Turn passion into profit with Printify
Wondering how to make money on Instagram? The platform offers many opportunities for content creators, influencers, and businesses to earn money and grow their presence. Whether you’re setting up an online store, using sponsored posts, or tapping into influencer marketing, it provides the tools to turn your creativity into profit.
In this guide, we’ll cover 14 proven ways to make money on Instagram in 2025, helping you explore the best options for your brand or business.
Key takeaways
- Top ways to make money on Instagram include sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling via Instagram Shop through a Business account.
- When selling, use Instagram’s Professional Dashboard to create shoppable posts with product images to encourage users to buy directly.
- Monetize your audience on Instagram with exclusive content, paid subscriptions, and professional services through your Creator account.
- Earn income by increasing engagement through features like Instagram Reels and Live Badges.
- Join Printify to create custom products, post them to an eCommerce platform, and connect to Instagram Shop for a seamless selling experience.
Can you make money on Instagram?
Yes, you can definitely make money on Instagram. It’s the third most popular social network worldwide, after Facebook and YouTube, with around two billion global users in 2025.
Instagram’s audience is particularly active compared to other social media platforms. As of early 2025, Instagram’s average engagement rate per post across all industries is 3.5%, significantly higher than Facebook’s 1.3%, X’s 1.8%, and TikTok’s 1.5%.
Almost two-thirds of Instagram’s users are under 34, making the platform especially attractive for marketing to an engaged, young audience.
Setting up an Instagram Creator or Business account
To start making money on Instagram, you need to set up an Instagram Creator account or a Business account.
Choose a Creator account if you’re an influencer, artist, or public figure looking to showcase your personal brand. Opt for a Business account if you’re a company or entrepreneur looking to promote products, services, or run paid advertising.
To set up your account:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the three lines in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Choose Account and then Switch to Professional Account.
- Select Business or Creator based on your needs.
- Follow the prompts to complete your setup, including choosing a category and linking to a Facebook Page (for Business accounts).
Monetizing with an Instagram Creator or Business account offers:
- Shoppable posts, Stories, and checkout: Instagram’s built-in shopping tools and quick checkout let users discover and buy products directly within the app, reducing cart abandonment.
- Instagram Reels and Live Shopping: The platform’s visual focus helps showcase your brand and provides multiple monetization strategies.
- Product discovery: The Explore page and Instagram’s algorithm help people find new brands and products through organic scrolling.
- User-generated content: A good brand profile encourages customer engagement and a loyal following, increasing trust and repeat purchases.
To receive earnings from monetization features like Gifts, Badges, and subscriptions, set up a payout account through your Professional Dashboard. You’ll need to provide bank, personal or business, and tax info. Make sure everything is accurate – updates can be difficult later.
How to make money on Instagram: 14 Proven ways
The Instagram app offers a variety of monetization tools to help creators and businesses generate income – whether through Instagram Reels, subscriptions, or partner programs – letting you tailor your strategy to your audience and goals.
Here are 14 proven ways to start making money on Instagram in 2025.
1. Create sponsored posts
Sponsored posts let you collaborate with brands that align with your audience, content, and overall brand identity.
You earn by sharing posts highlighting a sponsored brand’s product or service – often based on your follower count and engagement rate.
To get started:
- Find a niche and post engaging content to attract your target audience and potential brand partners.
- Join platforms like Aspire or Influencity to connect with brands looking for influencers.
- Reach out to relevant brands with a media kit showcasing your audience and engagement stats.
- Always add the Paid Partnership label for transparency.
- Track your performance and refine your content using Instagram’s professional dashboard.
When working with a brand, make sure your sponsored content feels genuine. Highlight the product’s relevance to your audience and balance sponsored and organic content.
2. Use affiliate programs
Affiliate marketing is a commission-based advertising partnership for content creators. Instagram users can earn by promoting products through unique affiliate links.
Partner with brands to promote their products or services in your bio or Stories with a trackable link. Like sponsored posts, affiliate relationships should align with your niche and target audience’s values.
Before you can start monetizing content as an affiliate marketer, many programs require you to have at least 1,000 Instagram followers.
To monetize your audience with affiliate marketing:
- Join affiliate networks like the Printify Affiliate Program or Amazon Associates.
- Share promo codes and affiliate links in your bio, posts, or Stories when showcasing products.
- Earn commissions when a user clicks and buys from your unique affiliate link.
Affiliate links usually have a 30-day commission window from click to sale. Earnings depend on how well your audience responds to the product, so only advertise what’s relevant to your brand.
Use a unique promo code to encourage followers to purchase by offering discounts or special deals. This can increase both engagement and conversions.
To join the Printify Affiliate program, read our Terms of Service and apply.
3. Sell products via Instagram Shop
Selling your own products on Instagram Shop is one of the most profitable ways to generate income while building your brand.
