10 Ways to Make Money on Instagram in 2025

Instagram remains a leading platform for creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to monetize their content. Whether you’re a fitness coach, an artist, or a small business owner, the platform offers plenty of opportunities to turn your audience into income. The best part? You don’t need millions of followers to start monetizing.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through ten proven ways to make money on Instagram in 2025. From leveraging new features like paid subscriptions to creating an Instagram Shop, these strategies can work for creators at every level.

If you’re wondering how to get started or what’s working right now for Instagram marketing, you’re in the right place.

Key Takeaways

• Diversifying income streams through affiliate marketing, subscriptions, and product sales leads to greater success on Instagram in 2025.
• Reels and other short-form videos remain the top-performing content formats for driving engagement and monetization.
• Authenticity matters more than follower count. Brands and audiences prioritize authentic engagement and niche-focused content over follower count.
• Instagram’s monetization tools, like paid subscriptions, Reels bonuses, and Shops, offer multiple ways to earn directly from the platform.
• Success on Instagram depends on consistently delivering valuable content tailored to your audience’s interests.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Why Should You Learn How to Make Money on Instagram?
• What You Need to Make Money on Instagram
  • Reach and Influence
  • Engaged Followers
• How to Make Money on Instagram: 10 Methods
  • 1. Create Content with Sponsored Posts
  • 2. Promote Affiliate Offers
  • 3. Start an Instagram Shop
  • 4. Make Money From Your Content
    • Instagram Videos
    • Live Badges
    • Patreon and Substack
  • 5. Offer Paid Subscriptions
  • 6. Become an Instagram Coach or Consultant
  • 7. Use Instagram Ads to Indirectly Make Money
  • 8. Host Virtual Events or Webinars
  • 9. Teach Your Audience and Get Paid
  • 10. License Your Content
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Why Should You Learn How to Make Money on Instagram?

Instagram’s popularity keeps growing, and so do its monetization opportunities. The platform now has over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide, with 500 million daily users engaging for an average of almost 30 minutes a day. That’s a massive audience for anyone looking to build a brand, sell products, or connect with their community.

Creators are at the center of Instagram’s strategy, with features designed to help them earn directly from their content. Reels bonuses reward creators for high-performing short-form videos, while paid subscriptions allow them to offer exclusive content like private Stories or behind-the-scenes Reels. Enhanced shopping tools make it simple to tag products in posts, Reels, and Stories, streamlining the path from discovery to purchase. Instagram’s Creator Marketplace even connects influencers with brands for paid partnerships, making it easier to secure sponsorships.

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, Instagram can help you reach your target audience and drive sales. Brands of all sizes use the platform to showcase products, promote services, and build relationships with customers. For creators, the focus on authentic, niche-driven content means you don’t need millions of followers to get paid—engagement matters more than numbers.

The potential is huge, but it all starts with knowing how to tap into Instagram’s monetization features. 

What You Need to Make Money on Instagram

Success with Instagram monetization depends on three factors: authenticity, consistency, and focusing on niche markets. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes meaningful content and genuine engagement, so creators who align with these principles can build loyal audiences and attract brand collaborations.

Building trust with your audience is key. Authentic content that speaks to their interests keeps them engaged and coming back for more. Leverage interactive features like polls, stickers, and quizzes to foster engagement, and post consistently to remain visible.

Reach and Influence

Your reach determines how many people see your content, while influence reflects how much they trust and engage with it. Instagram’s tools like boosted posts, Reels ads, and carousel ads are powerful for expanding your reach. These formats target specific audience segments and keep your content visible.

To grow your influence, focus on a niche that aligns with your skills and interests. Niches attract specific audiences more likely to engage with your content and trust your recommendations. Pair this with high-quality visuals and consistent branding to make your profile a valuable space for collaborations.

Engaged Followers

Engaged followers are more valuable than a large, disengaged audience. Brands prioritize creators whose followers actively like, comment, and share their content because engagement translates into sales.

Instagram’s built-in analytics tools, like Insights, can help you understand your engagement. Look at metrics like your likes-to-followers ratio, comments per post, or reach percentage to see how well your content is performing. Check which posts are getting the most interaction and use that data to create similar content.

Source: Instagram 

Focus on using interactive features to keep your audience involved. Polls, Q&As, and quizzes are great for starting conversations. Ask questions in Stories or let your followers vote on something. Replying to comments and DMs also goes a long way in building real relationships with your audience.

Sharing a mix of polished content and authentic moments keeps people coming back. When your audience feels connected to you, they’re more likely to engage, and brands will notice. Use the analytics tools to stay on top of your progress and keep testing what works.

How to Make Money on Instagram: 10 Methods

Instagram offers plenty of ways to earn money, whether you’re growing a personal brand or a business. With tools like Reels, Shops, and paid subscriptions, the platform caters to creators and entrepreneurs alike. Here’s how to get started:

1. Create Content with Sponsored Posts

Sponsored posts are one of the most popular ways to make money on Instagram. Brands collaborate with influencers to showcase their products or services, offering payment for posts, Stories, or Reels designed to connect with a specific audience. The Creator Marketplace simplifies this process by connecting brands with influencers based on their niche and audience demographics.

Successful influencers focus on authenticity and aligning with brands that fit their image. For example, parents often collaborate with family brands, while beauty creators partner with skincare or makeup companies. Brands prioritize authentic engagement over follower count, whether you have 3,000 or 300,000 followers.

Take Maddy Gutierrez, for example. With an audience of women who are mothers, professionals, and typically responsible for grocery shopping, her lifestyle page was the perfect match for a sponsored content post with Rice Krispy Treats.

Source: Instagram

Start building your portfolio with smaller collaborations. Posting consistent, high-quality content in your niche increases the likelihood of attracting sponsorship opportunities.

2. Promote Affiliate Offers

Affiliate marketing lets you earn a commission whenever your followers purchase a product or service through your referral. Use tools like Linktree or Beacons to add affiliate links in your bio or integrate promo codes into your Reels and Stories. High-ticket affiliate programs are especially profitable, offering larger commissions for each sale.

Check out how easy it is for creators to promote affiliate relationships with multi-link abilities using those tools. Emily Smith (@thesimplyemithsmith) makes it easy for followers to access all her links and promo offers right from her bio. 

Source: Instagram

Promote products that align with your brand to build trust and drive conversions. For example, a beauty blogger can link to high-quality hair care or makeup. Adding call-to-action phrases, like “Shop with my link for 15% off,” can drive more conversions.

Affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale are easy starting points. Test different affiliate offers to see what resonates with your followers.

3. Start an Instagram Shop

Instagram Shops make it simple to sell directly in the app. Features like product tagging in Stories, Reels, and posts allow followers to explore and purchase items seamlessly without leaving the app. These tools streamline the shopping experience, making it easier for creators and businesses to turn engagement into sales.

To optimize Instagram shopping for mobile browsing, focus on creating a professional, user-friendly experience. Use high-quality images that clearly display your products and write concise, engaging descriptions. Organize your catalog into categories that are easy to navigate. For example, a clothing brand might separate items into categories like “Tops,” “Bottoms,” and “Accessories.”

Here’s an example from Hudson Square Boutique. 

Source: Instagram

Love the outfit? You can easily shop without ever leaving the post. 

Source: Instagram

Integrate product tags into engaging content like Reels and Stories for better conversion. Reels showing your products in real-life use or Stories that highlight new arrivals can make your Shop more engaging. Adding clear calls to action, like “Tap to shop,” encourages followers to explore your products further.

Source: Instagram

4. Make Money From Your Content

Instagram’s tools, like Reels Play bonuses and ad revenue sharing, let creators earn directly from their content. These features reward high-performing posts and allow creators to earn from their creativity without needing external sponsorships.

Source: Instagram

Sustained success with content monetization relies on producing consistent, high-quality posts. Whether you’re sharing educational tutorials, entertaining skits, or lifestyle moments, creating content that resonates with your audience increases views and drives monetization opportunities.

Instagram Videos

Short-form video content is one of the most profitable ways to monetize on Instagram. Reels, in particular, are favored by Instagram’s algorithm and receive high engagement. Brands often partner with creators who make viral Reels, offering sponsorships or collaborations that can generate significant income.

Focus on creating videos that grab attention in the first few seconds. Use trending audio, add captions, and showcase your personality or product in a creative way. Whether it’s a how-to tutorial, a behind-the-scenes clip, or a relatable story, the goal is to connect with your audience and encourage shares.

Live Badges

Live Badges allow followers to support you financially during live broadcasts. Think of them as virtual tips your audience can purchase while engaging with your content in real-time. Followers can buy one of three badge levels, starting at $0.99, and show their support with hearts that appear next to their names during the live session.

