Instagram isn’t just for selfies and scrolling! If you didn’t already know it, you CAN use it to make real money from home.
So if you’re already spending time on the app (and most of us are), you might as well turn it into something that pays.
You don’t need a huge following, either, contrary to popular belief. You just need to show up consistently and be smart about what you’re offering your existing audience.
Here are 31 simple, real ways to make money with Instagram, even if you’re starting with a small following.
31 Ways to Earn With Instagram
1. Affiliate Marketing
You can post about products you like and earn a small commission when someone buys through your link. This works well in stories, posts, and even your bio if you set it up right.
Just make sure the stuff you’re sharing is something you’d actually use yourself.
If you’re not familiar with affiliate marketing, I have some information on how affiliate marketing works here.
2. Sell Your Own Product
Got something you already sell? Use your Instagram to promote it!
Physical products like candles or jewelry do great when you post behind-the-scenes content and satisfied customer photos.
3. Offer Paid Shoutouts
If your audience is engaged, even if it’s a small audience, other creators or small businesses might pay you to share their page. This works well in niche communities.
Just remember to always label paid shoutouts so your followers trust you.
4. Partner With Brands
Brand deals aren’t just for people with a million followers. Companies work with micro-influencers on Instagram all the time.
You just need to show that your audience listens to what you post. If you can do that, you can make money.
5. Sell Digital Downloads
Think templates, planners, printable art, or social media graphics. These are easy to promote and deliver!
Your followers buy, and they get the file instantly. Once made, you can sell them over and over.
I have a list of 10 easy-to-make printables for beginners here.
6. Offer Social Media Management
If you’re good at growing your own Instagram page, other people are going to be willing to pay you to do the same for them.
Small businesses and solo entrepreneurs often need help but can’t hire full-time. So, your Instagram becomes your resume!
7. Promote a Service
Use your posts and stories to bring attention to something you do, like freelance writing, virtual assisting, or photography. Even a casual mention can lead someone to message you.
Make sure your contact info is easy to find in your bio! You need at minimum your email address listed.
8. Sell Photography
If your photos are high-quality, people will want to buy them as prints or use them for websites and ads.
You can sell through print-on-demand platforms or license them directly. Tag your photo style clearly so people know what you’re offering.
9. Share Tutorials or How-Tos
These types of posts build trust and can lead to bigger sales. Teach something in your niche, then direct people to a paid resource like a course or ebook.
Reels work great for short tutorials, and Instagram tends to prioritize them in the feed.
10. Create a Paid Subpage
Start a private account with exclusive content and charge people for access. This can be tips, behind-the-scenes posts, or early product access.
Just make sure you’re offering value people can’t get on your main page.
11. Use Subscriptions
Instagram now lets creators charge for exclusive content directly in the app. You can share bonus posts, stories, or lives only paying subscribers can see.
This works best when your audience is already invested in what you share.
12. Launch a Paid Newsletter
Use Instagram to build trust with your audience, then send people to a paid newsletter on Substack or ConvertKit (two email service providers that make it possible to do this). It’s a good fit if you like writing and want a more personal connection with your audience.
Share snippets in your posts to encourage signups to your newsletter.
13. Promote an Online Course
Do you have a skill people ask you about? Turn it into a course and use Instagram to promote it.
Short videos or graphics showing what people will learn can help drive signups to it.
14. Sell Merch
If you have a personal brand or catchphrase, you can turn it into merch. Use print-on-demand sites to handle the printing and shipping.
Then, show off your products in real photos and tag them in your posts.
15. Offer Coaching or Consulting
You can use your account to attract one-on-one clients. This could be fitness coaching, business mentoring, or anything you’re qualified to teach.
Share plenty of testimonials or before-and-after results to help build trust.
16. Join an Influencer Platform
Sites like Aspire, Intellifluence, and Impact connect you with brands that are looking for influencers. These platforms often have deals for smaller creators.
