TikTok Growth Lab
How to Make Money on Social Media in 2025, 10+ Ways to Make Money
0 comment
30 Apr, 2025
Introduction
Social media has become a massive global platform for creators and businesses. On average, people spend over 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media, and more than 58% of the world’s population now uses these networks. This huge audience means tremendous potential for earning money. For example, travel creator Gabby Beckford earned about $300,000 in 2023 from Instagram alone. Even smaller accounts can profit: top Instagram influencers have reportedly earned $92,000 per sponsored post (on the low end) and up to $2,000,000 per post. In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to make money on social media. We cover building an audience, creating great content, and using various monetization methods. The advice is beginner-friendly and practical. By following these strategies and examples, newcomers can start generating income from their social presence.
To earn on social media, start by defining your brand and niche. Pick a subject you know or love (e.g., travel, fitness, cooking, tech) and focus your content on that theme. A clear niche makes it easier to attract followers who care about that topic. For example, a TikTok Short Video travel niche account might post destination photos, packing tips, and hotel reviews. By serving a specific audience, you build a loyal community.
Begin building your audience with these steps:
Professional Profile: Use a clear photo or logo and write a concise bio that explains who you are and what value you offer. Include a link to your website or Linktree.
Consistent Posting Schedule: Post regularly (such as 3–5 times per week) so followers know when to expect new content. Consistency keeps you visible on social feeds.
Engage with Others: Like and comment on related accounts, use relevant hashtags, and participate in community conversations. Collaborate with other creators or shout out their content. These actions help attract interested followers.
Even accounts with just a few thousand followers can start making money. Shopify notes that micro-influencers (those with under 10,000 followers) can charge $20–$100 per sponsored post. This shows you don’t need millions of fans to earn; serving a dedicated niche community can be highly profitable. Keep in mind that consistency is key. As HubSpot research emphasizes, “just because you don’t have a large following doesn’t mean you can’t get brand deals”. Regularly posting valuable content builds trust over time. Always maintain authenticity: audiences quickly spot overly salesy or fake posts. In summary, focus on a clear niche, consistent quality content, and genuine engagement as the foundation of how to make money on social media.
Once you have a target audience, your content itself is the product. On any platform, create useful, inspiring, or entertaining posts that fit your niche. Use high-resolution images and well-edited videos with clear, concise messages. Platforms’ algorithms tend to reward content that captures attention (for example, Reels on Instagram or Shorts on YouTube). Experiment with different formats: photos, carousels, short videos, infographics, or even live streams.
Improve engagement by using these tactics:
Tell a Story: People love narratives. Share behind-the-scenes looks or success stories related to your niche. For instance, a fitness coach might record a time-lapse of a workout plan, or a cooking guru might film a step-by-step recipe tutorial.
Follow Trends: Use platform-specific trends to your advantage. On TikTok, participate in viral challenges or use trending music. On Instagram, incorporate Reels trends, popular stickers, or poll stickers in Stories to increase visibility.
Educate or Entertain: Offer real value. Provide tips, tutorials, or interesting facts that your followers want to see. Educational content often holds viewers longer and encourages shares.
Optimize Hashtags and Keywords: Use relevant hashtags (e.g., #travel, #DIY, #health) and keywords in captions so new users can discover your posts. On YouTube, include target keywords in video titles and descriptions.
According to SocialChamp, high-quality content is crucial for any monetization strategy. For example, honest product reviews with real demonstrations build trust, and trust leads to clicks and sales. On Instagram, a polished, cohesive feed will attract brand partnerships. In general, prioritize your audience’s interests: posts that genuinely help or delight followers (not just hard sells) will drive growth and engagement. This growth is the foundation of learning how to make money on social media effectively.
Once you have an engaged following, there are many ways to monetize that presence. Which methods you choose depends on your style, audience size, and platform. The following core strategies work on most social networks:
Influencer marketing is a classic way to make money on social media. In this model, brands pay you to feature their product or service. For instance, a fashion influencer might post an outfit featuring a brand’s clothing, or a cooking creator might highlight a sponsored kitchen gadget. The key is partnering with brands that fit your niche and values. Audiences trust your recommendations, so authentic sponsorships are most effective.
