How to Earn Money on Instagram in 2025 Without a Big Following
You don’t need a massive audience to start earning on Instagram. In fact, plenty of small creators are already making a steady income from posts, Instagram Reels, and quick stories. Instagram keeps rolling out new tools that help you make money on Instagram, even if you’re just sharing your hobbies or daily moments.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know which methods actually work in 2025 and how to get paid on Instagram without stressing over your follower count.
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Two main ways to make money on Instagram in 2025
Before we get into the details, let’s answer the big one: how do you make money on Instagram these days? It usually happens in two ways – inside the app and outside of it.
The first uses built-in tools like Subscriptions, Instagram Gifts, and Live Badges. The second relies on your creativity – think content creation, brand partnerships, or selling digital products.
If you love creating content and engaging directly with followers, start inside the app. But if you want more control over your own products or services, explore outside options. Most Instagram users mix both to generate income and keep their earnings steady.
Before you start earning, it’s important to choose the right Instagram account type. It determines which tools you can actually access.
Instagram business account vs Creator account: which one helps you earn more?
When you switch to a professional account, Instagram gives you two choices – Creator or Business. The one you pick decides what earning tools you’ll actually see in your account settings.
A Creator profile feels more personal. It’s made for people who post daily, talk to their audience, and build a personal brand through stories and behind-the-scenes content. A Business profile is more structured. It’s built for users who run an online store, plan to sell products, or promote a team or brand.
| Monetization feature | Creator account | Business account |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram Subscriptions | Available | Not available |
| Instagram Live Badges | Available | Not available |
| Instagram Gifts (on Reels) | Available | Not available |
| Instagram Bonuses | Invite-only | Not available |
| Instagram Shopping | Tagging only | Full access |
| Creator Marketplace | Creator priority | Brand access |
If you’re focused on sponsored posts and brand partnerships, stick with a Creator account. It’s designed to help you make money through higher engagement and loyal followers.
If you’re planning to sell digital products, manage your professional dashboard, and grow a store, the Business account is the better choice.
Do you need a large audience to start earning on Instagram?
People ask all the time: “Can you make money on Instagram with a small audience?” The truth is, you absolutely can.
These days, plenty of smaller creators – even those under 10k – make steady cash from brand partnerships, sponsored posts, or user-generated content gigs. Brands care more about who listens, not how many.
Having a massive following helps, sure, but it’s not everything. What really moves the needle is how much people actually care about what you post. Do they comment? Save your stuff? Come back for more?
That connection matters way more than perfect numbers or filters. It’s what keeps your page growing and helps you make money on Instagram in the long run.
Next, let’s check out the tools inside Instagram that help eligible creators earn directly.
Best ways to earn money directly on Instagram
Let’s look at the ways you can make money on Instagram using the monetization tools built right into the app.
- Instagram subscriptions
Instagram Subscriptions are one of the simplest ways to earn money without investment on Instagram. It’s part of the Instagram app, so you don’t have to send people anywhere else. Followers just hit subscribe and boom – they’re in.
You can post exclusive content for them there, like random behind-the-scenes content, early peeks at stuff you’re working on, or a chill live chat when you feel like it.
You do need a Creator account, though, and Instagram has to approve you for its monetization eligibility list. It’s not everywhere yet – they’re still rolling it out – but once you’re in, you pick your own pricing and handle everything right from the professional dashboard.
This setup is great for users to support their favorite creators. The kind of followers who actually reply to your Stories or DM you. They’re the ones who’ll pay for premium content because they already feel connected to you.
A few easy ideas:
- Post quick behind-the-scenes clips
- Drop early looks at projects
- Host private Q&As or live hangouts
Even a small group of subscribers can bring in money every month. Most creators earn anywhere from $100 to $500 a month through exclusive content. Keep in mind that Instagram takes a small cut for in-app purchase fees, just like other platforms do.
- Instagram live badges
If you enjoy going live, this one’s for you. When you go live, people watching can purchase badges to show love. Basically, a quick tip right there in the chat. You’ll see a tiny heart or icon pop up next to their name, so you know who’s supporting you while you’re talking.
Here’s what you need before you can start earning:
- A Creator account
- Access to Instagram’s monetization eligibility program
- Availability in your region (not all countries have it yet)
Q&As, random hangouts, quick how-tos – anything that keeps people talking back works great here. It’s especially fun for artists showing what they’re working on or coaches dropping mini tips.
What you earn really depends on the crowd. Some live streams pull in a few dollars, others a few hundred. If around a hundred people tune in and a handful buy badges, that could be somewhere near $20 to $200 for one stream.