With Instagram’s shopping tools, you can offer a seamless buying experience, engage your audience, and monetize your content with minimal effort. You also have full control over your product listings and can set your own pricing to match your brand strategy and profit goals.
Instagram does have its own shopping feature, but it’s managed through the Facebook Commerce Manager.
To start selling on Instagram, first set up a Facebook Shop:
- Switch to an Instagram Business account in account settings.
- Create a Facebook Business Page with contact info and your business category.
- Set up a Facebook Shop to link products from an eCommerce platform or add listings directly.
- Connect your Instagram account to your Facebook Business page via Linked Accounts in settings.
Once you have a Facebook Shop, you can start linking and promoting products on Instagram.
Design and sell merchandise on Instagram with Printify
If you don’t want to invest a lot of money upfront in a retail business, use a print-on-demand platform like Printify to design and sell products with zero inventory and streamlined order management.
- Create a Printify account: Sign up for Printify for free and explore the tools for designing and selling products.
- Create custom products: Select a product from our Catalog. Then, use our Product Creator to upload designs, generate AI art, add text, choose mockups, and prepare your listings.
- List on your shop: Fill out your listing details and publish your product to your connected online store. Printify automatically updates listings and orders, making fulfillment easy.
- Tag products in content: Promote your items by tagging them in Instagram posts, Stories, and Reels, allowing users to shop directly from your Instagram content.
- Sell on Instagram: Whenever a customer buys one of your custom print-on-demand products, our Print Providers produce and ship the order for you.
To sell custom Printify merchandise on Instagram and link it to your Facebook Shop, you’ll need to set up through one of our supported eCommerce platforms. See all Printify integrations.
4. Offer paid subscriptions
Instagram’s subscription feature lets creators offer exclusive content to Instagram followers for a monthly fee.
This can include behind-the-scenes content, personalized messages, early access to new releases, and subscriber-only posts.
Paid subscriptions are ideal for creators with a loyal following who want access to premium content. Note: You’ll need at least 10,000 followers and a Professional account to access this feature.
How to earn money from Instagram by offering subscriptions:
- Set up a Professional Instagram account (Creator or Business).
- Enable the subscription option in your settings.
- Offer exclusive content or direct engagement.
Promote the value of your subscription in your regular posts, highlighting the unique perks paying subscribers will enjoy. This method can generate steady income and further strengthen your connection with dedicated followers.
5. Monetize Reels
Instagram Gifts let creators earn money based on the number of Stars they receive from viewers. Each Star is worth $0.01, allowing creators to monetize their short-form video content through audience engagement.
To be eligible, you need to follow Instagram’s monetization policies, which include content and engagement requirements.
Here’s how to earn on Instagram by monetizing Reels:
- Create engaging, high-quality Reels that align with trending topics.
- Enable Instagram Gifts to start earning Stars from your followers.
- Use Instagram Insights to track your performance and optimize your content to increase engagement and earnings.
- Try popular music and hashtags to enhance visibility, and keep your videos short for maximum impact.
Instagram Reels are highly discoverable, and with consistent posting, you can reach many viewers, leading to higher engagement and increased earnings.
6. Brand collaborations and partnerships
Collaborate with businesses to create content promoting their products or services on your Instagram page. These relationships can be one-off campaigns or long-term deals where you serve as a brand ambassador, featuring the brand in your Instagram content.
To start:
- Reach out to brands that align with your content and audience.
- Propose creative collaboration ideas that highlight their products authentically.
- Share brand-related high-quality content on your feed using Instagram’s Paid Partnership feature.
Long-term brand partnerships are often more lucrative than one-off sponsored posts and build deeper connections with the brands. They often offer free products you can review, advertise, or place organically in your content.
Brands value long-term collaborations as they build trust and a consistent presence within a niche, helping both parties profit from a shared target audience.
Join Instagram’s Creator Marketplace to connect with brands looking for influencers. Once you’re eligible (Business and Creator accounts with solid engagement), brands can discover and reach out to you directly. Optimize your Creator profile by showcasing your niche, follower count, and past collaborations.
7. Sell digital products
Offering digital products on Instagram like prints, artwork, music, eBooks, an online course, or design templates is easy to scale independently with zero inventory or shipping concerns.
Here’s how to make money on Instagram selling digital products:
- Create digital items tailored to your audience, such as tutorials or guides.
- Use eCommerce platforms or hosting websites to sell your products or services.
- Promote your digital products through Instagram posts, Stories, and Reels.
This method is a fantastic way to generate passive income since digital products can be sold multiple times with little effort.
8. Design merch for your personal brand
Creating and selling branded merchandise is an excellent way to earn money on Instagram while building stronger connections with your audience. Whether it’s apparel, accessories, or stickers, merch helps turn your followers into loyal fans.
Here’s how to start:
- Design products that reflect your personal brand, style, or message.
- Use print-on-demand platforms like Printify to sell products without managing inventory or shipping.
