Instagram has really changed the way how we view social media. It’s not just a place to post cute selfies or keep up with friends anymore. Instead, it’s become a massive platform for people to build entire careers as influencers, making money in ways that, a few years ago, would’ve seemed unimaginable. Whether you’re casually scrolling through your feed or seriously considering becoming an influencer yourself, you’ve probably wondered how much money do Instagram influencers really make. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot. But, the amount depends on several factors, from the number of followers to the kind of content an influencer produces.
This blog is here to break down how much Instagram influencers are earning with examples of real incomes.
How Much Money Do Instagram Influencers Make Based on Followers?
You’ve likely heard terms like nano-influencers, macro-influencers, or even mega-influencers being thrown around. These categories are based on follower count, and play a huge role in determining how much influencers earn per post. Let’s break it down a bit.
- Nano-influencers: These are influencers below 1,000 followers. They may not have the huge numbers that bigger influencers boast, but their smaller following tends to be much more engaged. Brands love working with nano-influencers because their audience is often more niche and loyal. Typically, a nano-influencer can make between $10 to $100 per post, which is not bad when you consider how frequently they can collaborate with brands.
- Micro-influencers: Next up are influencers with 1000 to 10,000 followers. These influencers are really starting to catch the attention of brands because they’ve got a decent-sized audience, but still maintain that personal connection with their followers. Micro-influencers can earn anywhere from $100 to $500 per post, depending on engagement rates and the industry they’re in.
- Mid-tier influencers: These folks have 10,000 to 100,000 followers and are what many would consider to be “serious” influencers. By this point, the influencer is more than likely to make $500 to $5,000 per post, depending on the brand and how big their name is in their niche.
- Macro-influencers: With 100,000 to 1 million followers, these influencers are getting into celebrity territory. They typically earn $5,000 to $20,000 per post. Their influence stretches beyond just Instagram, and they likely have followers across multiple platforms.
- Mega-influencers: Once you hit the 1 million+ follower mark, you’re in the big leagues. Mega-influencers, like Cristiano Ronaldo or Kylie Jenner can charge up to $1 million per post. Yes, you read that right—one million dollars for a single post!
How Much Income Do Instagram Influencers Earn Per Post?
Let’s dig a bit deeper into what we just discussed. The amount Instagram influencers make per post is closely tied to how many people follow them, but it’s not just about the number of followers. Brands also care about engagement—how many people like, comment, and share their posts. An influencer with 50,000 followers but high engagement can sometimes charge more than an influencer with 100,000 followers but low engagement.
For example, a nano-influencer with 5,000 highly engaged followers might earn $50 per post, while a micro-influencer with 30,000 followers could charge $300 per post. If you’ve ever wondered how much Instagram influencers earn per post, now you know that it varies not only by follower count but also by how much their followers interact with them. In some cases, influencers can even negotiate higher rates by including stories, Reels, or even taking part in brand campaigns across multiple platforms.
Average Instagram Influencer Income by Follower Count
Every year, Instagram influencers can make anywhere from $10,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on their follower count. Let’s take a quick look at some rough estimates of how much influencers in each category can make per year:
- Nano-influencers (Below 1k followers): $500 to $6000/year
- Micro-influencers (1k-10k followers): $10,000 to $20,000/year
- Mid-tier influencers (10k-100k followers): $20,000 to $50,000/year
- Macro-influencers (100k-1M followers): $50,000 to $200,000/year
- Mega-influencers (1M+ followers): $500,000+ per year, with the potential to earn much more if they partner with the right brands.
Of course, these are just averages, and the actual income can vary based on the niche, engagement rate, and brand deals that an influencer secures. Some influencers focus on high-paying industries, like tech or beauty, and can easily exceed these estimates.
Instagram Influencer Income Potential with Less Than 10k Followers
Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need tens of thousands of followers to make money on Instagram?” The answer is no. Believe it or not, influencers with less than 10,000 followers—that means both nano and micro influencers—have plenty of opportunities to earn money on Instagram.
For influencers under these categories, the focus isn’t on the number of followers but on engagement. Both nano and micro influencers often have a more personal connection with their audience, which means their followers trust their recommendations more. As a result, brands are increasingly working with these smaller influencers, especially for niche markets. A nano-influencer could easily make $10,000 to $20,000 per year, even with fewer than 10,000 followers. How? Through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and even selling their products or services. When brands see that a nano-influencer’s audience is loyal and responsive, they’re willing to pay good money for those endorsements.
How Do Instagram Influencers Make Money?
So how exactly are influencers raking in the cash? There are several different ways influencers make money on Instagram, and many influencers actually use multiple revenue streams to boost their income.
- Sponsored posts: This is probably the most popular way that influencers make money. Brands pay influencers to post about their products, often in exchange for a fee or free merchandise. These deals can range from a few dollars for smaller influencers to thousands or even millions for mega-influencers.
- Affiliate marketing: Influencers often partner with brands to promote products through affiliate links, earning a commission every time someone makes a purchase through their link. It’s a win-win: the brand gets sales, and the influencer gets a percentage of the profit.
- Selling products/services: Some influencers create their own line of merchandise, like clothing, makeup, or even digital products, and sell them to their followers. Others might offer services like coaching, consulting, or content creation for other brands.
- Paid partnerships: In addition to sponsored posts, influencers can work with brands on long-term partnerships. These partnerships often involve ongoing promotion over several months or even years, providing a steady stream of income for the influencer.
- Affiliate marketing and commission-based income: In the case of affiliate marketing, influencers share products they genuinely like, and if their audience purchases through their link, they earn a percentage of the sale. Think of it as the influencer getting a cut of the pie every time their recommendation leads to a sale. It’s a great way for influencers to make money passively while promoting products they already believe in.
How to Calculate Instagram Influencer Income for Sponsored Posts?
If you’re thinking about diving into the world of influencing, you’re probably wondering how you can calculate your potential income. Thankfully, there are tools like the Instagram influencer money calculator that can give you a rough idea of how much you can make based on your follower count and engagement rate.
To get a ballpark estimate of what you could earn, consider these factors:
- Follower count: Obviously, the more followers you have, the more you can charge.
- Engagement rate: Brands care more about engagement than follower count. A high engagement rate shows that your followers are interacting with your content.
- Niche: Influencers in high-paying niches like luxury goods, tech, and beauty can typically charge more than influencers in less lucrative niches.
- Content quality: Brands are willing to pay top dollar for influencers who create high-quality, aesthetically pleasing content that aligns with their values.
Many brands use these factors to decide how much to pay influencers for sponsored posts. Some will even offer bonuses for posts that perform particularly well, driving traffic or sales.
Typical Instagram Influencer Income from Brand Collaborations
Brand collaborations are the bread and butter for many Instagram influencers. Whether you’re just starting out or have a sizable following, sponsored posts, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing are key ways to earn an income.
Typically, influencers negotiate payment based on their follower count, engagement rate, and the type of content they’ll create. A nano-influencer (someone with 1,000 to 10,000 followers) might charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per post, depending on the industry and the brand’s budget. Micro-influencers (10,000 to 50,000 followers) can charge between $500 to $2,000 per post, as brands are increasingly turning to these influencers for their authenticity and high engagement rates.
For mid-tier influencers (50,000 to 500,000 followers), rates jump significantly, often ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per post. These influencers are appealing to brands because they’ve built a loyal audience but don’t demand the mega fees that come with larger followings. Macro-influencers (500,000 to 1 million followers) command anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 per post, depending on the brand and the length of the campaign.
Collaborations are typically short-term or long-term. In a short-term campaign, an influencer might post a few times over the span of a month, while a long-term partnership might involve ongoing promotion for several months or even a year.
Fashion brands, for instance, often partner with influencers for seasonal collections, while tech brands might enlist influencers to promote their products through demos or tutorials. The scope of the collaboration also impacts the earnings; influencers who offer more in-depth reviews, Instagram Lives, or exclusive giveaways can negotiate higher rates.
Ultimately, brand collaborations can lead to consistent income for influencers who maintain an active, engaged audience. As brands continue to shift toward influencer marketing in 2024, the opportunities for paid partnerships are only growing.
Instagram Influencer Income Compared to Mega-Influencers
Mega-influencers—those with millions of followers—have long dominated the Instagram landscape, earning astronomical fees per post. Influencers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylie Jenner, and Kim Kardashian can earn upwards of $1 million per post, thanks to their massive reach and celebrity status. However, recently, there’s been a notable shift toward micro-influencers and mid-tier influencers, who offer brands more niche and highly engaged audiences.
While mega-influencers like Ronaldo can command fees in the millions, a micro-influencer with 10,000 followers might earn $500 for the same type of sponsored post. The key difference lies in the audience size and perceived authenticity. Micro-influencers tend to have closer relationships with their followers, which makes their recommendations feel more genuine. As a result, brands are increasingly turning to them for targeted marketing ad campaigns.
For example, a micro-influencer in the beauty niche might partner with a skincare brand to promote a new product line. While they might earn $1,000 for three posts, their posts are likely to generate higher engagement because their followers trust their opinion. In contrast, a mega-influencer like Kylie Jenner could charge over $1 million for a similar campaign, but her massive following may not engage as deeply with every post.
Influencers in the mid-tier range (10,000-100,000 followers) often earn $5,000 to $20,000 per post, striking a balance between reach and engagement. For example, a fitness influencer with 200,000 followers might land a year-long partnership with a supplement brand, earning $100,000 for regular content promoting the product. This allows brands to get both reach and authenticity, making mid-tier influencers a sweet spot for many companies.
The earnings gap between micro, mid-tier, and mega-influencers highlights the diversity in the Instagram influencer economy, with opportunities available at every level.
How Much Instagram Influencers Earn Based on Industry?
The industry you’re in also plays a huge role in determining your income. Influencers in certain industries can charge more for posts simply because the products they’re promoting have higher price points or the audience is more valuable to brands. Let’s break it down by industry:
- Fashion: One of the most lucrative industries for influencers. Fashion influencers can easily make $1,000 to $10,000 per post depending on their follower count.
- Travel: Travel influencers often partner with hotels or tourism boards, earning free stays plus a fee that can range from $500 to $5,000 per post.
- Tech: Influencers in the tech space, especially those who review gadgets or software, can charge upwards of $2,000 per post.
- Lifestyle: Lifestyle influencers, covering everything from home decor to parenting tips, typically make between $500 and $3,000 per post.
- Fitness: Fitness influencers, especially those promoting workout programs or nutrition products, can make $1,000 to $5,000 per post.
Who is the Highest-Paid Instagram Influencer So Far?
The highest-paid Instagram influencers dominate the platform with their massive followings and high engagement rates, allowing them to charge astronomical fees for sponsored content. Leading the pack is Cristiano Ronaldo, who, with over 600 million followers, commands up to $2 million per post in 2024. His posts reach a global audience, making him a prime choice for brands ranging from sportswear to luxury goods.
Following Ronaldo is Kylie Jenner, a beauty mogul with over 390 million followers. She earns an estimated $1.2 million per post, largely through partnerships with beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands. Kylie’s sister, Kim Kardashian, also makes the list, earning up to $900,000 per post.
Here are the top 10 highest-paid Instagram influencers in 2024:
- Cristiano Ronaldo – $2 million per post
(Footballer, promoting brands like Nike, Clear, and Herbalife) - Kylie Jenner – $1.2 million per post
(Beauty mogul and founder of Kylie Cosmetics) - Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – $1 million per post
(Actor and entrepreneur, endorsing brands like Under Armour and Teremana Tequila) - Kim Kardashian – $900,000 per post
(Reality star and businesswoman, known for partnerships with Skims and KKW Beauty) - Lionel Messi – $850,000 per post
(Footballer, working with brands like Adidas and Pepsi) - Selena Gomez – $800,000 per post
(Singer and actress, partnered with Puma and Coach) - Ariana Grande – $700,000 per post
(Pop star, collaborating with Givenchy and Reebok) - Beyoncé – $650,000 per post
(Singer and entrepreneur, known for promoting Ivy Park and Adidas) - Justin Bieber – $600,000 per post
(Singer, with deals involving Calvin Klein and Drew House) - Taylor Swift – $550,000 per post
(Pop star and songwriter, promoting Capital One and Diet Coke)
These influencers have a unique ability to reach millions of people instantly, making them highly desirable for brands looking to maximize visibility. Their fees reflect the global influence they wield, with each post offering an enormous return on investment for brands.
FAQs
How much do Instagram influencers make per sponsored post?
Instagram influencers can make anywhere from $10 to $1 million per post, depending on their follower count and engagement rate.
What is the average income of an Instagram influencer in 2024?
In 2024, the average income for an Instagram influencer varies greatly, ranging from $10,000 to $500,000+ per year, based on their niche and follower count.
Do Instagram influencers need millions of followers to make money?
No, even nano-influencers with fewer than 1,000 followers can make money through brand partnerships and affiliate marketing.
How can I start making money as a micro-influencer?
Focus on building a loyal audience and engaging with your followers. Partner with influencer agencies, promote products through affiliate links, and work on sponsored content.
Which industries pay Instagram influencers the most?
Industries like fashion, beauty, tech, and travel are known to pay influencers more, often due to the high price points of the products being promoted.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Instagram influencers are making some serious cash, whether they’re nano-influencers with a few thousand followers or mega-stars with millions. It all depends on engagement, niche, and the ability to connect with their audience.
But the best part? You don’t need to have a million followers to start earning. With the right approach, even micro-influencers can generate a significant income stream through collaborations, affiliate marketing, and sponsorship deals.
Now, would I recommend diving into the world of Instagram influencing? Well, absolutely, a BIG FAT YES! Whether you’re just getting started or already building your presence, there are plenty of opportunities to monetize your influence.
Of course, like anything, it takes time, effort, and a bit of strategy, but the potential is there—and it’s exciting! So, why not give it a go? Explore your niche, build connections, and watch the income possibilities grow. And hey, if you do decide to take the plunge, come back and share your experiences. We’d love to hear how it goes for you!
Until then, keep posting, keep growing, and see you in the next blog! Stay awesome!
