How To Make Money ON Instagram (updated 2024)

If the American dream revolves around tireless work and financial success, the Instagram dream seems to counter it by embracing the idea of earning without breaking your back. However, achieving substantial income through social media demands a well-thought-out approach. Regardless of whether you’re an individual creator or a business entity, delving into research becomes paramount for maximizing monetary gains on Instagram. Continue reading to draw inspiration from thirteen unique instances of success achieved by creators and brands alike, and uncover valuable tips applicable to anyone looking to monetize their presence on Instagram.
Can you make money on Instagram?

Absolutely! Believe it or not Instagram is deeply committed to assisting creators in establishing a livelihood on its platform, placing a significant emphasis on this goal. This commitment becomes increasingly crucial amidst intensifying competition from platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.

How much money can you make on Instagram?

Here are some of the reported earnings of various creators and celebrities:
$901: The typical income for an Instagram influencer with 1,000 to 10,000 followers per post, as indicated by Business Insider.
$100 to $1,500: The range a creator can receive for a swipe-up advertisement in their Instagram stories, according to Brian Hanly, CEO of Bullish Studio, a talent agency specializing in influencers.
$983,100: The reported amount Kylie Jenner earns per ad or sponsored content post.
$1,604,000: The reported earnings per post for Cristiano Ronaldo.
In 2021, Hype Auditor conducted a survey involving nearly 2 thousand influencers, primarily based in the U.S., to explore their income. Here are their findings:
The average influencer generates $2,970 per month. However, it’s essential to note that “average” figures may not capture the wide spectrum of earnings, as evidenced in the following statistic.
Micro-influencers, with accounts ranging from one thousand to ten thousand followers, earn an average of $1,420 per month, while mega-influencers, with over one million followers, command an average monthly income of approximately $15,356.

How to make money on Instagram as a creator

Even without a traditional “business” setup, there are numerous avenues for individuals to leverage Instagram for financial gains. Building a substantial following and establishing a distinct niche grants you influence—transforming you into an influencer capable of generating income.

1. Brand Partnerships

There are plenty of agencies that accept small and large accounts to be part of their network and land brand deals. Here are a few
The Influencer Marketing Factory
NeoReach
Viral Nation
Kairos Media

2. Turn On Live Badges

Creators within the United States can utilize Instagram’s Live Badges as a direct means of earning money through the app. When conducting a live video, viewers have the option to purchase badges, priced between $0.99 and $4.99, as a way to express their support.
To activate Live Badges, navigate to your Profile and access the Professional Dashboard. Enable Instagram monetization and, upon approval, a button labeled “Set Up Badges” will appear. Simply tap that, and you’re ready to start utilizing Live Badges!

3. Join an affiliate program

This pertains to collaborating with brands, where participating in an affiliate program involves affiliating yourself with a business offering particular products or experiences. Essentially, affiliate programs compensate you for promoting and marketing products from others (emphasizing the importance of aligning these products with your values). If your followers make purchases from the brand through your specific link or discount code, you receive payment.
For instance, your dogs account serves as an affiliate marketer for a dog food or dog toy brand. When followers utilize your dogs discount code to purchase the food or toy, the creator earns a commission.
Here are the top 10 affiliate programs available to influencers.
1. ShareASale
2. CJ Affiliate
3. Amazon Associates
4. Awin
5. Rakuten Advertising
6. Refersion Marketplace
7. Shopstyle
8. Rewardstyle/LikeToKnow
9. Amazon Influencer
10. Magic Links
11. Shop Your Likes
12. Canva
13. TubeBuddy