Here’s what they look like in action:

Source: Later

Creators can maximize Live Badges by hosting interactive events like Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes looks, or live tutorials. Promoting live events in advance through Stories or posts helps increase attendance and engagement. The more valuable the experience for viewers, the more likely they are to purchase badges.

Patreon and Substack

Instagram can also be a gateway to subscription-based platforms like Patreon or Substack, where you can offer exclusive content for recurring income. For example, an educator might share free tips or snippets of their lessons on Instagram while offering full-length tutorials or resources on Patreon. Similarly, a writer can post article previews and direct followers to subscribe to Substack for the complete version.

These platforms are great for building a predictable income stream while keeping your audience engaged across multiple channels. Promote your subscription content strategically by showing how it adds value or delivers unique insights that followers can’t find elsewhere.

5. Offer Paid Subscriptions

Paid subscriptions provide a steady income stream and foster deeper connections with loyal followers. Instagram allows you to create exclusive content, such as Lives, Stories, posts, Reels, and broadcast channels, accessible only to subscribers who pay a monthly fee.

Creators can set up subscriptions through their professional dashboard after meeting eligibility requirements, including being 18 or older, residing in the US, and having at least 10,000 followers. The platform makes it easy to start, and currently, Instagram doesn’t take a cut of your subscription earnings.

Subscribers gain access to a dedicated tab on your profile, marked with a crown symbol, that houses all exclusive content. 

This makes it simple for them to find and engage with your premium offerings. Exclusive content can include behind-the-scenes videos, private Q&A sessions, or early access to products and announcements.

This model works well for creators offering niche content or highly interactive experiences. Start by creating high-value public content to hook your audience, then invite them to subscribe for even more access. Paid subscriptions are a win-win: your fans get content tailored to them, and you earn consistent, recurring revenue.

6. Become an Instagram Coach or Consultant

If you’ve built a successful Instagram presence, you can monetize your expertise by teaching others how to do the same. Aspiring influencers, small businesses, and brands are eager to learn effective strategies for growth, engagement, and monetization. Offering coaching or consulting services is a natural next step.

Start by identifying your niche and creating content that showcases your skills. Use Instagram’s professional tools, such as Broadcast Channels, to host live workshops or share exclusive tips with paying clients. This helps position you as an authority while attracting an audience willing to invest in your guidance.

Many Instagram coaches package their services into courses, one-on-one consultations, or group coaching sessions. For example, Nathan Chan of Foundr leveraged his Instagram success into a $1,997 online course teaching Instagram marketing strategies. You can start smaller by offering personalized consultations and grow your offerings over time.

Coaching and consulting offer substantial income potential, particularly in high-demand fields like e-commerce, content marketing, and audience growth. Share testimonials and case studies from your clients to build credibility and attract more business.

7. Use Instagram Ads to Indirectly Make Money

Instagram ads are a great way to promote your brand, products, or services and drive revenue. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a creator, ads help you reach a larger audience and build awareness for what you offer.

In 2025, ad formats like multi-ad carousels and Reels ads are especially effective. Carousel ads allow you to showcase multiple products or services in one post, while Reels ads integrate seamlessly into Instagram’s most engaging content format. Both options boost visibility and can drive traffic to your website, online store, or booking page.

Before running ads, define your target audience. Use Instagram’s built-in tools to narrow down demographics, interests, and behaviors. Compelling visuals and a clear call-to-action, like “Shop Now” or “Sign Up,” can significantly improve ad performance.

If you’re unsure about budgeting and the cost of ads, start small and scale up once you see results. Tracking key metrics, such as cost per click (CPC) or return on ad spend (ROAS), helps identify what’s working.

For entrepreneurs, ads are a powerful way to convert followers into customers. Whether you’re selling physical products, services, or digital courses, Instagram ads can help amplify your reach and drive revenue.

8. Host Virtual Events or Webinars

Virtual events and webinars are excellent ways to monetize your expertise and connect with your audience in a meaningful way. Instagram makes promoting these events seamless, whether you’re sharing industry insights, teaching a skill, or hosting a live Q&A. When done right, webinars can generate both income and long-term loyalty.

Take Alex Beadon, for example. As an online business coach and Instagram expert, she uses webinars as a key part of her evergreen launches. Her strategy involves offering a free webinar that attendees can access on-demand. 

Source: Instagram

During the session, she delivers valuable teaching while tying her content to her paid offers, which she promotes at the end. This approach gives her audience immediate value while smoothly transitioning them toward a paid product.

