Everything you need to know about Instagram Subscriptions

Are you looking for a way to turn your Instagram passion into a sustainable income stream? With Instagram Subscriptions, creators can monetize their content directly on the platform. Instagram has long been a powerful tool for connection and growth, but until recently, influencers and creators had to rely solely on brand deals to make money. 

Launched in 2022, Instagram Subscriptions offers a new way for creators to generate income by providing exclusive content to their most engaged followers. This innovative feature allows creators to establish a recurring revenue stream while offering added value to their audience. Ready to learn more about leveraging Instagram Subscriptions to boost your earnings? Read on to discover everything you need to know about this monetization tool.

What are Instagram Subscriptions?

Instagram Subscriptions is a feature designed to help content creators monetize their accounts by offering exclusive content and benefits to their most dedicated followers. For a monthly fee, followers can access premium content such as subscribers-only Reels, live streams, and broadcast channels.

For creators, this means more control over their income and the ability to provide a tailored experience to their subscribers. The subscription fees range from $0.99 to $99.99 monthly, allowing creators to choose a pricing model that best suits their audience. However, it’s important to note that only one pricing model can be activated at a time, meaning creators cannot offer multiple tiers of content at different price points.

Also Read: 15 actionable tips to get free YouTube subscribers

Exclusive features of Instagram Subscriptions

Instagram Subscriptions offer various features to help content creators monetize their accounts by providing exclusive content to their most dedicated followers. These features generate predictable income and enhance audience engagement.

1. Subscriber lives

Subscriber lives are exclusive live streams for subscribers, allowing real-time interaction. Whether it’s a Q&A, behind-the-scenes look, or tutorial, these sessions deepen audience engagement and make subscribers feel valued.

2. Subscriber stories

Subscriber stories, similar to the Close Friends feature, are visible only to subscribers. By selecting the purple circle, creators can share tailored content like sneak peeks, updates, or interactive story stickers, fostering a closer connection with top followers.

P.S. Here’s all you need to know about Instagram candid stories!

3. Subscriber badges

Subscriber Badges highlight subscribers with purple badges next to their comments and messages, making it easy for creators to identify and engage with them. This recognition builds loyalty and encourages more subscriptions.

4. Subscriber posts and Reels

Subscriber posts and Reels allow creators to share exclusive content directly to their feed. Unlike stories, these posts and Reels remain on the profile, offering lasting value. This feature is ideal for tutorials, in-depth discussions, or special announcements, keeping subscribers engaged.

Related Read: How do you view saved Instagram Reels?

5. Subscriber broadcast channels

Subscriber broadcast channels enable creators to communicate with their entire subscriber base. These one-to-many messaging tools are perfect for updates, polls, and announcements, fostering a sense of community among subscribers.

6. Subscriber chats

Subscriber chats, powered by Messenger, are temporary group chats for up to 30 subscribers, initiated via a “join chat” sticker on stories. These chats automatically end after 24 hours, providing a structured way to engage directly with your audience through AMAs or topic discussions.

7. Subscriber highlights

Subscriber highlights ensure exclusive content remains accessible. These saved collections of Subscriber stories are visible only to subscribers. Highlights offer a curated archive of premium content, enhancing subscription value and encouraging long-term engagement.

8. Subscriber home

Subscriber home is your hub for all subscriber content, located on the crown tab of your profile. It provides immediate value to subscribers by offering a catalog of exclusive content from the moment they join. This centralized location makes it easy for subscribers to access and enjoy your premium content.

Setting up Instagram Subscriptions

Instagram Subscriptions provide a valuable way for creators to monetize their content by offering exclusive perks to their most dedicated followers. Here’s how to set up Instagram Subscriptions, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, activate the feature, receive payouts, and encourage your followers to subscribe.

Eligibility criteria for Instagram Subscriptions

Before you can set up Instagram Subscriptions, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria:

1. Age and account type: You must be 18 and have a professional Instagram account (Creator or Business).
2. Follower count: Your account must have at least 10,000 followers.
3. Compliance: You must comply with Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies, Community Standards, and Content Monetization Policies.
4. Location: You must reside in an eligible country. Instagram Subscriptions are available in regions including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and several others. 

If you meet these criteria, you can set up Instagram Subscriptions.

Step-by-step guide to activate Subscriptions

1. Visit your professional dashboard:

• Open Instagram and navigate to your profile.
• Tap on the Professional Dashboard.

2. Access Subscription settings:

• Tap the gear icon in the top right corner of your Professional Dashboard.
• Select “Subscriptions” from the list.

3. Get started with Subscriptions:

• On the next screen, click “Get Started.”
• Agree to the Instagram Subscription Creator Terms of Use and tap “Next.”
• 

4. Set your Subscription price:

• Instagram provides preset price points ranging from $0.99 to $99.99 monthly.
• Choose a price point that offers value to both you and your followers. A calculator at the bottom of the screen can help you estimate potential monthly earnings based on your number of followers.
• Tap “Publish” and “Create” to finalize your subscription setup.
• 

5. Enable Subscriptions:

• Once activated, a “Subscribe” button will appear on your profile.
• Your followers will be notified of your subscription offering in their activity feed.

How to receive payouts

To get paid for your Instagram Subscriptions, follow these steps to set up your payout account:

1. Set up payout account

• From the Professional Dashboard, select “Payouts.”
• Click on “Update Payout Method.”

2. Connect your payout account

• Choose the type of payout account you want to connect. You can add a bank account or a PayPal account.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

3. Payout threshold

• You must earn at least $100 before receiving your first payout.
• Once you reach this threshold, payouts will be processed monthly. For example, earnings accrued in November will be paid out at the end of December.
• 4. View earnings
• Through the Payout settings in your Professional Dashboard, you can view and download PDFs of your monthly Instagram earnings.

How to manage your subscribers’ list

1. Remove subscribers

• Access the list of subscribers from the Professional Dashboard.
• Go to your profile, tap Professional Dashboard > Subscriptions > Subscribers.
• Find and remove subscribers as needed. They will still follow you and can subscribe again.

2. Manage removed subscribers

• Allow previously removed subscribers to subscribe again by going to Professional Dashboard > Subscriptions > Removed subscribers.
• Find the subscriber, tap more actions, and select Allow to subscribe.

Also Read: Social media crisis: How to handle it as a content creator

Strategies for promoting your Instagram Subscriptions

Once you’ve enabled Instagram Subscriptions, the next step is to get subscribers in the door to enjoy your created content. Use these tactics to promote your new subscription to your followers.

Integrate Subscriptions into your promotional content

Start incorporating your subscription into your promotional content. If you’re already promoting online courses, eBooks, workshops, or other offerings, begin mentioning your subscription and its benefits. Explain why your followers should subscribe and what exclusive content they’ll receive. Highlight the value and uniqueness of your subscription to attract interest.

Use the story Subscription sticker

Leverage Instagram stories to promote your subscription. Use the subscription sticker available in the sticker menu, which viewers can click to be taken directly to your subscription page. This makes it easy for your followers to subscribe with minimal effort. Regularly feature stories about the exclusive content your subscribers can access, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.

Showcase a sneak peek of subscriber content

A subscription preview allows potential subscribers to taste what they’ll receive. You can select up to three posts or reels that are part of your exclusive content and make them visible to all followers. Rotate these previews periodically to keep the content fresh and engaging. This teaser helps followers decide whether to subscribe by giving them a glimpse of the premium content they’ll gain access to.

Partner with fellow creators

Partnering with other creators or experts in your niche can add tremendous value to your subscription. Collaborate to produce exclusive content that both your audiences will appreciate. Cross-promote each other’s subscriptions, and consider sharing a percentage of new subscriptions with your collaborators. This strategy enhances your subscription offering and expands your reach to new potential subscribers.

Offer free trial periods

Free trials can be an effective way to attract new subscribers. Offer a 14-day free trial during which fans can access your exclusive content without any initial commitment. 

How to activate free trials:

• Go to your profile.
• Tap Professional Dashboard.
• Tap Subscriptions.
• Under Manage, tap Subscription details.
• Toggle on Free trial.

You’ll be notified in-app three days before free trials are automatically turned on, and you can opt out during this period if desired. If fans cancel within the trial period, they won’t be charged. They’ll be automatically converted to a recurring monthly subscription if they continue. To opt out of free trials, follow the same steps and toggle off the Free trial.

Offer special discounts

Offering promotional discounts can entice more followers to subscribe. Here are two effective discount strategies:

Next 5 subscriber discount: 

Offer a 50% discount to the next five subscribers.

