How Can I Make Money From Instagram Posts?

Making money from Instagram posts is achievable; you can transform your Instagram presence into a lucrative income stream. Money-central.com provides a comprehensive guide on how to monetize your account, scale your online presence, and achieve financial success as an online entrepreneur. Discover proven methods and practical strategies to turn your passion into profit. From sponsored content to e-commerce ventures, there are several paths to financial gain through effective social media monetization.

1. How Can I Partner with a Brand for Sponsored Posts?

You can partner with a brand for sponsored posts by becoming an influencer, micro-influencer, or nano-influencer. As any of these types of influencers, you’re compensated with gifts or money for creating and sharing content about a brand. These can be sponsored posts, or shoutouts, where you positively shoutout a brand or product with a story or post. Reels can also promote sponsored content or include links to your website and services.

The visual nature of Instagram’s content makes promotion effective. According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, this visual impact can reach thousands of potential customers.

Here’s how much you can earn from sponsored posts, based on follower count and engagement rates:

• Above 500 followers: Nano influencers (500 to 10,000 followers) earn $10 – $100 per post.
• 10,000 followers: Micro influencers (10,000 to 50,000 followers) earn $100 – $500 per post.
• 100,000 followers: Earn $1,000 to $5,000 per post, with rates increasing for higher engagement or niche audiences.
• 500,000 followers: Earn $3,000 to $10,000 per sponsored post, depending on engagement rates and brand partnerships.
• 1 million followers: Earn $5,000 to $25,000 for a sponsored post, with premium brands paying more.
• Above 1 million followers: Earn $50,000 or more per post, especially for collaborations with high-profile brands.

The Influencer Marketing Hub shows how much you can make on Instagram based on influencer type:

To find brands to work with, join Influencer Marketplaces, tag brands you love, or email them with an influencer media kit. A media kit is a digital showcase of your work, audience demographics, follower count, engagement rates, and value proposition. Create one using a portfolio website template or a PDF from Etsy.

Instagram’s Creator Marketplace also connects brands with creators who align with their campaign goals. To join, creators must be 18 or older and adhere to Instagram’s policies. Check your eligibility in your account settings and join from your professional dashboard.

2. How Can I Get Paid By Instagram As A Creator?

You can get paid by Instagram as a Creator because, by the end of 2022, Facebook announced plans to invest over $1 billion in programs that allow creators to earn money for their content. These programs include the Creator Fund, which allows you to monetize your content through IGTV Ads, Instagram Live Badges, and Bonuses.

2.1. How Do Instagram Live Badges Work?

Instagram Live Badges work as digital tips that fans can give to creators during a Livestream. Live Badges allow fans to support their favorite creators. It comes in the shape of a heart and can be bought as packages that sell for $0.99 – $4.99. To add this feature, go to your Profile, click Professional Dashboard, tap Grow Your Business, and select Badges. During a Live, click the badges icon on the left side of your screen and turn them on.

2.2. What are Instagram Gifts?

Instagram Gifts let you earn support from your audience while they connect with your content. Followers can buy Stars and send them during live videos or eligible posts to show appreciation. Each Star is worth $0.01, and your earnings grow with the number of Stars your audience sends. Activate the feature through your professional dashboard in the Instagram app to get started. Once enabled, fans can send gifts on eligible Reels by tapping the gift icon. This feature empowers creators to keep producing engaging, high-quality content that resonates with their audience while turning that support into real income.

2.3. What are Bonuses?

Bonuses reward you financially for hitting milestones on Instagram as a creator. You can collect your reward if you meet a number of Lives, sign up for IGTV Ads, or create a required amount of Instagram Reels. Note that Bonus Programs are currently invite-only, so stay tuned for eligibility updates.

3. How Can I Open an Instagram Shop?

Opening an Instagram Shop is similar to running an online store but on the Instagram app. The slogan “post, tag, sell” explains how it works. After creating your shop, upload product images, descriptions, and prices. Users can then discover your items and check out without leaving Instagram.

Palm & Wild, a Wix user, created an Instagram Shop for their elegant art prints. Selling beyond their website helps them reach new users and make money on Instagram. They keep their website URL palmandwild.com in their Instagram bio to drive traffic to their website.

Follow these steps for creating an Instagram Shop:

1. Convert to a business account.
2. Connect your Facebook Page.
3. Upload a product catalog.
4. Complete account review.
5. Turn on Shopping.

4. How Can I Become An Affiliate Marketer?

You can become an affiliate marketer and get paid on commission. The average affiliate commission rate to expect is anywhere between 5% – 30%. Your sales are tracked with a unique promo code or trackable UTM link. On Instagram, affiliate programs often go by “Brand Ambassador.” You can apply on a company’s website or be approached by the brand.

Brands want to see you’re a fitting person who connects with their audience, not just the number of followers you have. Add product links to your Instagram bio or Story (if you have over 10,000 followers). You might also start a blog with a blog maker and write SEO-optimized blog posts about the products with trackable links. This is a popular affiliate marketing method.

5. How Can I Drive Traffic To My Website?

You can drive traffic to your website and make more money online, as 80% of people surveyed said Instagram helps them discover and buy new products or services. Use Instagram to drive traffic to your website indirectly. With Instagram visitors, you can boost sales, grow your email marketing list, and expand your community of loyal customers.

6. How Can I Offer Instagram Marketing Services?

You can offer Instagram marketing services if you are skilled in Instagram marketing, caption writing, or content creation. By consulting companies on improving their Instagram marketing, you can charge service fees between $20 – $50 per hour, or even $100 for writing captions.

Book more freelance customers and spread the word about your services in your Instagram bio. You can also advertise on platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork. Add online scheduling to your website so people can book services directly from your site.

7. How Can I Sell Photos, Illustrations or Digital Files?

You can sell photos, illustrations, or digital files as Instagram is all about visuals. If you’re a designer, photographer, or creative, it’s time to cash in on your talents. You can sell your photos to businesses, or sell your own content, such as prints and illustrations.

If you have a photography website or online portfolio, think of Instagram as a “storefront window” for your work and use it to get more clients.

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8. How Can I Offer My Audience Exclusive Content?

You can offer your audience exclusive content as humans have a strong desire to keep learning. If you’re thinking about creating an online course, Instagram is a wonderful outlet to market it and earn money with each registration.

An average individual course can start at about $100, while longer, more intense courses can cost thousands of dollars. Simple downloadable guides, eBooks, whitepapers, or templates can be other lucrative ways to make money on Instagram.

9. How Can I Dropship Products?

You can dropship products as inventory often provides logistical and financial hurdles when starting a business. With the dropshipping business model, you can run a store without holding any inventory.

By starting a dropshipping business, you can choose from millions of different suppliers’ products such as T-shirts, books, mugs, and pillows. You’re set free from fulfillment and shipping and get to set your own pricing to maximize profits. Create an Instagram page to showcase your products, advertise your site, and increase sales. To get started, create a dropshipping website.

10. How Can I Create An Instagram Feature Account?

You can create an Instagram feature account to act as hubs to showcase photos from different creators within a niche. For instance, a travel page shows images of travel bloggers and tags them for credit. There are countless Instagram feature accounts sorted by topic that you can look at for reference.

Once you’ve grown your account to a favorable size, you can offer paid spots to users who wish to get featured on your accounts’ feed or Instagram Stories. Paid spotlight slots can range from $15 to $30 per post. Other Instagram hubs manage follower loops and engagement groups, offering VIP paid memberships for $20 – $30 per month.

This income method requires you to invest a considerable amount of time engaging with accounts, messaging potential customers, and continually growing your followers.

11. How Can I Leverage Livestreaming And Badges?

Leveraging livestreaming on Instagram is an interactive way to connect with your audience in real-time while monetizing your content. Instagram allows viewers to purchase badges during your live sessions as a way to support you. Badges come in three tiers ranging from $0.99 to $4.99 and they’ll display next to the viewer’s username showing that they’ve contributed.

This feature offers a direct line to earning money while deepening engagement with followers. For instance, you can host Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes content, or tutorials during your live streams to keep your audience engaged and encourage them to purchase badges. Many creators pair this with promoting upcoming livestreams to maximize attendance and earnings.

To make the most of livestreaming, aim for consistency in scheduling your sessions so your audience knows when to tune in. Interaction is key, so respond to comments, recognize badge supporters during the stream and express gratitude for their contributions. The more value and personal connection you bring to your livestreams, the more likely viewers will feel motivated to support your work financially.

12. How Can I Create User-Generated Content?

Creating user-generated content (UGC) allows creators to earn money by designing relatable and authentic materials for brands to use in their marketing campaigns. This could include photos, videos, or testimonials showcasing real experiences with a product or service. Companies value this type of content because it feels more genuine and resonates with audiences compared to traditional ads.

For example, you might try a brand’s skincare product and create a short video sharing your before-and-after results. Brands may compensate you directly for your work or offer collaborations where you create multiple pieces of UGC for their campaigns.

The key to thriving in UGC is to create high-quality, engaging content that reflects the brand’s identity. Always prioritize authenticity as brands and audiences alike appreciate honest reviews and real experiences. Building a strong portfolio of examples can also help you get noticed by brands eager to collaborate with talented creators like you.

13. What Are Some Tips To Succeeding On Instagram?

To succeed on Instagram, consider these tips:

• Pick a niche: Focus on a niche and become an expert. It’s easier to gain followers and brand partnerships when you have a specific target audience. For instance, instead of being a general food influencer, focus on vegan or gluten-free cuisine. This differentiates you and makes you relevant to brands in that industry.
• Regularly engage with others on Instagram: Build a strong community by liking, commenting, messaging, and sharing other people’s content. Simply posting won’t do the trick. Allow people to know you and see you as someone interested in others’ content. Storytelling is essential for engagement.
• Use a multi-channel approach: Be active on other channels like YouTube and TikTok. Start a blog and newsletter and cross-promote your accounts. This attracts people from all angles and informs them of more places to keep up with your content. Extend your reach across other money-generating platforms, such as Patreon. Musicians can use Instagram to promote music and include links for fans to download it for a fee. With Patreon, you can offer behind-the-scenes footage or priority access to new music.
• Be proactive and resilient: Take strong action with messaging brands about new partnership deals. Apply for ambassador programs and collaborate with others (even for free initially). As you kick off your Instagram monetization efforts, remember the words of Robin Sharma, “the only failure is not trying.”
• Leverage Instagram analytics: Use Instagram’s built-in Insights tool to track how your audience interacts with your content. Check metrics like engagement rates, profile visits, and content reach to see what’s working and where you can improve. Identifying which posts perform well in terms of saves, shares, or comments can guide what type of content to prioritize. Keeping an eye on trends in your metrics over time can also help refine your strategy.
• Post at the right time: Post when your followers are most active to maximize engagement. Analyze the activity data in Instagram Insights to identify the best days and times to publish your content. Regularly updating this information ensures your posts are always reaching followers when they’re most likely to engage. Experimenting with different posting times can reveal even more opportunities to connect with your audience.

14. What Type Of Content Is Best For Instagram?

On Instagram, visual content grabs attention fast. High-quality, vibrant photos and videos that are well-edited make the biggest impact. Posts that tell a story, spark emotion, or offer value perform the best. For lifestyle brands, behind-the-scenes content, tutorials, or user-generated content can help create stronger connections with followers. Carousels (multiple image posts) are great for sharing educational content, tips, or showcasing product features and encourage followers to swipe through, boosting engagement time.

Instagram Stories and Reels are a must for informal, real-time content. Stories let you share behind-the-scenes moments, quick updates, or interactive posts like polls, Q&As, or quizzes to keep followers engaged daily. Reels, with their massive reach and viral potential, are ideal for fun, creative videos—think trending challenges, tutorials, or memes. Both formats drive high engagement while offering a more personal side of your brand.

15. How To Promote Your Business On Instagram To Make Money

As with any business you’ll need to make sure your Instagram marketing is on point in order to generate traffic to your account and maximize its chances to make money. Consider paid advertising, which is a popular way to reach potential customers on the social media channel and a key component of all digital marketing strategies.

Instagram is a great place to build a community of your target audience, and one you can engage with regularly and directly. This can take a lot of time and work to achieve but a loyal Instagram following is crucial to monetizing your account.

Check out Money-Central.com to learn more about the best time to post on Instagram and optimize your content strategy.

