Learn how to monetize Instagram and cash in on your growing Instagram presence, high engagement, and expanding reach.
This guide explores strategies for content creators and businesses to turn their efforts into income and maximize the platform’s potential in 2025.
Key takeaways
- Learn how to monetize on Instagram in 2025 through sponsored posts, affiliate and influencer marketing, subscriptions, and selling custom products.
- Use Printify’s tools to design and sell unique merch to your Instagram followers without any upfront costs.
- Nano-influencers with as few as 500 followers can start earning by focusing on engagement and authentic content.
- Instagram monetization is available to eligible Business and Creator accounts that comply with content guidelines.
- Features like Instagram Shopping, Reels gifts, and crowdfunding offer diverse ways to earn while engaging your audience.
What is Instagram monetization?
Successful Instagram monetization involves earning income through the platform using either a Business or Creator account. From selling products, creating content, and affiliate marketing to running a sponsored post and video ads, there are various ways to make money on Instagram.
As of 2025, Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users, making it a lucrative platform for potential income.
Monetization doesn’t require a massive following either – even accounts with as few as 500 followers can start earning.
Instagram monetization requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Use a Creator or Business account.
- Live in a region where monetization features are available.
- Have a bank or PayPal account for payments.
- Adhere to Instagram’s content and community guidelines without violations.
10 ways to monetize your Instagram account
Promote your merch shop on Instagram
Instagram Shopping is a powerful monetization tool available in select regions for selling anything from t-shirts to consumer products. It lets users shop your products directly on the platform, with your profile acting as a digital storefront.
If you don’t live in a region where in-app checkout is available – don’t worry! You can still sell custom merch on another platform or site, then market the products and shop to your Instagram followers.
At Printify, we help you easily source and sell products. Use Print on Demand to offer unique, high-quality items that resonate with your Instagram followers, all while streamlining production and shipping.
Why choose Printify?
- Extensive Catalog: Customize over 1,300 products and deliver them worldwide.
- Versatile options: Create a standalone Pop-Up store or integrate with platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Shopify.
- User-friendly tools: Design products, set prices, and sync listings on a single integrated platform.
Get started
- Create a free Printify account.
- Design your products with our Product Creator.
- Connect your store using our integrations.
- Publish and promote your custom products on Instagram.
Use Instagram posts, Stories, and Reels to market your products and drive traffic to your own online store.
Start selling with Printify and unlock the potential of earning on Instagram
Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the simplest monetization methods for Instagram. Creators promote products or services using an affiliate link or code and earn a percentage of every sale.
This monetization strategy works well for Instagram accounts of any follower size with a loyal audience who trust their recommendations. While commission rates vary, authentic content and targeted promotion can maximize your income as an affiliate marketer.
Printify’s Affiliate Program is ideal for making money if you have an audience of creatives and entrepreneurs. No sign-up fees, unlimited earning potential, 90-day cookie tracking, and monthly PayPal payouts make this an excellent low-risk monetization strategy.
Branded and sponsored Instagram posts
Sponsored posts help Instagram influencers and creators earn by collaborating with brands to promote products. Creators use Instagram posts, Stories, or Reels to showcase sponsored content. It’s a great method for building steady income streams and long-term collaborations.
Earnings range from $10–$100 per 1,000 followers, depending on engagement. Sponsored content works best when creators align with a brand’s image and target audience. High-quality content also enhances credibility, driving better results.
While brand partnerships offer flexibility, remember to follow Instagram guidelines for sponsored posts and branded content. This includes disclosing the commercial nature of your post.
Livestream badges
Livestream badges let Instagram users support creators during Instagram Live. Followers can purchase badges priced at $0.99, $1.99, or $4.99, providing direct financial support. Available to Business and Creator accounts, this feature strengthens engagement with loyal followers.
Instagram badges are a great monetization tool for creators who consistently connect with their audience.
However, badges are currently limited to the US and require at least 10,000 Instagram followers for eligibility.
While viewer willingness to spend impacts earnings, badges remain a powerful way to make money on Instagram and foster community engagement.
Instagram subscriptions
Subscriptions offer creators steady income by allowing Instagram followers to pay for exclusive content.
Subscribers access perks like behind-the-scenes posts, Q&A sessions, or Story highlights. Ideal for Instagram accounts offering valuable niche content with loyal audiences, this monetization strategy deepens connections and builds community.
To be eligible for Subscriptions, you’ll need consistent, high-quality content to keep paying subscribers engaged. Subscriptions are also only available to select Instagram creators and regions.
Instagram reels gifts
If you’re wondering how to monetize Instagram Reels, gifts let Instagram users support their favorite creators by sending virtual gifts purchased using Stars, ranging from $0.99–$5.99.
Reels gifts diversify income streams for Business or Creator accounts with engaging, high-quality content. However, Instagram takes a portion of the revenue, and only non-watermarked, original content is eligible.
This feature is perfect for creators who consistently post original and creative Instagram content. It’s a direct way to earn money while increasing engagement through entertaining Reels.
Crowdfunding and donations
Instagram users can support creators through crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, or GoFundMe. Use Instagram Stories, posts, or bio links to drive followers to your campaigns.
Crowdfunding works well for creators funding projects, exclusive content, or causes aligned with their niche and Instagram audience.