To land deals, build a portfolio of your best posts and engagement stats. When you reach out to brands or join influencer platforms, share your follower count, average likes/comments, and past collaboration examples. Buffer advises that you should “know your worth” when negotiating fees. Research what others in your niche charge (for example, an Instagram creator with 50,000 followers might charge a few thousand dollars per sponsored post). Always disclose sponsored content (e.g., using “#ad” or platform tags) to comply with platform rules and keep follower trust. Note that even with a modest audience, you can start earning. Many micro-influencers make a full-time income by securing several small brand partnerships per month. Focus on creating a win-win: content that integrates products naturally and provides value to your audience.
Affiliate marketing is a commission-based approach. You partner with companies and share special referral links or discount codes. When followers buy products through your links, you earn a commission. This can generate passive income once set up. For example, a tech reviewer might join an electronics retailer’s affiliate program, or a beauty blogger could sign up for cosmetics affiliate links.
The affiliate market is booming — more than $1.5 billion has been invested in affiliate programs recently. To succeed, join reputable programs that fit your niche (like Amazon Associates or niche-specific affiliates). Always genuinely endorse products you trust; audiences will notice if recommendations aren’t honest. Share affiliate links in multiple ways: include them in video descriptions (YouTube, TikTok), use Instagram Stories swipe-up links or link stickers, or add links on your blog or in a newsletter. Shopify notes that affiliate partnerships are a top strategy for creators to turn influence into income. In short, affiliate marketing is a win-win: brands get sales, followers get curated recommendations, and you earn a commission on each sale.
Many platforms offer revenue sharing from advertisements. The flagship example is YouTube’s Partner Program. Once eligible, you can enable ads on your videos. Shopify reports that YouTube has paid over $50 billion to creators in the past three years, illustrating the scale of opportunity. To qualify, a channel typically needs 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch-hours or 10 million Shorts views in the past year. Beyond ads, YouTube also shares revenue from Premium subscribers who watch your content, and provides features like Super Chat, Super Thanks, and channel memberships (fans pay for special perks).
Other platforms have similar programs. TikTok’s Creator Fund (or Rewards Program) pays creators based on video views, though payouts are small (often just a few cents per thousand views). Instagram and Facebook now share ad revenue on IGTV, Reels, or In-stream videos with qualifying creators. Snapchat’s Spotlight and other short-video platforms also pay creators whose content goes viral. Even if ad payouts per view are low, building a large, engaged audience can yield substantial income. Remember, these methods usually require scale: more viewers mean more ad impressions. For beginners, focus on growing watch time and engagement. Once you meet the criteria, turning on ads and fan funding features is an easy way to earn from your content.
Selling products or services to your audience can be very profitable. There are two main categories:
Physical or Digital Products: Many creators sell branded merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, or accessories. With print-on-demand services (e.g., Printful, Teespring), you can sell custom designs without handling inventory. SocialChamp notes that selling merch is a great way to monetize and strengthen your brand identity. Fans wearing your gear become promoters. You can also sell digital products: e-books, photo presets, templates, or online courses. For instance, a photography influencer might offer a paid Lightroom editing tutorial, or a nutrition coach could sell meal-planning guides. Digital products often have high profit margins since they only require one-time creation. Shopify research shows that creating courses or e-books is a common revenue stream for content creators. Promote these products with content teasers: showcase behind-the-scenes of your creation process, share testimonials, and use platform features like Instagram Shopping tags or YouTube product shelves to link directly to your store.
Services and Coaching: If you have expert knowledge, offer it as a service. Fitness trainers sell personalized workout plans, business mentors host coaching calls, and language tutors give lessons. Followers who trust your advice may pay for one-on-one sessions or consultations. This model leverages your credibility directly into income.
Both approaches turn followers into customers. The key is to demonstrate value: a short video or post can show how your product or service solves a problem. This makes followers more likely to purchase. Remember, many top creators diversify: they run ads and brand deals while also selling courses or merch. Combining these strategies can significantly boost your earnings.
