Instagram has become a hub for savvy influencers, brands, and creators to earn a living from their following. In 2023, about 48% of Instagram creators made $15,000 or less annually, with some earning between $50,000 and $75,000. The majority of revenue came from brand deals, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing​. But how many followers do you need to start to make money on Instagram?

While having a large following certainly helps, it’s not the only factor that matters. Engagement rates, content quality, and niche relevance are equally important.

Whether you’re a micro-influencer or aiming to become an Instagram celebrity, there are plenty of ways to monetize your account—even with fewer followers. Keep reading for details of how many followers you need and how you can make money from Instagram.

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How many Followers do you need to Get Paid on Instagram?

The number of followers needed to make money on Instagram can vary considerably. However, there’s no strict threshold. Typically, you need to have at least 1,000 engaged followers for you to get paid on Instagram. Influencers with fewer followers (known as micro-influencers) can still make money.

Many micro influencers use sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and product promotions to get paid on Instagram. These avenues can be particularly rewarding if they have high engagement rates.

For example, many micro-influencers with 500-10,000 followers partner with smaller brands that align with their niche to earn money through sponsored posts and product placements. Larger accounts, such as macro-influencers (100,000+ followers) and mega-influencers (1 million+ followers), often have more significant earning potential due to their extensive reach and influence.

Brands are willing to pay them higher rates for advertising and promotions because they can reach a broader audience. However, even with smaller followings, creators can use multiple revenue streams to make money, depending on their niche and engagement​.

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What Kind of Content can I Monetize on Instagram?

Now that you understand the typical desired number of followers required to make money on Instagram you may naturally wonder; what kind of content can I monetize on Instagram?

On Instagram, you can monetize content like; high-quality photos (fashion, travel, food), tutorials (makeup, fitness, DIY), educational infographics, memes and relatable content, product reviews, behind-the-scenes footage (creative processes), user-generated content (testimonials, challenges) and short, engaging videos (Reels, Stories). There are several ways to monetize these types of content on Instagram.

Each method that you choose can suit different types of accounts. Here are some of the best strategies to monetize your content and make money on Instagram:

• Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing on Instagram allows creators to earn commissions by promoting products using trackable affiliate links. As a creator, you can add these links in their bios, posts, or Stories.

When your followers click these links and make a purchase, you receive a commission. Many creators use platforms like Amazon Associates or specific brand affiliate programs to maximize their earning potential.

• Sponsored Content

Sponsored content is a significant revenue source for Instagram influencers. This involves collaborating with brands to create posts, Reels, or Stories that promote the brand’s products or services.

Compensation for sponsored content typically varies based on the influencer’s follower count, engagement rate, and niche. Brands often seek influencers whose audiences align with their target market to make the partnership mutually beneficial.

The key for creators is to maintain authenticity. This is important because followers can easily spot insincere promotions, which can damage trust.

• Instagram Shop

Instagram Shop enables creators to sell products directly from their profiles. Essentially, this transforms your account into mini a e-commerce platform.

With Instagram Shop, you can list physical or digital products, tag them in your posts, and provide a seamless shopping experience for your followers. This feature is particularly beneficial for those with unique products or services, as it allows them to reach a broader audience without the need for a separate website.

• Badges and Subscriptions

During live broadcasts, you can make money on Instagram by receiving financial support from fans through badges, which are purchased as a way for followers to show appreciation. This feature creates a sense of community and connection between you (the creator) and your supporters.

In addition to badges, you can offer subscription-based access to exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes insights, special live sessions, or exclusive posts. This model not only generates steady income but also allows creators to engage more deeply with their most loyal fans.

• Reels Bonuses

Instagram actively encourages creators to produce engaging Reels by offering bonuses based on performance metrics such as views and engagement. This initiative is part of Instagram’s strategy to compete with TikTok and incentivize high-quality content creation.

Bonuses can vary widely, offering the potential for substantial earnings depending on the creator’s reach and the popularity of their Reels. You can focus on trends, creativity, and storytelling to maximize your earnings while enhancing visibility on the platform.

• Advertising Revenue

Instagram ads provide creators with opportunities to promote their content to a broader audience, which can significantly enhance visibility and engagement. When you boost posts or run ads in your videos, you can effectively reach users who may not already follow you.

