How To Earn Money From Instagram: Instagram isn’t just for scrolling—it’s a powerful platform to generate passive income! Whether you’re selling products, offering services, or building a personal brand as an influencer, Instagram provides countless ways to monetize your creativity and time.
This guide will teach you how to make money on Instagram and help you scale your online presence. From selling merchandise and promoting affiliate products to offering digital services, the possibilities are endless. To inspire you, we’ve curated 10 successful examples of brands making money on Instagram, showcasing how businesses are thriving through Instagram’s tools and features.
Start by identifying your niche and target audience, then craft engaging content to capture their attention. Use Instagram’s features like Stories, Reels, and shoppable posts to connect with your followers and drive sales.
Pro Tip: Amplify your Instagram marketing by creating a professional website and linking it to your bio using a link-in-bio tool. Platforms like Hopp make it easy to direct followers to your website, portfolio, or shop.
With the right strategies and consistency, Instagram can be a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey. Start exploring these opportunities today and turn your time on Instagram into a profitable venture!
Can You Make Money on Instagram?
Absolutely! Instagram is a top platform for creators and influencers to monetize their content and grow their audience. According to CBInsights, Instagram offers significant opportunities for creators to earn, whether through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or selling products (learn more about how to make money as an influencer).
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, is actively supporting creators in building sustainable incomes. In 2021, Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to keep paid online events, fan subscriptions, badges, and independent news products free for creators until at least 2023, enabling them to maximize their earnings on the platform.
Instagram also introduced the Instagram Payouts feature, which provides transparency for creators. This tool allows users to see their estimated payouts after factoring in taxes, refunds, and in-app purchase fees, helping creators better understand their earnings.
Whether you’re an educator, influencer, or entrepreneur, Instagram offers plenty of tools to turn your creativity into income. With the right strategies and consistency, you can unlock the platform’s potential to make money while building a loyal following.
10 strategies to monetize Instagram
1. Partner with Brands for Sponsored Posts on Instagram

One of the most effective ways to earn money on Instagram is by becoming an influencer—whether nano (500-10,000 followers), micro (10,000-50,000), or beyond. Influencers collaborate with brands, promoting their products or services through engaging content in exchange for monetary compensation or gifts. These partnerships often involve sponsored posts, shoutouts, or Reels, which can also include links to your website or services.
Instagram’s visual-centric platform makes it an ideal space for businesses to reach potential customers. As an influencer, your earnings depend on your follower count and engagement rate. For instance, nano influencers typically earn $10-$100 per post, while micro influencers can make $100-$500 per post.
To secure brand partnerships, consider these approaches:
- Join Influencer Marketplaces: Platforms like Instagram’s Creator Marketplace match brands with influencers based on campaign goals.
- Create a Media Kit: Showcase your follower demographics, engagement rates, and content samples in a digital portfolio or PDF.
- Reach Out Directly: Tag brands in your posts or pitch your services via email.
To join Instagram’s Creator Marketplace, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements (18+ and compliance with Instagram’s policies). You can check your eligibility in your professional dashboard and start building profitable brand collaborations today.
2.Use Instagram to Increase Website Traffic

Instagram is more than just a social media platform—it’s a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website and increasing online sales. Studies show that 80% of users discover and purchase new products or services through Instagram. By strategically promoting your brand, you can turn followers into website visitors and, ultimately, paying customers.
One of the most effective ways to drive traffic is by creating engaging content that encourages users to click on your website link. Use Instagram’s bio section to include a link to your homepage, blog, or a specific product page. Additionally, Instagram Stories and Reels allow you to add clickable links for users to explore your website directly.
Another strategy is to run promotional campaigns, such as giveaways or discounts, and direct users to your website to participate. You can also use Instagram Ads to reach a larger audience and drive targeted traffic.
Ultimately, the more people interact with your Instagram content, the better your chances of growing website traffic. This not only boosts your sales but also helps build a loyal customer base and expand your email marketing list for long-term success.
3.Get Paid as a Creator on Instagram

Instagram has introduced multiple ways for creators to monetize their content, with Facebook committing over $1 billion to creator programs by the end of 2022. Through features like IGTV Ads, Instagram Live Badges, Bonuses, and Instagram Gifts, creators can turn their passion into income.
Instagram Live Badges
Live Badges allow fans to support creators during live streams by sending virtual tips in the form of hearts. These badges are available in packages ranging from $0.99 to $4.99. To activate this feature, go to your “Professional Dashboard,” tap “Grow Your Business,” and select “Badges.” During a live session, simply click the “badges” icon to enable them. Building trust with your followers and delivering engaging content are key to maximizing earnings through this feature.
Instagram Gifts
With Instagram Gifts, fans can purchase Stars (each worth $0.01) and send them on eligible Reels or during live videos as a token of appreciation. Activate this feature through your professional dashboard to start earning while engaging with your audience.
Bonuses
Bonuses reward creators for achieving specific milestones, such as completing a set number of Instagram Lives or creating Reels. However, this program is currently invite-only, so stay updated on eligibility.
4. Become an Affiliate Marketer on Instagram

