How much influencers really earn on Instagram
‘A trusted referral influences people more than the best broadcast message’ - Mark Zuckerberg
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s an irksome truth universally acknowledged that influencers make big bucks on Instagram.
All it takes is one shot of a lithe-limbed, photogenic blogger reclining on a sun lounger, sporting some little-known brand alongside the obligatory tag and #spon.
Depending on their following, this person could be making hundreds from just one, supposedly “candid” photograph.
Feeling mediocre yet?
Beautifully crafted content from all over the globe 🌏. #TopWeeklyContent 🙌✨ #ourTRIBE
A post shared by T R I B E (@tribe) on
You need at least 3,000 followers in order to start making money from your posts, explains TRIBE creator Georgie Cavanagh, who heads up brand partnerships at the influencer marketplace that has represented more than 20,000 influencers since launching two years ago.
So, how exactly does your following dictate your earnings per post?
According to Cavanagh, the typical rate card goes as follows:
3K-10K = $75 – $150
10K-25K = $150 – $220
25K-50K = $220 – $350
50K-100K = $350 – $500
100K+ = $500+
Tribe’s top earners make more than $1,000 (£738) each week thanks to Instagram.
However, most of their “creators” have less than 100,000 followers and so for those with more, their earnings are likely to be even higher.
It’s a good investment too, Cavanagh told Husskie, explaining that brands can now reach 20 times as many consumers by paying a number of ambassadors the same price they once would have paid one.
“Up until now, we’ve been limited in advertising. Having to focus on WHAT is said. Technology now allows us to orchestrate… WHO says it,” she said.
Cavanagh puts the success of influencer marketing down to referral theory.
A post shared by T R I B E (@tribe) on
Social media perpetuates trust between us and the people we follow and therefore when someone we follow offers us a recommendation, it feels personal and is more likely to compel us to making purchases that they suggest.
It mimics the effect of endorsing something to a friend.
Cavanagh also revealed that while the focus used to be on “insta celebrities” with millions of followers, more brands are targeting micro influencers or “everyday content creators” with smaller followings, citing them as “believable” and “relatable.”
Besides, what's more “relatable” than a bikini-clad blogger watching the sunset on a rooftop in Greece at 3pm on a Monday afternoon? #goodvibes
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments