How To Make Money On Instagram Reels in 2024: 20 Best Strategies

Reading Time: 15 minutes

Looking to amplify your income stream? If you want to know how to make money on Instagram Reels, then you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re already an Instagram creator or aspire to become one, you can benefit from the platform’s Reels Play Bonus Program. It’s an invite-only basis scheme where Instagram pays you a bonus payout for the reels you create.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover 20 tried-and-true strategies on how to make money on Instagram Reels using the Instagram app and help you maximize that all-important play bonus.

So, let’s dive in and turn those Instagram reels into real revenue!

What is Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a feature within the Instagram app designed to allow users to create and explore short, engaging videos on a new dedicated feed, similar to TikTok videos. It’s an innovative platform that gives content creators, including Instagram creators, the opportunity to showcase their talent, share their stories, and even earn money.

One of the exciting aspects for creators looking to monetize their content is the Instagram Reels Play Bonus Program, which provides eligible creators with a chance to earn money based on the number of views their reels garner.

The Instagram Reels Play Bonus Program is an invite-only initiative that aims to reward high-quality, engaging content. When a reel you’ve created starts gaining traction, you can earn a reels play bonus, which varies depending on a multitude of factors such as views and engagement. This bonus is paid out directly to the creator’s payout account, providing an extra incentive to produce eye-catching and shareable reels.

In addition to the reels play bonus, Instagram Reels also offers an array of creative tools to enhance your content.

From editing features to a vast music library, the platform aims to be a one-stop shop for content creation.

As a part of Instagram, reels also benefit from the app’s massive user base, enabling creators to reach a broad audience and increase the potential for earning a significant Instagram reels play bonus.

1. Brand Sponsorships

Leveraging your follower count is a potent strategy when seeking brand sponsorships on Instagram. Digital nomads and lifestyle entrepreneurs, listen up!

Align your Instagram posts with the brand’s mission and ethos for the perfect symbiotic relationship.

This approach not only helps with branded content but also opens the door for various bonus opportunities like bonus payouts and exclusive partnerships.

If you follow Instagram’s few rules on sponsorship and properly disclose your relationship with the brand, you’ll be all set to earn money, and maybe even hit the maximum payout!

Strategies for Brand Sponsorships:

• Audience Alignment: Choose brands that resonate with your target audience, increasing the likelihood of engagement.
• Proposal Pitching: Draft a compelling proposal that highlights your follower count and previous successful partnerships.
• Contract Negotiations: Ensure that the bonus program, payout method, and deliverables are explicitly stated in the sponsorship agreement.

Product Recommendations:

• Influence.co: For finding brands willing to sponsor content.
• AspireIQ: For managing all the details of your brand sponsorship.
• SocialBee: For scheduling sponsored posts efficiently.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another surefire way of making money through Instagram Reels. The idea is to join an affiliate program whose products or services resonate with your digital lifestyle.

Promote these directly in your reels, insert your unique affiliate link in the description, and watch as purchases translate into bonus earnings in your bank account.

Follow a few rules for disclosure to ensure you’re in good standing.

Strategies for Affiliate Marketing:

• Link Tracking: Use UTM parameters to track the efficacy of your unique affiliate link.
• CTA Optimization: Experiment with various call-to-action phrases to boost conversions.
• Follower Incentives: Offer available bonuses or discount codes to your followers.

Product Recommendations:

• ShareASale: A popular affiliate network with a variety of brands.
• ClickBank: Great for digital products and online courses.
• Pretty Links: For shortening and tracking your affiliate links.

3. Instagram Reels Play Bonus

Instagram offers a Reels Play Bonus to eligible creators, which is essentially an invite-only bonus program.

You earn money directly based on the number of views your reel receives. Keep your phone handy for a pop-up notification inviting you to this program.

Note that Instagram personalizes the minimum amount you can earn, making it a fantastic bonus opportunity to get paid.

Lifestyle entrepreneurs and digital nomads can use this as a regular income stream.

Strategies for Instagram Reels Play Bonus:

• Engagement Tactics: Use entertaining reels to captivate your Instagram audience, thus increasing views.
• Quality Over Quantity: Concentrate on making fewer but highly engaging reels that resonate with your target audience.
• Monitor Performance: Keep track of your earnings through Instagram’s professional dashboard.

Product Recommendations:

• InVideo: For creating visually stunning reels.
• Canva: For easy-to-use design templates for your reels.
• Later: For scheduling your Instagram Reels.