This strategy is particularly useful for launching new products, increasing brand awareness, or driving traffic to specific posts. You can always customize ad placements based on your target audience to allow for tailored advertising strategies that resonate with potential followers.

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How much can Instagram Influencers Earn Based on their Follower Count?

Earnings on Instagram scale significantly based on follower count and engagement. Here’s a breakdown of potential earnings across different influencer tiers:

• Nano-influencers (1,000–10,000 followers): Can earn between $10 and $100 per sponsored post. Although their reach is smaller, nano-influencers often have very high engagement rates, which can be attractive to smaller brands.
• Micro-influencers (10,000–100,000 followers): Typically earn between $100 and $500 per sponsored post. Many micro-influencers also earn through affiliate marketing and selling their products.
• Macro-influencers (100,000–1 million followers): These influencers can charge between $500 and $5,000 per post. The amount typically depends on their engagement rate and niche.
• Mega-influencers (1 million+ followers): Can charge upwards of $10,000 per sponsored post. They often partner with top-tier brands and can negotiate higher rates due to their expansive reach.

Follower Count	Estimated Earnings per Post
1,000–10,000 followers	$10–$100
10,000–100,000 followers	$100–$500
100,000–1 million+	$500–$10,000+

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How can I Increase my Followers and Make Money on Instagram?

Many people also frequently ask; how can I increase my followers on Instagram to make money? There is no one specific best way that works for every account.

However, here are some tips you may find helpful if you wish to grow your follower base and improve your chances of monetizing Instagram:

1. Post Consistently

Posting consistently is crucial for maintaining visibility especially if you want to make money on Instagram. When you regularly share content, you keep your audience engaged and increase the chances of your posts appearing in their feeds.

Aim for at least 3 to 5 posts per week to establish a routine. Consistency helps in building trust with your followers; they come to expect your content and look forward to it.

Furthermore, Instagram’s algorithm favors active accounts. This means that your posts are more likely to be shown to a larger audience if you engage in regular posting.

2. Use Hashtags

Hashtags are a great way to expand your reach on Instagram. When you use relevant hashtags within your niche, you can connect with users who are interested in similar content.

Hashtags categorize your posts, making them discoverable to people who follow or search for those tags. However, it’s essential to choose hashtags wisely; using a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags can enhance visibility.

Aim for a blend of broad hashtags (like #fitness) and more specific ones (like #yogaforbeginners) to attract a targeted audience. You may want to use tools like Hashtagify and All Hashtag to find effective hashtags .

3. Engage with Your Audience

Building a strong connection with your followers requires active engagement. Responding to comments and messages shows that you value your audience’s input and fosters a sense of community.

This interaction encourages followers to engage with your content more, which can increase your visibility on the platform. Engaging with your audience can include liking their posts, commenting on their content, and asking questions in your captions to prompt responses.

This two-way communication not only strengthens your relationship with existing followers. It can also help attract new ones, as people are more likely to follow accounts that genuinely interact with their audience.

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4. Collaborate with Other Influencers

Collaborating with other influencers can significantly boost your follower count and expand your reach. By teaming up with creators in your niche, you can introduce your content to their audience, which may lead to new followers who are interested in your brand.

Collaborations can take various forms, such as co-hosting an Instagram Live, participating in challenges together, or creating joint content. This cross-promotion is mutually beneficial, allowing both parties to gain exposure and potentially tap into each other’s follower base. When choosing collaborators, look for influencers whose audience aligns with your niche and values.

5. Optimize Your Profile

Your Instagram profile is often the first impression potential followers will have of you, so it’s vital to optimize it effectively. Ensure that your bio clearly communicates what you offer, whether it’s travel tips, beauty advice, or fitness coaching.

Use concise language that highlights your niche and what makes you unique. Including a call-to-action (CTA) in your bio can also guide users on what to do next, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or checking out your latest post. A well-optimized profile can convert casual visitors into followers by clearly showcasing the value they’ll receive by following you​.

Closing Thoughts

Earning money on Instagram isn’t reserved for those with massive followings. Whether you’re a nano-influencer with a few thousand followers or a macro-influencer, there are multiple revenue streams available to make money on Instagram. Focus on engagement, build an authentic community, and consistently produce quality content to unlock the earning potential of Instagram regardless of your follower count.