How To Make Money On Instagram As A Creator In 2024

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Instagram is more than just a social media platform for sharing your photos and videos; it is a powerful tool for generating significant income.

In 2024, creators have a variety of ways to turn their passion into profit. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the pack, earning a staggering USD 2.40 million per sponsored post—more than any other IG influencer. 

But you don't need to be a global sports star to monetize your content effectively. In this blog, we have curated the top 10 ways you can earn money on Instagram as a content creator.

With the right strategies and a solid understanding of the platform's features, you, too, can leverage IG to boost your income and build a thriving online presence. Let's explore how you can make money on IG this year and beyond.

How Much Do Instagram Creators Make?

As an Instagram influencer, your earnings can vary significantly based on many things, like your follower count, engagement rates, and the collaborations you work with. If you are a micro-influencer with 10k to 50k followers, you can usually make USD 100 - 500 per post. 

However, if you have more than a million followers on your IG account, you can generate a revenue of USD 10,000 for each of your posts. This also shows that the niche you are working in and audience involvement are critical for you to earn money.  

Even if you do not have a large following, a highly engaged niche audience can lead to more profitable relationships. Finally, developing a strong, involved community and forming strategic connections are essential for increasing your income as an Instagram creator.

10 Ways To Earn On Instagram As A Creator 

If you are looking to make money on Instagram, you are in the right place! These strategies can help you leverage your IG presence to generate income and build a successful creator career.

1. Become An Instagram Influencer 

Becoming an Instagram influencer is a fantastic way to earn money because it lets you turn your passion into profit. By sharing your unique content and building a loyal following, brands will want to collaborate with you for promotions. 

Types of Instagram Influencers

• Nano Influencers: These are creators with a small but highly engaged following, typically between 1,000 and 10,000 followers. Your close-knit community can be very valuable to brands looking for authentic promotion.

• Micro-Influencers: If you have between 10,000 and 50,000 followers, you're a micro-influencer. Brands love working with micro-influencers because their audiences are still highly engaged and trust their recommendations.

• Macro Influencers: With 50,000 to 500,000 followers, macro influencers reach a broad audience. Your posts can create a significant impact and drive awareness for brands.

• Mega Influencers: With over 500,000 followers, you have a massive reach. Celebrities and well-known personalities often fall into this category. Your collaborations can demand high fees and offer significant exposure for brands.

How To Earn As An Instagram Influencer

Becoming an Instagram influencer can be a lucrative path if you have a knack for creating engaging content and building a loyal following. Here’s how you can earn as an influencer:

• Offer Sponsored Posts: Partner with brands to create sponsored content, where you promote their products or services in your posts. Brands pay you based on your reach and engagement.

• Host Giveaways and Contests: Collaborate with brands to host giveaways and contests on your profile. This not only engages your followers but also earns you a fee for organizing and promoting the event.

• Become a Brand Ambassador: Establish a long-term partnership with a brand and become its ambassador. This involves consistently promoting their products and receiving regular payments or free products in return.

• Monetize Your Stories with Links: Use Instagram Stories to share products and services with swipe-up links (if you have over 10k followers) and get paid for each click or purchase made through your links.

• Sell Shoutouts: Offer shoutouts to other influencers, brands, or businesses on your Instagram profile. Charge a fee for each shoutout based on your follower count and engagement rate.

2. Earn As An Affiliate Marketer

To earn money as an affiliate marketer, you can start by joining affiliate programs that align with your audience's interests. You need to look for programs related to products or services your followers would find valuable. 

Affiliate Programs You Can Join

• Amazon Associates: By promoting products from Amazon, you can earn a commission on every sale through your referral links. It's a versatile program with a vast range of products.

• ShareASale: This network connects you with various brands and merchants. You can select from a wide range of services or products to promote.

• CJ Affiliate: CJ Affiliate offers access to many well-known brands. You can find products that align with your niche and audience.

• Shopify Affiliate Program: If you have an audience interested in e-commerce, promoting Shopify can be lucrative. You can earn commissions by referring new users to the platform.

• eBay Partner Network: Promote eBay products and earn commissions when your followers make purchases through your referral links.

How To Earn With Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing on Instagram is a fantastic way to earn money. Here's how you can do it effectively:

• Include Affiliate Links In Bios - You can make the most of your bio link by updating it with your affiliate links. This way, you can direct your followers to check out the link in your bio for products or services you’re promoting.

• Share Promo Codes In Post Captions - When you post about a product, include a promo code in your caption. This makes it easy for your followers to use your code, and you’ll earn a commission on their purchases.

• Add Links In Stories - You can use Instagram Stories to share affiliate links. You can add links directly and easily to your stories if you have the swipe-up feature, or you can guide your followers to check out the link in your bio.

3. Partner With A Brand

You can earn money by teaming up with brands to showcase their products. As an influencer, your unique voice and audience help brands reach potential customers. In exchange, you get paid to promote their products or services in your stories or posts. It’s a win-win!

Things To Consider When Partnering With A Brand

When partnering with a brand on Instagram, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a successful and beneficial collaboration:

• Align with Your Values: You need to choose brands that reflect your personal values and aesthetics to ensure authenticity and create trust with your audience. If a brand’s products or mission don’t resonate with you, your followers will likely notice and may feel disconnected.

• Know Your Audience: You need to understand what your followers like and partner with brands that align with your audience’s interests and needs. If your followers are health enthusiasts, collaborating with a fitness or wellness brand would be more relevant and engaging for them.

• Clear Communication: You need to discuss goals, expectations, and deliverables upfront with the brand. For this, you need to make sure both parties are on the same page regarding the type of content you’ll create, deadlines, and compensation. 

• Maintain Creative Control: While it’s important to meet the brand’s needs, ensure you retain some creative control over the content. This helps maintain your unique voice and style, making the sponsored posts feel more authentic and engaging.

4. Enable Badges on Instagram Lives

You can turn your Instagram Live sessions into a revenue stream by enabling badges. Viewers can buy these badges to show their support, and you earn money from their purchases. 

It’s a great way to monetize your live content while engaging directly with your audience.

Eligibility Criteria For Instagram Badges

First, let us check if you can meet the criteria to enable Badges on your Instagram Lives:

• Professional Account: Ensure your Instagram account is either a Creator or Business account.

• Location: Badges are available in certain countries. You need to be in one of those supported locations.

• Content: You must comply with Instagram's Partner Monetization Policies.

• Followers: Typically, you need a minimum number of followers, usually around 10,000, though this can vary.

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

How To Enable Instagram Badges

Once you are sure you meet the criteria, follow these steps to enable Badges and start earning money:

• Step 1: You first need to make sure you have the latest version of Instagram installed on your device.

• Step 2: If you haven't already, switch your account to a Creator or Business account. 

• Step 3: Go to your profile, tap on the three lines (horizontal) in the top right corner, go to Settings, select Account, and choose "Switch to Professional Account."

• Step 4: In the Settings menu, you need to go to Creator or Business (depending on your account type), then select "Monetization" or "Badges."

• Step 5: Now, you just need to follow the prompts to sign up for badges. In this, you need to check on agreeing on the terms and conditions and verifying your eligibility.

• Step 6: Link a payout account to receive your earnings. To do this, you need to go to Settings > Business > Payments and add your payment details.

• Step 7: When you start a Live video, you'll see an option to turn on Badges. Toggle this on, and you're all set!

5. Sell Your Own Merch 

Selling your own merch is a great way to earn money as an influencer. By creating unique products like T-shirts or mugs that reflect your brand, you can engage your followers and boost your income. 

Plus, Instagram’s shopping features make it easy for your fans to buy from you!