4. Selling Products

If you’re a business owner, then Instagram Reels can be a game-changer for you. Create reels showcasing your products and make sure you post these in the Reels tab for maximum visibility. A top-ranked approach to make money with reels on Instagram.

Not only does this expose your merchandise to your Instagram audience, but it also allows you to earn money directly through sales.

Strategies for Selling Products:

• Product Showcase: Use reels to provide a 360-degree view or a live demo of your products.
• Promo Codes: Offer exclusive promo codes to reel viewers for immediate conversions.
• Holiday Themes: Create themed reels based on upcoming holidays to capture the seasonal market.

Product Recommendations:

• Shopify: If you’re not already on it, this platform syncs well with Instagram.
• Oberlo: For easy product sourcing if you’re into dropshipping.
• Veeqo: For managing inventory and shipping directly.

5. Themed Reels for Holidays

Attention digital nomads and lifestyle entrepreneurs! When upcoming holidays are around the corner, it’s time to create themed reels to attract your Instagram audience.

Crafting reels based on festivities like Christmas, Halloween, or even National Digital Nomad Day can skyrocket your views and follower count.

Offer special bonuses, discount codes, or other available bonuses to incentivize engagement and purchases.

Remember, follow Instagram’s a few rules on how to make branded content and you can earn money directly from these reels.

Strategies for Themed Reels for Holidays:

• Seasonal Planning: Create a calendar to keep track of all upcoming holidays and events to target.
• Exclusive Offers: Pair the themed reel with exclusive offers only available for a limited time.
• Engagement Boosters: Use interactive features like polls and questions to increase engagement.

Product Recommendations:

• Plann: For visual planning and scheduling your holiday reels.
• Trello: To keep track of your seasonal planning and strategy.
• Adobe Premiere Rush: For editing top-notch holiday-themed reels.

6. Bonus Earnings for Series

Instagram loves creators who engage users with compelling series. Check your professional dashboard regularly; sometimes, Instagram offers bonus earnings for creators who can sustain interest across multiple reels.

This bonus program can significantly boost your bank account. Creating a series is not just good storytelling; it’s also good business.

Strategies for Bonus Earnings for Series:

• Storyboarding: Plan out a series of reels that tell a compelling story or teach something valuable.
• Promotion: Cross-promote the series on your other social media channels to maximize views.
• Monitoring: Use your professional dashboard to track metrics and adapt future reels based on insights.

Product Recommendations:

• Google Analytics: To track viewer engagement and drop-off rates across the series.
• Hootsuite: To manage and cross-promote your Instagram content.
• Iconosquare: For deep insights into your Instagram performance.

7. Invite-only Bonus Programs

To supercharge your earnings, keep an eye out for invite-only bonus programs.

These are exclusive opportunities that offer a more substantial payout account and maximum bonus earnings.

Eligible creators receive a pop-up notification when they’re invited. So, always be ready to jump on these exclusive programs and get paid generously.

Strategies for Invite-only Bonus Programs:

• Optimization: Regularly update your reels to stay fresh and attractive, increasing your chances of receiving an invite.
• Networking: Connect with other creators who may give you a heads-up about these exclusive programs.
• Quality: Consistently post high-quality reels to become eligible for such bonuses.

Product Recommendations:

• Filmora: For advanced yet straightforward video editing.
• Mailchimp: To send newsletters to your followers announcing any special bonuses you’ve earned.
• Zapier: To automate workflows between your professional dashboard and other platforms.

8. Educational Reels

If you have educational products like a 90-day goal-setting planner or a course, Instagram Reels can serve as a powerful marketing tool.

Create engaging, educational reels and offer bonus plays or additional content for anyone who engages.

One of the greatest approaches to making money with reels on Instagram. The idea is to provide so much value that your Instagram audience feels compelled to invest in your paid products.

Strategies for Educational Reels:

• Content Segmentation: Divide your course or planner into bite-sized tips and make a reel for each.
• Incentivization: Provide a unique affiliate link that offers a discount on your educational product.
• CTAs: End each educational reel with a strong call to action encouraging viewers to purchase your product.

Product Recommendations:

• Teachable: For hosting your online courses.
• Bitly: For creating and tracking unique affiliate links.
• ActiveCampaign: For follow-up email campaigns to reel viewers.

9. Instagram Payouts for Top Creators

If you’re pulling in hefty views and consistently engaging your Instagram audience, you could qualify for Instagram payouts designed exclusively for top creators.

