Instagram is one of the best places to grow an audience right now. With over two billion active users, it’s a massive stage for creators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to share their work. But here’s the truth: you don’t actually own your Instagram audience.
You’re building on rented land. Algorithms shift. Features disappear. Your account can be flagged or throttled without warning.
That’s why the smartest creators in 2025 are treating their Instagram page as a funnel—a place to get discovered and build community—but moving followers to owned platforms like your website, newsletter, or membership.
That shift is what separates creators who make some quick money on Instagram from those who build a long-term, sustainable business. Your follower count can directly impact your monetization opportunities and the types of partnerships you attract.
In this guide, I’ll show you:
- Why moving your Instagram audience to an owned platform is essential.
- The best strategies for turning followers into paying members (newsletter, podcast, membership, coaching, video library, and more).
- How tools like MemberSpace make it easy to monetize your audience once they land on your website.
- Additional ways to make money on Instagram directly, so you can layer on multiple income streams.
Let’s jump in.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely Only on Instagram
It’s tempting to think Instagram alone is enough to build a business. But here are the risks:
- Algorithms change: Your reach today might vanish tomorrow.
- No ownership: You don’t control your follower list. Instagram does.
- Revenue limits: Instagram’s monetization tools can change overnight, and fees can eat into your earnings.
On the other hand, when you move your audience to platforms you own:
- You control the experience.
- You can set your own pricing, packages, and perks.
- You build a business that lasts, even if Instagram disappears tomorrow.
Think of Instagram as the front porch where people stop by—but your website is the home where the real value lives.
Regularly reviewing your account settings is also important to maintain eligibility for Instagram’s monetization features.
Step One: Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Funnel Traffic
Before you can move followers, you need to point them somewhere.
That starts with your profile:
- Use a clear profile photo (your face if you’re a creator, your logo if it’s a brand).
- Write a bio that quickly says who you help and how.
- Add a strong CTA that pushes people off Instagram and onto your next step (newsletter, free guide, membership waitlist, etc.). You can use a trackable link in your bio to measure conversions from Instagram.
Example:
Helping busy parents eat healthier with simple recipes ⬇️ Grab my free 5-day meal plan
That free meal plan is hosted on your website, and once people sign up, they’re in your ecosystem—not just on Instagram’s. You can also sell meal plans online and share promo codes in your bio or posts to incentivize signups and track sales.
Growing Your Audience
The foundation of making money on instagram is a loyal and engaged audience. To grow your instagram followers, focus on creating content that speaks directly to your target audience. Share high-quality photos and videos, and use relevant hashtags to boost the visibility of your posts. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and direct messages—building real relationships is key to long-term success.
Collaborate with other creators or brands in your niche to reach new audiences and expand your community. Take advantage of instagram stories to share behind the scenes content, sneak peeks, and exclusive offers that make your followers feel like insiders. Running a contest or giveaway is another great way to encourage engagement and attract new followers who are interested in what you offer.
Remember, the more you connect with your audience and provide value, the more likely they are to stick around—and support you as you start making money on instagram.
Content Creation and Strategy
A strong content creation strategy is essential for making money on instagram. Start by identifying your niche and the type of instagram content your audience loves. Focus on creating content that showcases your expertise, entertains, or solves a problem for your followers. Use high-quality visuals and write captions that spark conversation and include relevant keywords and hashtags.
Diversify your content by using instagram reels, stories, and even user generated content to keep your feed fresh and engaging. Sharing user generated content not only builds trust but also encourages your followers to interact with your brand. Consider planning your posts with a content calendar to ensure consistency and save time.
By prioritizing content creation and consistently delivering value, you’ll keep your audience engaged and set yourself up for making money on instagram through various monetization strategies.
Strategies to Turn Instagram Followers Into Paying Members
Here’s where the magic happens. Instagram creators who consistently create content and encourage followers to take action are best positioned to monetize their audience. Having a dedicated Instagram or dedicated Instagram page for your niche or business can help streamline your monetization efforts. These are the proven ways creators move followers from Instagram into owned spaces and monetize them.
1. Launch a Paid Newsletter
Newsletters are one of the best bridges from Instagram to owned space.
- Use IG posts and Stories to share free, bite-sized tips.
- Drive people to sign up for your free newsletter.
- Offer a paid tier with exclusive content—weekly deep dives, templates, bonus resources, or access to an exclusive online course.
Example: A career coach shares quick job interview tips on IG but reserves her full prep guides, templates, and access to an exclusive online course for paying newsletter subscribers. You can also act as an affiliate marketer by recommending products in your newsletter and earning commissions from sales.
2. Offer a Podcast Subscription
Podcasts are perfect for nurturing followers outside Instagram.
- Keep your main podcast free and share clips on Reels.
- Add a members-only feed with bonus episodes, live Q&As, or extended interviews—ideal for your most loyal fans who want to support their favorite creators. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on how to make a podcast on Canva (and monetize it!), this resource can help you get started.
- Your subscription feed can be primarily post content focused, offering unique value to paying subscribers.
- Tease these exclusives on Instagram to drive signups.
Example: A marketing creator runs a free podcast on growth strategies. The premium subscription includes monthly coaching calls and extra case studies.
3. Build a Video Library
This one’s a game-changer, especially for fitness coaches, educators, or creators with repeatable lessons.
- Post short teaser clips on IG.
- Drive followers to your site where the full video library lives.
- Charge a monthly fee for unlimited access.
- Use your video library to demonstrate and sell products directly to your audience.
Ideas for a video library:
- Workout programs
- Cooking tutorials
- Art classes
- Business workshops
- Tutorials on how to take high-quality product images
4. Sell Group Coaching or Online Workshops
Instagram is great for showing expertise, but people will pay for direct access.
