How to Make Money on Instagram in 2025: 9 Proven Strategies

You’ve probably noticed it—scrolling through your Instagram feed, you’ll see your favorite creators spotlighting everything from their own products to brand partnerships. And sure, celebrities with massive followings can rake in seven figures for a single sponsored post—but here’s the good news: you don’t need millions of followers to start making money on Instagram.

Whether you're a small business owner hoping to expand your reach or a content creator ready to turn influence into income, Instagram offers powerful tools to help you grow. Curious where to start? Let’s break it down.

9 Ways to Make Money on Instagram

Making money on Instagram isn’t just a numbers game—it’s not all about how many followers you have. What matters more is how you show up: your unique style of content, the audience you attract, and how consistently you engage with them. The best monetization strategy for you will depend on your niche, your goals, and how much time you're ready to invest.

1. Partner with Brands on Sponsored Content

Sponsored content is a win-win for both creators and brands. While businesses often struggle to recreate the genuine feel of a creator’s voice, they can tap into that authenticity by collaborating with influencers who already speak to their ideal customers. For creators, it’s a chance to get paid for doing what they do best: creating content that resonates.

The key to a successful brand partnership? Authenticity.

“A lot of brands like to work with creators who are already fans of their products,” says Rachel Karten, a social media consultant and author of the Link in Bio newsletter.

Rachel recommends reaching out to your favorite brands and pitching a collaboration—especially if you have a recurring format that makes it easy to slot in a product.

“A recurring style or series that brands could then plug into is a really nice way to partner with brands,” she explains.

Take Alix Earle, for example. Her “Get Ready With Me” videos have become a staple—and a natural fit for beauty brands.

“Everyone watches her ‘get ready with me.’ That’s a very easy place for a makeup brand to plug themselves into,” says Rachel. “Her audience looks forward to those specific videos.”

When pitching a brand, highlight your audience’s demographics and interests, and explain how their product fits into your content style. Platforms like Shopify Collabs can also help you get discovered by brands looking to partner with creators.

If you’re on the other side—as a small business looking to collaborate—try suggesting how your product could fit into a creator’s existing format. Avoid asking them to make content that feels out of sync with their usual tone or style.

And remember: no matter how natural the collaboration feels, Instagram’s rules require that all branded content—anything shared in exchange for value—uses the Paid Partnership label. It keeps things transparent and above board.

2. Sell Your Own Products or Services with an Online Store

If you already run an online store, chances are you’re using Instagram to showcase your products. But even if you're a creator without a traditional business, your influence can be a powerful springboard for launching your own line—whether it’s physical products, digital downloads, or professional services.

Think of your Instagram content as a storytelling platform for your brand. Show your audience how your product fits into their lifestyle, solves a problem, or simply brings them joy. Then, make the buying process seamless with Instagram’s built-in shopping tools.

The line between creator and entrepreneur is blurrier than ever, with more people using their platforms to build independent businesses. Take pet influencer Loki the Wolfdog—what started as stunning outdoor photography evolved into a full-fledged brand, Loki Naturals, offering products inspired by his adventures.

Here are a few approachable ways to start selling on Instagram:

Offer services you’re skilled at—like photography, coaching, or social media strategy—and direct followers to your website to book or inquire.
Sell digital products, such as courses, music, design templates, or ebooks. These are easy to deliver and scale.
Create and sell original physical products, either shipping them yourself or using a fulfillment service to handle the logistics.
Use dropshipping to sell products without holding inventory—making it easier to test ideas with low risk.

With the right mix of creativity and consistency, your Instagram presence can evolve into a profitable business all your own.

3. Design Merch for Your Personal Brand

Merch isn’t just for big-name celebrities anymore—it’s become a natural extension of personal branding for creators of all sizes. “The ability for [creators] to sell products is just so natural, because their abundance of content allows them to have those moments of plugging their products,” says Chris Vaccarino, founder of Fanjoy, a company that helps creators launch and sell merch with ease.

