How to Make Money on Instagram : Without Having Millions of Followers
Instagram isn’t just for sharing photos anymore—it’s a powerful money-making platform. Whether you're an aspiring influencer, a small business owner, or a creative artist, here we will discuss about how to earn money from Instagram.
You don’t need millions of followers to start earning. With the right strategies, even nano-influencers (1K-10K followers) can generate income. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore 9 proven methods to make money on Instagram, along with actionable tips to maximize your earnings.
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1. Sponsored Posts & Brand Collaborations
One of the most common ways influencers earn money is through brand partnerships. Companies pay creators to promote their products to a targeted audience.
How to Land Brand Deals:
✅ Build a Niche Audience – Brands prefer influencers with a specific focus (e.g., fitness, beauty, finance).
✅ Engage with Brands – Like, comment, and share their posts to get noticed.
✅ Pitch Yourself – Send a professional DM or email with your media kit (include engagement rates & past collaborations).
✅ Join Influencer Platforms – Websites like Shopify Collabs, AspireIQ, and Upfluence connect creators with brands.
💰 Earnings Potential:
- Nano-influencers (1K-10K followers): $50-$500 per post
- Micro-influencers (10K-50K followers): $500-$2,000 per post
- Macro-influencers (500K+ followers): $5,000-$50,000+ per post
Always disclose sponsorships with #ad or Instagram’s "Paid Partnership" label to comply with FTC guidelines.
2. Sell Your Own Products
If you have a business (or want to start one), Instagram is a high-converting sales channel.
What You Can Sell:
- Physical Products (e.g., handmade crafts, apparel, skincare)
- Digital Products (e-books, presets, online courses)
- Services (photography, coaching, consulting)
🚀 How to Boost Sales on Instagram:
✔️ Use Instagram Shopping – Tag products in posts & Stories.
✔️ Run Giveaways – Increase engagement and attract buyers.
✔️ Leverage User-Generated Content – Encourage customers to post reviews.
3. Launch a Merchandise Line
Fans love supporting creators by buying branded merch.
How to Create & Sell Merch Without Inventory:
🖨️ Print-on-Demand (POD) Services – Use Printful, Teespring, or Redbubble to design and sell custom apparel, mugs, and phone cases.
🎨 Custom Designs – Sell items featuring your logo, catchphrases, or artwork.
💰 Earnings Potential: $10-$50 per item (depending on pricing).
Example: A travel influencer sells "Wanderlust" hoodies to their audience.
4. Affiliate Marketing (Earn Commissions)
Promote other brands’ products and earn a percentage of each sale.
Best Affiliate Programs for Instagram:
- Amazon Associates (4%-10% commission)
- LTK (LikeToKnow.it) (Popular for fashion & beauty)
- Shopify Affiliate Program ($58 per referral)
🔗 Where to Share Affiliate Links:
- Bio Link (Use Linktree or Beacons)
- Swipe-Up in Stories (If you have 10K+ followers)
- Reels & Captions (Include discount codes)
5. Instagram Live Badges (Earn Tips from Fans)
During Instagram Live sessions, viewers can buy badges ($0.99-$4.99) to support you.
💰 How It Works:
- Fans purchase badges to show appreciation.
- You earn 100% of the revenue (after Apple/Google fees).
6. Sell Your Photography or Art
Instagram is a visual platform, making it perfect for artists and photographers.
Ways to Monetize Your Work:
🖼️ Sell Prints – Use Etsy, Society6, or your own website.
📸 License Photos – Upload to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or EyeEm.
🎨 Offer Commissions – Post samples and let followers DM for custom work.
Example: A photographer sells landscape prints through Instagram Shopping.
7. Paid Subscriptions (Exclusive Content)
Instagram’s Subscription Feature lets creators offer exclusive content for a monthly fee.
How to Qualify:
- 10,000+ followers
- Based in eligible countries (US, UK, Canada, etc.)
8. Sell Used Items (Fashion, Collectibles, etc.)
Turn your closet clean-out into cash by selling on Instagram.
How to Sell Pre-Loved Items:
👗 Post in Stories – "DM to buy" works well.
🛒 Use Hashtags – #InstaSell, #ThriftFlip, #Poshmark.
📦 Offer Bundles – "5 items for $50" increases sales.
📌 Example: A fashion influencer sells vintage clothes to followers.
9. Instagram Reels Bonuses (Earn from Views)
Instagram occasionally pays creators for high-performing Reels through bonuses.
💰 How It Works:
- Invite-only program (check Monetization tab).
- Earnings based on video views & engagement.
How Much Can You Really Earn on Instagram?
Your income depends on:
✔️ Follower Count (More followers = higher brand deals)
✔️ Engagement Rate (Likes, comments, shares matter more than followers)
✔️ Niche (Luxury, finance, and tech pay more than lifestyle)
📊 Estimated Earnings:
| Follower Range | Earnings Per Post |
|---|---|
| 1K-10K | $50-$500 |
| 10K-50K | $500-$2,000 |
| 100K-500K | $2,000-$10,000 |
| 500K+ | $10,000+ |
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