6 Effective Ways to Earn Money on Instagram

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Learn how creators earn money on Instagram, and how you can, too
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Instagram isn’t just for posting pretty pictures and chatting with friends. It is an incredibly popular social media platform where creative people can leverage their talents for a large following. With a large enough following, you can even monetize your content and earn some money from Instagram. This wikiHow article teaches you how to monetize your content on Instagram with expert tips from social media and marketing specialists.

How to Monetize Instagram

You can earn money on Instagram by partnering with brands and posting branded content. You can also enable gifts and badges to earn money from your followers. Start a subscription to offer high-quality content for a monthly price, or enable ads on your reels or your profile page.

Section 1 of 7:

Creating Branded Content

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  1. Branded content allows creators to partner with brands and post content that endorses their brand partners. You receive compensation for posting branded content. You must meet the following requirements to have access to branded content: [1]
  2. This option is not available to all accounts. If you don’t see this option in the professional dashboard, this feature is not available to you yet. Use the following steps to join the creator marketplace:
    • Log in to your Instagram page.
    • Tap your profile icon.
    • Tap Professional Dashboard at the top.
    • Tap Branded Content Tools .
    • Tap Join Creator Marketplace .
    • Tap Accept Changes .
    • Agree to the Terms of Service.
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  3. You can select brands that you would like to partner with in the professional dashboard. If the brands you select are interested in partnering with you, they will contact you. According to social media and marketing specialist Candace Gasper, you can also find PR emails for most brands by doing a quick Google search if you’d rather reach out that way. Use the following steps to select brands you’d like to partner with on Instagram: [2]
    • Log in to your Instagram page.
    • Tap your profile icon.
    • Tap the icon with three lines ( ☰ ) in the upper-right corner.
    • Tap Branded Content Tools .
    • Tap Preferred brand partners .
    • Select the brands you would like to partner with.
  4. Once you have brands that you are partnering with, you can use the following steps to tag the brand in a post:
    • Create a new post or reel and tap Next .
    • Tap Advanced Settings .
    • Tap the toggle switch next to “Add paid partnership label.”
    • Tap Add brand partner .
    • Select up to 2 brands.
    • Tap the toggle switch next to “Allow brand partner to boost” (optional).
    • Tap Done .
  5. Use the following steps to tag a brand partner in a story.
    • Create a new story on Instagram.
    • Tap the tag icon at the top of the screen, which resembles a person.
    • Tap the toggle switch next to “Add paid partnership label.”
    • Tap Add brand partner .
    • Select up to 2 brands.
    • Tap the toggle switch next to “Allow brand partner to boost” (optional).
    • Tap Done .
  6. Use the following steps to tag a brand partner in a live:
    • Go live on Instagram.
    • Tap Details .
    • Tap Add brand partner .
    • Tap the name of the brand partner you want to add to your live.
  7. Use the following steps to add a paid partnership label to a broadcast channel message.
    • Post a new message in your broadcast channel .
    • Tap and hold the message.
    • Tap Paid partnership .
    • Tap the toggle switch next to "Add paid partnership label."
    • Tap Done .
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Section 2 of 7:

Using Instagram Gifts

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  1. Instagram Gifts are a way for Instagram users to send you a virtual gift to show their appreciation. For example, viewers of your reels can send you stars. You will earn $0.01 per star you receive on a reel. If you meet the requirements, Instagram Gifts will be turned on automatically. The requirements are as follows: [3] [4]
Section 3 of 7:

