There are many ways to make money on Instagram, depending on your goals, skills, and audience. Here are some of the most popular methods:
- Work with brands: You can get paid for sponsored posts that promote a product or service of a brand. You need to have a large and engaged following, a clear niche, and a consistent style. You can reach out to brands that align with your values and audience, or join platforms that connect influencers with brands. For example, AspireIQ is a platform that helps you find and manage brand partnerships.
- Promote affiliate links: You can earn commissions by promoting products or services that you use and love. You need to have a loyal and trusting audience that values your recommendations. You can join affiliate programs of companies that offer products or services related to your niche, or use platforms that aggregate affiliate offers. For example, Amazon Associates is a program that lets you earn up to 10% in referral fees for qualifying purchases.
- Start an Instagram shop: You can sell your own products or services directly through your profile or website. You need to have a unique and high-quality product or service that solves a problem or fulfills a need for your audience. You can use Instagram’s shopping features to create a catalog of your products, tag them in your posts and stories, and enable checkout within the app. For example, Glossier is a beauty brand that sells its products through its Instagram shop.
- Make money from your content: You can monetize your original and creative content by enabling ads on your Instagram Reels, using Badges in your livestreams, or earning milestone bonuses for reaching certain goals. You need to have a large and engaged audience that enjoys watching your content. You also need to meet the eligibility requirements for each feature, such as having a certain number of followers, creating original content, and following Instagram’s community guidelines. For example, Zach King is a content creator who makes money from his viral Reels and live videos.
- Become an Instagram coach: You can share your expertise and knowledge on how to grow and monetize an Instagram account with others who want to learn from you. You need to have proven results and experience in building a successful Instagram presence. You can create online courses, ebooks, webinars, podcasts, or coaching programs that teach your strategies and tips. For example, Alex Tooby is an Instagram strategist who offers online courses and coaching services5.
- Advertise your brand: You can use Instagram as a marketing channel to drive traffic and sales to your own website or business. You need to have a clear value proposition and a compelling offer for your target audience. You can use Instagram ads to reach more people who are likely to be interested in your product or service, or use organic posts and stories to showcase your brand personality and benefits. For example, Airbnb is a travel company that uses Instagram ads and posts to inspire people to book unique and local experiences around the world. They showcase the diversity and beauty of their destinations, as well as the stories and reviews of their hosts and guests. They also offer discounts, deals, and tips for travelers.