How to Monetize Instagram Reels in 2025
Instagram Reels offer endless opportunities to earn money, whether through brand deals, product promotions, or selling digital products. The key is choosing a monetization strategy that aligns with your audience and expertise. Start experimenting with these methods, stay consistent, and track what works best for your niche. With the right approach, you can turn Instagram Reels into a steady source of income in 2025 and beyond.
Shortspilot
Instagram is more than just a platform for sharing photos and videos. It's a powerful tool for creators and influencers to make real money. According to a survey by Statista, Instagram influencers can earn up to $1,221 per post. That’s a huge opportunity for anyone looking to turn content creation into a career.
But if you’ve been pouring time and effort into creating Instagram Reels without seeing financial results, you might be wondering what you’re missing. The key is knowing how to strategically monetize your content so you can turn engagement into income.
If you’re creating Reels but struggling to make money from them, this guide is for you. By the end, you’ll learn:
- Whether you can really make money from Instagram Reels
- The best ways to monetize your Reels
- How to create Instagram Reels using Shotspilot AI
Let’s dive in!
Can You Make Money From Instagram Reels?
Absolutely! Even if you’re just starting, you can monetize your Reels. However, Instagram no longer pays creators directly as it once did. In March 2023, Instagram discontinued its Reels Bonus Program, which previously allowed invited creators to earn money for their videos. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are still several ways to earn from your content.
Best Ways to Monetize Instagram Reels
Gone are the days when sponsorships were the only way to make money on Instagram. The digital landscape has evolved, and now there are multiple ways to generate income. Let’s explore the most effective methods.
1. Promote Physical Products
One of the easiest ways to make money on Instagram is by promoting physical products in your Reels. If you own a business, you can showcase your products to a broad audience and highlight their features in an engaging way.
For example, lifestyle blogger Chante Fox creates Reels where she shares her travel essentials. She casually presents each item while adding a call-to-action in the caption, directing viewers to her online store. This method helps build brand awareness, increase customer engagement, and drive sales.
If you run a small business, using Reels to highlight your products can attract new customers and boost revenue.
2. Brand Partnerships
If you have an engaged audience, you can collaborate with brands to promote their products. While there’s no official follower requirement for brand partnerships, having at least 10,000 followers makes you more attractive to potential sponsors.
Look for brands that align with your niche and audience. For example, beauty influencer Mariam Orbeli collaborated with Dr. Bio to showcase their skincare products. Her Reel featured a demonstration of the product, while the caption included the brand’s Instagram handle, making it easy for interested viewers to learn more.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a flexible way to earn commissions by promoting products. You can create Reels featuring products and share affiliate links in your bio, captions, or stories.
For instance, digital creator Salina promoted a travel charger in a Reel, highlighting how it simplifies packing. Her caption directed viewers to her bio, where they could find the Amazon link to purchase the product. This approach allows you to earn passive income without handling inventory or logistics.
4. Product Tags
Instagram introduced product tagging in 2022, making it easier for brands and creators to sell directly through Reels. When viewers tap on a tagged product, they’re redirected to your shop to make a purchase.
To use product tags, you need:
- To be at least 13 years old
- A catalog set up in Commerce Manager
- An active account with minimal policy violations
- Permission from brands to tag their products (if working as a content partner)
A great example is skincare brand Nemah, which uses product tags in their Reels to guide viewers directly to their online store. If you want to monetize Reels effectively, integrating product tags can boost your sales.
5. Sell Digital Products
If you have expertise in a particular field, selling digital products like eBooks, courses, or templates can be highly profitable. Digital products don’t require inventory, making them a low-cost way to generate income.
For example, video creator Simone Ferretti used Instagram Reels to promote his Photoshop and Lightroom courses. His video provided a sneak peek of the course content, while the caption included a discount code. If you have knowledge to share, Reels can be a great way to attract buyers to your digital products.
6. Instagram Subscriptions
Instagram Subscriptions allow creators to offer exclusive content to paying followers. Subscribers receive perks like special badges, private content, and exclusive access to chat groups.
To qualify for Instagram Subscriptions, you need:
- At least 10,000 followers
- A professional Instagram account
- To be at least 18 years old
- Content that complies with Instagram’s monetization policies
Piano artist Maryna Aksenov, who has over 1.2 million followers, uses Instagram Subscriptions to provide exclusive lessons and interact directly with her paying subscribers. If you have a dedicated following, offering premium content can be a great revenue stream.
7. Sell Services
If you offer services—whether as a coach, consultant, designer, or freelancer—you can use Instagram Reels to attract clients. Showcasing your expertise through tutorials, client testimonials, or transformation videos can help convert viewers into paying customers.
Parenting coach Sean Donohue uses Reels to share valuable parenting tips while promoting his consultation services. His captions explain how potential clients can book a session, making it easy for interested viewers to take action.
Creating Instagram Reels with Shotspilot AI
If creating engaging Reels feels overwhelming, you can simplify the process using Shotspilot AI. This tool helps you generate high-quality videos effortlessly, making it easier to maintain consistency and grow your Instagram presence.
3 Easy Steps to make your contents using Shortspilot.ai
1. Click "Create New Series".
2. Connect your social media channel and choose one of many niches from the drop down, select your preferred voice and language then click on "create", wait for less than a minute and your video is ready!
3. Adjust the script or the title as needed and click on update, then post video and it will automatically be posted on your preferred social media platform.