Merch Products You Can Sell On Instagram

Here are some great merch products you can sell on Instagram:

• Custom T-Shirts: You can design and sell trendy and trendy t-shirts that reflect your brand’s personality. Whether it’s funny quotes, artistic designs, or cool graphics, custom t-shirts are always a hit.

• Posters and Art Prints: If you have a talent for design or photography, selling posters and art prints can be a lucrative option. It is a great way to showcase your creativity, as people love decorations.

• Jewelry and Accessories: You can offer a range of accessories like bracelets, necklaces, or keychains. You can personalize them with initials or special symbols that resonate with your audience.

• Phone Cases: Everyone uses their phone constantly, so why not offer stylish phone cases? You can create designs that are fun, inspirational, or chic related to your brand or any trend. 

• Stickers and Decals: They are affordable and can be used to decorate laptops, water bottles, notebooks, and more. You can create eye-catching designs that fans would love to stick everywhere.

How To Promote Your Merch On Instagram?

Promoting your merch on Instagram can be a game-changer for boosting your sales. By using engaging posts, stories, and interactive features, you can showcase your products and connect with your followers.

• Show Off Your Products: You can post high quality photos and videos of your merch by using good lighting and creative backgrounds. This can make your product look more irresistible

• Frame a Story: You can tell the story behind your brand, such as what inspired the design. Why did you create it? This makes your followers feel connected and more likely to purchase.

• Use Instagram Reels: You can create fun and engaging IG reels around your merch. These shorts are best for grabbing attention quickly and perfect for showing the use of your merch.

• Run Contests and Giveaways: You can host giveaways where your followers can win your products or merch. This boosts engagement and spreads the word about your products.

6. Drive Traffic To Blog or Vlog

You can use IG to direct your followers to your blog or vlog by sharing snippets or teasers of your content that entice people to click through. By boosting traffic to your blog or vlog, you can earn from ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. 

How To Add A Link On Instagram?

Adding a link on Instagram to drive traffic to your blog or vlog is a great way to engage your audience. Here’s how you can do it:

• Use Your Bio:

• Step 1: Go to your IG profile by tapping the profile icon at the bottom right.

• Step 2: Tap "Edit Profile."

• Step 3: In the "Website" field, enter the URL of your blog or vlog.

• Step 4: Tap "Done" or the checkmark to save changes.

• Share Links in Stories

• Step 1: Open the Instagram app and swipe right to access the camera.

• Step 2: Capture or upload a story image or video.

• Step 3: Tap the link icon at the top (looks like a chain link).

• Step 4: Enter your URL in the "Web link" field.

• Step 5: Tap "Done" and then share your story.

7. Offer Paid Courses And Masterclasses

As a creator, you can earn money by sharing your expertise through paid courses and masterclasses. Your audience is eager to learn from you, making it a great way to monetize your influence and provide value.

Paid Course Ideas For Instagram 

Creating a paid course on Instagram can be the best way to share your expertise and earn income. Here are some ideas and tips to get you started:

• Instagram Growth and Engagement

You can teach others how they can increase their Instagram following and engagement. Your course can cover content creation, effective use of hashtags, and engagement strategies. You will help others build their presence, and in turn, you’ll establish yourself as an expert in social media growth.

• Branding and Personal Branding

You can guide your followers on building a strong personal brand on IG. You can discuss how to create a consistent aesthetic, develop a unique voice, and build a brand identity. Your course will help individuals and businesses stand out on IG, and as they grow, they might seek further consultation from you.

• E-commerce Strategies

You can guide people in setting up and managing e-commerce their businesses on IG. You can cover product photography, setting up a shop, and driving sales. As your students succeed in their businesses, they will credit their success to your teachings, enhancing your credibility and drawing more students.

• Instagram Stories and Reels Mastery

You can focus on creating engaging stories and reels on Instagram by offering tutorials on using stickers, music, effects, and storytelling techniques. By helping others capture their audience’s attention, you’ll gain a reputation as a creative expert, attracting more students to your courses.

How To Promote Your Course on Instagram?

Promoting your course on Instagram can be fun and super effective! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

• Create Treasers and Previews - Post snippets or teasers of your course content by sharing short videos or images that give a sneak peek of what’s inside. 

• Use IG Stories - Use stories as they are a great way to keep your audience engaged. You can also add features like polls, questions, and countdowns to create excitement about your course.  

• Go Live - Host live sessions on your Instagram to interact directly with your audience. You can do a Q&A about your course, share valuable tips, or even give a mini-lesson.

• Run Ads - Use Instagram ads to reach a bigger audience by creating targeted ads that showcase your course benefits and direct users to your landing page.

8. Enable Instagram Subscriptions

With this feature, your most dedicated followers can pay a monthly fee for exclusive content, early access, and special perks. It’s a great way to monetize your influence and build a community that supports your work.

Eligibility Criteria For Instagram Subscriptions

To be eligible for Instagram Subscriptions, you'll need to meet a few criteria. Here’s a simple and engaging breakdown:

• You must be at least 18 years old. 

• You need to have at least 10,000 followers. 

• Your account must comply with Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies and Community Guidelines. 

• Ensure your account is set up as a Professional Account. 

• Your account must be based in a country where Instagram Subscriptions are available. You can check Instagram’s latest updates to see if your country is on the list.

• Lastly, you need to make sure you have a connected payment method to receive subscription fees. 

How To Enable Instagram Subscriptions

Here's how you can enable Instagram Subscriptions:

• Step 1: Go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, select “Settings,” and then "Account."

• Step 2: Tap "Switch to Professional Account" and choose "Creator" or "Business."

• Step 3: In your professional account, go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, and select "Settings."

• Step 4: Tap "Creator" or "Business," depending on your account type and look for "Subscriptions" and tap it.

• Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your subscription and choose the price for your subscription.

• Step 6: Add benefits for your subscribers, like exclusive content or special badges.

• Step 7: To get paid, you need to connect a payment method. To do this, go to "Settings," then "Creator" or "Business."

• Step 8: Tap "Payouts" and follow the steps to add your bank account information.

9. Sell Digital Products

As an influencer, you can make and sell digital products like e-books, courses, or printables. Your followers trust your expertise, making it easy to market these products directly to them.

Digital Products You Can Create

Creating digital products is the best way to share your expertise and make some money on Instagram. Here are some of the popular ideas you can consider:

• E-Books - You can create an e-book by compiling your expertise, tips, or stories into a well-organized format. 

• Online Courses - If you possess valuable skills or knowledge, developing online courses can be a great way to share them with others. 

• Printables - Design and sell printables, such as planners, checklists, or art prints, which can be both simple and effective.

• Music and Sound Effects - For those involved in music or sound design, selling digital music tracks or sound effects can be a lucrative option.

• Digital Art - Sell your digital creations like high graphic videos and photos as downloadable files.

• Guides and Tutorials - Develop guides or step-by-step tutorials on a topic you are knowledgeable about, like fitness or any DIY projects.

How To Sell Digital Products on Instagram?

Selling digital products on Instagram is a fantastic way to monetize your online presence. Here’s a guide to help you get started:

• Showcase Your Products - You can use Instagram’s features like Reels, Live, and Stories to showcase your digital products by posting engaging images and videos that show the benefits and features of your products. 

• Leverage Instagram Shopping - If eligible, you can use IG Shopping to tag your products in your posts and stories. This makes it easy for your followers to shop directly from your content. 

• Use Influencer Marketing - You can collaborate with IG influencers who align with your brand. Influencers can review your product, share it in their stories, or include it in their posts, driving more traffic to your profile.

• Run Instagram Ads - You can invest in Instagram ads to reach a broader audience by using targeted ads to attract people who might be interested. You can also create ads for your posts, stories, or even your profile. 

• Offer Limited-Time Discounts - You can create urgency by offering limited-time discounts or special offers. This can encourage your followers to make a purchase quickly, boosting your sales.

10. Join the Instagram Creator Marketplace

By joining the Instagram Creator Marketplace, you connect with brands looking for influencers like you! This platform makes it easier for you to find paid collaboration opportunities and negotiate deals directly with brands.

Eligibility Criteria For Instagram Creator Marketplace

To join Instagram's Creator Marketplace, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Here’s a simple and straightforward guide to get you started:

• You need to make sure you have a Creator or Business account on Instagram. Personal accounts are not eligible.

• While Instagram hasn't specified a minimum follower count, having a substantial follower base will increase your chances of being eligible.

• Your account must adhere to Instagram's Community Guidelines and Partner Monetization Policies. This means no history of severe violations.

• The Creator Marketplace is available in select countries. You need to check if you are eligible to make sure you can apply.

• You also need to follow Instagram’s Branded Content Policies and Partner Monetization Policies.

How To Join Instagram Creator Marketplace?

Joining Instagram's Creator Marketplace is a fantastic way to connect with other similar brands and monetize your content. Here’s how you can do it in a few simple steps:

• Step 1: If you are using a personal account, switch it by going to your profile settings and selecting "Account" > "Switch to Professional Account."

• Step 2: Go to your Instagram profile and tap on "Professional Dashboard." After that, you need to navigate to "Your tools" > "Branded content" > "Status."

• Step 3: If you are eligible, you'll see a “Join the creator marketplace” button. If not, ensure your account follows Instagram's Community Guidelines and Partner Monetization Policies.

• Step 4: Fill out all relevant information in your professional dashboard. Now, Instagram will review your application. You need to keep an eye on your notifications for the result.

• Step 5: In your marketplace settings, specify the types of brands and industries you’re interested in working with. This helps Instagram’s algorithm match you with suitable brand partnerships.

• Step 6: Once you're in, you can browse open projects from brands and start exploring collaboration opportunities.

Best Profitable Niches on Instagram 

Finding the best profitable niches on Instagram can be a game-changer for your success on this platform. Here are some top niches you should consider:

• Health and Fitness

This niche focuses on workout routines, nutrition tips, and wellness advice. It’s perfect for those who are passionate about helping people lead healthier lives and want to motivate others to achieve their goals.

• Beauty and Skincare 

Here, you share makeup tutorials, skincare routines, and product reviews. It’s ideal if you love experimenting with beauty products and want to help others enhance their look and skincare regimen.

• Fashion 

This niche involves showcasing outfit ideas, style tips, and fashion trends. It's great for fashion enthusiasts who enjoy curating stylish looks and want to inspire others with their unique fashion sense.

• Travel 

This niche includes sharing travel experiences, destination guides, and tips. It’s perfect if you love exploring new places and want to inspire others with your travel adventures and recommendations.

• Food 

This niche revolves around recipes, cooking tips, and food reviews. It's ideal for food lovers who enjoy creating and sharing delicious dishes and want to connect with others who share their passion for food.

• Personal Finance and Investment: 

This focuses on financial advice, investment tips, and money management strategies. It’s perfect for those knowledgeable about finance who want to help others make informed financial decisions and grow their wealth.

• Lifestyle and Motivation: 

This niche includes sharing life hacks, motivational quotes, and personal stories. It’s great for those who enjoy inspiring and uplifting others with positive and practical advice.

• Tech and Gadgets: 

This involves reviewing the latest tech products, sharing tech tips, and exploring new gadgets. It’s ideal if you are tech-savvy and want to help others stay updated with the latest technology trends and innovations.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this blog has provided you top 10 ways to make money on IG in 2024. Whether you are just starting out or looking to enhance your current strategies, exploring the ways we’ve discussed—from becoming an influencer to selling digital products—can help you boost your income. 

By understanding your audience, choosing the right niche, and leveraging Instagram's features, you can turn your content into a profitable venture. So, dive in, experiment with different approaches, and watch as your Instagram presence transforms into a powerful income stream!