How to Make Money off Instagram Reels: A Beginner’s Guide

Instagram Reels get a lot of eyes, with an average view rate of 1.95%. This is much higher than the view rate for other posts on Instagram.¹ Reels, which are brief videos that last just 15 seconds, are like TikTok in their ability to capture interest.

If you’re on Instagram, you can use Reels to connect with specific audiences. Plus, you can make money in different ways.

Accounts with fewer than 5,000 followers get seen more on Instagram Reels. This means you can grow your audience faster and find more cash chances through creator or business accounts. There are lots of ways to earn by sharing fun Reels, like selling stuff, affiliate marketing, or working with brands.

Key Takeaways

• Instagram Reels are great for getting lots of views and reach, which helps you make money.
• You can earn from Reels by selling merch, doing affiliate marketing, getting brand deals, or using Instagram Ads.
• Accounts with less than 5,000 followers often reach the most people, giving you more chances to make money.
• It’s important to check how your Reels are doing to make your content better and earn more.
• Creators are looking for new ways to make money since the Instagram Reels Play Bonus Program ended.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are 15-second videos like those on TikTok. They are made for you to easily connect with your followers. These videos are shown more often than photos or regular videos on Instagram. Even if you have a smaller following, you can still reach many people.

How to Get More Views for Your Instagram Reels

To get more views for your Instagram Reels, a smart plan is needed. First off, share your Reels in posts and Stories. They won’t show to your followers by default.⁵ Also, using popular hashtags, sounds, and filters boosts your chance of being found by new people.

Working with fellow creators can expand your Reels’ reach. It’s vital to have your own content style. This makes you stand out, rather than following every trend.

Consistent Reels posting is a must. Instagram likes accounts that share content regularly.

By following these steps, you can really lift the instagram reels engagement, instagram reels views, and instagram reels reach. Having a strong instagram reels content strategy is key to growing your audience and making your Instagram Reels matter.

Best Times to Post Instagram Reels

According to studies, the best times to post Reels on Instagram vary by day and time. For instance, on Monday, posting early at 6 AM, and later at 10 AM and 10 PM seems ideal. Tuesdays do well with posts at 2 AM, 4 AM, and 9 AM. Wednesday’s peak times are seen at 7 AM, 8 AM, and surprisingly 11 PM. Thursdays at 9 AM and 12 AM, but also in the evening at 7 PM. Fridays, 5 AM is good, and so are 1 PM and 3 PM. Saturdays enjoy posts at 11 AM and in the evening at 7 PM and 8 PM. Sundays’ best times are 7 AM, 8 AM, and 4 PM. However, looking at your account’s data is crucial. Your post times should fit your followers’ online habits.

For the best success on Instagram, your Reels should go live at different times. For example, Monday mornings are great, especially at 6 AM and then at 10 AM and 10 PM. Tuesdays and Thursdays see more action at odd hours like 2 AM, 4 AM, 9 AM, and in the evening at 7 PM. Fridays are good for early birds at 5 AM, and for the lunch crowd at 1 PM and 3 PM. On Saturdays, later morning and evening posts are welcomed at 11 AM, 7 PM, and 8 PM. Lastly, Sundays are best for posts in the morning at 7 AM and 8 AM, and later in the afternoon at 4 PM.

But remember, your personal Instagram stats will tell you the most about when your audience is online. Adjust accordingly to what your data shows.

Instagram buzzes most on weekdays. Its activity peaks on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 AM to 2 PM. But these high times can differ around the world. To really catch your audience, it’s better to post at their local high times rather than general global patterns.

Who your audience is also matters when finding the right time to post. Each age and gender group has its own scrolling times. For example, teens are online well into the night, while older folks check in around noon. Knowing what kind of posts your watchers like is key to picking the perfect posting times. This could be something fun, something to learn, or touching stories.

When planning your Instagram posts, think about who uses the app. This can change by the day and even by the hour. Mixing up when you post and what you post keeps your account lively and interesting. Plus, it ensures you hit peak times throughout the week, every day offering its own best time to post.

So, engaging your Instagram fans comes down to two things: wow-worthy posts and smart timing. To make your posts pop, figure out who your fans are and what they like. Use tools like SocialBee to track and help with your posts, and don’t be afraid to change things up based on how things are going.

Monetizing Instagram Reels through Print-on-Demand

Want to make money from Instagram Reels? Try using Printify, a print-on-demand service. You can sell your custom merchandise. Use your own art or free tools in Printify’s Product Creator. Not only does this let you earn from direct sales, but you can also attract more viewers to your store by showcasing your products in your Reels.

Promote and sell merchandise

Sell your own merch and make your Reels a cash cow. With the print-on-demand setup, you don’t have to worry about storing or shipping products. It’s a simple way to make money from your content.

Customize products with your designs

The Product Creator from Printify is super easy to use. You can customize lots of items, like t-shirts, mugs, and more. Show off your style and brand in your Reels with these personalized products.

Use Printify’s Product Creator tools

Even if you’re not a designer, Printify helps you create cool merch. Just upload your designs, choose the products, and you’re ready to sell. It’s a great tool for making money with Instagram Reels.

How to Make Money Off Instagram Reels through Affiliate Marketing

Make money from Instagram Reels by adding a referral link. Join the Printify Affiliate Program to do this. You’ll get a 5% commission for every sale from your link.

Join the Printify Affiliate Program

Printify lets you earn from their print-on-demand products. As an affiliate, share these services on Instagram to earn from each sale.

Promote Printify with Your Referral Link

Add your Printify affiliate link to Instagram Reels. Show followers its perks and your designs. They can buy what you suggest, making you money.

Earn Commission on Sales

Boost your sales to earn more. Commission rates rise with more sales. Keep sharing engaging Reels to make the most from Printify’s program.

Wait 30-90 days for commission-eligible items. You need at least USD 30 in earnings for your first payment.

Use Instagram Reels and the Printify program to make passive income. With good content and strategies, you’ll open more income sources. Make the most of Instagram Reels’ growing popularity.

Brand Sponsorships and Influencer Marketing

One way to make money on Instagram Reels is by offering digital marketing services. You can focus on brands that fit with your audience. This is known as influencer marketing. Brands are often looking for influencers to help them connect with their audience. By doing this, you can get brand sponsorship.

The key is to create high-quality content that appeals to the brand’s target audience. Make sure you have a series of Reels to show as your portfolio. You could also team up with other influencers. They can help you promote your products to their own followings.

Offer Digital marketing Services to Brands

One key aspect of offering digital marketing services to brands is understanding the ins and outs of Instagram Reels. This feature allows brands to create short, engaging videos that can capture the attention of users scrolling through their feeds. By incorporating trending topics and utilizing creative storytelling techniques, brands can maximize the visibility of their content and amplify their reach.

Additionally, understanding the monetization strategies of Instagram Reels is crucial for brands looking to generate revenue. Instagram recently introduced ads in Reels, providing an opportunity for brands to earn ad revenue from their content. By crafting captivating and relevant content, brands can attract the attention of advertisers and boost their chances of monetizing their Reels.

To further optimize their presence on Instagram Reels, brands must also familiarize themselves with the platform’s algorithm. Understanding how the algorithm determines the visibility of content can significantly impact a brand’s success on Instagram Reels. By consistently producing high-quality content and engaging with their audience, brands can increase their chances of appearing on users’ feeds and gaining organic reach.

Create Quality Reels Content for Your Portfolio

The first step in creating impactful Instagram Reels content is understanding your audience. Take the time to research what type of content resonates with your targeted viewers. Pay attention to trends and popular topics within your niche, as this will give you insight into what performs well. By staying up-to-date with current content trends, you can ensure that your Reels are as relevant and engaging as possible.

Another aspect to consider when producing Reels content is authenticity. Viewers are drawn to creators who showcase their genuine personality and unique perspective. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine and experiment with different formats, styles, and ideas. By being true to yourself and your content, you’ll attract a loyal following of engaged viewers.

Work with Other Influencers

One of the recent trends in Instagram content creation is the rise of Reels. These short, engaging videos allow influencers to showcase their creativity and capture the attention of their audience. Collaborating with other influencers on Instagram Reels can take your brand to new heights. By combining your unique talents and sharing each other’s content, you can expand your reach and attract a larger number of potential customers.

Moreover, partnering with other influencers on brand deals can be an effective way to promote your products or services. By strategically choosing influencers whose audience aligns with your target market, you can tap into their credibility and influence. This can result in valuable brand exposure and generate increased sales. Collaborative brand deals on Instagram can also create a buzz around your brand, leading to greater brand awareness and loyalty.

To successfully work with other influencers, it’s crucial to build authentic relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Be selective in choosing the influencers you collaborate with, ensuring they align with your brand values and image. Open communication and clear expectations are essential to achieve a win-win outcome. By fostering these relationships, you can create a network of influencers who can support each other’s growth and contribute to the success of your brand.

Using Instagram Ads to Monetize Reels

Aside from using Instagram Reels for making money on Instagram, you can also use Instagram Ads. This way, you can tailor your content to reach your desired real audience and grow your followings.² Brands leverage Instagram Reels to showcase their products or services. They boost user engagement and sales. This works well alongside the ability to add a link to your profile for more information or buying, making it even more effective.

Requirements for boosting Reels as ads

Your Reel ad must be under 60 seconds and with a 9:16 aspect ratio to be qualified for an ad boost. It’s also important that you own all the content. For instance, Stanley posted a Reel showing off their products, inviting people to shop directly.

Set up your ad budget and track performance

Boosting an Instagram post takes just one tap. Use Instagram Ads Manager for a more tailored approach. With Instagram Ads Boost, creators can narrow down their target audience to gain more followers. Make sure to set up your budget and decide how you’ll pay. Then, keep an eye on how your ads are doing. Tweak your strategy as you go to get the best results.

Earning through Instagram Gifts

Instagram Gifts lets your fans send virtual thank-you gifts for your Reels. For every star you receive, you get $0.01.¹¹ The amount is based on Stars, Meta’s in-app currency. For instance, 10 Stars is worth $0.10, and 100 Stars is $1. To start, head to your Professional dashboard, find Tools, then select Gifts.

You need a Creator account and must be 18 or older to get Instagram Gifts. If you’re in the U.S., you need at least 500 followers. If not, you need 1,000 followers. Also, you must follow Instagram’s rules. Right now, Gifts are available in select places like Austria and Japan. More places might get this feature later, depending on Meta’s updates. You must make at least $25 from all Instagram money-making options to cash out. Keep in mind, the person who sends the Gift pays more than the creator gets.

With Instagram Gifts, followers can give stickers, which can cost a few dollars each. Income grows with a bigger audience size. Creators can also make money in other ways. They can team up with brands, do affiliate marketing, offer subscriptions or badges, sell digital goods, or sell their own stuff.

Instagram Reels Play Bonus Program (Discontinued)

In March 2023, Instagram stopped the Reels Play Bonus Program. It used to give creators extra money for their Reels’ success. They needed fewer than a million followers and had to follow special rules for money-making. But now, Instagram is putting more effort into letting creators make money from ads.

Previous bonus opportunities based on performance

The program let creators earn extra cash when their Reels did well. They could pick their top 150 Reels to get a bonus. Some even made up to $8,500, but they needed over 9 million views.

Following Instagram’s monetization policies

To join the bonus program, creators had to meet certain Instagram rules. They needed a business or creator account with less than a million followers.

Meeting Instagram’s Monetization Requirements

To get paid for their posts on Instagram, creators need to meet some rules. First, they must agree to Instagram’s³ Monetization and Content Policies. They also need to set up a way to get paid. Creators must make at least $100 to get their money. This is usually sent around the 21st of each month. And, they’ll get their funds in 1-7 days.

Follow content policies

Creators are required to stick to Instagram’s rules on what they can post. This includes making sure their posts are top-notch and following the community’s standards.

Set up payout account

To get their earnings, creators have to connect a payout account. This can be their bank account or a payment service. It’s to make sure money moves to them smoothly and without problems.

Minimum earning thresholds

Creators need to make at least $100 before they can cash out their earnings. This rule is in place to make sure creators earn a fair bit by sharing their content on the platform.¹⁴

Analyzing Your Reel Insights

Keep track of your Instagram reels analytics. Knowing what works best helps optimize your content. You will see how many people view your Reels and interact with them with likes, comments, and more.¹⁵ Then, match these results with your goals to improve how you use Instagram reels.

Track Performance Metrics

Several Instagram reels performance metrics are crucial. These include Views, Reach, Engagement (likes, comments), and more. By checking these numbers, you learn what your audience likes. You also can find the best times to post and what effects and music they prefer.¹⁵

Optimize Content Strategy

Test different styles and lengths of your Reels. Also, try various sound options to see what your audience likes most. Knowing the best times to post can make your content more visible and engaging. Using Instagram reels analytics helps you spot successful approaches. This way, you can make content that people enjoy more. It improves your overall Instagram experience.

With a good handle on your Instagram reels analytics, you can craft content that speaks to your audience. This strategy can boost your growth and success on the platform greatly.

Conclusion

As an Instagram creator, the idea of making money from your Reels is thrilling. You can earn big by selling your own stuff, doing affiliate marketing, or working with brands. Top influencers have made between $92,000 and $2,000,000 per post.

Creating amazing Reels and checking your stats can really boost your earnings. Also, it helps to increase your followers. Making quality content and knowing what works is key. It’s smart to interact with your audience and team up with other creators. Use all the cool features Instagram has to offer.

The world of making money on Instagram is always changing. Stay open to new ways to make cash, from partnerships to selling special Reels or merchandise. Add value for your viewers, and you’ll see more opportunities to turn your Reels into cash.

themomtastic

Aine Austria is a content creator, freelancer, entrepreneur, essential oils educator, nacho lover, and mom to an adorable daughter. She helps aspiring mom bloggers and entrepreneurs launch their blog, alongside other money-making opportunities. Aine believes that everyone has a story to tell and that their experiences and talents can be shared with the world.
Aine’s passion for writing and sharing her knowledge with others started at a young age. Growing up, she always loved to read books, write stories, and express herself through words. She strongly believes that moms can still pursue their dreams and passions while raising a family, and she aims to inspire other moms to do the same through her work.