How to Make Money on Instagram

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Instagram is one of the fastest-growing marketing tools of this generation. Even better, there are tons of techniques you can use to make money, like sponsored content, affiliate links, and opening an Instagram shop. Our guide will show you all the tips you need to start earning money on Insta, from creating a dedicated, well-maintained Instagram account with high-quality content to generating content an audience will pay for!

Part 1
Part 1 of 8:

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once your Instagram becomes famous, people will refer to it by your account's username; for this reason, your username should be memorable, distinctive, and easy to say out loud.
    • Your username's style should reflect your content theme; if you're an artist, for example, you'll probably want to stick to some derivative of your real name (or your artist alias).
  2. There are a variety of things you might have readily available for users here:
    • A rich but concise description of your content, motives, and/or intent.
    • A link to your website if you have one.
    • Your work email address. It's worth setting up a dedicated email address for your Instagram account.
    • Usernames for any pertinent social media accounts (e.g., Twitter and Facebook).
    • Usernames for any IM services you'd like to share.
    • Your PayPal or Venmo ID for donations.
    • A resume. Posting this on a static blog page and then linking the blog page in your bio is the best way to display your resume.
    Advertisement
  3. Unlike your personal Instagram or Facebook page, anything you post here needs to fit a singular theme (e.g., fitness or food).
    • In a pinch, find something you believe society doesn't have (or something it would benefit from having more of) that correlates with your talents.
    • Make sure your content adheres to the Instagram Terms of Use .
  4. This process includes making the photos aesthetically pleasing through use of filters and other editing options as well as placing pertinent information in the photo's description.
    • If you're advertising, for example, a short sentence describing the product or service you're promoting in relation to how it betters your life followed by appropriate links should go in the photo's description.
    • Posts tend to be best-received at around 2:00 AM and at 5:00 PM. Make sure you're around these times for your target demographic's specific timezone. [1]
  5. While it is important not to inundate your followers with content, providing quality posts a few times per day will keep them satisfied.
    • Try to vary your content within its thematic scope; you don't want to deviate too much from the kind of stuff you normally post, but you shouldn't be posting the same thing every day.
  6. Users will generally give you feedback--whether explicitly or implicitly--that can help you tailor your future posts to the majority of your followers.
    • You won't be able to incorporate every user's suggestions; instead, focus on common themes from the bulk of your Instagram followers.
  7. This will both promote your account name and increase your overall likability:
    • Respond to comments often. Once you reach a certain follower amount, you'll no longer be able to respond to all comments; still, try to respond to a couple of users per post.
    • Favorite posts from brands, users, or accounts with which you'd like to work. This is a way to practice Instagram altruism while simultaneously promoting your account name.
  8. Links to your pertinent social media accounts should already be in your bio, but it's important to keep these pages updated with relevant content:
    • Facebook - Create and maintain a dedicated Facebook page for your Instagram content. You can then promote this page on Facebook.
    • Twitter - Create a specific Twitter account for your Instagram content. You can cross-post Instagram content to Twitter, though you should endeavor to post unique content here too.
    • Other sites that will depend on your intended demographic include Tumblr, YouTube, and Pinterest.
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 8:

Building Your Follower Base

PDF download Download Article
  1. This should be contingent on your content's theme; if you plan on applying to collaborate with brands for advertising campaigns, for example, most brands will require you to have around 10,000 followers before you can advertise for them. [2]
  2. If you are attempting to reach a specific demographic--which you should be--use hashtags for which that demographic might search. For example, if you have several photos of landscapes from the Pacific Northwest, you might tag your photos as "#pnw" and #"pacific northwest". [3]
    • Only use hashtags relevant to your post, since using clickbait or wayward keywords will both frustrate potential followers and get your account flagged as spam.
  3. This exposes your account name, making it easier for anyone who sees your likes and comments to check out your profile. Ideally, you'll do this for users whom you would like to have following you.
    • You can do this on many random accounts to attract followers. While this process may be time-consuming, it's a good way to earn a few followers here and there.
  4. on social media. Your other social media accounts should already be fairly present on Instagram thanks to your bio; make sure your Instagram account is equally present on these social media accounts.
    • Even just posting a link to your Instagram account on your Facebook or Twitter page is a good way to promote your content.
  5. Requesting feedback or action from your followers will get them involved; if your requests are interesting enough, they will draw in more followers as well. You can facilitate engagement in a few ways:
    • Hosting give-aways for products or services. Make sure you require your users to "Like" and/or share your post to qualify.
    • Asking questions. Doing this will encourage users to respond, which curates interest in your content.
    • Taking requests. Especially if you're using Instagram to showcase photos, taking requests from users will get them personally invested in your future content.
  6. Try hosting a giveaway on your page to generate customer interest. Ask giveaway entrants to follow your Instagram profile to enter, or ask them to tag friends to create a viral effect. Make sure to follow Instagram's promotion guidelines if you host a giveaway or contest.
  7. If you notice a common complaint or request, don't ignore it; instead, find a way to implement follower feedback in order to satisfy the bulk of your followers. Remember, your followers are your greatest support group!
    8. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 8:

Using Affiliate Marketing

PDF download Download Article
  1. You should have an interest in promoting brand names, at least 500 followers, and the ability to update/post content regularly.
    • A lot of affiliate marketing will involve you taking photos of yourself or others displaying or using products or services.
  2. If you want brands to notice your account, you'll need to be active on their pages. This is also a good way to educate yourself on their aspects of marketing such as their preferred tone, style of content, and products/services.
  3. If you do this often enough, you will capture your brands' attention; this can show them that your account is a potentially valuable asset.
    • Don't just spam brands with empty comments or questions; instead, post insights, feedback, or rich questions that have the potential to further the brands' marketing.
  4. There are several sites that will help you partner with businesses; keep in mind that you'll need to capture the attention of the brand you wish to promote first.
    • Shareasale - Create an account, then sign up to work for a specific merchant. Any users you direct to these merchants via link on your Instagram profile will earn you a commission.
    • Stylinity - Intended for fashion use; if users shop via your link to their site, you get paid via commission.
  5. This shows that your Instagram account has depth. You can also contact brands' marketing departments directly via email.
    • This is another reason to have your work email in your bio; when brands are ready to contact you, they can do so right from your Instagram page.
  6. If your account is active and constantly growing, a brand will want to work with you at some point, if only for minor marketing in exchange for free products. You're starting from the bottom and working your way up, so any marketing experience you can get--even for free--will help build your portfolio and contribute to greater opportunities later.
    7. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 8:

Selling Your Photos

PDF download Download Article
  1. While this option won't apply to every Instagram account, anyone with an HD photo-capable smartphone can try their hand at taking, editing, and uploading Instagram photos; sooner or later, you'll probably upload something that someone will be interested in.
  2. As users of your chosen app view and purchase your photos, they will also become interested in your account; you can use this interest to further your account's business.
    • Foap is a great app for iPhone and Android platforms. You start by creating an account with Foap, then you upload photos to their database. Users can browse and purchase your photos, and you take 50 percent of the photo price.
  3. Stock content--lower-quality photos that business and websites can use for advertising--should go directly to your chosen photo-selling app, but you should sell your premium photos--e.g., incredibly high-quality pieces that command a higher price--individually from your Instagram page. This is where having a large follower base becomes crucial.
    • Note that stock content shouldn't actually be low-quality; rather, it should be generic or otherwise applicable to a wide variety of situations. Premium content should be more geared toward individual consumption.
  4. You can do this by uploading a lower-resolution version of the photo, or you can place a graphic (e.g., your signature or an obtrusive piece of text) over the top of it. Be sure to retain original copies of the photo for distribution.
    • When a follower wants to purchase your photo, you can send them an invoice and the unwatermarked version of your photo.
  5. You'll want to place the following information in the post:
    • Desired price
    • Desired payment client (e.g., PayPal or Venmo)
    • Photo size
    • Photo resolution
    • Brief photo description
  6. As long as you have an active follower base and you've generated interest in your photography up to this point, you should have no problem selling some of your photos from Instagram!
    • You can also take photo content requests from individual followers; you'll be able to charge a premium price for these.
    7. Advertisement
Part 5
Part 5 of 8:

Making Sponsored Posts

PDF download Download Article
  1. When working to become an influencer on Instagram , you’ll need to draw in followers with content and chances for engagement with your posts.
  2. Once you have a sizeable following, you’ll likely be considered more viable for a brand to sponsor your posts and will need to contact the company to offer your services. To get in touch with a brand, go to their website and look for their contact information.
    • You can also contact a platform or agency working with brands waiting to connect with influential Instagrammers. [4]
  3. Once you’ve secured a sponsorship, it’s important that you read up on the FTC Social Media Guidelines to learn the parameters of paid sponsorship posts on Instagram. [5]
  4. Once your sponsorship is set up, you can create normal posts that feature products from that brand done in a way that will appeal to your followers.
  5. Whenever you post something featuring the brand’s content, you can list the brand in the hashtags and even include the sponsored hashtag.
    • It’s important that you label sponsored posts to have a level of transparency with your audience.
    6. Advertisement
Part 6
Part 6 of 8:

Becoming an Affiliate

PDF download Download Article
  1. When working to become an influencer on Instagram, you’ll need to draw in followers with content and chances for engagement with your posts.
  2. When you become an affiliate you’ll get a certain percentage for each sale you make, which is tracked through a trackable link the company sends you once you sign up with them.
    • Companies offering affiliate products include: ClickBank, Amazon, RewardStyle, Sharesale, Ebates, and Stylinity.
  3. Since links aren’t clickable in Instagram posts, you’ll have to put the link in your profile’s bio section and direct users there whenever you make a post to promote an affiliate product. [6]
    • Trackable links can be long, so it’s recommended you use a link-shortening service like bitly.com to make your link more pleasing to the eye.
  4. Once your sponsorship is set up, you can create normal posts that feature products from that brand done in a way that will appeal to your followers.
  5. You can simply include a statement like “link in profile” to direct your users to the link they can click on to purchase the product you’re promoting.
    6. Advertisement
Part 7
Part 7 of 8:

Selling Photos

PDF download Download Article
  1. Instagram can be a great medium for sharing your own professional-quality photos with users, and you can even use it to build up your photography portfolio.
    • It’s better to use authentic photos rather than staged photos, since these go over better with a broader audience.
    • Also, make sure your photos are vertical or rectangular, since square photos don’t have as high of a resale value.
  2. Relevant tags can help you promote your work to a wider audience
  3. If you have a well-promoted portfolio, you can pitch your work on an online marketplace to have it licensed for sale to companies looking to purchase stock photos.
    • You’ll need to set up an account with the website to ensure you can sell your work and receive payments.
    • Some sites that offer options for selling photos include Foap, 500px, and Twenty20.
  4. Once you’ve set up a photo-selling account, you can sell your work to companies freelance. [7]
    5. Advertisement
Part 8
Part 8 of 8:

Selling Your Own Physical Products

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sites like Etsy or Zazzle can let you to set up your own store for selling any physical products you make.
  2. If you’ve set up a site where people can purchase your products, you should include the link to the site in your Instagram bio so your followers can access it (links aren’t clickable in Instagram posts). [8]
  3. In order to boost traffic to your store, you’ll need to build up your following and target your products to your audience.
  4. Once you have your store account connected to your Instagram account, you can start making posts that promote your products to followers.
    • Make sure to keep promotional posts to a minimum on your account, such as 1 promotional post for every 4 non-promotional posts.
  5. When you make a promotional post, you can include a non-clickable link in the post and include a statement like “active link in my bio” to guide users to the link they can click to purchase your products.
    6. Advertisement

Grow Your Instagram Presence with this Expert Series

Do you dream of becoming an Instagram influencer? Are you struggling to gain more followers. Then this expert series is for you!
1
Get 1k Followers on Instagram
2
Get Featured on Instagram
3
Get More Likes on Your Instagram Photos
4
Become an Instagram Influencer
5
Have a Good Instagram
6
Make Money on Instagram