Instagram is a highly visual platform with over a billion users. To monetize on Instagram:
Sponsored Posts: Partner with brands for paid posts or Stories. Use Instagram’s “Paid Partnership” tag to disclose sponsorships. Effective sponsored content feels like a natural part of your feed. For example, a food blogger might post a recipe using a sponsored kitchen appliance brand.
Instagram Shopping: If you have products, set up an Instagram Shop. Tag your products in posts and stories so followers can buy directly within the app. This works for both your own merchandise and affiliate products.
IGTV and Reels Ads: Once eligible, you can enable ads in longer IGTV videos or short Reels. Instagram shares a portion of these ad revenues with creators.
Live Badges and Subscriptions: Use Instagram Live frequently. Followers can buy “badges” during a live stream as a form of tipping. Instagram also offers a Subscriptions feature where fans pay monthly for exclusive content (like subscriber-only Lives or Stories).
Affiliate Links: Instagram now allows select creators to share affiliate products in Stories and Reels, earning a commission on sales. Use Link Stickers and Swipe-Up links to direct followers to products.
Success on Instagram requires high-quality visuals. Use photo editing apps or templates to make your content stand out. Engage with your audience through Stories, Q&A stickers, or polls. Even smaller accounts can make money: studies show micro-influencers on Instagram are popular with niche brands. Start by focusing on creating authentic content that appeals to your niche, and gradually introduce monetization as your audience grows.
TikTok’s rapid growth makes it a powerful platform for earning. Its short-video format can lead to viral exposure. Ways to monetize on TikTok include:
Creator Fund and Rewards: Join TikTok’s Creator Fund if you qualify (requirements include a minimum follower count and video views). TikTok pays creators per view (typically a few cents per thousand views). A single viral video can earn tens or hundreds of dollars this way.
Live Gifts: Go live on TikTok and receive virtual gifts from viewers. Fans purchase coins and send virtual gifts during live streams, which convert to real money for the creator. This can be lucrative if you build an engaged fan base.
TikTok Shop and Affiliate Programs: TikTok Shop allows creators to sell products in the app. You can list your own merchandise or dropship items. TikTok also has an affiliate program where creators earn commissions by promoting products. Use affiliate links or product tags in your videos.
Brand Collaborations: Much like Instagram, TikTok creators do sponsored videos for brands. Even creators with tens of thousands of followers can attract sponsors if their engagement is strong.
Merch Promotion: Use TikTok’s wide reach to promote your other revenue streams. For example, mention your online course or e-book in videos and direct viewers to a link in your profile.
To succeed on TikTok, post frequently and use trending sounds/hashtags. Engage in trends early. A key example is creator Nathan Apodaca, whose viral “cranberry juice” skateboarding video led to massive brand attention. That shows how one viral hit on TikTok can dramatically increase earnings. In summary, TikTok offers multiple paths: creator funds and gifts for passive earnings, plus affiliate and branded content for active monetization.
YouTube is essentially a video search engine, and it offers many monetization features:
YouTube Partner Program (YPP): This is the core. Once you have ≥1,000 subscribers and ≥4,000 watch-hours (or 10 million Shorts views) in the past year, you can join YPP. Then you can enable ads in your videos and earn a share of revenue. Shopify notes that YouTube has paid creators $50+ billion through this program recently.
AdSense Revenue: With YPP enabled, you earn money whenever viewers see or click ads in your videos. Longer videos often earn more because they can include multiple ads.
Channel Memberships and Super Chat: Engage with fans via YouTube Live. Viewers can purchase channel memberships (monthly subscriptions) for exclusive perks like emojis or members-only videos. During live streams, fans can pay to highlight their comments (Super Chat) or give other paid stickers.
Merch Shelf: Eligible channels can showcase merchandise under videos. You can sell T-shirts, books, or other goods directly on your channel.
Sponsored Videos and Affiliate Links: Even before YPP, many YouTubers shared affiliate links in descriptions (for example, linking products mentioned in the video). They also do sponsored segments or entire videos for brands, similar to Instagram.
