Instagram account and grow your presence further.
For tools that can help accelerate your growth, check out my reviews of the best social media management software available this year.