Have you ever wondered if people are actually making money on Instagram?
Do you scroll through influencer posts and think, “Can I do that too?”
Do you want to earn from Instagram but don’t know where to start, or feel like you need thousands of followers first?
You’re not alone.
The truth is, learning how to make money just using Instagram is much easier (and more possible) than most people think, even if you’re starting from zero.
Let’s break it down.
Why Instagram Is a Real Great Place to Make Money
Instagram isn’t just for selfies and travel photos anymore.
Today, it’s a powerful platform where everyday people are building brands, selling products, and making a real income.
Here’s why it works:
- It’s visual: Photos and videos grab attention fast.
- It’s personal: You can build real relationships with followers.
- It’s free: All you need is a smartphone and a plan.
Thousands of people have figured out how to make money just using Instagram and you can, too.
7 Ways to Make Money Just Using Instagram
1. Partner with Brands (Even as a Micro-Influencer)
You don’t need millions and millions of followers to set up work with brands.
Even small accounts (1K–10K followers) can earn money if they have an engaged audience.
Brands pay you to:
- Promote their products
- Create content (like Reels or Stories)
- Give honest reviews
Real-life example:
A skincare enthusiast with 3,000 followers starts reviewing clean beauty products. Within 3 months, she lands her first paid collaboration.
Why it works:
Companies really care more about trust and engagement than big numbers.
2. Sell Your Own Products or Services
Instagram is like a shop window, and you’re the brand.
You can sell:
- Handmade products (jewelry, candles, crafts)
- Digital downloads (eBooks, templates, courses)
- Services (coaching, photography, design)
Use your content to:
- Show what you offer
- Share your story
- Explain how it helps people
This is one of the best ways to make money just using Instagram, especially if you’re building a personal brand.
3. Use Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a type of marketing by promoting other people’s products and earning a commission when someone buys through your link.
You can:
- Add links in your bio
- Use discount codes in your Stories
- Post product reviews
Example:
A fitness coach shares his favorite protein brand. His followers get 10% off, and he earns every time someone buys.
Many creators make $500 to $5,000+ a month this way.
4. Offer Paid Subscriptions or Content
Instagram now allows creators to offer exclusive content for paid subscribers.
You can charge followers for:
- Extra tips
- Special Q&A sessions
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Private lives or chat groups
If you have a loyal audience, this is a smart way to make money just using Instagram while giving more value to your biggest fans.
5. Create & Sell Instagram Templates or Presets
If you’re good at design or photography, sell what you use:
- Canva templates for posts or stories
- Lightroom presets for photo editing
- Social media planners
These digital products sell really well, and they’re passive income once created.
Pro tip: Use Linktree or Stan. Store in your bio to collect payments.
6. Become a Content Creator for Other Brands
You don’t actually need to post on your page to earn.
Many businesses pay creators to:
- Shoot Reels for their product
- Take aesthetic photos
- Create unboxing videos
You get paid for content, not followers. It’s what User-Generated Content (UGC) is , and it’s booming in 2025.
7. Run a Niche Page and Monetize It
Some people don’t even show their faces. They run theme pages around
- Travel
- Quotes
- Food
- Pets
- Fashion
They grow their audience and monetize through:
- Shoutouts
- Ads
- Selling the page
- Affiliate links
It’s another low-investment, smart way to make money just using Instagram.
What You Need to Get Started
You don’t need to be a model, influencer, or social media pro. You just need:
- A clear niche or topic
- Basic photo/video skills (your phone is enough)
- A consistent posting schedule
- A real connection with your audience
Success on Instagram comes from trust, not perfection.
How to Build Trust (So People Buy from You)
Here’s what makes followers become buyers:
- Show your face or voice (even occasionally)
- Be honest and real in captions
- Use Stories to talk directly with your audience
- Answer DMs and comments
- Share results and happy client feedback
Trust is the number one factor in learning how to make money just using Instagram.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Earn from Instagram
You don’t need thousands of followers.
You don’t need fancy gear.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need:
- A plan
- A little creativity
- Consistency
Thousands of people are already making money just using Instagram from their bedroom, coffee shop, or phone on the go.
Why not you?
If you have any concerns as the best freelance digital marketer in Malappuram, I’ll always be there