20 Ways! How can we make money from Instagram?

If you’ve ever wondered, “How can we make money from Instagram?” you’re not alone. Instagram isn’t just for sharing pics of your Sunday roast or the latest outfit you’ve bought. It’s actually a fantastic platform for earning some extra cash—or even turning it into a full-time income. Whether you’re a budding influencer, a small business owner, or just have a creative side, there are loads of ways to make money from Instagram.

Here are 20 ways you can start monetising your Instagram and turn those likes into pounds!

How can we make money from Instagram?

1. Sponsored Posts

One of the most popular ways to make money on Instagram is through sponsored posts. Brands pay you to promote their products if you’ve got a decent following and engagement. Even if you’re just starting out, smaller brands are often willing to work with micro-influencers.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is perfect if you love sharing your favourite products. You promote items, and when your followers buy through your link, you get a commission. Websites like Amazon Associates or Awin are great places to get started.

3. Sell Your Own Products

Whether you’ve got an Etsy shop or you’re selling homemade goods, Instagram is a brilliant place to showcase your products. You can create posts or stories with links directly to your shop.

4. Instagram Shopping

Instagram’s built-in Shopping feature lets you tag products in your posts, making it easier for your followers to buy directly from you. This is great if you sell physical products, whether it’s handmade jewellery or your own fashion line.

5. Offer Paid Content Subscriptions

Instagram has started rolling out a Subscription feature, where your most loyal followers can pay for exclusive content. It’s still quite new, but it’s another great way to monetise your account, especially if you’ve built a dedicated community.

6. Brand Ambassadorship

Unlike one-off sponsored posts, brand ambassadorship is a longer-term relationship with a company. Brands pay you to regularly promote their products in exchange for perks, freebies, or cash. It’s a win-win!

7. Sell Digital Products

You don’t need to sell physical items to make money on Instagram. Digital products like e-books, templates, or printable planners are hugely popular, and once created, they can generate passive income for you.

8. Promote Online Courses

If you’re an expert in something—whether it’s photography, fitness, or business—why not create and sell an online course? Use your Instagram account to market it, and platforms like Teachable or Udemy to host it.

9. Sell Photography

Instagram is all about visuals, so if you’re a photographer, you’re in the perfect place to sell your work. Share your best shots and offer prints for sale in your bio or stories.

10. Offer Instagram Consulting

If you’re great at growing an Instagram account, there’s a business in that! Offer consulting services to individuals or small businesses looking to up their Instagram game. You can help them with strategy, growth, and engagement.

11. Create Sponsored Instagram Stories

It’s not just posts that brands are after—Instagram Stories can be a goldmine too. With a high engagement rate, sponsored stories are an easy way to promote products, and often less formal than grid posts.

12. Host Giveaways with Brands

Collaborating with brands for giveaways is a great way to grow your following and get paid at the same time. Brands will often pay influencers to host giveaways that increase their brand exposure.

13. Promote Local Businesses

If you’ve got a following in your local area, offer to promote local businesses. Whether it’s the cosy café on the corner or a new hair salon, local businesses are always looking for affordable ways to advertise.

14. Sell Merchandise

Creating and selling your own merchandise is another way to make money from Instagram. If you’ve got a loyal following, consider designing and selling t-shirts, mugs, or bags with your branding.

15. Become an Instagram Coach

If you know the ins and outs of growing an Instagram account, why not share your knowledge and become a coach? You can offer one-to-one coaching sessions, helping people or businesses build their presence on the platform.

16. Use IGTV to Monetise Videos

If you’re into video content, IGTV can be a good way to make money. While Instagram itself doesn’t pay for views, you can use it to promote products, affiliate links, or even sponsored content.

17. Create and Sell Instagram Filters

People love custom Instagram filters, and if you’ve got the skills to create them, you can make some decent money. Offer to create branded filters for businesses, or sell your own designs to the public.

18. Become an Influencer Manager

If you understand how Instagram works but don’t necessarily want to be the one in front of the camera, become an influencer manager. Help influencers manage brand deals, sponsorships, and their social media presence for a percentage of the earnings.

19. Offer Virtual Services

Instagram is a great place to promote any virtual service you offer, from graphic design to writing or virtual assistance. Use your account to showcase your work and connect with potential clients.

20. Get Paid for Sponsored Reels

Reels are massive right now, and brands are keen to get in on the action. If you can create engaging, short videos, brands will pay for you to feature their products. It’s a great way to earn money if you enjoy being creative and filming content.

There are so many ways to turn your Instagram into an income. Whether you’re into creating content, selling products, or offering your skills, there’s something for everyone. The key is to find the right approach that works for you, keep engaging with your audience, and make the most of the tools Instagram offers.

Now, how are you going to make money from Instagram? Let me know if you’ve got any ideas—you might inspire my next project!