- Share free tips on IG.
- Funnel followers into a group coaching program or a paid workshop series. You can also collaborate with brands through brand partnerships to co-host workshops, creating ongoing promotional opportunities and building trust with your audience.
- Add recordings and resources to your members-only area for replay access. Influencer marketing strategies can be taught or leveraged within your coaching programs to help participants grow and monetize their own platforms.
Example: A social media manager runs a 4-week Instagram bootcamp. She promotes it on IG Stories, but the actual signups and content delivery happen on her site.
5. Create a Membership Community
At the end of the day, people don’t just want content—they want connection. Building a membership community can also strengthen your personal brand, as it allows you to showcase your unique identity and values while deepening engagement with your audience.
- Use Instagram to spark conversations and test interest.
- Invite followers into a paid community where they connect with like-minded people, get access to you, and enjoy exclusive perks.
- Think: book clubs, masterminds, niche hobby groups.
Example: A book influencer builds a private community where members get reading guides, monthly live chats, and early access to her book reviews. Many Instagram influencers have successfully built paid communities around their content, leveraging their personal brand to offer exclusive experiences and foster loyal audiences.
Building the Funnel: How to Move People From Instagram to Your Website
Here’s a simple funnel to follow:
- Attract on Instagram
Post valuable, shareable content (Reels, Stories, carousels, and single image posts) in your instagram feed to attract and engage followers. - Offer a Freebie
Example: free guide, mini-course, or checklist. - Capture Emails
Drive followers to your website to grab the freebie. - Nurture with Content
Deliver consistent value via email, podcast, or community. - Convert to Paid
Introduce your paid newsletter, membership, or library. You can also use instagram shop selling to facilitate selling products directly from your feed, and promote your own products as part of your funnel strategy.
With MemberSpace, the entire paid step is seamless: you create plans, add a paywall, and let your audience unlock premium access in one click.
Other Ways to Make Money on Instagram
Once your funnel is set, you can layer in direct Instagram monetization. These are great add-ons, but they shouldn’t replace owned platforms.
- Instagram pay – Instagram offers monetization programs that allow creators to earn money directly through features like bonuses, badges, and gifts.
- Sponsored posts – Partner with brands that align with your niche. Create a media kit to showcase your audience and attract brand partnerships, and always use the paid partnership label for transparency.
- Affiliate marketing – As an affiliate marketer, promote products you actually use and earn commissions through trackable links or a unique promo code. Build affiliate relationships for long-term, performance-based collaborations.
- Instagram Shop – Sell physical products or merch directly in the app. You can design and sell merchandise to your followers, integrating with eCommerce platforms for easy fulfillment.
- Reels bonuses & gifts – Instagram bonuses are invite-only programs that reward creators for high-performing content. Instagram gifts and virtual gifts allow followers to purchase and send support during Reels or eligible posts.
- Live badges – Let followers “tip” you during live streams with purchase badges and instagram live badges, which are features that allow fans to support creators in real time.
- Crowdfunding – Promote Kickstarter or GoFundMe campaigns.
- Instagram gifts & virtual gifts – Followers can purchase and send virtual gifts or Instagram gifts (like Stars) to support creators during live videos or on eligible posts.
- Paid advertising – Use paid advertising to promote your business, reach new audiences, and increase engagement on Instagram and other social media platforms.Each of these can bring in revenue, but remember: they’re controlled by Instagram. Your own platform gives you freedom.
Setting Up Your Instagram Account for Monetization
If you want to start making money on Instagram, the first step is to set up your instagram account for monetization. This means switching to a professional account—either a Creator or Business account—so you can unlock powerful features like the professional dashboard, Instagram Insights, and access to monetization tools. With a professional account, you can add a call-to-action button to your profile, making it easy for followers to visit your online store or website.
To get started, open the instagram app, go to your profile, tap “Settings,” then “Account,” and select “Switch to Professional Account.” Choose the business category that best fits your brand, whether you’re a content creator, coach, or running an online store. You’ll also need to connect your instagram account to a facebook page to access all of Instagram’s monetization tools, including sponsored posts and Instagram Shopping.
Setting up your account this way not only helps you earn money, but also gives you access to valuable analytics and features that make managing and growing your business on Instagram much easier. With the right setup, you’ll be ready to start making money on instagram and take advantage of every opportunity the platform offers.
FAQ: How to Make Money on Instagram
Instagram FAQ: Common Questions About Making Money on the Platform
How can I start making money on Instagram? Set up a business or creator account, post consistently, and use Instagram as a funnel to move followers to your website. Make sure to optimize your Instagram page for monetization by showcasing your products, building your personal brand, and highlighting collaborations or sponsored content. From there, monetize through newsletters, memberships, courses, or digital products.
Why should I move followers off Instagram? Because you don’t own your Instagram audience. Algorithms and features change constantly. Owned platforms give you stability and long-term control.
What can I sell to my Instagram audience? Popular options include memberships, paid newsletters, group coaching, online courses, video libraries, and even private podcast feeds.
How does MemberSpace help? MemberSpace lets you lock content on your website, manage memberships, and accept payments—all without needing a complex setup. It’s the easiest way to turn Instagram followers into paying members.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about learning how to make money on Instagram in 2025, remember this: Instagram is not the business—it’s the gateway.
The real money is in moving followers from rented platforms to owned spaces like your website, newsletter, membership, or coaching programs. That’s where you control the experience, pricing, and community.
Use Instagram to grow awareness. Then, funnel your followers into your own ecosystem with MemberSpace. That’s how you build recurring revenue and a business that lasts—no matter what happens to the algorithm.