The best part? You don’t need to build a separate business from scratch. With the right idea and some smart tools, you can create merch that feels like a true extension of your content and community.

Whether it’s a catchy slogan your followers love or a design inspired by your niche, there are several easy ways to get started:

Use a print-on-demand service to create and ship custom products—like mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, or art prints—without upfront costs or inventory hassles.
White-label existing products with your own branding. For example, a fitness influencer might sell resistance bands or water bottles featuring their logo or tagline.
Make it yourself if you’re the hands-on type—like silkscreening t-shirts, crafting jewelry, or painting limited edition prints.

Merch can be more than just a revenue stream—it can strengthen your brand and give your community something tangible to connect with.

4. Start Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to monetize your Instagram presence—especially if you're already recommending products you love. As an affiliate, you earn a commission when someone makes a purchase through your unique link or promo code. Unlike traditional sponsored posts, where influencers are paid a flat fee for exposure, affiliate marketers get paid when their content drives real results.

Brands usually manage these partnerships through affiliate programs, which track clicks and sales tied to your content. If you’re just getting started, you can reach out to brands directly or explore popular affiliate platforms to find products that align with your niche.

To promote your affiliate links on Instagram, try a multi-channel approach:

Add your affiliate links to your Instagram bio or link-in-bio tools like Linktree or Beacons, so you can feature multiple products at once.
Share promo codes in captions or Instagram Stories (with swipe-up or link stickers) to drive direct traffic.
Create engaging content that naturally integrates the product, showing how you use it or why you recommend it.

Fitness creator Caullen Hudson, for example, promotes multiple brands like MVMT by linking to his affiliate hub through his Instagram bio. This allows him to seamlessly highlight the brands he loves while earning commission on every qualifying sale.

Done well, affiliate marketing can feel less like a hard sell and more like sharing a helpful recommendation with your community—because that’s exactly what it should be.

5. Sell Directly on Instagram

Instagram isn’t just a place to discover new products anymore—it’s also a place to buy them. With features like Instagram Shopping tags, the platform makes it easier than ever for followers to go from “I love that” to “I just bought it” in a few taps.

If you have a Shopify store, the Facebook & Instagram app lets you sync your inventory and customer data across both platforms. That means you can manage orders, track sales, and update your product catalog—all from your Shopify dashboard.

Take Miracle Eye, for example. While the brand has its own standalone website, it also runs a vibrant Instagram Shop, making it easy for fans to browse and buy directly within the app.

You can personalize your shop by curating collections based on seasons, themes, or gifting occasions—think New Arrivals, Gifts for Mom, Holiday Picks, or Summer Must-Haves. Each product listing includes images, pricing, and descriptions, giving users a full shopping experience without leaving Instagram.

With just a few features, you can turn your feed into a storefront:

Shoppable posts and Stories: Tag products in your images and videos so users can tap to learn more or buy instantly. (You can do this right from your Shopify Admin!)
Ads with Shopping tags: Use Meta Ads Manager to create shoppable ads or boost posts that already include product tags.

By making your products easy to find and even easier to buy, you’re turning casual scrollers into happy customers—all without them ever leaving the app.

6. Sell Your Photos or Art Online

Even as video content continues to grow in popularity, Instagram still shines as a visual-first platform—making it a perfect place for photographers and artists to turn their creativity into income. If you’re already sharing your work, why not take the next step and start selling it?

There are plenty of ways to monetize your art on Instagram:

Use photo-selling marketplaces like 500px, and link your profile in your bio to guide followers straight to your portfolio.
Set up your own online store to sell original pieces or prints, then link it in your bio or through a link-in-bio tool.
Sell directly on Instagram using Instagram Shopping features to create a seamless buying experience within the app.
License your work on stock photo sites and use your Instagram to attract attention from businesses looking for fresh content.
Try print-on-demand services like Printful or Teelaunch to offer your art on mugs, tote bags, t-shirts, and more—with no upfront inventory needed.