Hitting a target view count will not only pump up your follower count but also help you earn bonuses directly into your bank account. It’s a bonus program globally acknowledged as a lucrative payout method for those who dominate the platform.

The maximum payout can be substantial, so make sure you’re posting reels that resonate with your audience.

Strategies for Instagram Payouts for Top Creators:

• Audience Insights: Know your target audience’s preferences and create reels accordingly.
• Quality Over Quantity: Focus on making fewer but more impactful reels.
• Engagement Metrics: Regularly check your Instagram metrics to tailor your future reels.

Product Recommendations:

• SocialBee: For analyzing audience insights and scheduling posts.
• Canva: For creating visually appealing reel thumbnails.
• Later: For scheduling reels to hit the time zones of your target audience.

10. Entertaining Reels

If you’ve ever wondered how to make money on Instagram reels, the key is entertainment. Entertaining reels are like magnets for your target audience.

The more they share your reels, the higher your reels play bonuses. But remember, stick to Instagram’s guidelines for creating reels that are entertaining yet compliant with their rules.

Strategies for Entertaining Reels:

• Viral Topics: Catch onto trends to make your reels more shareable.
• Community Engagement: Involve your audience by asking for opinions or setting challenges.
• Creative Hooks: The first few seconds of your reel should be ultra-captivating.

Product Recommendations:

• InVideo: To add dynamic text and transitions making the reels more entertaining.
• BuzzSumo: For trend analysis to find viral topics.
• Asana: To manage your content calendar efficiently.

11. Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing can open up another stream of bonus earnings. Partner with Instagram influencers who align with your brand’s values and mission.

Cross-promotion expands your reach and makes for a mutually beneficial bonus opportunity.

Strategies for Influencer Marketing:

• Research: Use analytics tools to identify influencers who engage with your target audience.
• Collaboration Contract: Clearly outline terms and conditions to prevent any issues down the line.
• ROI Tracking: Keep an eye on metrics to measure the success of your influencer partnerships.

Product Recommendations:

• Upfluence: To identify the right influencers for your brand.
• HelloSign: For creating digital collaboration contracts.
• Google Analytics UTM Codes: For tracking the performance of these collaborations.

12. Creator Account for Analytics

Switching to an Instagram creator account is like getting your hands on the cockpit controls.

The professional dashboard allows you to monitor key metrics, making it easier to tailor your reels for maximum earnings.

If you’re serious about making money on Instagram Reels, this isn’t just a bonus; it’s a bare minimum.

Strategies for Creator Account for Analytics:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilize analytics to inform your content strategy.
• Content Experimentation: A/B tests different types of reels to see what works best.
• Time Analysis: Post during peak hours when your audience is most active.

Product Recommendations:

• Instagram Insights: Comes built-in with the creator account for basic analytics.
• Sprout Social: For more in-depth analytics and reporting.
• Clockify: To track how much time you spend on content creation versus analysis.

13. Drive Traffic to YouTube or Blog

Got a YouTube channel or blog? You can use Instagram Reels as a funnel to divert Instagram users to these platforms, earning money indirectly.

Create reels that tease the kind of content your YouTube channel or blog offers. Not only does this bump up your follower count, but it can also lead to affiliate program sign-ups or increased ad revenue on your other platforms.

Just make sure you follow Instagram’s few rules for posting reels.

Strategies for Driving Online Traffic:

• Teaser Content: Create short, compelling reels that give a taste of your YouTube or blog content.
• Cross-Promotion: Use Instagram to mention new YouTube videos or blog posts.
• Call-to-Action: Always include a compelling CTA directing users to check out your YouTube channel or blog.

Product Recommendations:

• TubeBuddy: To optimize your YouTube channel for greater visibility.
• WordPress SEO by Yoast: To improve your blog’s search engine ranking.
• Linktree: To include multiple links in your Instagram bio, directing traffic to both your YouTube channel and blog.

14. Sponsored Content

Here’s a no-brainer for making money on Instagram: offer sponsored content opportunities to other creators or brands.

Brands are always on the lookout for influential Instagram creators to partner with for brand sponsorships.

This can be an excellent way to earn money directly into your bank account. Just remember that you need to disclose sponsored content as per Instagram’s rules.

Strategies for Sponsored Content:

• Audience Match: Partner with brands that resonate with your target audience.
• Content Plan: Create a package of sponsored posts, stories, and reels to offer to potential sponsors.
• Transparency: Clearly mark sponsored content to maintain trust.

