So, you’ve been scrolling through your Instagram feed and double-tapping on your favorite posts. Maybe even dreaming of turning your own Insta-game into some extra cash.
But wait, how does Instagram actually pay its users? It’s a question that’s got many aspiring influencers and content creators hitting the search bar. Well, fear not, because we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of Instagram payouts. So grab your phone, strike a pose, and let’s get into the business of making Insta-fame pay off.
How Many Instagram Followers Do I Need to Get Paid
On Instagram, followers are users who choose to regularly view your content. Having a solid base of followers is crucial for establishing your presence on the platform and increasing your earning potential.
Instagram followers are the lifeblood of your account. They’re the individuals who voluntarily opt to see your content regularly, signifying a level of interest and engagement in what you have to offer. Think of them as your digital fan base, cheering you on with every post.
How many followers do you need to start making money on Instagram?
- 1,000-5,000 Followers: You can start exploring opportunities like affiliate marketing or selling your own products. Earnings might be small but it’s a start.
The best strategies in this phase are: Post high-quality and relevant content for your audience. Use strategic hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Interact with your audience by responding to comments and direct messages. Collaborate with other Instagram users in your niche to reach new audiences.
- 5,000-10,000 Followers: Sponsorship opportunities might start knocking, with earnings ranging from $10-$100 per post.
The best habits for growing in this phase are: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged. Create authentic and genuine content that resonates with your followers. Use Instagram Stories and Lives to showcase your personality and connect with your audience more directly. Conduct polls and ask questions to engage your audience and gather feedback.
- 10,000-50,000 Followers: You can potentially land brand deals and collaborations, with earnings increasing to $100-$500 per post.
Collaborate with Established Brands and Influencers: As your account grows, seek collaborations with well-established brands in your niche and other creators with engaged audiences. These partnerships can grant you access to larger audiences and enhance your credibility as an influencer. Moreover, partnering with reputable brands often leads to more lucrative compensation for your collaborations.
- +50,000 Followers: You’re considered a micro-influencer with access to bigger brands and potentially higher earnings.
You Should Diversify Your Revenue Streams: Try to diversify your income beyond brand collaborations. Consider creating and selling digital or physical products, offering consulting or coaching services, hosting paid workshops or events, or even launching your own product line in collaboration with brands.
How much can you earn with 100k followers on Instagram?
The amount you can earn with 100k followers on Instagram varies widely, depending on several factors:
- Your engagement rate: High engagement (likes, comments, shares) indicates an active and attractive audience to brands, which increases your value.
- Your niche: Focusing on a specific niche (such as fashion, fitness, or travel) attracts a more receptive audience to products and services related to that niche, allowing you to charge more for your posts.
- The type of content you create: High-quality photos, engaging videos, or captivating stories can increase your value to brands.
- The brands you work with: Larger brands pay more than smaller ones.
Generally, you can expect to earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per post with 100k followers. But remember, these are just estimates.
A fitness influencer with 100k followers and a 20% engagement rate could charge $2,000 for a post promoting sportswear from a well-known brand.
How Many Instagram Views Do I Need to Get Paid
While gaining views is important, the number of views itself doesn’t determine whether you get paid on Instagram. Here’s why:
Views alone don’t reflect engagement: Just because someone sees your content doesn’t mean they’re actively interested. Brands care more about engaged viewers who interact with your content (likes, comments, shares) or take further action (clicking links, buying products).
Different ways to earn: Depending on your approach, different view thresholds might matter:
- Instagram Reels Play Bonus: This program (currently US-only and invite-based) requires at least 1,000 views on a Reel within 30 days to earn a bonus.
- Brand partnerships: Brands might set specific view goals for sponsored content campaigns, but these vary greatly depending on the brand, campaign objectives, and your overall profile.
- Affiliate marketing: You don’t necessarily need high views to earn if you drive good traffic through your content and viewers make purchases through your affiliate links.
How Many Instagram Likes are Necessary to Get Paid
Likes on Instagram have absolutely no influence on whether you get paid or not. While they might seem like a positive metric, brands and advertisers look far beyond them when determining partnerships and influencer rates.
The number of likes required to get paid is essentially nonexistent. Here’s why:
- Likes can be easily botted or gained inauthentically, so they don’t represent genuine audience engagement.
- Brands want real engagement, measured by metrics like comments, shares, saves, clicks, and reach. High engagement shows a more active and interested audience, making it more valuable for brand promotions.
- Your niche and audience demographics are more important than follower count or likes. A smaller, highly engaged audience within a specific niche can be more attractive to brands than a larger, less-engaged audience with broader interests.
How Much Do Instagram Pay per Post
Instagram itself doesn’t directly pay its users for posts. They generate revenue through advertising and in-app purchases, not by paying content creators. However, many users do make money on Instagram through sponsored content and collaborations with brands.
The amount you can earn per post depends on several factors, including:
- Your follower count: Generally, the more followers you have, the higher your potential earnings. However, engagement rate is often more important.
- Your engagement rate: This is the percentage of your followers who interact with your content (likes, comments, shares). Brands value high engagement because it signifies a more responsive audience.
- Your niche: Being in a specific niche can make you more attractive to relevant brands willing to pay a premium for targeted reach.
- The brand and campaign: Different brands and campaign types have varying budgets and pay rates. A large established brand might pay significantly more than a smaller local business.
- The type of content: The complexity and production value of your content can also influence your rates. More elaborate posts like video reels might command higher fees.
Here’s a rough estimate of potential earnings based on follower count (keep in mind these are just averages, and actual earnings can vary greatly):
- Nano-influencers (1,000-5,000 followers): $10-$100 per post.
- Micro-influencers (10,000-50,000 followers): $100-$500 per post.
- Mid-tier influencers (50,000-500,000 followers): $500-$5,000 per post.
- Macro-influencers (500,000-1 million followers): $5,000-$10,000 per post.
- Mega-influencers (1 million+ followers): Highly variable, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands per post (or even more for celebrities).
Conclusion
If your goal is to maximise/get your first Instagram earnings, followers reign supreme when it comes to making money. They’re not just numbers; they represent potential customers and brand advocates. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize growing your follower base. However, quantity alone isn’t enough.
Maintaining a high engagement rate is equally important. This means fostering meaningful interactions with your audience through likes, comments, and shares. Brands are more likely to partner with influencers who have a dedicated and engaged following, as it indicates genuine interest and influence among their audience. So, focus on both growing your followers and keeping them engaged to maximize your earning potential on Instagram. With dedication and strategic efforts, you can turn your Instagram presence into a lucrative income stream.