Artist Adam Spychala, for instance, uses his Instagram to showcase his pieces and drive traffic to his online store, where followers can purchase prints of his work.

Whether you're a photographer capturing moody landscapes or an illustrator designing bold, colorful prints, Instagram can be both your gallery and your sales funnel—connecting your passion with people who are ready to support it.

7. Livestream and Earn Badges from Fans

Instagram Live isn’t just a way to connect with your audience in real time—it’s also a chance to earn money through badges, a feature that lets fans support you financially, one stream at a time. Think of badges like virtual tips, similar to what you’ll find on Twitch or TikTok, but baked right into the Instagram experience.

When you go live, viewers can purchase badges (small icons) to show appreciation for your content. Each badge unlocks little perks for the viewer—like having their comments highlighted—while sending real money your way. Badges come in increments of $0.99, $1.99, and $4.99, and the more value you provide, the more likely your fans are to chip in.

But that’s not all—Instagram also lets creators earn money from Reels through a feature called Gifts. Viewers can purchase stars to send as a thank-you, and Instagram pays you 1¢ per star via monthly payouts.

Whether you’re answering questions, teaching a skill, performing music, or just hanging out with your community, livestreaming can be both fun and financially rewarding. So go live, be yourself, and let your biggest fans support the content they love.

8. Offer Paid Subscriptions

While one-off brand deals and viral Reels can be great for making money, sustainable income often comes from building a deeper connection with your most loyal fans. That’s where paid subscriptions come in.

“Sure, you can make money from a sponsored post or a viral video,” says social media expert Rachel Karten. “But I always recommend thinking of Instagram as a tool for building awareness first. Once people are hooked on your content, that’s when subscriptions can really shine.”

Instagram’s native subscription feature lets you offer exclusive content—like behind-the-scenes posts, subscriber-only Stories, or special livestreams—just for paying fans. It’s currently open to U.S. creators over 18 with at least 10,000 followers.

Not eligible or want more flexibility? You can also branch out using third-party platforms:

Patreon lets you offer subscription tiers with custom perks.
Substack is great if you want to pair your Instagram presence with a paid newsletter.
You can even gate content or perks on your online store, offering special discounts or content to subscribers who sign in.

These tools not only let you diversify your income—they help you build your email list and maintain ownership of your audience, even beyond Instagram.

Take a cue from creator and astrologer Aliza Kelly, who promotes both her Substack newsletter, The Practice, and her exclusive community, The Constellation Club, on her Instagram. It’s a smart way to turn followers into superfans—and superfans into a sustainable income stream.

9. Sell Your Used Stuff

If you’ve got an eye for fashion, home décor, or just love a good closet clean-out, selling used items on Instagram can be a fun and profitable side hustle. From influencers to everyday creators, plenty of people are turning their pre-loved pieces into cash—no fancy storefront required.

Your followers already admire your style, so chances are they’ll jump at the chance to own something they’ve seen you wear or feature. A simple and effective method is to post items to your Stories and ask followers to DM you to claim them—first come, first served. For extra buzz, announce your sale ahead of time so people know to keep an eye out.

Small business owners can use a similar approach to run virtual sample sales. Share photos of gently imperfect or excess stock to your Stories or feed and offer a discount for a limited time. It’s a great way to clear space and build excitement around your brand.

Whether it’s a gently worn jacket or a “still cute but slightly chipped” mug, your used treasures might just be someone else’s perfect find. And with Instagram’s visual format, you’ve already got the perfect showroom right at your fingertips.

Factors That Affect How Much You Can Make on Instagram

How much money you can earn on Instagram depends on a mix of factors—and it’s not always about having the biggest follower count. In fact, many smaller creators with focused audiences can earn a solid income by tapping into profitable niches like finance or wellness. Meanwhile, celebrity accounts with millions of followers can command multimillion-dollar deals for a single post.

Here are the key factors that influence a creator’s earning potential on Instagram:

Follower Count

A common way to understand an influencer’s earning potential is by looking at their follower count. Generally, the more followers you have, the higher your rate per post—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Here’s a handy breakdown of influencer tiers and typical earnings per post:

Nano-influencer: 1,000–10,000 followers — usually earns $10–$100 per post
Micro-influencer: 10,000–50,000 followers — typically makes $100–$500 per post
Mid-tier influencer: 50,000–500,000 followers — can command $500–$5,000 per post
Macro-influencer: 500,000–1 million followers — generally earns $5,000–$10,000 per post
Mega-influencer: 1 million+ followers — rates range widely, from $10,000 up to $1 million+ per post

Keep in mind, these numbers are guidelines—not strict rules. Engagement, niche, and content quality all play big roles too!

Engagement Rate

How actively your followers interact with your posts makes a huge difference in your earning potential. An engaged audience—those who like, comment, share, and save your content—not only boosts your visibility but also increases your value to brands.

When your followers are genuinely involved, they help spread your content organically, sparking conversations that signal Instagram’s algorithm to show your posts to even more people. Plus, loyal followers are much more likely to respond to your calls to action, like clicking on affiliate links or checking out a product you recommend.

In short: it’s not just about how many followers you have, but how much they care.

Affiliate Marketing Commission Rates

The commission you earn from affiliate marketing—when your followers click on links and make purchases—can vary widely depending on the brands you work with and the products you promote.

As your Instagram grows and your influence strengthens, you’ll have more leverage to negotiate higher commission rates. This means you can boost your earnings simply by partnering with the right brands and products that resonate with your audience.

Building those relationships and understanding what your followers love is key to turning affiliate marketing into a steady income stream.

Niche

The niche you focus on plays a big role in how much you can earn per follower. If your content attracts a specific, high-value audience—like new parents, tech enthusiasts, or people shopping for luxury goods—brands will be more eager to work with you and often offer higher-paying partnerships.

Why? Because brands love influencers who speak directly to the kind of customers they're trying to reach. So whether you're all about sustainable living, skincare tips, or financial advice, a well-defined niche can seriously boost your income potential on Instagram.

Number of Income Streams

While affiliate marketing and sponsored posts are popular ways to earn on Instagram, your overall income often depends on how many different monetization streams you tap into.

Diversifying your approach—say, by launching your own product line, offering paid subscriptions, or landing long-term brand partnerships—can significantly boost your earnings. In fact, ongoing deals that include a mix of posts, Reels, and Stories tend to bring in more consistent (and higher) income than one-off promotions.

Think of it as building your own Instagram-based business, with multiple income channels working together to support your creative hustle.

How to Make Money on Instagram: FAQ

Can you get paid on Instagram?
Absolutely! Instagram offers plenty of opportunities to turn your content into income. Whether you’re a creator, a business owner, or just getting started, there are several ways to start earning, including:

Partnering with brands on sponsored posts
Joining affiliate programs and earning commissions
Driving traffic to your own website or online store
Setting up an Instagram Shop to sell directly through the platform
Showcasing and selling your photography or artwork as prints

With the right strategy and a bit of creativity, your Instagram can be more than just a passion project—it can be a profitable one.

How many Instagram followers do you need to make money?
You don’t need millions of followers to start earning. In fact, creators with just 1,000 engaged followers can begin working with brands and making money through sponsored content. Your rates will depend on a mix of factors—like your follower count, engagement rate, content quality, niche, and even the demographics of your audience.

Does Instagram pay you for likes?
Not directly. Instagram doesn’t pay you just for getting likes. However, it has experimented with limited-time bonuses that reward creators based on views and performance metrics. Still, the most consistent and lucrative paths to getting paid are through collaborations, affiliate programs, subscriptions, and selling your own products or services.

How does image size affect website load time?
Big image files = slower load times. And that can hurt your user experience and even your search rankings. The trick is to optimize images—shrinking file sizes while keeping quality high—so your site loads quickly and looks great. This is especially important if you’re driving traffic from Instagram to your own website or online store.