Have you ever used Instagram? This is the basic question I’ll ask before starting this blog, and I know the majority of people think, Why am I asking this question? But this is the very basic question where the majority of people, especially the younger generation, say yes.

That's the popularity level of Instagram, with over 2 billion users across the world, making Instagram users at least 2 in every 10 human on planet Earth. So using Instagram for fun and social integration is not enough. Because Instagram has expanded beyond a simple social media platform.

Now Instagram has that much of a following, and usage obviously will bring marketing opportunities for so many businesses. That's why Instagram has come up with the monetizing of accounts that have a strong following base.

We’ll explore what Instagram monetization is and how to enable Instagram monetization, requirements, and different ways to earn money on the platform. Now let's understand what this monetization actually means.

What is Instagram Monetization

Monetization on Instagram refers to the various aspects or ways for businesses or creators to earn money from their content, audience, and platform activities. And also, Instagram has many features or tools to help content creators or influencers to earn revenue.

How Much can earn from the Instagram

Instagram earnings differ depending on variables such as follower size, engagement ratio, niche, region and monetization strategy. The following is a description of possible earnings:

Sponsored Posts:

• 1K-10K followers (Nano-influencers) charge $50-$300 per post.
• 10K-100K followers  (10K-100K followers) can expect to make $300-$1,000 per post.
• 100K-1M followers  (Macro-influencers) charge between $1,000 and $10,000.
• 1M+ followers (Celebrities or mega-influencers) can command $10,000+ per post.

Affiliate Marketing:

Income is based on sales commissions, typically 5% to 20% of each sale, so high-converting influencers earn thousands per month.

Brand Deals & Long-Term Partnerships:

Certain influencers ink brand deals for months or years, raking in $10K to six figures based on their reach and niche.

Instagram Reels Bonuses & Ad Income:

Instagram has Reels Play Bonuses (invite-only) where creators can make up to $35,000, although most earn much lower.

Selling Products or Services:

Most influencers earn a living by selling digital products, online courses, coaching, or merchandise and can earn six to seven figures per year.

Remember, the more engaged your followers, the more you earn from Instagram. Focus on the content rather than only on followers. If you provide quality content, then the follower base will increase automatically.

Instagram Monetization Eligibility 

Before monetizing your Instagram account, you must meet the following requirements or specifications criteria that are set by Instagram. Here are the key requirements:

1. General Eligibility Requirements

• Follow Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies: Your account should be followed and compatible with the Instagram guidelines and monetization policies. 

• Be in an Eligible Country: Remember, monetization features are available in selected countries.

• Have a Business or Creator Account: Having a personal account is not eligible.

• Meet the Minimum Follower and Engagement Criteria: Some features require a certain number of followers and engagement rates.

2. Content-Specific Requirements

• Original Content: Your content should be original and not infringe on copyright policies.

• No Misinformation or Sensational Content: Posts should not disseminate false information or harmful content.

• Follow Instagram's Monetization Rules: that means not posting hate speech, nudity, or deceptive information.

How Do You Monetize Instagram

Step 1: Switch to a Creator or Business Account

1. Go to Settings in the Instagram app.

2. Tap Account and select Switch to Professional Account.

3. Choose between Creator or Business based on your goals.

Step 2: Apply for Monetization Features

Depending on your method of monetization, you must apply to gain access:

• Instagram Badges (for Live Videos): Verify eligibility in Professional Dashboard > Badges.

• In-Stream Ads: Apply via Professional Dashboard > In-Stream Ads.

• Instagram Subscriptions: If it exists, turn it on in Professional Dashboard > Subscriptions.

• Affiliate Marketing & Brand Collabs: Join the Instagram Creator Marketplace.

Step 3: Link Payment Details

To receive your earnings, set up a payout account in Settings > Business > Payments.

How to Use Monetization Tools on Instagram

1. Instagram Badges (Monetizing Live Videos)

• The creator can earn money from the badges that their viewers buy during their Instagram live.

• Requirements: influencer/creator must have at least 10,000 followers in their professional account.

2. In-Stream Video Ads

• Creators can also earn money from running ads on their content (Reels & IGTV).

• Requirements: To run the ads on your content, you must have at least 5,000 followers and 6,00,000 minutes of watch time in the last 60 days.

3. Instagram Subscriptions

• Creators can offer their exclusive content to their exclusive subscribers who pay a monthly subscription fee.

• But this feature is available only for those accounts who have more than 10,000 followers in eligible regions.

4. Affiliate Marketing

• Creators can earn money by promoting the brand's products using affiliate links and earn commission on it.

• Use Instagram’s affiliate tool or third-party programs.

5. Brand Collaborations & Sponsored Posts

• Creators can work with big brands by collaborating in content creation and get paid for that sponsored content.

• You can use Creator Marketplace to connect with brands.

6. Sell Your Own Products (Instagram Shopping)

• If you own a business, you can use Instagram Shops to sell your products directly to your followers and make profits.

• Add product tags in posts and stories.

7. Offering Online Services & Courses

• If you have any teaching skills to offer, you can promote those coaching, courses, or freelance services on Instagram.

• Share valuable content and drive sales through DMs or links.

Pro Tip: To create courses and sell your courses online without worrying about the technical support, you can use our Learnyst platform to create and sell courses directly to your learners and create your own online institution

Tips to Maximize Your Instagram Earnings

1. Grow Your Audience & Engagement

• Make sure to post high-quality, engaging content with consistency.

• Use trending hashtags and reels methods to reach out to larger audiences.

• Make sure to engage your quality followers by reacting to their comments and adding stories and Q&A.

2. Leverage Multiple Monetization Streams

• Don't just depend on only one source of income; make sure to have multiple earning sources in Instagram badges, ads, and affiliate marketing.

• Diversify your content by using all the content types on Instagram (reels, IGTV, stories, and posts).

3. Optimize Your Profile & Bio

• You must add the proper and clearly state who you are or what you offer in your bio.

• And also add a link to any promotional website or the affiliate link to reach out to more customers.

Want to know more about the bio? Check out our blog on  Instagram bio.

4. Stay Updated on Instagram Features

• Instagram frequently updates their monetization tools and policy, so follow their creator blog for updates.

Final Thoughts

Monetizing Instagram is not a simple thing to do, so it takes time, dedication, and a proper strategy to follow. It doesn't matter whether you choose ads, brand deals, subscriptions, or selling your or affiliate products; focus on the growth and engagement of your followers by giving them engaging and quality content, and with that you can explore new revenue sources or streams according to your followers base or your industry type to increase your earnings.