Here's something worth knowing upfront: You don't need millions of followers or superstar status to make money on Instagram.
Micro and even nano-influencers on Instagram are supplementing — or even replacing — their income with content creation.
I now have over 15,000 followers on Instagram, but when I started experimenting with monetization, I had no idea what would actually work. And I tried everything. Affiliate links that made me a few bucks, brand partnerships that weren't really sustainable, and eventually a few income streams that started stacking up month after month.
One of the most important things I've learned is that there no ‘easy money’ switch here — turning posts into paychecks still takes consistent, thoughtful work.
In this article, I'll share 12 of the most effective ways for you to make money on Instagram. What's really working right now, what's worth skipping, and how you can layer these streams no matter your follower count. Whether you’re just starting on Instagram or already have a sizable following, there are options here for everyone.
Key takeaways
- Low barrier to entry: You don't need millions of followers; nano and micro-influencers can successfully monetize through niche communities.
- Three core strategies: Monetization happens via in-app features (subscriptions, gifts), brand collaborations (UGC, ads), or self-promotion (selling your own products/services).
- Diversified income: Relying on multiple streams, such as affiliate marketing and digital courses, provides more stability than platform-specific bonuses alone.
- Quality is mandatory: Regardless of the method, consistent high-quality content and community engagement are the foundations for conversion.
Jump to a section:
- The three ways most creators make money on Instagram
- 1. Offer exclusive content via subscriptions
- 2. Receive gifts from fans
- 3. Monetize live sessions with badges
- 4. Qualify for Instagram bonuses
- 5. Partner with brands through influencer marketing
- 6. Create user-generated content for brands
- 8. Set up an Instagram shop and shoppable posts
- 9. Promote your own products or services
- 10. Sell courses or membership programs
- 11. Run Instagram ads to drive sales
- 12. Design and sell merch
- Convert your posts to paychecks
- FAQ about making money on Instagram
- More Instagram resources
The three ways most creators make money on Instagram
- Making money via the Instagram app: You can earn directly through Instagram's built-in features like subscriptions, gifts, and badges.
- Making money via collaboration with brands: Some creators make money on Instagram by promoting other brands on their account or creating content that companies can repurpose (like ads).
- Making money by promoting your small business: The third approach is a bit different — using Instagram as a promotion tool for your own business. This could be an online store, a service, a course, memberships, a community, etc.
Whichever route you pick, steady growth comes from showing up for a clearly defined audience and engaging with them consistently.
Let's start with what I call Instagram native income — the features built right into the app that help you earn without ever leaving it.
1. Offer exclusive content via subscriptions
Subscriptions are a way to share exclusive content with your community on the platform — you charge a monthly fee for that content.
Subscriptions let you offer exclusive content to your biggest supporters in exchange for a monthly fee — kind of like having your own membership program built right into Instagram.
Your most engaged followers can become paid subscribers and get access to exclusive content you create just for them. Subscriptions are a great way to build steady, predictable income from your Instagram content. When setting your price, think about the value you're offering while keeping it accessible enough that your followers can actually join in.
With an Instagram Subscription, you can share exclusive posts, reels, lives, stories, and chats with your subscribers. Subscribers can find the content easily on your Instagram feed in a new tab using the crown icon.
When I tested subscriptions, I realized something very quickly. People don't pay for content. They pay for meaningful access. Things like your creative process, unfiltered behind-the-scenes thoughts, tutorials, or personal updates that don't always make it to your main feed.
To enable subscriptions on your Instagram account, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a professional Instagram account with at least 10,000 followers
- Reside in the country where it’s available (here’s a list for your reference)
- Have an Instagram profile that meets Instagram’s Content Monetization and Partner Monetization policies
2. Receive gifts from fans
Your followers can show appreciation for your Instagram Reels by giving you a gift (aka, money).
How gifts work
- Currency: Fans purchase virtual "stars" to send as gifts
- Payout Rate: You earn $0.01 USD for every star received
- Conversion: 100 stars = $1 USD
- Minimum Payout: You can withdraw funds once your balance reaches $25 USD
The key here is consistency. If you're creating content that makes people feel something, whether that's entertained, inspired, or educated, they'll want to give back.
I know a few creators who mention gifts casually in their captions. Something like, "If you enjoyed this tip, send a gift to keep the series going. It's subtle, human, and never salesy."
It might start small, but those micro earnings stack up over time, especially when you're posting regularly.
3. Monetize live sessions with badges
When you go live on the Instagram app, people watching can purchase badges for you as a sign of support and appreciation. It's like your audience buying a front row ticket to your stream.
The creators I've seen do this best make their lives feel like mini experiences. They pick a consistent day theme. Think self-care chats, behind-the-brand Fridays, or even community happy hours.
You’ll see a heart next to the names of people who've bought a badge.
You can earn badges in increments of $0.99, $1.99, and $4.99 (all USD). To make the most of badges, let people know they're available at the start of your live — and again when new viewers join.
4. Qualify for Instagram bonuses
Right now, bonuses are the only way Instagram pays creators directly — no audience purchases or subscriptions required. You get these bonuses paid on 31 December, New Year’s Eve — and they are available for reels, carousels, and single-image posts.
These programs are usually invite-only and vary by region, but it's worth keeping an eye out in your professional dashboard. If you receive the invitation, you’ll see it on your dashboard.
Once you complete the onboarding flow, the platform will count up to 150 pieces of content shared from the week that you activate until the end of the bonus opportunity. The more views and/or plays (replays not included) your content receives, the more money you earn.
I like to think of bonuses as the cherry on top. They're not a core strategy, but when they appear, take them. If you're already consistent with your content, it's a welcome reward for the effort you're already putting in.
Right now, earning money solely through Instagram's built-in features works best if you already have a large following and strong personal brand.
As Instagram's Head Adam Mosseri explains: “If you have a few thousand followers, it doesn’t make sense to focus on trying to monetize that audience,” Mosseri says. “You should instead focus on growing that audience or using Instagram in other ways.”
Even so, there are good reasons to explore these features:
- Become an early adopter of Instagram’s monetizing features
- Supplement your income from other sources (which includes the other ways to earn on Instagram, below)
Where most creators actually start seeing bigger paychecks is through working with brands. There are loads of ways to do this, and number five on this list is actually super underrated.
5. Partner with brands through influencer marketing
The most common way to partner with brands is through influencer marketing: You create sponsored posts on your Instagram page for a brand in exchange for a fee. This partnership between creator Jade Beason and Adobe Express shows how it works:
Sponsored content usually includes a “paid partnership” tag or an #ad hashtag. Brands pay Instagram creators for a spot in their feed because they can build brand awareness and earn money by reaching the creator’s audience.
How much can you earn from sponsored posts? It varies based on your niche, location, content quality, follower count, engagement rate, and negotiation skills.
Influencer Marketing Hub’s study found nano-influencers (Instagram influencers with 1,000 – 10k followers) earn between $10 and $100 per post — it only goes up from there.
| Influencer tier | Follower count | Estimated rate per post |
|---|---|---|
| Nano | 1,000–10K | $10–$100 |
| Micro | 10K–50K | $100–$500 |
| Mid-tier | 50K–500K | $500–$5K |
| Macro | 500K–1M | $5K–$10K |
| Mega | 1M+ | $10K+ |
It’s worth noting that the numbers vary a lot — sometimes, with little changes in the scope of work. For example, a brand will pay more to get usage rights for your sponsored posts.
When you partner with a brand you already love, it doesn't feel like selling. It feels like natural storytelling. At 15,000 followers, I've had brands pay me hundreds of dollars per post because my audience fits their target perfectly.
One of my earliest partnerships with Etihad Airways came from me tagging a brand I already trusted and was a frequent flyer with in a casual reel. They saw the post, reached out, and it turned into a long-term collaboration.
If you're highlighting a brand you love, tag them. It's free visibility for them, and it plants the seed for future paid work for you.
How do you find these brands?
Many brands — those that actively practice influencer marketing — might reach out to you proactively when they notice you have an engaged social media community that overlaps with their target audience.
They might use third-party tools (like influencer discovery software) for this, but you can also grab their attention by tagging them in your posts whenever you create content about them. This can also be an excellent way to showcase your content creation abilities.
If you are in eligible countries, it’s also worth joining Instagram’s creator marketplace. It’s a hub for helping brands connect with the right Instagram influencers for their customers.
