Let’s explore the top 10 proven strategies for generating income on Instagram. The platform’s active communities are a magnet for businesses. If your follower base aligns with a brand’s target market, you have a chance to earn. Not keen on the influencer route? Try selling your products.

While Instagram superstars rake in substantial sums, regular users can also earn a decent income.

Research from a search marketing site reveals that influencers with a million followers can earn a minimum of $670 per post. For instance, an Instagram content creator with 100,000 followers can earn roughly $200 per post, while someone with 10,000 followers can make around $88 per post.

The equation is simple: more followers + more posts = more earnings.

Wondering if it’s possible to earn with a smaller following? You absolutely can make money on Instagram with 1,000 followers. Renowned digital marketing expert Neil Patel emphasizes the significance of engagement—likes, shares, and comments on your posts.

“Even with 1,000 dedicated followers, there’s a good chance of making money,” he shared on his blog.

Patel adds that with an engaged following, regardless of size, “brands are willing to invest because they see profitable action happening through those accounts.”

10 Ways to Generate Income on Instagram

1 – Secure Sponsorships

Sponsored posts and stories are a primary income source for Instagram users. For example, if your feed features your dog on hikes, an outdoor gear company might pay you to post photos that show their products.

How to Attract Sponsors on Instagram

Finding sponsors can be proactive or passive. While some potential partners may reach out, you can also explore companies that connect brands with creators.

Utilize a Service

The platform you choose depends on your needs. Some agencies, such as Mobile Media Lab, collaborate directly with brands, while others like Influicity connect you with partners on a marketplace. Services like Aspire streamline the management of your affiliate relationships.

Maintain Authenticity

When seeking partners or evaluating offers, prioritize products and services that align with your interests and those of your audience. Your followers, who adore your dog, are more likely to trust your recommendation for a dog backpack than gourmet cat food. Stay true to your experiences. If your dog destroys “indestructible” toys or dislikes sweaters, don’t endorse them.

Identify brands that resonate with your niche. While your outdoor dog’s fans may appreciate general dog product recommendations, they’ll value your expertise on the best winter boots for their furry friends.

Remember, sponsored content on Instagram is subject to advertising regulations. Ensure transparency by disclosing paid posts and stories. Activate branded content settings in your account and tag your business partners.

2 – Promote Your Business

Instagram offers various avenues for monetization beyond sponsorships. Establish a business account and expand your reach. For instance, if you have an Etsy shop or an ad-supported food blog, a professional Instagram account can significantly amplify your marketing efforts. (This strategy is also popular on TikTok.)

Direct traffic to your Etsy shop or website through your profile link, or showcase specific products on your profile to attract potential customers. If your account is eligible for Instagram Shopping, tag products directly for promotion.

3 – Set Yourself Up for Success

Capture high-quality photos of your products or projects to enhance visibility. Research relevant hashtags and observe competitor usage. Encourage customers to share photos with your products, tagging your account.

Utilize Instagram Insights to understand your audience. Analyze post reach, audience demographics, and more.

Leverage the platform’s features to connect with new customers. Consider promoting posts for wider visibility. Add a contact button to your profile with your email address or phone number for direct inquiries.

4 – Sell Pre-Loved Items

Even without a dedicated business, you can monetize your Instagram presence. Link your Poshmark profile or other selling platforms in your bio. Many sellers use the hashtag #shopmycloset to showcase their offerings.

5 – Earn Badges Through Live Videos

Instagram Live offers a direct monetization method through badges. Showcase your skills, products, or engage with your audience in real-time, allowing viewers to purchase badges as a form of support. Badges are available at various price points: $0.99, $1.99, and $4.99. A heart icon appears next to the purchaser’s comment.

Announce upcoming live sessions through posts and stories. Utilize the Q&A feature and acknowledge comments during your broadcast to boost engagement and encourage badge purchases.

6 – Monetize Videos with Ads

Allowing brands to advertise on your videos is another income stream. Enable the monetization option for in-stream video ads in your creator account settings and continue posting as usual.

Your earnings depend on the ad impressions on your videos. According to Instagram for Business, you receive 55% of the generated revenue per view.

Note that videos must meet specific requirements for monetization, including a minimum length of 2 minutes. Instagram recommends aiming for 2-4 minutes.

7 – Offer Paid Tutorials or Masterclasses

Similar to leveraging a blog or vlog, this method involves directly charging your followers for specialized knowledge or services.

If you possess expertise in a particular area, offer online masterclasses with paid access. This strategy is prevalent among fitness influencers who share short workout snippets for free and link to paid full routines.

8 – Promote Special Offers

Capitalize on the bargain-hunting nature of Instagram users (44% use the platform for shopping weekly) by online audiences.

Showcase the value your business offers, particularly during sales. Announce sales, promo codes, and special offers on Instagram to inform your followers and facilitate easy sharing.

9 – Collaborate with Other Businesses

Partnering with businesses, like collaborating with creators, expands your reach to a wider customer base. Connect with businesses in your niche and explore joint contests or giveaways to gain followers and engage new audiences.

Partner with Creators

Instagram influencer marketing allows you to tap into a creator’s audience while introducing the creator to yours, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

When selecting collaborators, prioritize those whose content and values align with your brand. Authentic partnerships resonate better with audiences and avoid appearing like forced marketing tactics.

10 – Drive Traffic to Your Blog or Vlog

Monetizing your website through advertising or YouTube earnings can be lucrative. Utilize Instagram to direct your followers to your external platform (consider using a link tree in your bio to maximize the single link allowance).

Here are a few examples:

• A food enthusiast who shares culinary creations on Instagram and provides full recipes on their blog
• A YouTuber who posts vlog highlights on Reels and links to their channel for the complete videos
• A fashion influencer showcasing outfits on Instagram and linking to their website with purchase information
• An outdoor adventurer sharing stunning landscapes and linking to blog posts detailing their travel itineraries

Conclusion

Instagram offers a wealth of money-making opportunities when you leverage the right tools and strategies Success demands.

Whether it’s selling photos, securing sponsorships, getting paid for reposts, or promoting your own online store, options abound for users of all sizes.

With its vast and growing audience, Instagram is poised to remain a lucrative platform for years to come.