With over a billion monthly active users, Instagram presents massive monetization potential. But actually generating revenue from Instagram followers can be easier said than done. That’s why we are here to answer the question –
What are the best techniques for Instagram specifically to convert that audience into real money?
As an influencer and social media marketing professional, I’ve identified several proven methods for earning income through Instagram over the years. In this guide, I’ll outline actionable strategies that I’ve used myself to drive real monetization results on Instagram, not just vanity metrics.
Let’s explore some of the top tried and tested approaches to truly capitalize on Instagram’s immense reach and scale!
How To Monetize Instagram?
To make money through Instagram, you must first build a following and grow it to a size that sponsors prefer. Creating a hook that draws people in and giving them a reason to follow you are two steps you need to take to increase your Instagram following. Your following increases as a result and companies are more inclined to hire you to promote their products once you’ve made a name for yourself.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start monetizing your Instagram account:
- Make sure your account is registered as a business account
- Create a profile that stands out
- Decide on a niche
- Ensure that your content is high-quality to attract followers
- Maintain a consistent approach
- Create a connection with your audience
- Develop relationships with fellow creators
- Keep an eye on your Instagram analytics
- Sell digital downloads
How To Make Money On Instagram: 9 Methods
The continued development of Instagram’s e-commerce features has given brands and the creators who work with them a wealth of new opportunities. Here are the top eight strategies to earn money using Instagram:
1. Sponsored Posts
You can primarily make money with their accounts by publishing sponsored posts or stories. This implies that you’ll occasionally need to post content that is pertinent to your sponsor, include the necessary hashtag (#ad), and tag the company that provided the sponsorship for your post.
Having said that, where do you look for a sponsor? You may occasionally be contacted by potential partners themselves. If you don’t have the time to wait around for a brand to contact you then you can choose a business that can help you connect to these brands. Pick a brand that you think your audience is gonna like.
2. Become An Influencer
The most common way to earn money on Instagram is through influencer marketing, which is also one of the primary ways marketers collaborate with creators. An influencer is essentially anyone who has developed a positive online reputation through their actions and online sharing of amazing things. Influencers are trusted authorities whose opinions on particular topics are respected by their audiences. They also set trends.
Brands and influencers frequently collaborate to create sponsored content that promotes the brands’ products. You should focus on creating quality content for your audience and your follower list will increase automatically.
However, remember that getting to this point requires a lot of time, effort, and talent. It is possible, without a doubt, but if you go in this direction, be sure to control your expectations.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is pretty much similar to sponsored posts. The difference between an affiliate marketing post and sponsored post is that you will earn commissions only when someone buys a product from your link. All in all, affiliate programs allows you to promote a product (so you must ensure that the brand you’re promoting is safe and resonates with your audience).
Additionally, while you are guaranteed to make money from sponsored posts, you could make more by choosing the right affiliated product to sponsor. Before choosing between sponsored posts and affiliate marketing, you must weigh its pros & cons to see which fits for you.
4. Open A Marketplace
Selling your merch is another amazing way to monetize your Instagram and it works really best if your audience loves your brand. This can include tangible products like clothing, accessories, or home decor as well as digital goods like e-books or presets.
Additionally, an Instagram Shop enables you to add an online store directly to your profile and has a wealth of tools that make it simple to share your products with potential buyers. Furthermore, you can advertise your goods to your followers directly through posts, stories, and the Shop icon on your account.
The best part is that you have total control over your product’s design, what you sell, and how much you charge.
5. Instagram Coaching Or Consulting
If you have a specific field of expertise, you could provide an online training course or masterclass for a fee. The most important thing is to establish yourself as an expert and gain the audience’s trust. To accomplish this, you must create valuable content: publish expert posts, answer the audience’s questions, post video tutorials, and so on.
For example, suppose you work as a digital marketer. In that case, alongside marketing your brand online, you can earn money by selling paid coaching services. This is also one of the way for fitness content creators to make money, as they may post short workout routines for free and then link a complete workout program that requires payment.
Additionally, you can provide free masterclasses and simply request tips from your members who can afford to do so. This is an effective method to employ if you want to boost engagement; there is no significant barrier to letting your audience consume your content, but there is still a simple way for them to pay if they wish to.