Lastly, it’s also worth directly reaching out to the influencer marketers of your favorite brands or even popping them a DM.
One thing to keep in mind: Don’t overload your feed with brand-related posts. It can make your account feel less authentic to your followers.
Annie-Mai Hodge, founder of Girl Power Marketing, says an overload of brand collabs (especially inauthentic ones) can be harmful to growing your Instagram following and engagement long term.
“If your feed starts to feel like a media kit, people stop engaging, and that hurts your chances of monetizing in the long run,” she says.
“Brands want creators who have influence, not just reach. That means your content should always be designed to serve, entertain, or connect with your audience first.”
6. Create user-generated content for brands
These days, brand partnerships aren't just about sponsored posts. User-generated content (UGC) is when you create branded content, but don’t post it on your Instagram page. Brands might post your content on their own account or use it for Instagram advertising.
For example, hair care brand Fix My Curls often reshares videos by creators who mention their products and credits them in post captions.
Creating user-generated content is a great way to earn money while keeping your feed focused on your own content. Plus, you don't need a large following to create UGC — brands care more about your content creation skills and style.
Wondering how to land your first UGC deal?
Many creators find brands by pitching via DMs on Instagram, responding to comments from brand accounts, or reaching out through email with a few simple videos and a clear offer.
7. Share affiliate links and codes
Affiliate income is one of the most beginner-friendly monetization paths. You earn a commission every time someone buys through your link or code.
Companies will share promo codes or a trackable link (with a UTM code) to calculate how many sales you bring in. These links or promo codes usually include discounts, which give your followers an extra reason to check out the product. Buffer has a free UTM builder that can help you create these unique links in a few steps.
When I started, I promoted products I was already obsessed with, just things I genuinely used and wanted to recommend. This includes skincare, coffee, kitchen appliances, and more.
Authenticity drives conversions. If your followers trust you, they'll trust your suggestions.
This post by creator Hitika Sachdev is a perfect example of an affiliate partnership. The brand can use the code “Hitika94” to track every sale coming via her.
If you're working with promo codes instead of trackable links, you've got options too. Use a link in bio tool like Buffer’s Start Page where you can customize the text associated with the link — add your discount code in the text and link to the brand’s website.
Often, affiliate relationships grow out of existing brand partnerships. A brand might collaborate with you a few times for sponsored content and then offer a performance-based incentive to transition to affiliate marketing.
You can also join affiliate programs that are open to all creators, like Amazon Associates or Pura Vida, which has an affiliate program offering a 15% commission on each sale you bring in. You can apply through their form, and if you meet their requirements, you're in.
With programs like these, you won't have a dedicated brand contact. You’ll probably have a dashboard that will calculate all your earnings, and you’ll have to buy the brand’s products on your own. It's still a solid way to earn from your content — especially when you're promoting products that genuinely fit your audience.
One of the biggest advantages of branded content is that you can start without a huge following or your own product to sell. Plus, you've got multiple ways to work with brands, depending on what fits your style.
Monetizing beyond the app is where Instagram becomes more than just a content platform. It turns into your business engine. Next up, we'll take a look at some ways to do just that.
8. Set up an Instagram shop and shoppable posts
Instagram Shop lets you sell your products directly through the Instagram app. If you sell physical products, Instagram shop is your digital storefront. You can post a picture or a reel of your product with a tappable link that goes directly to your product catalog.
When users click this link, they’ll see all the info about the product, including prices.
Instagram Shop is available in select countries, and only users with an Instagram business account are eligible to use this feature.
If Instagram Shop isn't available in your region, Buffers Shop Grid is a perfect workaround. It creates a clickable, shoppable feed experience that still feels native to Instagram.
When someone taps your bio link, they'll see exactly what you want them to — whether that's your bestsellers, latest posts, or anything else you choose to highlight.
You'll also be able to track clicks on each link, so you can see what your audience is most interested in.
9. Promote your own products or services
Instagram is a great place to build awareness for your own products or services. You can do this by creating a brand account and forming an Instagram strategy. You might not sell products right away, but you will educate people about your brand and its products.
From digital templates to handmade jewelry to coaching services, what matters most is storytelling. Show people why you created your product and what problem it solves.