Affiliate marketing offers a lucrative way to earn money on Instagram by earning commission-based income instead of getting paid per post. As an affiliate, you earn a percentage of every sale you generate, with commissions typically ranging between 5% and 30%. Brands track your sales using unique promo codes or trackable UTM links. On Instagram, affiliate programs are often referred to as “Brand Ambassador” opportunities, which you can apply for on a company’s website or be invited to join.
Unlike influencers, your follower count isn’t the main factor brands consider when choosing affiliates. Instead, they prioritize finding individuals who genuinely connect with their audience and align with the brand’s values.
To promote products on Instagram, you can include trackable links in your bio or add swipe-up links to Stories (if you have over 10,000 followers). However, since link placement is limited on the platform, many affiliates create blogs to expand their reach. By writing SEO-optimized blog posts with affiliate links, you can attract more buyers and increase your earnings—a popular and effective strategy for affiliate marketers.
5. Open an Instagram Shop and Start Selling

An Instagram Shop functions like an online store, but it’s entirely hosted on the app. Instagram’s slogan “post, tag, sell” perfectly summarizes how it works. After setting up your shop, you can upload product images, descriptions, and prices. From there, users can discover, shop, and even check out without ever leaving Instagram.
For example, Wix user Palm & Wild created an Instagram Shop to sell their elegant art prints. By extending their sales beyond their website, they reached new customers and boosted sales. They also included their website URL, palmandwild.com, in their Instagram bio to drive traffic and showcase more of their products.
Here’s a quick guide to setting up your own Instagram Shop:
- Switch to a Business Account: A business account is necessary for selling on Instagram.
- Connect Your Facebook Page: To easily manage your shop, connect your Facebook page to Instagram.
- Upload a Product Catalog: Add your merchandise, including images, descriptions, and prices.
- Complete the Account Review: Instagram will review your account to ensure it meets their requirements.
- Enable Shopping: Once approved, turn on the Shopping feature and start tagging products in your posts and stories.
An Instagram Shop makes selling simple, visual, and accessible for both businesses and customers.
6. Offer Instagram Marketing Services

If you have a knack for Instagram marketing, caption writing, or content creation, you can turn your skills into a profitable freelancing business. By helping businesses improve their Instagram strategies, you can earn anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour or even charge up to $100 for writing engaging captions.
To attract clients, promote your services directly in your Instagram bio and showcase your expertise through your posts. Additionally, platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can help you connect with more potential clients looking for Instagram marketing professionals.
To streamline bookings, consider adding an online scheduling tool to your website, making it easy for customers to book your services directly. With the right marketing and expertise, you can turn your Instagram skills into a thriving freelance career.
7. Create an Instagram Feature Account

An Instagram feature account acts as a curated hub that showcases content from various creators within a specific niche. For example, a travel feature account might share stunning photos from top travel bloggers while giving them credit by tagging their profiles. Feature accounts exist in countless niches, offering plenty of inspiration for creating your own.
But how can you make money from a feature account? Once your account grows to a significant size, you can offer paid features on your feed or Instagram Stories. Many creators are willing to pay for the exposure, with rates typically ranging from $15 to $30 per post.
Additionally, some feature accounts generate income by managing follower loops, “like-for-like” engagement groups, or exclusive VIP memberships, charging $20 to $30 per month for participation.
This income stream doesn’t involve selling physical products but requires consistent effort. You’ll need to actively engage with accounts in your niche, message potential clients, and focus on growing your follower base. With dedication, a feature account can become a profitable and creative way to monetize Instagram.
8. Sell Photos, Illustrations, or Digital Files

Instagram’s visual-first approach makes it the perfect platform for designers, photographers, and creatives to monetize their talents. Whether you’re selling photos to businesses—common in industries like travel—or offering your own creations, such as prints, illustrations, or digital artwork, Instagram can be a valuable sales channel.
Think of Instagram as your “storefront window,” showcasing your best work to attract clients. If you have a photography website or online portfolio, use Instagram to drive traffic and generate interest. By pairing your talent with the platform’s vast audience, you can grow your client base and turn your creativity into a thriving business.
9. Start a Dropshipping Business