- Promote your merchandise through Instagram Reels, Stories, and posts.
- Tag your products in content so followers can shop directly from your Instagram account.
Merch not only generates income but also reinforces your visual identity. With the right designs and consistent branding, you can turn your dedicated Instagram page into a personal storefront.
9. Use Live Badges
Wondering how to make money through Instagram Live? Followers can support you directly with Instagram Live Badges during your streams.
To start earning with Live Badges:
- Enable Badges in your Instagram settings.
- Go live regularly to engage with your audience and encourage them to purchase badges.
- Promote Badges during your live streams.
- Offer shoutouts or answers to questions for viewers who purchase badges to provide value for their purchase.
This feature is available to US-based creators. You must be over 18 and have at least 10,000 followers on an Instagram Business account.
10. Promote services
Wondering how to get paid on Instagram using your skills and talents? The platform is a powerful place to offer things like consulting, coaching, photography, or design.
To promote what you offer:
- Highlight your expertise in your Instagram bio, and include links to testimonials.
- Create content that demonstrates your skills, such as tutorials or behind-the-scenes content.
- Include a clear call to action in your posts and add a link in your bio for bookings, consultations, or directing followers to your website or portfolio.
Use Instagram’s built-in call-to-action buttons to encourage bookings or consultations directly from your profile. This method works well for freelancers and independent business owners.
11. Sell pre-owned items
Selling secondhand items on Instagram is a simple way to earn money and declutter. Use your Instagram page to showcase what you’re offering, whether it’s clothes, electronics, or home goods.
Post clear photos, include prices and item details in captions or Stories, and use location and niche hashtags to attract interested buyers. For added trust, highlight buyer testimonials or offer local pickup options.
12. Offer exclusive webinars or workshops
Webinars and workshops provide value to your followers while generating income. Offer paid sessions on topics relevant to your niche, from social media marketing to fitness training. You can also use third-party tools like Zoom, Eventbrite, or Teachable to manage registrations and host your sessions.
To host paid webinars:
- Choose a hosting platform like Zoom or YouTube.
- Create engaging promotional content on Instagram to attract participants.
- Offer exclusive knowledge or skills that your followers can’t get elsewhere.
Promote the event through Instagram Stories, Reels, and posts. Use countdown stickers and reminders to build anticipation, and offer special packages or discounts to encourage signups.
13. Crowdfund your projects
Instagram audiences are great for crowdfunding. Create projects on platforms like Patreon or GoFundMe to receive financial support in exchange for perks and exclusive content.
To start crowdfunding:
- Set up a crowdfunding page on your chosen platform.
- Promote your project in your Instagram content.
- Offer unique rewards for different contribution levels.
This is a good choice for funding art projects, charitable causes, or new products like games or media while building a sense of community around the work.
Keep your audience updated on your progress and celebrate milestones to maintain interest.
14. Provide account management services
If you’re an expert in social media marketing, content creation, or strategy, offer your services as a social media manager to other businesses or favorite creators. Instagram already serves as a portfolio for your work.
To start offering marketing services:
- Highlight your skills by sharing tips, case studies, or examples of your work on Instagram.
- Include a call to action in your bio, directing potential clients to contact you.
- Use Instagram Stories and posts to showcase your work and share your successes.
Social media manager services are in high demand, especially for smaller businesses aiming to grow their online presence – with the potential to develop into a full-time career.
Ready to turn your Instagram into a business?
Start creating and selling custom products with Printify – no inventory, no upfront costs. Design your merch, connect your store, and reach your audience directly through Instagram.
Sign up for free and start building your brand today.
Making money with Instagram: FAQ
Yes. Instagram offers monetization features like Instagram Gifts (Stars), subscriptions, and badges that allow eligible creators to earn directly through the platform. You can also earn through external brand deals, affiliate marketing, and selling products.
Beginners can start by joining affiliate programs, selling digital or pre-owned products, or offering services. You don’t need a massive following – having a focused niche and an engaged audience is more important.
Instagram doesn’t pay directly based on views. Instead, creators earn through Stars (valued at $0.01 each), Instagram subscriptions, or external brand collaborations. The key is to build an engaged audience that supports your content through these monetization features, rather than relying on view count alone.
To monetize your Instagram, switch to a Business or Creator account and explore income streams like affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, product sales, and subscriptions. Use Instagram’s tools to track your performance and access monetization options.
There’s no fixed number, but most affiliate programs and brand deals require at least 1,000 engaged followers. Even accounts with a few thousand followers can earn if they have strong engagement and a clear niche.
Final thoughts
Instagram’s large, engaged user base, advertiser-friendly policies, and eCommerce features make it ideal for brand promotion and influencer marketing.
If you’ve been wondering how to make money on Instagram, this guide has outlined proven strategies – from selling products and creating sponsored content to promoting services and offering paid subscriptions. Now it’s your turn to put these methods into action and grow your income on Instagram.