Product Recommendations:

• Social Bluebook: To determine your worth for sponsored content.
• #paid: A platform that connects creators with brands for sponsorships.
• Hootsuite: To schedule and manage your sponsored content.

15. Invite Users to a Free Newsletter

If you offer a free newsletter like “Unretirement,” reels can be an effective medium to invite your Instagram audience to subscribe.

Use engaging reels to highlight the value your newsletter brings, converting viewers into long-term customers.

This can be an additional bonus program to your existing money-making avenues.

Strategies for Inviting Users to your Newsletter:

• Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what makes your newsletter unique.
• Subscriber Bonuses: Offer exclusive content or discounts as an available bonus for newsletter subscribers.
• Engagement: Use interactive elements in your reels to encourage sign-ups.

Product Recommendations:

• Mailchimp: For newsletter management and automated campaigns.
• Zapier: To automate the addition of new Instagram followers to your newsletter list.
• Fomo: A tool to display real-time subscriber counts to incentivize sign-ups.

16. Drive Sales to Amazon Products

Selling on Amazon? Instagram Reels can be a powerhouse for driving sales.

Create reels showcasing your Amazon products, perhaps offering bonus payouts for purchases made through a unique affiliate link provided in the reel.

The payout method is straightforward: more reels, more views, more sales.

Strategies for Driving Sales to Amazon:

• Product Highlights: Showcase the USPs (Unique Selling Points) of your Amazon products in each reel.
• Affiliate Links: Use unique affiliate links to track sales originating from Instagram.
• Exclusive Offers: Provide special bonus plays or discounts exclusively for your Instagram audience.

Product Recommendations:

• Amazon Associates: To create unique affiliate links for tracking.
• Bitly: To shorten and manage your affiliate links.
• Wishpond: For running limited-time offers and sweepstakes to encourage purchases.

17. Instagram Reels for Services

If you’re offering digital services like video editing or content creation, Instagram Reels can serve as your portfolio.

By showcasing your “bonus work” in a reel, you can make your offering irresistible to potential clients. It’s like a live demo that can earn you money directly.

Make sure to include tags or keywords related to your services. The money is transferred straight to your bank account after you’ve hit the bare minimum for a payout.

Strategies for Instagram Rells for Services:

• Showcase Portfolio: Display snippets of your past work or projects in a reel.
• Testimonials: Include customer testimonials for credibility.
• Pricing Teasers: Give a glimpse of your pricing range, and mention any bonus earnings or special deals.

Product Recommendations:

• InVideo: A tool to create professional reels with high-quality graphics and sound.
• FreshBooks: For invoicing clients and tracking payments.
• QuickBooks: To manage your service-based financials efficiently.

18. Exclusive Offers for Instagram Followers

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love an exclusive offer? Run a bonus program specifically tailored for your Instagram followers.

This not only increases follower count but also provides a direct way to earn money. These exclusive offers can range from early access to new products or special bonus payouts for purchases.

Strategies for Offering Instagram Exclusives:

• Flash Sales: Run limited-time offers exclusively for Instagram followers.
• Loyalty Points: Start a bonus program where points can be exchanged for products or discounts.
• Countdown Timers: Use real-time countdown timers in your reels to induce urgency.

Product Recommendations:

• Omnisend: For running automated, time-sensitive promotional campaigns.
• LoyaltyLion: A loyalty management platform.
• Deadline Funnel: To create authentic urgency with countdown timers.

19. Utilize Existing Instagram Reels

Don’t let your existing reels gather digital dust. Repurpose them to showcase new bonus opportunities or ways to make money.

This is like double-dipping; you gain more while doing less. By updating the descriptions or adding new call-to-action overlays, you can offer fresh bonus opportunities for new and existing followers.

Strategies for Utilizing Existing Instagram Reels:

• Update CTAs: Add new calls-to-action that lead to current promotions or offers.
• Highlight Updates: Use pop-up notifications to inform viewers of updated content or new bonus opportunities.
• Track Analytics: Use Instagram’s professional dashboard to gauge the success of repurposed reels.

Product Recommendations:

• ClipScribe: To add new subtitles or call-to-action overlays.
• Later: To schedule and track the performance of your Instagram reels.
• Google Analytics: For a more in-depth analysis of user behavior.

20. Reels for Video Courses

If you’re offering a video course like “The Solopreneur Success Formula,” reels can act as a teaser trailer.