How to Activate Next 5 Subscriber Discount:

• Go to your profile.
• Tap more options in the top right.
• Tap Creator.
• Tap Subscriptions.
• Tap Subscription details.
• Turn the Next 5 promo toggle on.

You can turn off the discount anytime, but those who claim it will keep it for the life of their subscription. To extend the discount to more people, re-enable the promo for another set of five discounts. Your followers will receive a notification about the discount, which remains valid as long as they maintain their subscription.

Engage actively with your subscribers

Make sure to actively engage with your subscribers. Respond to their comments and messages, host exclusive Q&A sessions, and give them shoutouts. The more you interact with them, the more valued they’ll feel, increasing their likelihood to remain subscribed. Use the subscriber badge feature to identify and prioritize interactions with paying followers quickly.

The benefits of Instagram Subscriptions

Instagram Subscriptions provide content creators a powerful tool to monetize their content while building deeper connections with their audience. Here are five key benefits of using Instagram Subscriptions:

1. Secure monthly income

One of the most significant advantages of Instagram Subscriptions is the ability to secure a steady monthly income. For many creators, relying solely on brand deals and one-off projects can be unpredictable. With subscriptions, you can establish a consistent revenue stream that provides financial stability. This recurring income allows you to focus more on creating high-quality content rather than constantly searching for the next paid opportunity. As your subscriber base grows, so does your income, helping you sustain and grow your creator business.

Related Read: How to make money as a social media influencer in 2024

1. Build deeper connections with engaged followers

Instagram Subscriptions enable you to foster stronger and more meaningful relationships with your most engaged followers. Subscribers are often your most loyal fans, and by offering them exclusive content, you create a sense of community and belonging. Features like subscriber badges help you quickly identify and prioritize interactions with paying followers, ensuring their comments and messages are not lost. This focused engagement can lead to valuable feedback and ideas from your top supporters, enhancing your content and building loyalty.

1. Predictable revenue independent of algorithms

Creating content through a subscription model means your revenue isn’t tied to the unpredictable nature of social media algorithms. This financial predictability allows you to plan and produce content confidently, knowing you have a stable income regardless of any changes in the platform’s algorithm. It also means you can invest more time and resources into developing content that truly resonates with your audience rather than chasing trends to stay visible.

1. Strengthen your personal brand

By offering exclusive content through subscriptions, you can differentiate yourself from other creators and strengthen your brand. Subscribers are willing to pay for access because they find unique value in your offer. This exclusivity enhances your brand’s appeal and positions you as an authority in your niche. Over time, as you consistently deliver premium content to your subscribers, you can build a reputation that attracts more followers and potential subscribers.

Final thoughts

Instagram Subscriptions let creators earn money by offering special content to their followers. This feature is important for building a steady income and connecting more with your audience.

Given the increasingly saturated social media space with more users joining daily, Instagram Subscriptions are an effective way to stay relevant and visible to your loyal followers. To make the most of this feature, set up your subscription, promote it, and engage with your subscribers to maintain loyalty and grow your channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable a subscription on Instagram?

To enable a subscription to Instagram:

• Go to your Instagram profile.
• Tap on the Professional Dashboard.
• Select “Subscriptions.”
• Follow the prompts to set up your subscription.
• Choose your subscription price.
• Agree to the terms.

How many followers do you need for an Instagram subscription?

You need at least 10,000 followers to be eligible for Instagram Subscriptions. Additionally, you must be at least 18, have a professional Instagram account (Creator or Business), and comply with Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies and community guidelines.

Can I change my subscription price after setting it?

Yes, you can change your subscription price at any time. However, the new price will only apply to new subscribers. Existing subscribers will continue to pay the original price they signed up for unless they cancel and resubscribe at the new rate.

Is Instagram Subscriptions available in all countries?

Instagram Subscriptions are not available in all countries. The feature is currently available in specific regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and several others. Instagram plans to expand availability to more regions over time, so it’s essential to stay updated on any announcements from Instagram.

What type of content can I offer through Instagram Subscriptions?

With Instagram Subscriptions, you can offer a wide range of exclusive content to your subscribers, including Subscriber Lives, Stories, Posts, Reels, Broadcast Channels, and more. You can also engage your subscribers through features like Subscriber Chats and Highlights, providing a comprehensive and personalized experience for your most dedicated followers.