Once your profile is set up, they’ll match you with campaigns!
17. Promote a Patreon
Patreon lets you offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes posts, or early access for paying fans. Use Instagram to tease what’s inside.
If people love your content and want to support you, this can bring in steady monthly income.
18. Offer Paid Lives or Q&As
Host a live session where people pay to join or donate during the stream. This works well if you have helpful or entertaining info to share.
Promote it in advance so people know when to tune in.
19. Teach Instagram
Once you figure out how to grow your page, there are others who want to learn. Sell a mini-course, ebook, or service teaching IG basics.
Just be honest about what’s worked for you and avoid making big promises.
20. Host a Giveaway With Paid Spots
Run a group giveaway and charge small businesses to be featured. Each one offers a prize and you collect the entry traffic.
Make sure you keep it organized and follow IG rules for contests.
21. Start a Niche Page
Create an account focused on something specific, such as budgeting tips, minimalist decor, or parenting hacks. Once you build a following, you can sell shoutouts or ad space to related brands.
These pages tend to grow fast when the content is very shareable.
22. Sell Recipes or Meal Plans
If you post food content, offer downloadable meal plans, grocery lists, or recipe ebooks. Give your audience a taste of what you’re offering in your reels and captions.
This is perfect if you already cook and post meals anyway. I have more ideas to earn from home cooking if you’re interested.
23. Sell Lightroom Presets
People love having a “cohesive feed,” and if your editing style is pretty, others might want to copy it.
You can sell your presets on Etsy or through a link in bio. Show examples of before-and-after shots in your content.
24. Create a Brand Ambassador Program
If you already sell products, you can let others earn commission by promoting them. Instagram is great for showing off your ambassadors and building community.
Just make sure to track who’s bringing in sales.
25. Sell Captions or Content Ideas
Lots of small businesses want to be on Instagram but don’t know what to post. You can offer caption packs, reels ideas, or a full monthly content plan.
Your own feed becomes your proof of what you can do with something like that.
26. Start a Dropshipping Store
With dropshipping, you sell products you don’t physically keep in stock. Instagram helps you promote them with photos and reels.
Then, you could pair it with a store on Shopify or another eCommerce platform.
27. Promote a Blog
Use your posts to bring people to a blog that makes money through ads, sponsored content, or affiliate links. Share short pieces of your posts on IG and direct them to the full version.
It’s a slow build but works if you stick with it. I have more tips on starting a blog here.
28. Sell Event Tickets
If you host workshops, retreats, or even online webinars, Instagram is a good way to spread the word.
Post photos or clips from past events to build interest. Make sure the ticket link is easy to find in your bio.
29. License Your Content
If you make really high-quality photos or reels, brands might pay to reuse them. You can offer licensing through DM or mention it in your bio.
Just make sure you understand usage rights before agreeing!
30. Offer Styling or Design Advice
This works great for fashion, home decor, or even makeup accounts. Share tips on your page, then offer one-on-one consultations.
You can charge for quick advice sessions or full-on design services.
31. Promote an Etsy or Shopify Store
Use Instagram to show off your products with lifestyle shots, customer reviews, and packaging videos.
This helps build trust and makes your brand feel more personal. Make sure you tag your products so people can shop directly.
I have some info on starting with Shopify here and Etsy here.
5 Quick Tips to Start Making Money on Instagram
Pick a Niche
Stick to one main topic so people know what to expect when they follow you.
Add a Link In Your Bio
Use something like Linktree or Beacons to point followers to your shop, offers, or services.
Post Often and Intentionally
You don’t need to post every single day, but you do need to stay visible and share content that adds real value.
Talk to Your Followers
Reply to comments and DMs. People buy from accounts they trust.
Just Start Even If You’re Starting Small
You don’t need everything perfect to begin. Pick one idea and just go from there.
As always, good luck! Feel free to comment below if you have some other outside-the-box ideas for earning with Instagram.
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 14 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.