Starting a business often involves challenges like managing inventory and logistics, but with dropshipping, you can avoid these hurdles. Dropshipping allows you to run an online store without holding any stock. Instead, you partner with suppliers who handle inventory, order fulfillment, and shipping directly to your customers.
This business model gives you access to a wide range of products, including T-shirts, books, mugs, and pillows. You can choose items that align with your niche, set your own pricing, and focus on maximizing profits without the hassle of warehousing or shipping.
To succeed in dropshipping, create a dedicated Instagram page for your business. Use this platform to showcase your products with visually appealing photos and videos. Share engaging content that resonates with your target audience, and include a link to your online store in your bio to drive traffic.
Instagram’s visual nature and massive user base make it an ideal platform to advertise your products, build brand awareness, and boost sales. With dropshipping, you can focus on growing your business while leaving logistics to your suppliers.
10. Monetize Your Expertise with Exclusive Content

People have an innate curiosity and a drive to learn, which is why platforms like Coursera, Masterclass, and Udacity are so popular. If you’re skilled in a particular field, creating exclusive content like online courses is a great way to earn money. Instagram serves as a powerful platform to promote your course and attract registrations.
The pricing for online courses typically starts at around $100 for basic content, while more comprehensive courses can cost thousands. However, your options aren’t limited to courses alone. You can also create and sell simple downloadable resources such as eBooks, guides, whitepapers, or templates. These products are not only easy to create but also highly lucrative when marketed effectively.
Use Instagram to showcase your expertise by sharing educational posts, engaging reels, or behind-the-scenes content about your offerings. Include a link in your bio to direct followers to your course or downloadable content. With the right strategy, Instagram can help you turn your knowledge into a reliable source of income while building a loyal audience.
Some pointers for Instagram success
1. Be Proactive and Resilient
To succeed in monetizing Instagram, taking proactive steps is key. Don’t hesitate to reach out to brands for partnership opportunities and apply to multiple ambassador programs. Early on, even consider collaborating with others for free to build your network and experience. The more you put yourself out there, the more you increase your chances of success.
Resilience is also essential in this journey. As you navigate your Instagram monetization efforts, be ready to face challenges and setbacks. Remain committed to your long-term objectives while making adjustments for emerging trends or audience input.
Remember the wise words of Robin Sharma: “The only failure is not trying.” Your efforts will yield results if you keep pushing forward, even when progress seems slow. Each opportunity you seize and every connection you make brings you closer to your goals.You may make money from your Instagram profile if you put in the effort.Stay proactive, be resilient, and continue to evolve as you grow your brand and reach.
2. Pick a Niche
Selecting a niche is essential for building a strong presence on Instagram. By focusing on a specific area of interest, you position yourself as an expert, making it easier to attract followers and secure brand partnerships. A broad topic like being a general food influencer might not stand out, but narrowing your focus can make a significant difference. For example, concentrating on vegan or gluten-free cuisine allows you to target a specific audience, giving you a competitive edge.
Focusing on a niche not only helps you build a dedicated community but also makes you more appealing to brands within that industry. With a clear target audience, you’re more likely to attract relevant collaborations and partnerships. This strategy will help you carve out your unique space on Instagram and enhance your chances of success.
3. Use a Multi-Channel Approach
Expand your reach by staying active across multiple platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and starting a blog or newsletter. Cross-promote your content to inform your audience about all the places they can follow you. By diversifying your presence, you attract relevant followers from different channels and maximize your visibility.
For instance, if you’re a musician, Instagram can serve as a platform to showcase your music, while YouTube can offer full-length videos or live performances. You can even provide links for fans to download your music for a fee. Additionally, platforms like Patreon enable you to take your monetization further by offering exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes footage or early access to new releases.
A multi-channel approach allows you to connect with your audience in various ways and tap into different revenue streams, increasing your overall potential to earn and grow your brand.
4. Regularly Engage with Others on Instagram
Building a loyal community on Instagram goes beyond simply posting beautiful content. It’s essential to engage actively with others by liking, commenting, messaging, and sharing their posts. Just uploading a photo won’t build meaningful connections. By engaging with others, you show that you are a real person who genuinely cares about your audience’s content and interests.
Engagement is key to making your followers feel seen and valued. To enhance your connections, storytelling is crucial. Share compelling stories in your captions and posts to create emotional connections with your audience. When you tell authentic, relatable stories, it helps you stand out and resonate with your followers on a deeper level.