To boost engagement during Lives:
- Ask questions or do mini polls
- Host short tutorials or discussions
- Use countdown stickers to remind fans of your upcoming livestreams
- Encourage followers to join early and chat
- Instagram Gifts (on Reels)
If you post a lot of Reels, this one’s worth trying. Viewers can send gifts while watching your videos – little virtual stickers that turn into real cash once they stack up. It’s Instagram’s way of rewarding creators for keeping people entertained.
You’ll need a Creator account to turn Gifts on, and it’s only open in certain regions for now. The easiest way to check? Just open your settings and look for “Gifts” under Reels. If it’s there, you’re set.
This one works best for creators who like quick, fun videos, stuff that makes people react right away. Think goofy skits, mini how-tos, or short stories that keep followers watching till the end.
Here are a few content ideas that usually do well:
- Reaction videos to trending sounds or challenges
- Relatable trends people want to share
- Creative storytelling that hooks viewers in the first three seconds
How much you earn really depends on your reach. Some smaller creators say they make around $50–$300 a month, but it can jump higher if your Reel takes off.
- Instagram Bonuses (limited programs)
Instagram sometimes rolls out special bonus programs that pay creators for how well their content performs. These programs are invite-only and only show up in certain regions. If you ever see a notification about “bonuses” in your professional dashboard, that means you’re on the list.
The idea’s simple: post more, earn more. Instagram usually tracks your Instagram Reels views or engagement and then pays out based on how your content performs. Creators who post regularly, try new formats, and stay active on the Instagram app have a better chance of getting picked.
Make sure your payout account is connected so Instagram can send your earnings without delays. Some creators get small bonuses like $50–$100, while others, especially those with viral Reels, have seen payouts in the hundreds.
To improve your chances:
- Stay consistent with uploads
- Experiment with new Reels ideas
- Keep your content original and engaging
- Instagram Shopping
If you’ve got stuff to sell, Instagram Shopping makes it easy. You can open your own little online store right on Instagram. Tag your stuff in Reels or posts, and when someone taps it, they see your product images, the price, and can buy it right there without leaving the app.
To start, just switch to a Business account and add a few approved products. Instagram has some commerce rules, but they’re pretty simple. Once you’ve got that sorted, your stuff shows up under the Shop tab.
It’s great for small brands, handmade sellers, or creators with merch – the ones selling hoodies, mugs, prints, that kind of thing. Most creators make anywhere from $5 to $50 per product, but that can jump fast if you post regularly and actually show how your stuff fits into daily life.
Try mixing product tags into:
- Reels that show your items being used
- Behind-the-scenes content of how you make or pack orders
- Simple posts that share how fans use your products
- Brand Partnerships via Creator Marketplace
One of the best ways to make money on Instagram is by teaming up with brands. The Creator Marketplace is where it all happens – a built-in space that connects creators and companies looking to collaborate on sponsored posts or long-term deals.
If you want in, just switch to a professional account – Creator or Business. The main thing is keeping your content solid and active. Brands usually notice creators who post often and actually talk with their followers.
If you’ve got a small but loyal group around something clear – like style, workouts, or travel – you’re already in a good spot. However, if you post sponsored content, always add a paid partnership label to stay honest.
Here’s what helps you stand out to brands:
- Share a few portfolio-style posts that show your vibe
- Build a clean media kit with stats and your Instagram Insights
- Be upfront about your pricing and past brand deals
- Show your audience demographics to prove fit
Income can vary a lot. Smaller creators might earn a few hundred dollars per post, while those with stronger reach or niche authority can make $1,000–$5,000+, depending on the project.
The real win? Long-term collaborations that boost your personal brand and keep partnerships coming even as your following grows.
Other proven ways to make money with your Instagram profile
Now let’s talk about a few other proven ways to make money with your Instagram profile – no built-in tools needed.
- Offer freelance or creative services through your profile
Your Instagram can be more than a place to post – it can double as your portfolio. A clean, dedicated Instagram page helps you show what you do and who you’ve worked with. Potential clients can see your style in seconds without scrolling through a website.
This setup fits freelancers of all kinds – photographers, designers, video editors, and social media managers. It’s perfect if you already create content for others or want to pick up new projects on the side.
Here are a few ideas to post about your work:
- Before-and-after design samples
- Short clips showing the editing or shooting process
- Client shoutouts or testimonials
- Tips and behind-the-scenes content from your day
Instead of waiting for sponsorships, you can start offering services, connect with clients directly, and grow a small business around what you already do best.
- Become an affiliate marketer to earn passive income
Affiliate marketing is basically getting paid for sharing stuff you already use. You promote products, drop your link or unique promo code, and if someone grabs it, you earn a small cut. It’s simple because you don’t need to sell your own products, just share what you genuinely like.