Using Badges

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  1. During live videos, viewers can purchase badges which will appear next to their name in the comments. This also gives them access to special features. They will be placed on a list of badge holders for the creator and have access to a special heart during live videos. To enable badges, you must meet the following requirements: [5]
  2. If you have a creator or business account, you can access your professional dashboard by going to your profile in the Instagram app and tapping Professional Dashboard at the top. [6]
  3. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to apply for monetization. You can check the status of your application in the professional dashboard. Use the following steps to apply for monetization:
    • Tap Apply for Monetization in the professional dashboard.
    • Fill out the applications.
    • Tap Submit application .
  4. Once you apply for monetization, you can enable badges in the professional dashboard. To do so, tap Set up badges and follow the on-screen prompts. You will need to review and accept the terms and then select what country you currently live in. Then you will need to select if you are an individual or business. If you are a business, you will need to provide legal and tax information to prove that you are the business owner. Then you will need to add a bank account or PayPal as a payout method. Tap Done when you are finished.
  5. Viewers can purchase badges during your live streams on Instagram. You will get a share of the revenue. [7]
    • If you want to turn badges off for a particular video, you can tap the icon with three dots ( ⋯ ) at the bottom of the video. Then tap Turn off badges .
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Section 4 of 7:

Using Ads on Reels or Profile

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  1. Ads on Reels or Ads on Profile is a way you can share in the ad revenue from ads that play during reels or while scrolling through your profile. The amount of ad revenue you receive is based on the number of views your reels get. To be eligible for these features, you must meet the following requirements: [8]
    • You must be 18 years old.
    • You must have a professional (Business or Creator) account.
    • Meet Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policy .
    • You must live in the United States, Canada, South Korea, or Japan.
  2. 2
    Receive an invitation. Currently, the Ads on Reels and Ads on Profile programs are only available by invitation. If you are invited to participate, you will receive a notification or you will see the invitation at the top of your profile.
  3. When you receive an invitation, you should see a button that says Set Up in the invitation. Alternatively, you can find the option to monetize ads on reels or your profile in your professional dashboard at the top of your Instagram profile.
  4. You will see a large blue button at the bottom of the notification. Tap it to get started.
  5. 5
    Tap Get Started again. This page explains how the Ads on Reels and Ads on Profile work. It also explains what videos are not eligible for monetization. Read through the information and tap Get Started at the bottom.
  6. There will be a toggle switch on the page that says “Monetize ads on Profile” or “Monetize ads on Reels”. Tap it to enable it. Then tap Continue at the bottom.
  7. It’s the large blue button at the bottom of the page. You have now enabled monetization for the ads on your reels or profile page. [9] [10]
    8. Advertisement
Section 5 of 7:

Using Instagram Subscriptions

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  1. With Instagram Subscriptions, you can create a paid subscription that followers can subscribe to for exclusive content. This includes lives, stories, reels, posts, badges, social channels, and broadcast channels. You can set your own price. To create an Instagram subscription, you must meet the following requirements: [11]
    • You must be 18 years old.
    • You must have a professional (Business or Creator) account.
    • You must have 10,000 followers.
    • Meet Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policy .
    • Comply with the Community Guidelines .
    • Live in a country where subscriptions are available.
  2. You’ll see it at the top of your profile.
  3. 3
    Tap Set up Subscription . You'll find this option in the professional dashboard. You can also find this in the Settings menu.
  4. Review the information on the page and tap Next to continue.
  5. Enter the price you think subscribers should pay monthly and tap Next . You can change your monthly price at any time. However, if you change your monthly price, it will only apply to new subscribers.
  6. To do so, tap Publish and then tap Create . Follow the on-screen prompts to create a subscription for your Instagram profile. [12]
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Section 6 of 7:

Creating an Instagram Shop

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  1. Instagram shops allow you to connect a product catalog to your Instagram page and promote and sell products directly from your Instagram page. You can add tags in your posts that link to your products. To set up an Instagram shop, you must meet the following requirements: [13]
    • You must have a business account.
    • You must live an area where the market is supported.
    • You must have a Facebook business page for your store.
    • You must have an eligible product to sell (not a service).
    • You must have an eCommerce domain that you plan to sell from.
    • You must adhere to Instagram’s Commerce policy and Seller agreement .
  2. Use the following steps to do so: [14]
    • Log in to Instagram and tap your Profile icon.
    • Tap Edit Profile .
    • Tap Connect or Create next to “Page.”
    • Select your Facebook business page, or tap Create a new Facebook page and follow the prompts to create a new Facebook page.
  3. Go to https://www.facebook.com/business/shops in a web browser and tap Get Started .
  4. 4
    Click Create a Shop and tap Get Started . Once you are on the business shop page, tap Create a shop and then tap Get Started .
  5. Read over the information and click Next in the lower-right corner.
    • Alternatively, you can click Create a test shop to try the shop management tools and place test orders.
  6. If you have an eCommerce platform, such as Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, Freedonomics, GoDataFeed, ChannelAdviser, or ProductsUp, you can select that platform on this page. If you don’t use one of these platforms, select, I don’t use these platforms . Click Next when you are done.
  7. Depending on which platform you select, you may be asked to select a checkout method. If you are asked to select a checkout method, select one from the options that are given and click Next .
  8. Select the Facebook business page that is linked to your Instagram and click Next .
  9. If you already have a Facebook business portfolio, go ahead and select it and click Next . If you don’t have a business portfolio, click Create new business portfolio and follow the prompts to create a new one.
  10. You need to have a catalog to sell products on Instagram and Facebook. Select your catalog and click Next . If you don’t have a catalog, you won’t see this option. A catalog will be created for you automatically. You can manage your products in the Commerce Manager .
  11. Review the seller agreement and look over all the details. Click Finish setup when you are ready to continue.
  12. Once your shop has been approved, you can tag products in your posts. To do so, create a new post and tap the Tag products button below the post. Select a product from your catalog and tap Done .
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Section 7 of 7:

General Tips for Success

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  1. 1
    Post high-quality images and videos. If you want to use Instagram to make money, it’s important to make your content as polished and professional as possible. This will not only attract more followers, but it will also make you more appealing to potential brand partners. Social media branding expert Ben Whitehair recommends using professionally edited videos and high-resolution photos whenever you can.
  2. 2
    Update on a regular schedule. Posting content on a consistent schedule will help keep your followers engaged and your momentum growing. Gasper recommends putting together a content calendar and planning out your upcoming posts in advance.
  3. 3
    Create content that’s consistent with your brand. Whitehair advises choosing three key types of content to focus on. Stick to topics that are relevant to your brand and interesting to you personally. Cycling through a few different topics or types of posts will keep your content varied and interesting, but will also give your followers and potential brand partners a sense of what to expect from you.
    • For example, if you have a fitness-themed Instagram account, you might alternate between outdoor photos from your favorite hiking spots, videos featuring exercise tips, and reviews of sportswear brands.
  4. 4
    Engage with potential followers or customers. According to digital marketing expert Melissa Rodriguez, interacting directly with Instagram users is a great way to build your following. Follow other accounts that are similar to yours, since they are likely to attract the same people who might be interested in your account. Chat with potential followers in the comments, follow them, and like or leave comments on their posts.
    • Just make sure to keep your interactions authentic and sincere! Avoid spamming people, begging for engagement, or sending cold DMs advertising your account or business.
  5. 5
    Be assertive when reaching out to potential partners. If you’re having trouble connecting to potential brand partners, don’t give up! Even if you don’t have a ton of followers, you might still be able to attract a sponsorship or brand partner. Gasper recommends reaching out to as many brands as possible. If you don’t get a response, she says it’s okay to wait a few weeks and then send a follow-up.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/1123581461537025
      2. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/340386727982950
      3. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/604601774547751
      4. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/738469380549477/
      5. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/help/instagram/1119102301790334
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvvg56eFHTQ
      7. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/266121941428400
      8. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/5485466918184985
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r42fuABRVy8
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ea2D0YsTps
      2. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/856296695055001
      3. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/406451644272016
      4. ↑ https://influencermarketinghub.com/instagram-shop/
      5. ↑ https://www.nexcess.net/blog/how-to-set-up-an-instagram-store/

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