How to Make Money as an Instagram Model

Instagram models are a big thing right now, with influencers becoming celebrities in their own right due to the successes seen on social media. Instagram has allowed a whole new generation and type of model, known as an Instagram model, to take the limelight. This has seen a huge shift to the previously restrictive rules around modelling; we are seeing more inclusivity and diversity, as well as a whole new marketing system for companies to make money from.

So what does it take to become an Instagram model, and how do you make money – is it really a feasible, full-time career?

Let’s take a look.

What Is An Instagram Model?

An Instagram model, also sometimes known as an influencer, is a type of model who found fame on the social media app Instagram.

Instagram modelling can become incredibly lucrative for those who are good at self-promotion. It also opens a lot of doors for further brand deals and endorsements, furthering their career outside of social media.

While traditional modelling has strict restrictions on size, weight and body type, Instagram modelling has pushed the envelope and allowed a much more diverse set of people access to this previously exclusive world.

What is the Difference Between Traditional Models and Instagram Models?

Traditional models must meet stringent guidelines in order to be signed by a modelling agency and considered for jobs. Instagram models typically work for themselves.

Traditional models find work by attending casting calls and having a strong modelling portfolio, while Instagram models build up a presence online; their goal is not usually to find an agency, though many have been signed by creating a large presence online.

How Do Instagram Models Make Money?

The social influence that Instagram models yield is extremely attractive to companies and brands. Instagram models with large follower numbers and post engagement can easily convert their influence into credibility, customer inflow, and subsequently increased profit.

Instagram models can make money in a number of ways:

• Paid ads

Paid ads are a really great way for Instagram models to make money. Brands who think a model/influencer has a good audience reach that reflects their own will often reach out for paid partnerships. These can be incredibly lucrative depending on the size of the brand and the contract in place. The more influence an Instagram model has, the more able they are to charge. Some influencers have been known to make millions off a single post.

• Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is when an Instagram model promotes a certain product and gets a commission from any sales off the back of their advert. Again, this can be a great way to make a lot of money if you have good sway over your audience.

• Creating your own brand or service

Many influencers like to use their influence to create their own brands or services and sell their own merch – for example, clothing or a health plan. Popular influencers are able to sell these out quickly. Limited edition sets or sales are very common as this helps entice new buyers to try out the products. Instagram models usually like to work with third-party print-on-demand suppliers who can manufacture and ship your products to customers for you.

Services work in a similar fashion. For example, an Instagram fitness model may create a subscription service where a customer pays monthly to have access to her regularly-updated workout routines on an app. Consulting and coaching services do very well for fitness-based models because customers want to achieve the same body type.

• Sponsorship

Companies and brands pay Instagram models and influencers to advertise their products on an ongoing basis. This type of contract may have a time frame, for example, 3 or 6 months.

• Landing regular modelling jobs

Instagram models may find themselves being invited to more traditional photoshoots or runway shows with brands who love their look and who want to utilize their audience.

• Events

An Instagram model may be asked to attend an event or PR stunt in order to engage more customers.

• Paid by the app

Some apps, like YouTube, will pay the creators if they garner enough views.

• Gifts

Just like other celebrities, Instagram models with a large following may occasionally receive gifts from brands and fans. These can often be very expensive gifts including make-up, skincare, jewellery, flowers and homeware.

How Much Do Instagram Models Make?

This is a difficult one to answer. The top Instagram models are able to make millions of pounds – but they have huge follower numbers and a large amount of engagement per post; they are famous in their own right. Lesser-known Instagram models, or those just starting out, will not make nearly as much money. Newcomers will also struggle to find a footing as nowadays Instagram’s algorithm makes it increasingly harder to get content seen by people not following you. It’s likely you won’t make any money until you have gained a thousand followers, and even then it’s more likely you will be offered freebies in return for content rather than cash.

How Much Should You Charge As An Instagram Model

The amount you charge as an Instagram model depends on the following:

• Number of followers
• Amount of post engagement
• The demand for your type of content
• Your location
• Your content quality
• The regularity of your posts
• How often you engage with followers

This question does not have a definitive answer, so it is best to go on a case-by-case basis initially to see what people are willing to offer. Remember that companies have one goal – to make money – so don’t allow them to undersell you. Similarly, understand that a brand will want to engage with you only if you are able to give them something in return; they’re not likely to pay for your time if you are unable to reach their goal, which will either be more money, more customers, or more customer engagement/followers for their own brand.

What it Takes to Be An Instagram Model

Instagram modelling isn’t easy. It’s a full-time job that doesn’t usually pay much back until later in the game. Nearly all successful Instagram models started out whilst working elsewhere to earn a living. And as the Instagram model becomes a “look” in itself, it’s becoming increasingly harder to meet the standards required to stand out from the crowd (great body, perfect teeth, amazing hair etc.) Instagram models have access to an endless list of editing apps allowing them to transform their appearance at the touch of a button; it can be difficult to determine who really looks the way they portray on social media.

While there are many different ways to make money on social media, the main thing to remember is that hard work and consistency are key. Keep the regularity and quality of your posts high, and remember to engage with followers for the best chances of success.

Are you interested in making it in the world of fashion? Contact us today for free and we can help you take your first steps.