6. Paid Instagram Subscriptions
Instagram subscriptions, which were initially made available to select US creators, are now accessible to all qualified users. They enable content producers to provide exclusive content in return for a recurrent monthly fee from their fans. Subscribers who pay a monthly fee have access to additional content from a creator that isn’t available to the general public, such as subscriber-only Stories, exclusive live streams, and more.
Open the Instagram app and head to your professional dashboard to see if you qualify for Instagram Subscriptions. If you are qualified, you will be given the option to configure subscriptions for your account.
7. Enable Ads On Your Instagram Videos
Want to know how you can make extra income using Instagram? Videos can be a way.
Instagram reels are short videos that can inspire, inform, and engage viewers. You can strengthen your personal or business brand by creating Instagram reels with the creative suite and advanced features on Instagram. These videos are extremely popular right now, and if you can create some excellent ones, you might be able to participate in Instagram’s Reels Play bonus payout program – a comparatively new, invite-only program. It allows content creators to make money by creating viral videos, although it is currently only in the testing period.
On the other hand, you can also leverage IGTV ads to generate money! Running IGTV ads is one of the best ways to find out how much money Instagram pays. When you monetize your Instagram content, you allow brands to endorse their products on your video content via IGTV ads. Your Instagram earnings will be determined by the monetizable plays – the number of views your video gets. Usually, creators receive approximately 55% of ad revenue monthly.
8. Live Badges
If you are using the live feature of Instagram, then you can make money from your viewers by selling them your live badges during your live stream. Viewers can purchase these badges to support you as you showcase your skills, goods, and other things. While you live stream on Instagram, your viewers can buy a badge for $0.99 to $4.99.
To use the live badges, visit your profile and then click on the professional dashboard; there, you will find the live badges option. Then turn on Instagram monetization, and once you’re verified, you’ll see a Set Up Badges icon. Click that, and you’re done!
Furthermore, if you want your audience to attend your live stream, then advertise your Live video sessions in stories or posts in advance. Or, to increase engagement and sell badges, use the Q&A feature and thank commenters while you’re broadcasting.
Remember that even though a barrage of money-making heart emojis sounds fantastic, you need a minimum of 10K followers to qualify for badges.
9. Sell Digital Downloads
The most essential tool for selling digital products on Instagram is having a polished online store that handles transactions, whether hosted on Shopify, Etsy, or your own website. Link to this store prominently in your Instagram bio so it is easily accessible to followers.
Frequently posting high-quality, eye-catching images and videos that showcase your digital downloads is critical for promotion. Include clear calls-to-action in each post caption to view the product and purchase through your link. Leverage Instagram’s built-in shop tags to enable browsing and buying goods within the Instagram app.
Running paid Instagram ads focused specifically on your digital downloads can effectively target potential buyers likely to convert. Using Instagram Stories with compelling visuals, video demos, and limited-time promos can also attract purchasers. Partnering with relevant influencers to promote your products through sponsored posts and giveaways expands your audience.
How Many Followers Do You Need To Monetize Instagram?
There is no definite number of followers you require to monetize your Instagram. You can pretty much monetize your Instagram whenever you want and start earning money with a few followers. You can be successful with a small but loyal following and get brand deals with ease. You must have a high level of engagement on your Instagram account to earn some good money from it.
Many brands have a very large following, but their engagement levels are pretty low. It also depends on their marketing campaign strategies and what they want to achieve. It becomes much easier to turn engagement into sales if you have more than 1,000 followers. People with less than 10,000 followers couldn’t add links to their stories, but Instagram removed this restriction recently. This helped creators monetize their Instagram with ease.
Conclusion: How To Monetize Instagram (2024)
To receive payment, you must first create a payout account with Instagram. You can sign in to your banking account using your login credentials, manually enter your bank information, and link your PayPal account, or your offline bank account. After that, payments will be processed monthly; earnings from the preceding month are generally made around the 10th of each month.
With Instagram’s continued investment in e-commerce and creators, we can expect them to launch even more features to earn money using Instagram. As of now, you can convert your Instagram audience into real customers using the features outlined in this post.
