How You Can Make Money on Instagram as a Creator

So, you're an Instagram creator and wondering how you can turn your passion into income? 

Well, let me tell you, the opportunities are endless.

Instagram is a social media platform and mobile application primarily used for sharing photos and short videos.

According to Hootsuite, Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users, making it the third biggest social platform globally.

It has become a platform where you can build a brand, connect with audiences, and yes, make serious money. 

Many individuals become passive consumers on platforms rather than actively participating as creators, hindering their potential to leverage the platform for success. 

This is due to a lack of understanding of the opportunities available, a fear of failure, or simply preferring the comfort of being a viewer. 

The best way to get out of the consumer’s trap and waste precious time scrolling on the platform is by embracing a creative mindset, identifying their skills and interests, and taking action. 

Individuals can transform from passive consumers into active creators and unlock the possibilities of making it big on the platform. 

In this article, we’ll break down and explore exactly how you can monetize your creativity in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

5 Ways You Can Make Money on Instagram as a Creator

1. Brand Partnership and Sponsored Posts 

One of the most common ways creators make money on Instagram is through sponsored content. 

Brands are constantly on the lookout for influencers and creators who can authentically promote their products or services to a highly engaged audience.

A perfect example of this is Emma Chamberlain, an American Instagram Influencer.

Emma collaborates with high-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier for sponsored posts and campaigns.

She also launched her own coffee brand, Chamberlain Coffee, which she promotes heavily on Instagram.

Emma’s authentic and relatable personality resonates with her audience, making her promotions feel genuine and trustworthy. She has built a niche and community for herself now brands pay her to create posts, Stories, or Reels that showcase their products.

2. Affiliate Marketing

If sponsored posts feel too rigid, affiliate marketing offers flexibility. 

You earn a commission for every sale or action completed through your unique affiliate link or promo code.

You can partner with brands that offer affiliate programs and share your affiliate links or codes in your posts, stories, or bio.

Here’s an example of how it works:

Let’s say you’re into skincare. You can partner with a brand and share your morning skincare routine. Include a swipe-up link in your story or a “shop here” link in your bio to direct your followers to the brand's product page.

Look for programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or individual brand affiliate initiatives.

The best part is that you don’t need to wait for brands to approach you; you can approach them yourself to start earning from day one.

A simple trick you can use in getting affiliate programs is to go to Google, type in ‘Affiliate Program + (Insert the niche you want to promote)’. 

E.g: Affiliate Program + Skincare

This keyword will show all the brands in your searched niche running an affiliate program.

3. Selling Your Digital Products or Services

You don’t have to wait for brands to come knocking. 

Sell your digital products and leverage your expertise to generate income.

Depending on what you do and your skills, you can decide to sell: 

a. Digital products (checklists, templates, guides, E-books, Online courses)

b. Physical products (handmade items, T-shirts, books)

c. Services (photography, design, tutoring, fitness coaching, freelance services)

You can use Instagram to sell your products, post behind-the-scenes, tutorials, and client testimonials. Use story Highlights to showcase your offers and FAQs.

Nelly Agbogbu (Naija Brand Chick) is a great example

She uses her platform to talk about trade fairs and how you can grow your business. 

She sells different courses to help you grow using Instagram and ads. Also, her coaching, called DSI (Dominate Sales and Influence).

4. Create and Sell UGC (User-Generated Content)

More and more brands are hiring creators to produce content they can use in ads or on their own pages. 

This is called UGC, and it’s booming.

Someone great at this is Victoria Nelson, a Nigerian-based UGC Creator.

She creates UGC-style videos for beauty and skincare brands and posts them on her personal IG. 

Her account is her portfolio, and she gets paid for content production, not promotion.

In an era filled with AI-generated content, UGC is the next big thing because people need someone they can trust and real. 

With UGC, you don’t need a big audience because brands care more about quality content than follower count. You can charge per video, image, or bundle

How to Get Started:

a. Create a UGC portfolio (even mock videos work).

b. Pitch brands directly or use UGC platforms like Billo, Trend.io, or Insense.

c. Highlight your creativity, not your follower count.

If you’re great at creating authentic, relatable content, you should check this out.

5. Leverage Your Audience Off-Platform

Instagram is just one piece of your creator business. 

Use it to grow your email list, podcast audience, or YouTube channel. 

Then monetize those other platforms through ads, sponsorships, and digital products.

An example is Tayo Aina uses Instagram to drive traffic to his YouTube channel. He then monetizes through YouTube AdSense.

How do you achieve this?

a. Offer a freebie in exchange for email signups

b. Promote YouTube videos or podcast episodes in your Reels and Stories

c. Build a community that travels with you, wherever you go online

You can use Instagram to grow your brand, then let the money flow in from multiple channels.

Summary

You can’t make money on Instagram in 2025 chasing viral moments, you have to be intentional. Know your audience, show up consistently, and diversify your income streams.

Even if you want to partner with brands, sell your offers, or create UGC for others, there’s always room for you to thrive.

Start with one stream, build momentum, then stack your income. 

You don’t need to be an influencer, you just need to be valuable.