Let’s start by busting a common misconception: You don’t need millions of followers or superstar status to make money on Instagram.
Micro and even nano-influencers on Instagram are supplementing — or even replacing — their income with content creation on the social platform.
In 2025, there are dozens of routes to monetizing, too. And chances are, one of them fits your style.
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Most creators make money on Instagram in one (or more!) of these three ways:
- Making money via the Instagram app: This means earning money using Instagram features like subscriptions, gifts, and badges.
- Making money via collaboration with brands: Some creators make money on Instagram by promoting other brands on their account or creating content that companies can repurpose (like ads).
- Making money by promoting your small business: The last way to monetize on Instagram is less direct — using it as a promotion tool for your own business. This could be an online store, a service, a course, memberships, a community, etc.