This works best for creators who already recommend things inside a business category, like skincare, photography gear, or budgeting tools. If your followers trust your taste, they’ll actually use your links.
Good spots to drop those links include:
- Your Instagram bio (use a link hub like Linktree)
- Swipe-ups or sticker links in Instagram Stories
- Short captions under product posts
- A pinned highlight with “My Favorites”
It takes some time to grow, but once your content performs, you can generate income long-term without extra work. Pair your posts with an occasional Facebook page or story shoutout, and you’ve got a setup that earns while you sleep.
- Drive followers to other income platforms
Instagram’s great for getting eyes on your work, but you don’t have to keep everything here. Plenty of creators start on Instagram, build a following, then nudge people toward other spots where they actually earn – YouTube, Patreon, or other social media platforms.
Don’t stress the strategy part too much. Just share small teasers – a quick clip, a story preview, or a regular post that gives people a taste of what’s waiting somewhere else.
Maybe you drop part of a tutorial on Instagram and tell people the full version’s on YouTube. Or you shout out on your Facebook page and promise bonus stuff there for your most loyal followers. That kind of mix keeps your audience curious and moving with you.
- Collaborate with small brands directly
Smaller businesses are often way more open to working with creators, especially micro-influencers who actually talk to their audience. These deals feel more personal and usually come together faster.
If you’re ready to pitch, keep it simple:
- Send a friendly DM introducing yourself
- Or follow up with a short email and media kit
- Show examples of past posts or collabs
- Mention your personal brand and target audience
Other businesses love brand ambassadors who bring real energy, not polished ads. You’ll have more freedom to test ideas, use your own style, and build long-term collaborations that feel natural. Plus, you can turn sponsored content quicker than big-budget campaigns.
- Sell digital products or online courses promoted on Instagram
If you’ve got knowledge people would pay for, turn it into something digital. eBooks, templates, guides, or something like paid advertising online course – these all sell well on Instagram because you can show real value through your posts.
This path fits coaches, educators, designers, and marketers who already share helpful tips. Instead of posting for likes, you’re creating something your audience can actually use.
Most creators start small – maybe a $10 digital planner or a quick branding mini-course – and scale from there.
Here are a few easy ways to promote what you’re selling:
- Drop short teasers in Reels or posts
- Share feedback or testimonials in Stories
- Add a link in your Instagram bio for direct sales
- Use behind-the-scenes content to show your process
Once your product’s live, it keeps earning without extra work.
- Earn rewards from microtask and engagement platforms
Not every way to make money on Instagram has to depend on followers or brand partnerships. Some creators earn a little extra through microtask platforms that pay for small, simple tasks. Get paid to write reviews, answer online surveys, play mini-games, or test new tools online.
One good example is JumpTask, one of the best GPT sites, where you can earn money in crypto for completing quick online activities. You just pick a task, finish it, and get rewarded instantly. It’s a fun, low-effort option that fits nicely into short breaks or downtime.
This setup suits beginners and smaller creators who are still growing their audience but want to generate income right away. It doesn’t matter what your follower count looks like. It’s all about small wins that add up over time.
Key takeaways
- You don’t need a huge following to make money on Instagram. Consistency and connection matter more than numbers.
- Mix both built-in tools (like Subscriptions or Gifts) and outside options (like freelancing or digital sales) to generate income from different streams.
- Keep your profile clean and focused; it’s your portfolio, shop, and pitch deck all in one.
- Use platforms like JumpTask for easy side rewards that don’t depend on your follower count.
- Stay creative, post with purpose, and your page can turn into a long-term source of earning money opportunities.
Earn while you grow
Building an Instagram income takes time. Start earning today with simple online tasks.
FAQs
Some do, yes. It’s not automatic, though. You can earn money through tools like Subscriptions, Gifts, or partnerships, or by selling stuff yourself. Think of it as Instagram giving you tools – it’s up to you to use them.
Not as many as you’d think. Some micro-influencers get paid with only a few thousand followers. It’s more about people actually liking, saving, and talking with you than how big your number looks.
It changes a lot. A few creators say it’s around a dollar or two for every 1K views, others make more. It depends on where you live, your niche, and how strong your engagement is.
Start simple. Try affiliate links, JumpTask microtasks, or small freelance gigs from your Instagram page. When you grow a bit, you can move into sponsored posts, user-generated content, or even influencer marketing. Just keep posting and learning – the money part comes later.
Gabriele Zundaite
Digital Marketing Manager
Meet Gabriele, a marketing specialist focused on digital growth and social media. As a Digital Marketing Manager at JumpTask, she helps others discover new ways to earn online by turning creative ideas into real results. With a degree in Marketing Management and a background in growth marketing and community building, Gabriele shares clear, practical advice for anyone ready to start earning or grow their online presence.
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