Additionally, consistently interacting with your community will strengthen your presence on Instagram. When you engage with others regularly, you become more relatable and approachable, which encourages more people to interact with your content. By fostering these genuine connections, you’ll grow a more engaged and loyal following over time, enhancing your Instagram experience and increasing your overall reach.
Instagram-based brands that generate revenue
1. SouKenya
Influencer SouKenya exemplifies the power of Instagram brand partnerships. In one of her posts, she showcases herself applying Armani Beauty makeup, while marking the post with a “paid partnership” label. This transparent approach is key in influencer marketing, maintaining trust and authenticity with her followers.
Her strategy highlights the importance of clear communication with audiences, ensuring that brand partnerships are genuine and not misleading. By following these guidelines, influencers can create successful collaborations that benefit both brands and followers.
For more inspiration, look at how major influencers like Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez, and others have turned their Instagram presence into a money-making machine. These celebrities show the immense potential of leveraging social media to build lucrative partnerships. They offer valuable lessons for those looking to monetize their accounts effectively, turning everyday content into revenue streams while maintaining engagement with their audience.
2. Mike Holston
Mike Holston, also known as @therealtarzann, has gained over six million followers on Instagram by sharing captivating content featuring exotic animals like giant snakes, leopards, and rare lizards. His videos not only showcase these fascinating creatures but also provide educational insights, making his account both entertaining and informative. With each IGTV video averaging over 400,000 views, Mike’s content attracts substantial attention, offering ample opportunities for monetization. Brands related to wildlife, education, and adventure are likely to partner with influencers like Mike to reach their target audiences. Holston’s unique niche has turned his passion for animals into a profitable venture, demonstrating how creative and engaging content can help influencers generate income on Instagram. Mike’s success highlights the power of niche content in building a dedicated following and creating valuable advertising opportunities. By consistently sharing captivating videos and educational posts, Mike has found a sustainable way to make money while inspiring and educating his audience about wildlife.
3. Joy McElveen
Joy McElveen, with a growing following of over 2,000, has effectively established herself as a Brand Ambassador for Brown Girl Jane, a wellness and beauty brand specializing in CBD skincare. Through her posts, Joy seamlessly integrates promotional codes and compelling calls-to-action, encouraging her audience to try the brand’s products. By authentically sharing her experience and passion for wellness, she connects with her followers on a personal level while promoting a product she believes in.
As a brand ambassador, Joy’s influence goes beyond simply promoting a product; she creates a sense of community and trust, making her recommendations feel genuine. This approach helps drive sales and brand awareness, as her followers are more likely to trust her recommendations. Joy’s success demonstrates how smaller influencers can leverage brand partnerships effectively, with a focus on authenticity and a loyal audience. By integrating promotional content with engaging, relatable storytelling, she continues to inspire and impact her followers in a meaningful way.
4. Palm & Wild
Palm & Wild, a Wix user, has successfully launched an Instagram Shop to showcase their elegant art prints. By expanding their reach beyond their website, they can now connect with new audiences and generate sales directly on Instagram. To further boost their online presence, they’ve included their website URL, palmandwild.com, in their Instagram bio, offering potential customers an easy way to explore more of their artwork and products. This strategic approach helps drive traffic to their site while also increasing visibility on the platform. Through Instagram’s shop feature, Palm & Wild are tapping into a growing market, making it easier for followers to discover and purchase their beautiful art. By combining Instagram shopping with their website, they’ve created a seamless shopping experience that continues to engage their audience and enhance sales opportunities.
5. Underwater Photography Nature
The Instagram account “Underwater Photography Nature” showcases breathtaking water-based photography, gaining over 135,000 followers with an impressive average of 5,000 likes per photo. This account has found two effective ways to monetize its content. Firstly, they use their bio to encourage collaborations, writing, “For features/promo/shoutouts use email contact,” offering brands a chance to connect and advertise. Secondly, they leverage their captions to promote advertising opportunities, such as offering promotions on their popular page to reach their vast audience.
By combining captivating content with strategic monetization tactics, “Underwater Photography Nature” has turned its Instagram page into a revenue-generating platform while continuing to provide visually stunning, nature-inspired photography. This approach allows them to engage their audience and attract brand partnerships, enhancing both their visibility and earnings. Through these methods, they’ve built a successful business while maintaining the authenticity of their artistic focus.
6. Arnie
Amie, the founder of @rebellenutrition, has turned her passion into a seven-figure business while traveling the world. Through her Instagram account, she educates others on earning passive income by creating online courses. She regularly shares sneak peeks of the key topics covered in her courses and provides clear instructions on how to sign up, making it easy for her followers to take action. By combining valuable educational content with an aesthetically pleasing feed, she effectively demonstrates the value of her offerings.