To follow a similar strategy, start by identifying a topic that aligns with your expertise and audience interests. Use Instagram Stories, Reels, and posts to share event details and build anticipation. Tools like countdown stickers, polls, and teaser clips can boost excitement and engagement.

When it comes to hosting, platforms like Zoom or Eventbrite make it easy to sell tickets or register attendees. During the webinar, focus on delivering actionable tips or exclusive insights that keep your audience engaged. Use the opportunity to highlight your paid offers as a natural next step for those who want to go deeper.

The better your webinar experience, the more likely attendees are to recommend it and return for future events. 

9. Teach Your Audience and Get Paid

Teaching your audience a valuable skill is one of the most effective ways to make money on Instagram. If you have expertise in a niche—whether it’s fitness, graphic design, or language learning—you can turn your knowledge into a profitable course and sell it through platforms like Kajabi or Teachable.

Start by identifying what your audience wants to learn. Think about the questions they ask in comments or DMs. Focus on creating a course that delivers clear, actionable steps and solves a specific problem. For example, a fitness creator might teach a 30-day program for beginners, while a photographer could offer a course on editing techniques.

Promote your course on Instagram using Reels, Stories, and posts that highlight what students will gain. Share behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, or testimonials from early participants to build excitement. A short teaser video showing results or transformations is a great way to hook your audience.

Offering a free resource, like a downloadable guide or mini-class, can also attract more interest in your paid course. Once your followers see the value you bring, they’ll be more likely to invest in the full experience.

Jenna Kutcher, an online business coach and New York Times bestselling author makes it easy to say yes by offering a free training session with big promises and zero investment needed.

Source: Instagram

Online teaching scales easily, enabling global reach and consistent revenue. If you’re already sharing knowledge with your followers, creating a paid course is the next logical step to grow your business and monetize your Instagram presence.

10. License Your Content

If you’re a photographer, videographer, or content creator, licensing your work to brands can be a profitable way to monetize your Instagram presence. High-quality images and videos are in demand for advertising, websites, and social media campaigns. Instagram acts as your portfolio, showcasing your best work to potential buyers.

Start by sharing your most professional and eye-catching content on your feed. Brands and agencies often look for creators with unique styles that align with their campaigns. Including your contact information or linking to a portfolio in your bio makes it easy for businesses to reach out.

Platforms like Shutterstock and Getty Images also allow you to license your content while giving you control over usage rights. You can offer exclusive licenses for premium rates or sell non-exclusive rights to maximize income. Make sure to establish clear agreements detailing how your work can be used.

Content licensing is highly profitable for creators in travel, food, fashion, and lifestyle niches. If your content is consistently high-quality and visually compelling, licensing can provide a steady income stream while strengthening your reputation as a professional creator.

FAQs

How to monetize Instagram?

Monetizing Instagram starts with creating valuable content that engages your audience. Popular methods include sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, selling products through an Instagram Shop, or offering exclusive content through subscriptions. Building a niche and maintaining consistent engagement are key to attracting opportunities. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.

Can Instagram Reels bemonetized?

Yes, Reels can be monetized in several ways. Creators can earn through the Reels Play Bonus, collaborate with brands for sponsored content, or use affiliate links in their Reels to promote products. Focus on creating engaging, high-quality videos that capture your audience’s attention and align with your monetization goals.

How much can Instagram Influencers earn?

Influencer earnings vary based on follower count, engagement rate, and niche. Micro-influencers with 10,000–50,000 followers might earn $100–$500 per post, while larger accounts can charge thousands. Top-tier influencers with millions of followers can earn over $1 million annually. Engagement and content quality are as important as follower count when determining rates.

How many followers do you need to make money on Instagram?

You don’t need millions of followers to start making money on Instagram. Many micro-influencers with as few as 1,000–3,000 followers earn through sponsored posts, affiliate links, and product sales. Brands value creators with strong engagement and a niche audience, so focus on building meaningful connections with your followers.

Conclusion

Instagram is one of the best platforms out there for making money, and it keeps getting better with new features that help you connect with your audience. Whether you’re figuring out how to go viral on Instagram with killer Reels or using content marketing to build a community, there’s no shortage of ways to turn your creativity into cash.

It’s all about knowing your audience and giving them content they can’t get enough of. Once you’ve got that trust, monetizing becomes a whole lot easier. Sponsored posts, subscriptions, or even selling products—it’s all possible if you’re willing to put in the work.