In July 2022, Instagram introduced an exciting new way for creators to earn—paid subscriptions. Think of it as Instagram’s version of the YouTube Partner Program or TikTok’s creator rewards program. With Instagram Subscriptions, you can build a consistent monthly income while pursuing your passions.
Enabling this feature puts you in control of your content and revenue, whether you’re growing a personal brand or boosting your business. In this guide, we’ll walk you through enabling Instagram subscriptions and maximizing your earning potential.
What Are Instagram Subscriptions?
Instagram subscriptions let you monetize content directly from your most dedicated fans. Your followers can subscribe to your profile for a monthly payment, granting them access to subscriber-only content. It’s a great chance to offer something extra—whether it’s exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, or live streams that regular followers don’t see.
It’s your way of rewarding loyalty while creating a recurring revenue stream. Plus, offering exclusive content makes your followers feel privileged, helping you build a strong community that’s more engaged and invested in your journey.
Instagram Subscription Features
Enabling Instagram subscriptions gives you access to several key features that help you deliver exclusive content and engage with your most loyal followers. Here’s what you’ll get:
Subscriber Lives: Host live sessions that only your subscribers can join, giving them the ultimate unique experience. These sessions are perfect for Q&As, exclusive tutorials, or just hanging out with your most dedicated fans.
Subscriber Chats: You can create private group chats with up to 30 subscribers at once. These intimate conversations foster more robust connections, offering a more personal engagement than public comments ever could.
Subscriber Broadcast Channels: Broadcast exclusive messages or updates to your subscribers so they receive real-time insights, announcements, or behind-the-scenes scoops from you.
Subscriber In-Feed Posts and Reels: Share content with your paying subscribers in their feeds. These unique posts and Reels can add tremendous value and deepen their loyalty.
Subscriber Stories and Highlights: Content wrapped with the purple ring indicates your Stories are subscriber-exclusive. Save them as Highlights so new subscribers can access them, too.
Subscriber Badge Icon: Every subscriber gets a special badge next to their name in DMs and comments, helping you recognize and engage with them instantly.
Instagram Subscription Eligibility Requirements
Before unlocking Instagram subscriptions, there are a few requirements you need to meet to ensure you’re eligible:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- The account must be a professional Creator or Business profile.
- Need at least 10,000 followers.
- Must reside in an eligible country.
- The account must comply with Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Content Monetization Policies.
- Must adhere to Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies, which govern suitable content for monetization.
- Lastly, you must agree to Instagram’s Subscriptions Terms of Use to officially enable the feature.
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How to Set Up Your Instagram Subscription
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a subscription on Instagram:
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- From your profile, head over to your “Professional Dashboard.”
- Tap your “Tools” and select “Subscriptions.” On the next screen, hit Get Started to start your subscription.
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- Review and agree to the Instagram Subscription “Creator Terms of Use,” then tap Next.
- Now, it’s time to determine where your cash will land. You must “Add a Payout Account” by providing your bank or PayPal details so Instagram knows where to send your money. You can update these settings later if necessary to ensure smooth payouts.
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- Set your “Monthly Subscription Fee” based on the value you believe your content offers. Instagram provides a handy earnings calculator at the bottom to help you estimate your income from potential exclusive posts.
- Once you’ve finalized your price, tap Publish, then hit Create. Once activated, your followers can tap the “Subscribe Button” from your profile or activity feed to subscribe on Instagram instantly!
How Much Can You Charge for an Instagram Subscription?
You can charge anywhere from $0.99 to $99.99 per month, allowing you to match your pricing to the value you’re offering. When setting your monthly subscription fee on Instagram, you can choose from a wide range of options such as $0.99, $1.99, $2.99, $4.99, $9.99, $19.99, $49.99, and $99.99.
For instance, you might charge more if you share highly niche or educational content. Starting at a lower tier could make sense if your audience is primarily young or just getting to know you. Ultimately, consider who your followers are and what level of value you’re offering, and find the right balance for your audience’s expectations and budget.
5 Tips to Get More Subscribers for Maximizing Earnings
It’s essential to have a strategy for maximizing your earnings rather than just setting up subscriptions and hoping for the best. Here are the most effective ways to attract more subscribers and ensure long-term financial success:
1. Promote Your Subscriptions
Once you have subscriptions in place, you need to promote them. Use Instagram Stories, posts, and carousels to showcase what your subscription offers. Send reminders regularly and clearly explain what makes subscribing worthwhile.
Add clear instructions in your bio or mention your subscription benefits on posts. You can even utilize broadcast channels to send real-time updates or directly invite followers to join. And, of course—don’t forget to promote via your other active social media channels.
2. Pin Posts About Subscriptions
Use Instagram’s Pin Post feature to lock a post about your subscription front and center on your profile. That way, anyone landing on your page instantly sees your subscription offer without needing to scroll.
A pinned post explaining your subscription benefits is a 24/7 reminder, helping you gain more subscribers without constantly promoting it yourself. Just ensure it communicates the value they’ll get by joining the paid party.
3. Offer Limited-Time Incentives
Urgency is a powerful tool for nudge potential subscribers off the fence. For instance, you could offer a discount on the first month’s subscription or a free virtual meet-and-greet if they sign up by a specific date. Use Instagram Stories with countdowns—maybe even create a poll to build hype.
Encourage them to subscribe and build urgency with updates like “Only 24 hours left!” If you create a “FOMO” vibe, your followers will be far more likely to hit that subscribe button.
4. Create High-Quality Exclusive Content
Make your subscriber-only content valuable by sharing things you wouldn’t post elsewhere. For example, if you’re a fashion influencer, give subscribers early peeks at new wardrobe hauls or tips on upcoming trends in exclusive Instagram Reels.
Similarly, fitness coaches could offer more detailed workout routines to subscribers or add exclusive check-ins through subscriber Stories, where they answer questions or give more personalized advice. It’s all about making subscribers feel they’re getting the proper VIP treatment for their payment.
5. Personalized Shout-Outs to Your Subscribers
Nothing builds community better than personal recognition. As Instagram creators, offering meaningful shout-outs or thoughtful thank-you messages (either in Stories or private DMs) makes subscribers feel appreciated.
Acknowledge new subscribers with a welcome note or publicly thank long-time followers for sticking around. This personal touch encourages deeper connections and fosters stronger loyalty from your audience—making them happier to pay to be part of the action.
Conclusion
Instagram subscriptions open up considerable opportunities to monetize content and connect more meaningfully with your biggest supporters. Remember, activating subscriptions is not enough—you need to actively promote, create killer exclusive content, and experiment to find what works best for your audience.
Don’t be afraid to test different ideas, pricing models, or incentives until you find the sweet spot. The beauty of this feature is its flexibility and customization to suit your community’s needs. The more you invest in nurturing those loyal followers, the more sustainable (and rewarding) your revenue stream will become.