Amie knows how to build trust with her audience and showcase the benefits of her expertise. Her approach is a prime example of how to use Instagram not just as a platform for engagement but as a tool for business growth. Through her strategic use of both visual appeal and informative posts, she successfully promotes her courses and encourages her followers to invest in their own growth. Amie’s Instagram is a perfect blend of business and inspiration.
7. Sweet Mana
A Wix user named Sweet Mana has established a lucrative dropshipping company selling handcrafted botanical skincare products that encourage mindfulness and relaxation.Their Instagram feed is filled with vibrant product images and tropical nature shots, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re using the products yourself. By opting for a dropshipping model, Sweet Mana has been able to avoid the costs and logistics of holding inventory, allowing them to focus more on growing their brand and engaging with customers.
This approach has not only saved time and money but has also positioned their Instagram account to generate even more profit. The combination of visually appealing content and a unique product offering has made Sweet Mana a standout brand in the wellness space, demonstrating the potential for success in the dropshipping business.
Making Money on Instagram vs. YouTube
There are notable differences in how creators can monetize their content on Instagram compared to YouTube. On YouTube, the primary way to earn money is through advertising revenue. Creators can display ads in their videos and earn a share of the revenue generated from these ads. In addition to ads, YouTube creators can make money through sponsorships, brand deals, and merchandise sales.
Instagram, on the other hand, doesn’t have an advertising revenue-sharing model. Instead, money is made through various other methods, including sponsored posts, shoutouts, affiliate marketing, and selling products directly through the platform. Instagram also offers opportunities for monetization via Instagram Reels and Instagram Live, where creators can engage with their audience in real-time.
While both platforms offer unique monetization opportunities, Instagram tends to be more focused on direct partnerships and content promotion, whereas YouTube offers more passive income through ad revenue sharing.
How to Use Instagram to Market Your Company and Earn Money
To make money on Instagram, it’s essential to have an effective marketing strategy that drives traffic to your account and maximizes engagement.Using sponsored advertising is among the most effective ways to accomplish this.. Instagram ads are an effective tool for reaching potential customers, making them a vital part of any digital marketing plan.
Instagram also offers an excellent platform to build and nurture a community of your target audience. Engaging with followers regularly is key to developing loyalty and trust, which are crucial for monetizing your account. While this process can take time and effort, a strong and active follower base is indispensable for business success.
Additionally, creating content that has the potential to go viral can significantly expand your reach. Whether through humorous memes, engaging videos, or shareable posts, think about how to create content that resonates with a wide audience to boost your visibility and grow your community.
In Action: Earning Money on Instagram
Instagram offers incredible potential for earning money when used effectively. By employing the right strategies and techniques, you can transform your account into a steady source of income. While building a strong and lasting presence on the platform takes time and effort, the rewards make it a worthwhile investment.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into leveraging Instagram to generate income.
Always prioritize authenticity and stay true to your audience—this is the key to building trust and achieving long-term success. With dedication and creativity, you’ll be on your way to Instagram success in no time. Best of luck!
Conclusion:-
Earning money from Instagram is no longer a dream but a reality for millions of users worldwide. By choosing the right strategies, such as building a niche audience, collaborating with brands, offering exclusive content, or even selling products, you can turn your Instagram account into a source of income.
However, success on Instagram requires patience, consistency, and authenticity. Focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience, engage with your followers, and stay true to your passion. Whether you’re starting small or aiming big, the opportunities on Instagram are endless if you remain dedicated.
Remember, it’s not just about making money—it’s about building a brand and a community that supports your journey. So, get started today and make your Instagram account work for you!
FAQ:-
Can you really make money from Instagram?
Yes, Instagram provides multiple opportunities to make money, such as sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, selling products, offering services, or promoting online courses.
How many followers do I need to start earning money?
You don’t need millions of followers to make money. Even accounts with 1,000 to 10,000 followers (micro-influencers) can earn by having an engaged and loyal audience.
How do I find brands to collaborate with?
Reach out to brands in your niche via direct messages or emails. You can also join influencer platforms like AspireIQ or Upfluence to connect with companies looking for collaborations.
Can I earn money with a personal account, or do I need a business account?
While a personal account can generate income, switching to a professional or business account unlocks tools like Instagram Insights, ad promotions, and contact buttons, which are helpful for monetization.
Do I need to invest money to start earning on Instagram?
Not necessarily. However, investing in good content creation tools (like a camera or editing apps) and running paid ads can help grow your account faster and attract potential sponsors.