You might also want to consider how you can create content that will go viral, and be shared by thousands of people, in order to extend your reach and grow your community. From funny memes to viral videos and other types of content—think big within your reach.

16. What Are The Best Ways To Get More Instagram Followers?

Growing your Instagram following is about having a strategy that combines content, consistency and engagement. To stand out, you need to create content that speaks to your audience and keep them interacting through meaningful conversations. Here’s how to start growing your followers:

• Craft a standout profile: Your profile is your first impression. Keep your bio simple and value-driven, showing people exactly why they should follow you. Use a clear profile photo and include a strong call-to-action (e.g., “Follow for daily travel tips!”).

• Post consistently with purpose: Consistency is the name of the game. Aim for 3-5 posts a week using high-quality images that fit your brand’s visual style and tone. A content calendar can help keep you organized and ahead of schedule.

• Engage with your audience: Instagram is all about connection. Reply to comments, answer DMs and interact with posts from others in your niche. Engaging with your followers makes them feel valued and encourages more interaction.

• Choose the right hashtags: Don’t overdo it with random hashtags. Stick to ones your audience is likely searching for, mixing popular tags with more niche ones to increase your chances of being discovered.

• Host contests and giveaways: Everyone loves a chance to win. Simple giveaways that ask participants to follow, like and tag friends can help you reach new people who are genuinely interested in your content.

• Collaborate with others: Teaming up with influencers, creators or brands in your niche is a great way to get in front of new audiences. Host joint live sessions, feature each other in posts or run a collab giveaway to grow your reach.

• Leverage stories and reels: Stories and Reels often get more engagement than regular posts. Use Stories to share behind-the-scenes moments, user-generated content or time-limited updates. Reels are perfect for creative, short videos—use them to boost discoverability or go viral.

• Make shareable content: Create posts that your audience will want to save, share or tag their friends in. Think infographics, memes, relatable quotes or helpful tips. The more shareable your content, the more visibility you’ll get.

• Use analytics to improve: Keep an eye on Instagram Insights to see what’s working. Check when your audience is online and adjust your posting schedule. Track growth, engagement and top-performing posts to refine your strategy as you go.

17. How Does Making Money On Instagram Compare To YouTube?

There are some key differences in how you can make money on Instagram versus YouTube. The main one is that YouTube pays its creators via advertising revenue. Creators can choose to display ads on their videos and then they earn a percentage of the revenue made from these embedded ads. As a creator on YouTube, you can also earn money from sponsorships, brands and companies, or from merchandise sales of your own.

This advertising revenue-sharing model doesn’t exist on Instagram. Money is made on Instagram through sponsored posts, shoutouts, affiliate links and selling products, as well as through Instagram reels and Instagram Live.

18. Can You Make Money On Instagram?

Yes, you can make money on Instagram. According to CBInsights, Instagram is one of the top platforms where influencers and creators can monetize their content and lure more followers. The platform also tries to help creators monetize their influence on the platform. In 2021, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (parent-company of Facebook and Instagram), said: “To help more creators make a living on our platforms, we’re going to keep paid online events, fan subscriptions, badges, and our upcoming independent news products free for creators until 2023.”

The company also wants to help educators better understand their payouts from the platform, and has released an Instagram Payouts feature, which helps people see what their payout will be after taxes, refunds and in-app purchase fees.

Learn more about Ecommerce vs. social commerce on Money-Central.com.

19. Which Brands Are Making Money On Instagram?

Several brands and individuals are successfully making money on Instagram:

• Mike Holston: Mike Holston has amassed more than six million followers on his @therealtarzann account. From posting videos of giant snakes and leopards to rare lizards, Mike uses fascinating content to capture eyes while sharing interesting facts. With an average of over 400,000 views per IGTV video, he has plenty of ad opportunities to make money on Instagram.

• Palm & Wild: Wix user Palm & Wild created an Instagram Shop for their elegant art prints. By selling beyond their website, they can reach new users and make money on Instagram. They’ve also kept their URL palmandwild.com in their Instagram bio to drive traffic to their website.

