By Jake Zhang · 7 min read

Last Updated on October 25, 2022

Instagram has come a long way since its release in 2010 as a humble photo-sharing app. Now, with 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram holds the potential for users to make some serious money from uploading high-quality content to your account and sharing that all-important aspirational lifestyle.

But is it really possible to make enough money on Instagram to support yourself financially? Continue reading to discover just how much you can make from being an Instagram influencer!

How Much Money Do Instagram Influencers Receive?

Ever wondered how much money the influencers you follow get for promoting that special face cream, or a new flavor of protein powder on their Instagram account? Turns out it can be quite a lot! But this all depends on how many Instagram followers you have.

Fame and fortune stem from an online popularity contest. The more followers you have, the more money you will make. But at what point does it become profitable? Let's take a look at some numbers!

Less Than 10,000 Followers

Calculating influencer income can be tricky because of the many factors that could affect how much they get paid. Follower engagement rate and performance metrics are just a few of them. These upcoming numbers are just ballpark examples to give you an idea of how much Instagram influencers can earn!

As a general rule, you need to be reaching an audience of at least 1,000 followers to start earning a small amount of money from your Instagram account. The quality of engagement with these followers must also be high, as followers that respond to posts are more likely to buy promoted products. Brands may send you free stuff to promote to your followers after you have hit 1,000 followers.

If you have less than 10,000 followers, the industry considers you a nano-influencer. While they may not have a massive following, nano-influencers can be the unsung heroes of influencer marketing through their close bond with followers, and down-to-earth relatability.

Nano-influencers can make anywhere between $20-$250 depending on the quality of content, follower count, and engagement rate.

Less Than 100,000 Followers

Here we enter the micro-influencer territory. These influencers typically have a specific niche they are targeting and have a tight-knit online community with anywhere between 10,000 to 100,000 followers. Their audience has likely followed them since the start and engages with posts regularly.

Brands that target the same niche are usually happy to collaborate with micro-influencers, earning their money through various endorsements and sponsored posts. Micro-influencers also make money on Instagram through affiliate links and earn up to $500 per post, with some influencers asking for higher.

After reaching the 100,000 follower mark, some influencers charge up to $1,000 per post!

Less Than 100,000,000 Followers

Accounts with over 100,000 followers will have brands bursting into their direct messages eager to partner with them!

Instagram accounts of this nature have access to special business features, such as the verified blue tick next to their handle (the sign of trust and authenticity to influencer marketers) and the ability to add links directly to Instagram stories for more effective affiliate marketing.

An Instagram influencer with up to 1 million followers can make around a massive $10,000 per sponsored post!

Accounts with well over 1 million followers are stepping into celebrity status and charge a crazy amount per post for sponsored products. Kylie Jenner is one example, who earns almost $1.6 million per sponsored post as one of the most followed people on the social media platform!

How To Get Paid On Instagram

While influencers don't get paid by Instagram directly, the platform does allow for collaboration with brands and sponsored posts.

There's no set pay or stable income when it comes to making money on Instagram, but here's a clearer idea of how it works.

Sponsored Posts

Influencers are a source of inspiration to many of their followers. By sharing aesthetic glimpses into their lives and creating a parasocial relationship with their audience, influencers possess a special marketing advantage.

Many brands are eager to partner with influencers who have a good relationship with their audience. Instagram users are more likely to buy from brands after their trusted influencer has recommended it to them through a sponsored post, which is why brands are willing to pay good money for ads and sponsorships.

Affiliate Marketing

Open your Instagram page to affiliate marketing and earn hundreds by simply setting a link to a product and encouraging people to click it!

Becoming an affiliate for a brand means you receive a commission based on how many people click your affiliate link or use your promo code to make a purchase. Many influencers promote affiliate links through Instagram stories and post captions.

Instagram Shop

Instagram holds a massive potential audience for brands as the 4th most-used social media platform, making it one of the best places for selling products to online shoppers and making some extra income with your Instagram business account.

Instagram has made it easier than ever to sell your own products by offering users a streamlined way of showcasing your brand catalog to new audiences. Instagram shop is an impulse buyer's worst nightmare, popping up randomly on users' feeds targeted through their algorithm, and making it simple to click and buy.

Tips To Earn Money On Instagram

Don't get it twisted. You don't need to be insanely talented or knowledgeable about the platform. A lot of success stems from lucky accidents and perseverance!

Collaborate With Brands

Search online for potential brands to partner with! Pitch directly to brands you think are a good fit for your audience, and will benefit your image in the long run.

Instagram marketing is a popular form of influencer marketing, and there are an endless amount of brands out there. Chances are you will find one that wants to work with you! After you start reaching a certain follower count, brands will reach out to you and you can be more selective.

Engage your followers

Small accounts with only 1,000 followers can have the potential to earn income if their followers are actively engaging with posts through likes, comments, and shares. A high engagement rate and an active community can be what separates you from the rest- more so than your follower count!

Create High-Quality Content

We have not touched upon it much throughout this article so far, but your Instagram content is a large part of growing your following. Gain followers by establishing a content niche and audience demographic.

Post pictures that are high in quality and use relevant hashtags to grow your reach! Make sure you are posting to your account regularly and engaging with followers on every post.

It is also a good idea to have multiple revenue streams. Gain revenue from other social media platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube, to help support your influencer lifestyle.

Top 5 Highest-Earning Instagram Accounts In 2022

Curious to see who is currently earning the most from their Instagram account? Here are the current top 5 most-paid accounts on Instagram!

5. Dwayne Johnson

Wrestling champion and Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson sets off our list, charging an estimate of $628,429 - $1M per post.

4. Selena Gomez

Popular singer/actress Selena Gomez has millions of fans from across the world who follow her on Instagram. Her global reach and high influence set her sponsored posts at an estimated $636,320 - $1M.

3. Leo Messi

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has the 3rd highest-earning Instagram account and charges $651,957 - $1M to post sponsored content.

2. Kylie Jenner

As what could be described as the walking definition of an "influencer," Kylie Jenner makes an estimated $673,528 - $1M for her sponsored posts.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese footballer prices his sponsored content at top dollar as the most followed person on Instagram! With a potential reach of over 400 million people, it is estimated that Ronaldo makes $880,259 - $1M on sponsored content.