Crowdfunding: Promote platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, or Buy Me a Coffee in your videos. Dedicated fans may sign up to support you monthly in exchange for bonus content.
Growing on YouTube takes time. The initial subscriber and watch-hour requirements are a hurdle for beginners. In the meantime, focus on consistent uploads, SEO-friendly titles/descriptions, and high-quality content. Many YouTubers also diversify by producing merchandise, offering online courses, or doing freelance video projects. The multifaceted nature of YouTube means that once you have an audience, there are numerous ways to earn—ads, products, sponsorships, and more.
To put these strategies into practice, follow these steps:
Set Up and Optimize Your Profiles: Choose 1–2 platforms to start. Complete your bio, profile photo, and links. Make it clear what value you offer.
Define Your Niche: Decide on a specific topic and target audience. Research what content formats (videos, posts, reels, etc.) work best in that niche.
Plan a Content Schedule: Determine how often you will post (e.g., 3× per week). Use a calendar to plan topics in advance so you always have fresh ideas.
Produce Quality Content: Invest time in good visuals or editing. Write clear, helpful captions or scripts. Include calls-to-action (e.g., “Like, comment, or visit my link!”).
Engage with Your Audience: Reply to comments, ask questions, and encourage interaction. Join related communities (Facebook groups, forums) to share your content and learn from peers.
Use Growth Tools: Leverage hashtags and keywords to reach new users. Collaborate with other creators or do shout-outs. Use each platform’s analytics to see which posts perform best, and refine your strategy accordingly.
Start Monetizing Gradually: Once you have a stable audience, pick one monetization method. For example, add one affiliate link in your next post or pitch one brand for a small collaboration. Don’t try to do everything at once.
Experiment and Scale: Track what works. If a strategy succeeds (e.g., a successful sponsored post or popular product), expand on it. Over time, add more revenue streams: maybe launch a course, sell merchandise, or start a Patreon.
Beginner creators should avoid these mistakes:
Chasing Quick Riches: Building an audience and earning income takes time. Beware of “get rich quick” schemes or paying for fake followers. Focus on organic growth.
Inauthentic Content: Always promote only what you personally believe in. Audiences can detect insincerity. If you promote too many irrelevant products, you’ll lose trust (and followers).
Over-Promotion: Balance is key. If every post is a sales pitch, followers will tune out. Aim for a small ratio of promotional content and many helpful or entertaining posts.
Ignoring Platform Rules: Don’t neglect disclosure laws. Always mark sponsored content clearly. Follow each platform’s community guidelines to avoid demonetization or bans.
Neglecting Analytics: Failing to track performance means missed insights. Use built-in analytics (Instagram Insights, YouTube Studio, etc.) to see what content and times work best. Adapt your strategy accordingly.
Spreading Too Thin: It’s better to grow on one or two platforms than to post sporadically on many. Focus your effort where your audience is most active.
Burnout: Content creation can be demanding. Prevent burnout by planning ahead, batching content creation, and taking breaks when needed. Quality beats quantity in the long run.
By avoiding these pitfalls and staying focused on your audience’s needs, you create a sustainable path. Remember that consistency, authenticity, and learning from experience are fundamental to figuring out how to make money on social media in the long term.
Learning how to make money on social media involves patience, creativity, and strategic effort. We have seen that you don’t need to be an overnight sensation to start earning. Even micro-influencers with thousands of followers can generate significant income. The key is to create value for your audience and gradually introduce monetization. As one study shows, billions of users spend countless hours online – the audience is there if you build and engage with it effectively.
Begin with small steps: choose one platform and implement one strategy from this guide. For example, join a brand affiliate program and share a link in your next post, or schedule a regular upload routine. Monitor your results and refine your approach. With persistence and a smart strategy, you can turn your social media presence into a rewarding income stream.
Begin applying these strategies now. Set a clear niche, and explore one new monetization method (like an affiliate link or branded collaboration). Your consistent effort will compound, guiding you on how to make money on social media and grow a thriving online business.
Tiktok Short Videos
Online Teaching Platform
Tiktok Short Videos
TikTok Account Growth
TikTok Growth Lab
0 comment