• Arnie: Amie has built a seven-figure business while traveling and has dedicated @rebellenutrition to it. She teaches others to earn a passive income with online course creation. In one caption, she gives followers a sneak peek of key discussion topics for her online course and adds the price and instruction to register. She knows how to show off her value and exemplifies how to combine a visually appealing feed with diverse social media content.

• Sweet Mana: Wix user Sweet Mana created a dropshipping business dedicated to handcrafted botanical skincare products that promote relaxation and mindfulness. Sweet Mana’s Instagram is filled with bright product shots and tropical nature images that help you feel like you’re experiencing the product first-hand. By not storing inventory, they’ve likely saved a lot of time and money getting products into customers’ hands—putting them in a position to make their Instagram even more profitable.

• Underwater Photography Nature: Underwater Photography Nature dedicates their Instagram page to water shots that have accumulated over 135,000 followers with an average of 5,000 likes per photo. They’ve monetized their Instagram in two ways. One, in their bio, they’ve written, “For features/promo/shoutout use email contact.” Two, they use captions to monetize, like a recent caption that says they offer advertising promotions on their popular page.

• Joy McElveen: Joy McElveen, with over 2,000 followers, works as a Brand Ambassador for Brown Girl Jane. In her caption, she uses a promotion code and call-to-action to encourage people to purchase CBD skincare.

• SouKeyna: Influencer SouKeyna serves as a strong example of what Instagram brand partnerships can look like. In the post, SouKeyna shows herself applying Armani Beauty makeup. She’s also added a paid partnership label at the top of the post to provide transparency, a required practice in social media and influencer marketing.

If you’re looking for further inspiration and examples of how huge influencers and celebrities have turned into a money-making venture, check out the accounts of Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez and others.

20. How To Make Money On Instagram – FAQ

20.1. Do Instagram Users Get Paid?

Yes, Instagram users can get paid; however, not all Instagram users get paid, and the amount of money that you can make will vary depending on the method you choose and your level of success.

20.2. Does Instagram Pay You For Likes?

No, Instagram does not directly pay you for likes.

20.3. How Many Views Do You Get Paid For On Instagram?

Instagram does not directly pay for views, but higher views can lead to more opportunities for monetization through other methods.

20.4. How Do You Sign Up For An Instagram Business Account?

To sign up for an Instagram business account:

1. Go to your profile and tap the menu icon.
2. Tap “Settings”.
3. Tap “Account”.
4. Tap “Switch to Professional Account”.
5. Select “Business”.
6. Follow the prompts to connect to a Facebook Page (optional) and fill out your business details.

20.5. How Do Beginners Make Money On Instagram?

Beginners can make money on Instagram through:

• Affiliate marketing: Promoting products and earning a commission on sales.
• Sponsored posts: Partnering with brands to create content in exchange for payment.
• Selling products: Opening an Instagram Shop to sell your own products.

20.6. Can I Make Money Fast On Instagram?

Making money fast on Instagram is possible but depends on your current reach, engagement, and chosen monetization method. Quick strategies include selling products with high demand, running promotions, or leveraging an existing audience from another platform.

20.7. What Are Some Super Unique Ways To Make Money On Instagram, If I Want To Stand Out?

To stand out and uniquely monetize on Instagram:

• Offer personalized services: Provide custom consultations or products related to your niche.
• Create exclusive content subscriptions: Offer premium content behind a paywall.
• Host interactive experiences: Organize live workshops or Q&A sessions with paid access.

20.8. What Metrics Actually Matter For Instagram Sales Versus Vanity Metrics?

Metrics that matter for Instagram sales versus vanity metrics include:

• Conversion rate: The percentage of followers who make a purchase.
• Click-through rate (CTR): The number of clicks on your product links.
• Engagement rate: The level of interaction with your posts, including likes, comments, and shares.

20.9. How Do I Optimize My Instagram Shop For Different Time Zones?

To optimize your Instagram shop for different time zones:

• Schedule posts: Use scheduling tools to post when your audience is most active in different time zones.
• Analyze insights: Monitor when your followers are online to optimize your posting schedule.
• Use targeted ads: Run ads that target specific regions and time zones.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit Money-Central.com today for more articles, financial tools, and expert advice tailored to help you achieve your financial goals in the US. Contact us at Address: 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States. Phone: +1 (212) 998-0000. Website: money-central.com.