Show highlights or quick tips from your course and attach a special bonus opportunity for immediate sign-ups. It’s a two-in-one deal: they get valuable insights, and you get paid.

Strategies for Video Course Reels :

• Sample Lessons: Showcase snippets from the course to pique interest.
• Exclusive Discounts: Offer special enrollment discounts for those who sign up via Instagram.
• Guest Appearances: Feature testimonials or guest lectures in the reel to add value.

Product Recommendations:

• Teachable: As a platform to host your video course.
• GetResponse: For automating follow-ups after someone shows interest.
• Kajabi: Another platform tailored for course creators that offers comprehensive analytics.

How To Make Money On Instagram Reels: Summary

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Instagram Reels has emerged as a lucrative platform for content creators and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re starting with a modest follower count or aiming for a million followers, the potential to generate income is considerable.

By creating reels focused on upcoming holidays or launching a new reel that captivates your audience, you can take advantage of Instagram’s Reels Play Bonus Program.

With Instagram app features designed to enhance your reach and engagement, you’re well on your way to earning play bonuses and even additional bonus payouts.

As a key takeaway, always remember to monitor your metrics, stay current with Instagram’s guidelines, and be strategic in your content planning. These are your tools to navigate the competitive, yet rewarding, world of Instagram Reels.

For more entrepreneurial and money-making insights, don’t forget to check out our other articles on the blog, such as;

• How to Get Started on Instagram
• How to Write Instagram Captions for Business (+390 Awesome IG Quotes)
• Instagram Shopping: 11 Ways to Dramatically Increase Ecommerce Sales
• How to Make 1000 a Day Online; 54 Action Packed Ways

We’re committed to providing you with actionable advice that can help you build a sustainable income stream.

So go ahead, and take that first step in maximizing your Instagram revenue today!

How To Make Money On Instagram Reels: FAQs

How do you get paid on Instagram reels?

To get paid on Instagram Reels, you can take advantage of the Instagram Reels Play Bonus Program. This program allows eligible creators to earn money based on the number of views their reels receive. Once you qualify, the bonus payout is transferred directly to your payout account.

How much does Instagram reels pay per 1,000 views?

The amount Instagram pays per 1,000 views varies depending on numerous factors, including the engagement level and quality of the content. There is no fixed rate, but the more your reel is watched, the higher your reels play bonus will be.

Who is eligible for reels bonus?

Creators who meet Instagram’s criteria are eligible for reels bonuses. You should have a minimum amount of views and follow Instagram’s guidelines to qualify. The bonuses are typically invite-only and based on a variety of metrics, such as follower count and engagement.

How much does Instagram pay for 1 million views on reels?

Again, the exact amount varies, but reaching 1 million views on reels can generate a substantial bonus payout. This would also make you more likely to receive further reels play bonuses in the future.

How can you maximize your reels play bonus?

To maximize your reels play bonus, focus on creating content that resonates with your target audience. Higher engagement rates often lead to higher bonuses. Also, consider collaborating with other creators or brands to amplify your reach.

What’s the minimum amount to cash out my bonus?

The minimum amount required to cash out your bonus varies by region and payout method. You can check these specifics in the Instagram app under the professional dashboard section where payment settings are managed.

Can you get a play bonus for old reels?

Generally, play bonuses are for new, trending reels that receive high engagement. However, it’s worth keeping an eye on the professional dashboard for any changes in Instagram’s bonus programs that might allow old reels to earn a bonus.

Is the reels play bonus program available globally?

The reels play bonus program is rolling out to various countries. Availability can be checked in the professional dashboard section of the Instagram app.

How often do reels play bonuses get paid out?

Reels play bonuses are generally paid out on a monthly basis, but this can vary. Check your professional dashboard to keep track of your upcoming payments.

Is it possible to earn more money by posting reels during upcoming holidays?

Yes, posting reels that are themed around upcoming holidays can capture more attention and potentially lead to higher reels play bonuses. Holidays generally drive higher engagement, providing you with a chance to maximize your bonus payout.

How do sponsored reels factor into bonus earnings?

Sponsored reels don’t typically count toward bonus earnings in the Reels Play Bonus Program. However, they can be an additional avenue for income.

Can I combine reels play bonuses with other Instagram monetization features?

Yes, you can earn from multiple monetization avenues on Instagram, including sponsored posts and IGTV ads, alongside your reel play bonuses.