To succeed, being transparent about your goals and fund usage is key. These monetization strategies are also most effective for creators with an active loyal following who believe in their work.
Bonuses
Instagram bonuses reward creators for reaching specific milestones, such as producing Reels or achieving follower engagement targets. This monetization feature gives creators the opportunity to earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Bonuses work great as additional income if you already implement other monetization methods.
However, eligibility depends on your location and account type. High-quality Instagram content is also essential to unlock and maximize bonuses.
Become a brand ambassador
Brand ambassadorships are one of the most lucrative ways to monetize Instagram. Ambassadors form long-term partnerships with brands, regularly promoting their products or services through Instagram posts, Stories, or other content.
This strategy works well for Instagram influencers with loyal followers and a strong personal brand. Ambassadorships provide consistent income while aligning creators with brands that match their values.
Note that exclusivity agreements may limit collaborations with competing brands. To achieve long-term success, ambassadors need to build trust with their Instagram audience through authentic, high-quality content.
Turn your Instagram into a portfolio
Transform Instagram into a professional portfolio to showcase your services or creative work. This monetization strategy is best if you offer project-based work or freelancing.
Display your photography, design, consulting, or coaching expertise through curated posts and highlights. Leverage bio links and relevant hashtags to improve visibility among potential clients.
Optimizing your Instagram page for professionalism is fundamental for success. Combined with external tools like booking pages, turning Instagram into a portfolio helps creators attract clients while growing their Instagram presence.
How do you monetize Instagram and maximize reach? Stay in the loop and check out the marketing section of our blog for up-to-date tips.
What are Instagram monetization requirements?
To start monetizing on Instagram, keep these key requirements in mind:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Location: Some monetization methods, like Instagram Shopping features, are only available in select countries. Verify availability in your region.
- Follower count: While Instagram doesn’t give a specific number, having an engaged audience enhances monetization opportunities.
- Account type: You must have a Business or Creator account.
- Content compliance: Your content must follow Partner Monetization Policies and Instagram’s Community Guidelines, prohibiting hate speech, violence, and inappropriate material.
- Content: Maintain authentic engagement and avoid artificial methods to inflate followers or interactions.
- Ad policies: Disclose all promotional content and comply with Instagram’s advertising rules.
- Engagement: Stay active and maintain positive interactions with your followers.
How to check your monetization status
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the three lines in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Navigate to Account → Monetization.
- Eligible accounts will see available monetization tools or steps to qualify.
Instagram monetization tips
Regardless of your chosen monetization method, there are a few strategies to implement that can help maximize your Instagram revenue stream.
Set up an Instagram business account
Create a Business account to unlock features like analytics (Instagram Insights) and contact buttons. It’s also possible to link your account to another social media platform like Facebook to cross-promote content.
Switch to a professional account by heading to your profile, tapping Settings and privacy, then Account type and tools. Select Switch to professional account, choose a category, click Business, and complete your profile for Instagram monetization.
Make high-quality Instagram content
To stand out on Instagram, you need to create content that’s visually appealing and engaging. Use high-quality photos and videos that are well-lit, and try to create a consistent visual style or theme for your personal brand.
Post regularly
Keeping your Instagram profile active will help you build a following and keep your audience engaged. Consider using scheduling tools to make it easier to plan and post content in advance.
Have a well-written bio
Write a clear, concise Instagram bio highlighting your unique selling point and linking to other social media platforms or your own website. It’s a crucial part of your Instagram account that’ll help attract followers.
Use the right hashtags
Hashtags help you get discovered on Instagram, so use relevant hashtags that describe your content and niche. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to maximize your reach, and consider riding the trend wave if it’s relevant to your brand.
Collaborate with other Instagram creators
Partnering with other creators helps you reach new audiences and build relationships with others in your niche. Consider co-creating content or doing shoutouts for each other’s accounts through Instagram Stories and posts.
How to get monetized on Instagram: FAQ
Use any of the available Instagram features for monetization. Share an affiliate or referral link in Instagram Stories, create sponsored content, sell your own merch, and generate revenue through Instagram ads or subscriptions.
Note that some methods are only available for those with a Business or Creator account.
Many brands prefer to work with creators who have at least 10,000 followers, while others may consider an Instagram influencer with fewer followers but high engagement rates.
There is no specific number of followers required to monetize on Instagram. However, having a large audience can help you attract more brands and opportunities.
If you’re wondering how many followers it takes to monetize Instagram, 1,000 is a solid start. Many brands value engagement over follower count, meaning nano-influencers with smaller, highly active audiences are in demand.
With 1,000 followers, you can explore monetization options like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, selling your own products, or crowdfunding. Focus on creating high-quality content and building a loyal following to maximize opportunities.
Instagram does not pay users for posts directly. However, you can earn money through various monetization features. For example, earn a commission from affiliate marketing or get paid through sponsored content or subscriptions.
Open up an Instagram Shop today
Master how to monetize your Instagram account with strategies like sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and creating exclusive content. Want to take it a step further? Sell stunning digital or physical products directly to your followers.
With Printify, launching an online store is simple. Leverage our vast Catalog and offer customizable products your Instagram followers will love. All you need to do is market them on your Instagram account while we handle the rest!