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How many followers do I have to have on Instagram to start making money?
    Ramin Ahmari
    Social Media Expert
    Ramin Ahmari is the CEO & Co-Founder of FINESSE, an AI-led fashion house using machine learning on social media to forecast trends & eliminate fashion's problem of overproduction. Before his time at FINESSE, he worked with influencers on growth and sponsorships and has worked with major brands on implementing influencer & marketing strategy by leveraging his expertise in data science & artificial intelligence on social data.
    Ramin Ahmari
    Social Media Expert
    Expert Answer
    On Instagram, you're usually considered a micro-influencer if you have over 10,000 followers. You're a macro-influencer if you have over a million. However, there are also different levels in between. Up until 100,000 followers, you usually receive some free products now and then and some modeling gig if you fall into that niche. However, true monetization really starts through partnerships that start appearing at 100K+ followers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
  • Question
    Does Instagram pay you?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Instagram itself doesn’t pay you. You need to connect with businesses that want to advertise through your Instagram account, either with sponsored posts as an influencer or by using affiliate marketing services that partner you with businesses; this process is explained above in Part 3. You can also make money on Instagram selling your photos (see Part 4 above) or curating/running Instagram accounts for a business (usually this would be as part of a paid social media job, like a communications officer, but freelance opportunities to do this also exist). You can also use Instagram to sell a product (physical or digital) or your services––basically, it’s a way for you to advertise these things in a picture-rich and fun approach.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How many followers do you have to have for Instagram to pay you?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    There tends to be a sweet spot of follower amounts that varies depending on what sort of things you’re influencing others to buy or use. While an amount of 1,000 or under might seem small, sometimes this is a sufficient amount because the engagement with this group is more important than the numbers, making it more likely that the followers will actually purchase the goods or services promoted than would be the case with someone who has over 1 million followers and is barely engaging with anyone. A company will look at your level of actual engagement with your followers, and whether you have 1,000, 10,000 or a million followers, what will matter is how much (and how well) you are interacting with and getting interaction back from your followers. But a ballpark figure that possibly can earn you a decent amount would be around 5,000 followers, again providing you have excellent engagement with those followers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Most marketing apps or brands will require you to have a PayPal ID in order to pay you.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If your Instagram is based around photography, make sure that every photo on your account page is high-quality. Even one unintentionally blurry or poorly-edited photo can diminish your credibility as a photographer.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • In rare cases, you can sell your Instagram account for a quick buck.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Like any business' process, building a reputable Instagram account and then monetizing it will take time.
        Thanks
        Helpful 12 Not Helpful 5
      • The Federal Trade Commission's advertising guidelines dictate that you need to tag any advertisements as such; you can do this by placing a "#ad" tag in your post descriptions. [9]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      5 Easy Steps to Have Invisible Highlight Names on Instagram
      Easily View a List of People You Have Requested to Follow on Instagram
      How to
      View Instagram Without an Account Anonymously
      4 Easy Ways to Download a Picture from Instagram
      How to
      Watch Someone's IG Story Without Them Knowing
      The 4 Easiest Ways to Reset Your Instagram Explore Page
      Find Out Who Shared Your Instagram Posts & Reels to Stories
      4 Easy Ways to Login to Instagram Without a Recovery Code
      4 Quick Ways to Contact Instagram Support for Help
      How to
      See Your Instagram Stalkers: Stories, Stats, & Apps
      How to
      Check Who Doesn't Follow You Back on Instagram
      Where to Find Instagram Drafts on Android, iPhone, & iPad
      11 Ways to Fix Instagram Reels Not Working
      Why Instagram Won't Let You Post: 12 Reasons & Quick Fixes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/25/get-instagram-likes_n_6751614.html
      2. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/make-money-on-instagram_us_55ad3ad6e4b0caf721b3624c
      3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/business/how-get-more-followers-instagram/
      4. ↑ https://www.oberlo.com/blog/make-money-instagram#How_to_Make_Money_on_Instagram
      5. ↑ https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-are-the-ftc-social-media-guidelines/
      6. ↑ https://www.oberlo.com/blog/make-money-instagram
      7. ↑ https://www.shopify.com/blog/make-money-on-instagram
      8. ↑ https://www.oberlo.com/blog/instagram-shopping
      9. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jaymcgregor/2016/07/28/how-to-make-money-on-instagram/#2789fdfe60c9

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Build up your following and engagement.
      2. Contact a brand you’d like to sponsor.
      3. Familiarize yourself with FTC Social Media Guidelines.
      4. Create eye-catching promotional posts.
      5. Put a sponsorship hashtag in your posts.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,014,988 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Leah Opalla

        Jul 3, 2016

        "I have been Instagram on and off due to internet connection problems. However, once I have a smooth and fast ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement