How to make money on Instagram 

Scroll through any Instagram feed, and you’ll see a constant stream of collaborations and product recommendations. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need a hundred thousand followers to cash in on the platform. 

But that’s simply not true. Savvy creators with follower counts as low as 1,000 have found clever ways to make money online.

In this post, we’ll unveil 13 actionable strategies to transform your Instagram account from a hobby into a revenue stream. Ditch the follower-count obsession and learn creative ways to make money on Instagram, no matter your current audience size.

Let’s talk numbers — there are two billion monthly active users on Instagram. 

That’s a goldmine for Instagram marketing, but how do you turn your slice of this audience into a revenue stream? 

1. Collaborate with brands on sponsored content

Instagram influencers and creators have built engaged audiences that trust their recommendations. Realizing the marketing potential, brands often engage in influencer marketing to promote products through sponsored content.

Why do brands pay influencers? Authenticity.

Influencers have a direct line of communication with their followers. So when an influencer endorses a product through a sponsored post, it comes across as a genuine recommendation from a trusted source. 

Take mountain bike brand DVO Suspension. They partner with enthusiast creators who showcase DVO shocks on their bikes. 

DVO gets their product in front of real mountain bikers — their target audience — in a natural, convincing way.

As an influencer, creating authentic branded content is key to building a loyal, engaged audience and attracting lucrative brand partnerships. So, if this is the route you want to take to monetize Instagram, you’ll first want to develop a unique content niche and aesthetic. 

Brands seek out influencers who have a clearly defined style and engaged following. So whether you’re a fashion guru, fitness enthusiast, or tech reviewer, lean into your passion. 

Then, as your influence grows, pitch brands you genuinely love. Explain why a collaboration would resonate with your audience. And provide examples of potential sponsored post ideas.

When you secure brand deals, prioritize authenticity over quick cash. Only promote products you truly believe in. Partnerships that appear misaligned or disingenuous erode audience trust and limit your long-term earning potential.

Remember, your audience follows you for your unique perspective. They can sniff out overly-promotional content. So maintain your voice and keep it real, even in sponsored instagram posts.

According to Statista, nano influencers having 1,000 to 10,000 followers make up 65.39% of Instagram influencer accounts. Micro-influencers are the second most popular group making up 27.73% of influencer accounts.

2. Sell your photos or art online as prints or digital downloads

If you’re a talented photographer or artist, you can use your skills to promote your products and make money on Instagram. Take FLOX, for example.

They sell beautiful, handcrafted art pieces, prints, stationary, and other art-based products. FLOX frequently shares examples of their work and glimpses into their process on Instagram, which is a great driving source of website traffic and, ultimately, sales.

Here are some examples of artwork that you can sell online:

• Physical or downloadable wall art
• Phone wallpapers
• Stationary
• Desktop backgrounds
• Stickers
• Digital planners
• Graphic templates

If you want to sell physical versions of your artwork, print on demand is a great option. It allows you to create truly custom products without having to worry about printing or fulfillment yourself.

Creating digital products, on the other hand, allows you to package your talents into a scalable income stream without the overhead and constraints of physical inventory at all.

Why are these great monetization methods?

They have a low barrier to entry — if you’re already creating content, you’ve done the hardest part. Plus, you have the ability to sell to a global audience 24/7.

3. Design and sell merch for your personal brand

As you grow your following, creating branded merch allows you to turn your influence into a tangible revenue stream while deepening your connection with your audience.

The merch possibilities are nearly endless — going far beyond just putting a logo on a t-shirt. You could sell:

• Apparel like hoodies, hats, and socks
• Accessories like phone cases and tote bags
• Home goods like mugs and pillows
• Stationery like notebooks and stickers

Why is selling merch to earn money a smart move?

It creates an additional income stream outside of sponsored content or digital products. Branded items also keep your name top of mind and spark organic conversation.

For example, comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham promotes limited-edition Funko Pop! figures of himself to his Instagram followers.

By aligning his merch with his comedic brand, Jeff offers his audience an exclusive way to engage with his content beyond the screen, and it’s another excellent way to make money on Instagram.

Need a storefront to sell your merchandise?

WooCommerce is a great option for building your online store because it offers an intuitive design process and you can own all of your work with no monthly fees. Plus, it’s highly popular and completely open source, so you can quickly find free help or professional developers that can create anything your imagination dreams up.

Learn more: How to start an online store with WooCommerce.

4. Become an affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing on Instagram involves earning commissions by promoting products or services and driving sales that are tracked and credited back to you through a unique promo code or link. 

Plus, Instagram’s data shows that 70% of shoppers look to the platform for their next purchase. People love the platform to get inspiration and discover new products. That’s exactly why affiliate marketing is a lucrative way to earn money on Instagram and engage with your audience.

For example, lydia.in.vegas collaborates as an affiliate and influencer with two different complementary brands in the example below. She’s demonstrating the glamorous vacation lifestyle and promoting how her partners can give followers the same look. 

She mentions a special coupon code that provides a discount and tracks the impact of the marketing effort for the companies involved.

Here’s how to maximize your earnings as an affiliate:

• Strategic link placement. Place affiliate links where they’re easily accessible, like your bio, story swipe-ups, or post captions. Ensure these links are visible and straightforward.
• Promo codes. Share unique promo codes in your posts and stories. These not only offer value to your followers but are also essential to track your influence on sales.
• Engaging content. Create branded content that naturally incorporates the products. Use personal testimonials or show the results in real time through videos or live sessions.

Important: Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience to maintain transparency and trust. 

5. Sell used items or decluttered goods

Selling gently used clothing, vintage finds, furniture, and more is a great way to make money on Instagram. It taps into a growing trend towards sustainability and second-hand shopping. Plus, you get to clear out some space and make a profit.

But how do you turn your closet cleanout into an Instagram goldmine?

Think boutique, not garage sale. High-quality photos are key. Take well-lit pictures showcasing the item from different angles.

Stage your clothes with trendy accessories or use flat-lay photography to create a visually-appealing presentation. For furniture and other large items, include pictures from multiple angles and highlight any unique features.

Also, create engaging captions that breathe life into your pre-loved items. Share the story behind a vintage dress or the reason you’re letting go of a statement piece. This personal touch creates an emotional connection with potential buyers and makes your items stand out.

Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags relevant to the item you’re selling. This increases discoverability and ensures that the right audience sees your post. Consider creating a dedicated Instagram business account specifically for your pre-loved finds for a more professional vibe.

Take advantage of Instagram Stories. Host “closet clear-out” sales with limited-time offers or previews of upcoming listings. Use the “Shopping” sticker feature to tag items directly in your stories.

Finally, be transparent (and honest) in everything you do — including your descriptions. Mention any minor flaws or signs of wear. Provide the most accurate sizing information you can. Overall, don’t just treat this as a decluttering garage sale. Try to intentionally curate a unique, independent shopping experience that people naturally want to be part of. 

6. Offer paid tutorials and workshops

If you’ve built a following around any skill, you can monetize your experience through paid tutorials and workshops.

Tutorials and workshops let you package your skills into premium educational content like in-depth video lessons, downloadable practice worksheets, live online workshops, and multi-module courses.

Paid tutorials are a particularly good option if you’re already positioned as an expert and authority in your niche. 

One reason these kinds of options are so great is that you can create the content once and sell it repeatedly with only minor tweaks or updates here or there (passive income for the win!).

For example, expert conversationalist and author Vanessa Van Edwards has 157k Instagram followers who respect her advice on socialization and self-confidence boosting strategies. To monetize this audience, she offers paid courses that help motivated people with personal development.

She sends followers to her WordPress site and uses Sensei LMS to create and sell courses. 

Sensei LMS integrates with WooCommerce, so you can offer paid courses alongside more traditional things like physical merchandise, digital downloads, or memberships to premium content areas. 

Speaking of that… 

7. Create paid subscriptions to exclusive content or perks

Offering exclusive content through paid subscriptions is another way to monetize your presence on Instagram. Essentially, this involves creating a special content tier for followers willing to pay a monthly fee.

It’s a win-win: your subscribers gain access to premium content they can’t get anywhere else. You generate a reliable, recurring income stream.

Here are some content ideas for paid subscriptions:

• Behind-the-scenes vlogs or podcasts
• Monthly live Q&A sessions or group coaching calls
• Early access to new products, services, or launches
• Exclusive discount codes or freebies
• Subscriber-only challenges or workbooks
• Private community or group chat access

But how do you entice followers to actually whip out their wallets? 

Start by teasing the tangible benefits of subscribing to your organic content. Share sneak peeks of the exclusive goodies that await them behind the paywall.

Create a sense of urgency and scarcity around your subscription offerings. Make it feel like an opportunity they’d hate to miss out on.

Also, consider tiering your subscriptions at different price points. Offer a lower-priced entry option to attract new subscribers. Then provide pricier VIP tiers with even more irresistible perks.

Once followers take the leap, prioritize delivering value. Exceed their expectations with every piece of premium content. 

8. Provide consulting, coaching, or freelance services

Turn your expertise into income by offering consulting, coaching, or freelance services directly through Instagram. If you’ve built an audience that follows you for advice and tips on anything from professional skills to organization, parenting, or cooking, you can offer 1:1 advice for a premium fee. 

And while you can organize a few appointments a month on your own and collect payments via a platform like PayPal or Venmo, if you want to turn your following into a serious business, you’ll need a bit more power. 

That’s where building a WordPress site with WooCommerce comes in handy. You can create products for different consulting packages, manage your schedule, allow customers to book time slots through an interactive calendar, and take nearly any form of payment imaginable and transfer that to the account of your choice. 

Individual consulting and coaching is a fantastic way to make money on Instagram because, with an existing audience, you’ve already showcased and proven your skills and knowledge. That’s why people follow you. Now, you can package your years of experience into a premium offering and sell it to followers who are willing to pay top dollar for personalized guidance and support. 

Style Girlfriend is a great example. They know style, especially men’s style. So they took their skillset and turned it into a profitable business, offering consulting services for men’s fashion. They use Instagram to get the attention of potential clients, and they’ve made it fun, integrating pop culture and tons of GIFs into their content. 

Here some tips for finding success when selling consulting or coaching services through Instagram:

• Identify and focus on a niche subject matter and discuss specific results you’ve helped others achieve.
• Develop signature service packages that mention common problems by name and aim to solve them.
• Use a variety of price points to appeal to a wider audience with varying levels of commitment and to make your middle-tiered offerings seem more attractive.
• As free previews, share actionable tips and quick wins to build trust and demonstrate your expertise.
• Use strong calls-to-action to invite followers to work with you 1:1 or in a group setting.
• Gather testimonials and case studies to show the real-world results your clients experience.

9. Build awareness and drive traffic to your brand’s website

If you’re an entrepreneur or creator with your own website already, Instagram can be a powerful tool to attract your ideal audience and convert them into paying customers.

Think of your Instagram as a strategic extension of your brand’s marketing efforts. A chance to showcase your offerings, build trust, and entice followers to explore your site.

According to a Kepios Instagram statistics report, 62.7% of Instagram users follow or research brands and products on the app. Making it the third most popular activity on the platform.

In other words: Instagram plays a huge role in informing people’s buying decisions. 

For example, jewelry company Hyo Silver uses Instagram to attract its target customers and drive traffic to its online store.

Their feed is a gorgeous showcase of handcrafted pieces. With styled product shots and close-ups that highlight the intricate details. 

But Hyo Silver doesn’t just rely on pretty pictures. They use strategic calls-to-action in their captions to encourage followers to click the link in their Instagram bio. Teasing limited-time promotions, exclusive collections, and the story behind each piece.

Hyo Silver has turned Instagram into a powerful sales engine by promoting their website and making it easy to browse and buy.

To drive traffic and sales for your own brand, optimize your Instagram bio with a clear link to your website or a specific landing page.

Share a mix of product shots, lifestyle content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to build trust. Then, use strong calls-to-action in your captions to encourage clicks and conversions.

Also, run targeted ads to reach new audiences and retarget interested followers. Most people don’t make a purchase the first time they find you.

Basically, you should treat your Instagram as a contributor to nearly every stage of the sales funnel and vary your content accordingly. Some posts will be meant to attract new followers, other posts meant to demonstrate the value of your offerings, and still others to promote limited-time offers and spur action. 

10. Create shoppable posts and use Instagram Shopping

If you use WooCommerce to list products and process transactions, you can sync your inventory with Instagram so that your posts can link directly to specific products using the Instagram for WooCommerce extension. This tool also automatically populates product information and recognizes products in photos as you prepare to share them. 

This makes it intuitive for visitors to learn more about the items they enjoy seeing in your posts. 

Instagram Shopping takes things a step further by providing an enhanced, immersive shopping experience directly on Instagram — including the ability for some brands and Instagram users to complete transactions without ever leaving the platform. 

Key features of Instagram Shopping include:

• Your own Instagram Shop. This is your brand’s shop where Instagram users can browse your collections and see your products in action.
• Collections. Organize your products into themed groups such as “New Arrivals” or “Seasonal Favorites” to streamline the shopping experience.
• Product Detail Pages (PDPs). These provide essential information about each item and can include tagged content from across Instagram, directing customers to your website to finalize their purchases.
• Checkout on Instagram. If you have an eligible U.S. Instagram account, this feature allows Instagram users to purchase products directly within the app, making the transaction as simple as possible.

11. Launch a print-on-demand store

Print on demand is a business model where you sell base products that have your unique designs printed on them, but your print on demand supplier handles all the production, shipping, and fulfillment as orders are placed. This means you can create and promote your own line of merchandise without the hassle of inventory or upfront production costs.

So, how do you get started?

First, choose a print on demand supplier like Printful, Printify, or Scalable Press. These platforms integrate with WooCommerce so you can quickly set up your store and start selling.

Think about what your followers would love to wear, use, or display in their homes. What designs would stop them in their scrolling tracks and make them say, “I need that!”?

Once you’ve created your products, all that’s left is to promote them to your existing audience (or find a niche and start building your audience). Just be sure that your Instagram account isn’t suddenly flooded exclusively with promotional content or followers will start to disconnect. 

All the normal Instagram marketing tips apply here: Share stunning product shots, styled photos, and behind-the-scenes peeks of your creative process. Use catchy captions and popular hashtags to drive engagement and reach new audiences. You can even run targeted Instagram ads to get your products in front of more potential customers. Or partner with other Instagram creators for collaborations and cross-promotion.

By launching a print-on-demand store, you can make money on Instagram with minimal risk. 

12. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is a popular ecommerce business model where you, as the seller, don’t need to physically store products.

Instead, when you sell an item, you purchase it from a third party and they ship it directly to the customer. Like print on demand, this gives you the ability to start a business with minimal upfront investment and without the hassle of managing inventory and shipping. 

But Instead of printing your designs on base products, like with print on demand, dropshipping products are already in their completed form and are just chosen by marketers (or you, on Instagram!) who want to promote them.

Here’s how to start dropshipping:

First, choose a niche and find reliable suppliers. This could be through a marketplace like AliExpress or by partnering directly with manufacturers.

Next, create an online store using WooCommerce. This is where you’ll showcase your curated products, build your brand, and process orders. 

Then, use your Instagram page influence to drive traffic and sales. This is where your creativity and authentic connection with your audience really shine.

Again, you’ll use the same sorts of strategies that we’ve already discussed. Share product photos, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes looks. Use compelling captions and stories to highlight the benefits and unique features of each product. And tag your items using Instagram Shopping to make purchasing a breeze.

When starting a dropshipping business, remember that a lot of the product production and fulfillment process is out of your hands. Choose a truly reliable partner and make sure to vet items before you attach your name to them.

13. Earn Badges from followers in Live

Instagram’s Badges feature allows creators to earn money directly from their fans during live streams. This feature is a great way to make money on Instagram through natural, live content and build a stronger connection with your audience.

During a live broadcast, viewers can purchase virtual badges in increments of $0.99, $1.99, or $4.99 to show their appreciation and leave a “tip” in support of their favorite Instagram creators. These badges appear as heart icons next to their usernames in the comments, making it easy for creators to acknowledge and thank them for their support.

Live Badges offer creators a direct way to earn money from their live content, minus applicable taxes and fees. Instagram creators receive payouts monthly if the minimum payout threshold of $100 is met.

To get the most out of Live Badges, be sure to promote live broadcasts in advance to build anticipation and encourage viewers to tune in. You should also be sure to engage with your audience during the live stream by answering questions, responding to comments, and giving shout-outs to those who purchase badges.

How many Instagram followers do you need to make money?

The myth of needing millions of followers to make money on Instagram is exactly that — a myth! While a large following can certainly open doors, any creator with even a thousand loyal followers can find ways to monetize their presence.

What truly matters is engagement and niche relevance. A smaller, highly engaged audience with a genuine interest in your content can be much more valuable than a massive following with low engagement.

What are the different levels of influencers or creators?

One way to categorize influencers and creators is based on their follower counts. Here’s how that breaks down:

• Mega Influencers. These are the A-listers of Instagram, boasting over a million followers. Brands often partner with them for broad reach and brand awareness campaigns.
• Macro Influencers. With follower counts between 100,000 and 1 million, macro influencers are well-established with engaged communities. They can be a good choice for brands targeting specific demographics or interests.
• Micro Influencers. Having 10,000 to 100,000 followers, micro influencers are known for their highly engaged and niche audiences. Brands seeking strong engagement and a more targeted reach often partner with micro influencers.
• Nano Influencers. These are the new kids on the block, with follower counts between 1,000 and 10,000. While their reach is smaller, nano influencers often have the most authentic connections with their audience, making them ideal for brands targeting very specific niches. 

See? Who says you need a million followers?

Ready to make money on Instagram? The possibilities for turning your Instagram passion into a profitable venture are endless. From brand collaborations to selling your own products, there are many ways to make money on Instagram. 

Consider taking your Instagram work a step further by exploring online store ownership. Selling your own products directly through Instagram is a seamless way to capitalize on your audience and brand. 

Platforms like WooCommerce offer user-friendly tools to create a beautiful online store that integrates perfectly with your Instagram presence. Try it out today and watch your Instagram success translate into real profits.

About

Vanessa Petersen

Vanessa has spent her career writing helpful things for people across the tech space. Outside of work, she enjoys training for triathlon, rotating through hobbies, and exploring new places both urban and natural. She has two fluffy cats, maintains a few succulents, and has far too many books on her TBR shelf.