Instagram Complete Guide: Step-by-Step to Create an Account & Earn Money

Instagram, with over 2.5 billion monthly active users in 2025, is a leading platform for visual storytelling, networking, and monetization. This comprehensive guide walks you through creating an Instagram account, understanding account types, exploring monetization methods, and meeting the requirements to earn on the platform.

Creating an Instagram Account: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Download the Instagram App

Download Instagram from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Alternatively, visit instagram.com and click "Sign Up."

Step 2: Sign Up

Tap "Sign Up" and choose a method:

  • Phone or Email: Enter a valid phone number or email address.
  • Facebook: Use a Facebook account for quick sign-up.
  • Username: Choose a unique username (e.g., @YourName).
  • Password: Create a secure password (8+ characters, mixing letters, numbers, symbols).
  • Name: Add your full name or brand name.

Tap "Next" to proceed.

Step 3: Verify Your Account

Instagram will send a verification code to your phone or email. Enter the code to confirm your account.

Step 4: Set Up Your Profile

Customize your profile to attract followers:

  • Profile Picture: Upload a high-quality image (150x150 pixels minimum).
  • Bio: Write a 150-character bio with keywords, hashtags, or emojis to reflect your brand.
  • Website: Add a link to your website or other social media (e.g., Linktree).
  • Contact Info: Add an email or phone number for business inquiries (optional).
Step 5: Connect with Friends

Sync your contacts or connect your Facebook account to find friends. Follow accounts in your niche to build your network.

Step 6: Create Your First Post

Tap the "+" button to create a post:

  • Upload a photo or video (1080x1080 pixels for photos, 1080x1920 for Reels).
  • Add filters, captions, and hashtags (e.g., #InstaGood, #Reels).
  • Tag people or locations to increase engagement.
  • Choose visibility (public or private) and tap "Share."

Pro Tip: Use high-quality visuals and relevant hashtags in your posts to boost discoverability on Instagram’s Explore page.

Types of Instagram Accounts

Instagram offers three main account types:

Note: Creator and Business Accounts are free and provide analytics and monetization tools. You can switch back to a Personal Account anytime.

Ways to Earn Money on Instagram

Instagram offers multiple monetization opportunities for creators and businesses in 2025. Below are the primary methods with details:

1. Sponsored Posts

Partner with brands to create sponsored posts, Stories, or Reels.

  • Requirements:
    • Creator or Business Account.
    • 1,000+ followers (micro-influencers) or 10,000+ for larger deals.
    • High engagement (likes, comments, shares).
    • A niche audience (e.g., fitness, travel).
  • How to Start: Join platforms like AspireIQ or Instagram’s Brand Collabs Manager. Pitch brands directly and create branded content with disclosures.
  • Earnings: $100–$10,000 per post, depending on follower count and engagement.
2. Instagram Reels Bonuses

Earn bonuses based on Reels performance.

  • Requirements:
    • Creator or Business Account.
    • 1,000+ followers.
    • High Reel views (e.g., 100,000+ in 30 days).
    • Be 18+ years old.
    • Live in an eligible country.
  • How to Start: Apply via "Professional Dashboard" > "Bonuses." Create engaging Reels to maximize views.
  • Earnings: $100–$1,000 per bonus, based on views and program terms.
3. Instagram Live Badges

Earn money from viewers purchasing badges during live streams.

  • Requirements:
    • Creator or Business Account.
    • 1,000+ followers.
    • Be 18+ years old.
    • Live in an eligible country.
  • How to Start: Enable badges in "Professional Dashboard" and go live to engage viewers.
  • Earnings: $0.99–$4.99 per badge, with creators keeping 70% after taxes.
4. Affiliate Marketing

Earn commissions by promoting products in posts, Stories, or Reels.

  • Requirements:
    • 1,000+ followers for credibility.
    • Affiliate program membership (e.g., Amazon Associates, ShopStyle).
    • Compliance with Instagram’s policies and FTC guidelines.
  • How to Start: Join affiliate programs, add links to your bio or Stories (with swipe-up for 10,000+ followers), and create product-focused content.
  • Earnings: 1–10% commission per sale, depending on the program.
5. Selling Products via Instagram Shopping

Sell physical or digital products directly on Instagram.

  • Requirements:
    • Business Account with a linked Facebook Shop.
    • Compliance with Instagram’s commerce policies.
    • Products in an eligible category.
  • How to Start: Set up Instagram Shopping via "Settings" > "Business" > "Set Up Instagram Shopping." Tag products in posts or Stories.
  • Earnings: Vary based on product pricing and sales volume.
6. Instagram Subscriptions

Offer paid subscriptions for exclusive content.

  • Requirements:
    • Creator Account.
    • 10,000+ followers or 250+ returning viewers.
    • Be 18+ years old.
    • Live in an eligible country.
  • How to Start: Enable subscriptions in "Professional Dashboard" and offer exclusive Stories, posts, or Reels.
  • Earnings: 70% of subscription revenue after taxes ($0.99–$99.99/month per subscriber).
7. Instagram Ads

Run paid ads to drive sales or traffic for your business.

  • Requirements:
    • Business Account with a linked payment method.
    • Compliance with Instagram’s ad policies.
  • How to Start: Create campaigns in Ads Manager, targeting specific audiences with posts, Stories, or Reels.
  • Earnings: Indirect, based on conversions (e.g., website visits, sales) from ads.

Requirements for Earning Money on Instagram

To monetize on Instagram, you typically need:

Pro Tip: Post consistently (1–3 times daily) with high-quality visuals, Reels, and Stories, and use relevant hashtags to boost visibility and monetization opportunities.