- This Week in Social Media (TWISM)
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- 💰 17 Ways to Make Money on IG
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🔥 17 Proven Ways to Turn Your Instagram Into a Money Machine
Instagram isn't just for pretty pics anymore. With 2 billion active users and 61% using it to find new products, IG has become the ultimate money-making platform for 2025.
Here's the kicker: 90% of users follow business accounts. That means your audience is already primed to buy from creators they trust.
SPONSORED - AGORAPULSE - THE MANY HATS PLAYBOOK
This playbook is your permission slip to work smarter, not harder.
Chasing approvals? The worst.
Endless Slack pings for “just one quick edit”? Soul-crushing.
Tracking competitors? TBH… who has time for that?
And yet, you’re still expected to:
✨ Be endlessly creative
✨ Post on every platform
✨ Keep the community happy
✨ And somehow stay sane
Yeah, we get it.
1. Instagram Subscriptions 💜
Monthly recurring revenue from your most loyal fans? Yes, please.
Instagram Subscriptions lets followers pay monthly for exclusive content delivered right in the app. Subscribers get a purple badge and access to private Lives, Stories, Reels, and group chats.
Former WWE wrestler @thexiazhao promoted her subscriptions with a single Reel that got 1,800 likes and tons of engaged comments from fans ready to pay for exclusive access.
Requirements: 10K+ followers, 18+, supported country.
2. Creator Marketplace Partnerships 🤝
Skip the awkward brand outreach. Instagram's Creator Marketplace connects you directly with brands that match your vibe.
Lifestyle influencer @brookemiccio partnered with FlatRate Moving through the marketplace, sharing an authentic Reel with her discount code. Thousands of likes and engaged comments proved that authentic partnerships pay off.
Pro tip: Only partner with brands you genuinely love. Your followers can spot fake deals instantly.
3. Instagram Gifts 🎁
Digital tips for your Reels. Fans can send virtual gifts (bought with Stars) to reward content they love.
@specialkracer celebrated the New Year by inviting fans to send gifts, unlocking a whole new income stream.
Requirements: Professional account, 18+, 500+ followers, eligible country.
4. Live Badges 🔴
Stand out during Live broadcasts. Viewers buy badges that make their comments more visible, increasing your chances of responding to them.
Fitness influencer @londondagreat went Live for the first time and immediately started earning Live Badges from supportive fans.
5. Sell Your Products 🛍️
Direct sales through Instagram Shopping. No more sending people to your website - they can buy right in the app.
Beauty giant Glossier announced its highlighter comeback with a single post that got over 7K likes and tons of excited customer comments.
6. Get Sponsored 📸
The classic influencer move. Brands pay you to feature their products in your content.
Disc golfer @discgolfali announced her sponsorship with Thought Space Athletics, earning 1,200 likes and 95 comments from excited fans, even with just 6K followers.
The secret: Niche audiences are goldmines for brands, even if you're smaller.
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7. Digital Products 💻
Sell your expertise. eBooks, mini-courses, templates, and digital tools can generate serious income.
@the0nlyyonii launched her "Little Miss Content Creator" ebook with an excited announcement that racked up 62,000 likes, proving digital products can go viral.
8. Paid Communities 🏠
VIP access for superfans. Create exclusive communities on Discord, Telegram, Circle, or other platforms.
Spiritual creator @readbydes promoted her Patreon for exclusive readings, earning 1,460 likes from followers eager for more intimate content.
9. Newsletter Building 📧
Own your audience. Unlike IG followers, email subscribers are yours forever.
@zicksworld drives newsletter signups through thoughtful carousel posts, pulling in 3,552 likes and 197 comments with strategic Substack CTAs.
10. Brand Merchandise 👕
Let fans wear your brand. If you have a loyal tribe, merch can be a killer revenue stream.
Twitch streamer @vanilllamace created urgency with a limited-time merch drop using aesthetic launch videos.
11. Flipping & Used Products ♻️
Turn clutter into cash. Your old stuff can become quick money or even a full flipping business.
@flippedbymolly documented buying a dresser for $50 and flipping it for $550 - more than 10x profit in just hours.
12. Affiliate Marketing 💸
Earn from products you love. Get a cut when followers buy using your links or codes.
Fashion creator @lovelylor promoted 42Lolita_official with her personal affiliate code, modeling the outfit while encouraging fans to shop.
Even smaller accounts can make $100-$300 per affiliate post.
13. Website Traffic 🌐
Drive sales off-platform. Use IG to funnel highly interested viewers to your site.
@simonsquibb uses IG Reels to funnel viewers to his website, where he promotes his book.
14. Brand Awareness 📈
Every post increases future sales. Studies show customers are more likely to buy from brands they recognize.
Nike posts culture-driven, inspirational content that strengthens brand identity rather than directly selling products.
15. Service Sales 💼
Sell what you do. Even local service businesses can thrive on IG.
Fitness coach @sawyer.sturgis announced "now accepting clients" with an engaging question about feeling confident and empowered.
16. Sales Events 🏷️
Announce your deals. IG users are primed to purchase, so highlighting sales works incredibly well.
Fashion Nova announced their Friends & Family event with "50% Off EVERYTHING...Use Code: THANKU50" - instant attention and customer action.
17. Giveaways 🎉
Free stuff builds followers. Require follows and tags to enter, instantly expanding your reach.
E-bike brand @bakcoulife ran a prize package giveaway with simple rules: follow, like, tag friends. Result: 490 likes and over 1,000 comments (mostly tags).
⚡ The Bottom Line
You don't need 100K followers to start making money. Even accounts with 1,000-10,000 followers can earn close to $1,000 monthly.
The key? Pick 2-3 strategies that match your content style and audience. Then execute consistently.
Instagram rewards creators who provide value. The platform wants you to succeed because your success keeps users engaged.
📊 Quick Stats to Remember
2 billion active Instagram users
61% use IG to discover products
90% follow business accounts
$10 per 1,000 followers for sponsored posts (100K+ accounts)
$100-$300 possible per affiliate post (smaller accounts)
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading. Now…
Go BIG or go home!
~ Josh from “This Week in Social Media”
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