Creators like Modern Millie have built strong value around their content. Millie teaches creators how to grow on social and monetize their platforms, and she uses Instagram to promote everything from digital courses to free templates to YouTube tutorials.
It's a great example of how clear positioning plus consistent content can lead to real revenue without needing a huge team or a complicated setup.
10. Sell courses or membership programs
If you’re a creator, you can also earn money by sharing an online course or a membership program that teaches your audience to do something you’re an expert in.
Adriana Blanc often promotes her fitness membership program using her Instagram account.
Promoting courses, memberships, or exclusive communities is not much different from selling products or services. Focus on highlighting the value prop of your offer and hitting the pain points of your target audience.
11. Run Instagram ads to drive sales
Sometimes, you may have to spend money to make money. If you're selling a digital product or service, investing in Instagram advertising campaigns can amplify your reach.
Running Instagram ads means boosting some content on your feed, so it reaches a broader audience. Ideally, this boosted content helps you sell products and earn more money than you are spending.
Advertising can help you reach new users and build your audience — in turn, helping you sell more products — but that doesn’t mean hitting ‘boost’ and hoping for the best.
Start with around $50 to $100 to test which videos or messages resonate. Use the data to refine your organic content as well. You learn what hooks, visuals, or topics attract your ideal audience.
It's not about scaling fast; it's about learning smart.
12. Design and sell merch
Sometimes your brand becomes your product. If you've built a strong personal brand on Instagram, you can monetize it by designing unique merchandise.
Maybe it's a phrase you repeat often, an aesthetic your followers love, or an inside joke your community enjoys.
Sabrina Zohar, a dating coach and influencer, did this brilliantly. Born from simple phrases she uses in her podcast, The Sabrina Zohar Show, she created a recognizable brand.
Convert your posts to paychecks
Remember that monetization on Instagram isn't about chasing every single income stream. It's about finding what feels authentic to you and your audience. Start small. Pick one or two ideas from this list and test them for at least a few months. See what feels sustainable, what excites you, and what naturally fits your content rhythm.
No matter which route you take, applying a few timeless principles — solving a real problem for your audience and standing out with a clear, differentiated niche — will boost your chances of success.
And as your followers add up, the admin work only increases — you have to respond to comments, juggle DMs, analyze performance, and much more. It can quickly become overwhelming.
Enter: Buffer. It takes the admin tasks off your plate so you can focus on what really matters. Whether you need help scheduling posts, engaging with your audience, analyzing performance, or creating a custom bio link — it’s got you covered. Start for free today.
FAQ about making money on Instagram
Do Instagram users get paid directly by the app?
Sometimes. Instagram can pay creators through in-app tools like subscriptions, gifts, badges, and (in some cases) bonuses. But many creators earn most of their income outside the app through brand partnerships (like sponsored posts and UGC), affiliate marketing, and selling their own products or services.
How much does Instagram pay for 1,000 views?
There isn’t a single guaranteed rate. In practice, creators often see rough ranges around $0.01–$0.05 per 1,000 views, but it varies a lot based on the specific program, your eligibility, your audience, and what Instagram is offering at the time.
What do I need to qualify for Instagram’s money-making tools?
Depending on the feature, there are a couple of requirements you need to meet, like being at least 18 years old, using a professional account, following Instagram’s Content Monetization and Partner Monetization policies, meeting any follower or engagement thresholds, living in a country where the feature is available, and setting up payouts so Instagram can send you earnings.
How do I start earning money on Instagram if I’m new?
Start by choosing a clear niche, posting consistently, and engaging with the people who comment or reply to your stories. Then pick one income path to focus on first (like UGC, affiliate links, or promoting a small offer), and build from there. Tools like Buffer can help you stay consistent by scheduling posts ahead of time.
More Instagram resources
- How to Get Verified on Instagram: 2 Ways to Get Your Blue Check
- 13 Trending Sounds on Instagram (+ How to Use Them)
- Replying to Your Instagram Comments Can Boost Engagement by 21%
- Best Time to Post on Instagram: New Data from 9.6 Million Posts
- How to Use Instagram for Business: The Complete Guide
- Instagram Stories: The Complete Guide to Using Stories to Boost
- How to Share Instagram Feed Posts to Stories: 3 Simple Steps
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