Curious about earning through social media? You’re in the right spot. With the expanding creator economy, it’s prime time to dive into full- or part-time content creation. From brand deals to freelance work, we’ll explore 9 avenues that influencers & creators make money in 2024.
Content Creators vs Influencers: How Are They Different?
You might have noticed “content creator” and “influencer” being used interchangeably, but there’s a distinction.
In essence, a content creator crafts digital content, while an influencer is a social media figure who persuades their audience to buy the products or services they endorse.
Yet, there’s frequently an overlap, with many creators and influencers adept at personal branding, content making, and promotion.
How Much Money Do Influencers & Creators Make?
Since the creator industry is still relatively new, there isn’t a universal pricing rule—it varies based on creators’ niche, approach, and experience.
For brand partnerships, many brands start at $250-$450 for every 10K followers.
However, creators with diverse income sources like social media consulting, templates, or courses can earn much more.
The bottom line? Content creation offers earning potential with numerous opportunities. Whether you’re a beginner or going full-time, check out our top 11 tips below.
How Creators & Influencers Can Make Money in 2024
#1: Expand Your Social Media Audience on Various Platforms
Starting with one social platform is smart for beginners, allowing you to nurture an active community.
As you progress, cross-promotion becomes essential.
For instance, if you’re on Instagram, consider adapting your Reels content for TikTok and YouTube.
This approach broadens your reach across multiple platforms, creating more chances for advertising income, collaborations, and brand deals.
#2: Collab With Other Influencers and Creators
Collaborating with influencers and creators in your niche isn’t just a way to connect with potential followers—it’s also a money-making opportunity.
The exposure is invaluable whether it’s for product launches, online courses, or hosting Instagram giveaways.
Our tip? Make the most of Instagram Collabs.
Introduced in June 2021, this feature lets you co-create content with fellow Instagram users, ensuring the post appears on both of your profiles.
You’ll combine views, likes, and comments, allowing you to interact with each other’s communities (and potentially earn money) all in one place.
#3: Offer Your Products and Influencer Merchandise
As an artist, you likely understand how social media can help you reach potential buyers.
However, your selling potential extends beyond that.
From T-shirts, hoodies, and phone cases to eBooks and downloadable templates, there are various options available.
Consider what aligns with your niche and audience. Chances are, your followers will be eager to back you.
Some creators and influencers have evolved into entrepreneurs alongside their social media presence.
#4: Create Exclusive Content on Patreon
If you’ve built a strong online community, you can offer paid memberships on Patreon.
This allows your most devoted followers to access unique content not available elsewhere.
From bonus podcast episodes and behind-the-scenes videos to extra articles and vlogs, you can generate a steady income.
Creators and influencers can earn up to $1,000 monthly on Patreon, depending on their following and reward tiers ranging from $2 to $10.
#5: Partner with Brands for Sponsorships
Having a substantial social media following makes you influential, and brands are eager to pay for your promotion to your audience.
Brand sponsorships can encompass various forms, such as Instagram in-feed posts or TikTok videos.
Brand partnerships are a prevalent source of income for creators and influencers, and with brands earning approximately $4.87 for every $1 spent on campaigns, these collaborations will persist in 2024.
If you’re thinking about teaming up with a brand, this is the moment to do it.
#6: Join Platform Creator Funds
In case you missed it: creating content is a real job, and platforms pay creators and influencers for their top-performing posts.
Although TikTok’s Creator Fund is no longer available, there are still opportunities to earn money by producing high-performing content.
Some examples include:
- YouTube Shorts Fund
- LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Program
- Snapchat Spotlight Fund
Earnings from creator funds vary due to several factors. For potential earnings, visit the linked websites above.
#7: Explore Affiliate Marketing
Have a follower ask about your cool new t-shirt? With affiliate marketing, you can turn your response into extra income.
In essence, you earn a commission for driving traffic (and sales) on behalf of brands. Influencers use trackable links (affiliate links) or unique promo codes to monitor clicks and purchases.
While affiliate links can be profitable, they aren’t a get-rich-quick scheme, so patience is essential. Most programs require a completed sale for commission payment, with a minimum payout threshold of around $100. It’s a small price to pay for sharing a link on your Instagram Story.
#8: Earn with Instagram Subscriptions
Similar to Patreon, Instagram creators can monetize exclusive content through Instagram Subscriptions. This offers a new income avenue from Reels and feed posts.
Creators can choose from eight subscription price points, ranging from $0.99 to $99.99 per month, offering substantial earning potential.
You can manage it all directly within the Instagram app, so there are no excuses not to start making money.
#9: Teach on Skillshare or Another Learning Platform
Online learning is booming, with platforms like Skillshare and Udemy democratizing education.
Becoming an instructor on these platforms can establish you as a thought leader and attract engaged followers across your channels.
Top teachers on platforms like Skillshare can earn up to $100,000 USD annually, covering a wide range of subjects from fashion design to email marketing. Your class is ready!