To make money on Instagram, the follower count needed depends on the monetization method, but here are the key points:
- You can start earning money with as few as 1,000 followers , especially through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships where engagement matters more than follower count
- To access Instagram’s in-app monetization features like Subscriptions, Badges during live streams, or Reels Gifts, you generally need at least 10,000 followers and a professional (Business or Creator) account
- Other requirements include being 18 years or older , complying with Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies and Community Guidelines , and having a Business or Creator account
- Engagement rate and niche quality are often more important than just follower numbers. Brands value an engaged audience who interact with content over a large but passive following
In summary, you can start making money on Instagram with around 1,000 engaged followers, but unlocking advanced monetization features and higher earning potential typically requires 10,000 or more followers along with compliance to Instagram’s policies.
