How to Get Paid for Shoutouts on Instagram (2026 Guide)

You have spent time building your Instagram audience. People know your profile, they comment on your posts, and they trust what you say. That trust has real value. Brands and creators will pay you to tap into that attention. Getting paid for shoutouts on Instagram is one of the most direct ways to turn your influence into income. You do not need a million followers to start. You need an engaged audience and a clear plan. 

This guide shows you exactly how to find paying clients, set your rates, and deliver shoutouts that keep money coming in. If you have been wondering how to get paid for Instagram shoutouts, you are in the right place.

What Are Paid Instagram Shoutouts?

A paid shoutout happens when a brand or another creator pays you to feature their account, product, or service on your page. You might post a photo, create a Reel, or mention them in a Story. The goal is to introduce your audience to their profile. These promotions work because people trust recommendations from accounts they already follow. Paid shoutouts on Instagram differ from regular content because money changes hands. You become a marketing channel for someone else. If you are curious about how to get paid for Instagram shoutout opportunities, the process starts with understanding what you are selling: access to your audience’s attention .

How Much Can You Earn from Instagram Shoutouts?

Your earnings depend on your follower count and how much your audience engages with you. Micro-influencers with 1,000 to 10,000 followers typically earn $5 to $25 per shoutout. Accounts with 10,000 to 100,000 followers can charge $25 to $200. If you have over 100,000 engaged followers, you might earn $200 to $2,000 or more per post . These numbers vary by niche. Finance and business accounts usually command higher rates than general entertainment pages. When people search for how much they earn money from Instagram shoutouts, they often discover that engagement matters more than sheer numbers. A smaller account with loyal, active followers can outperform a larger account with passive audiences .

How to Get Paid for Instagram Shoutouts?

You know the potential. Now you need a system to land those paid deals.

Step 1: Know Your Numbers 

Brands will ask about your reach before they pay you. Check your Instagram Insights. Look at your average views on Reels, your story completion rate, and your comment numbers. If you have 50,000 followers, you should aim for 1,000 to 5,000 views per post as a solid engagement baseline. This data proves your audience is real and active. 

Can I earn money from Instagram reels? 

Yes, and those view counts become powerful proof when you pitch brands. You can also explore structured learning plans like those from Legit Academy, which offers templates and strategies to monetize even with modest follower counts.

Step 2: Find the Right Partners 

Look for brands or creators in your niche. If you post about fitness, target supplement companies or activewear brands. You can find them by searching relevant hashtags or checking who your competitors work with. Send a direct message with a clear proposal. Introduce yourself, share your engagement stats, and explain why their product fits your audience. You can also list your profile on marketplaces like Social Spot, where brands actively buy shoutouts on Instagram at their desired prices .

Step 3: Set Your Rates and Get Paid 

Decide on your pricing before you start negotiating. Base it on your reach and the effort required. A simple story mention costs less than a dedicated Reel or post. Once you agree on terms, clarify payment methods. Many creators use PayPal, Venmo, or bank transfers. You should ask for payment before you post, especially when starting out. This answers the common question: how to get paid for Instagram shoutout arrangements smoothly and professionally .

Step 4: Deliver a High-Quality Shoutout 

Create content that feels natural, not like a random ad. Introduce the brand, explain why you like them, and tell your audience what to do. Use clear calls to action (CTAs) like “check out their page” or “use my code for a discount.” Tag the account properly and add relevant hashtags. A good shoutout benefits both you and the brand. If you want to earn money by doing Instagram shoutouts, delivering excellent work leads to repeat clients and referrals .

Types of Shoutouts You Can Offer

Different clients want different formats. Offering variety makes you more appealing.

• Story Shoutouts: These appear in your Stories and disappear after 24 hours unless you save them as highlights. They feel authentic and casual. Brands often use them for quick shoutouts or to promote time-sensitive offers.
• Feed Post Shoutouts: A permanent post on your grid gives the brand lasting visibility. You might feature their product in a photo or create a carousel explaining why you recommend them.
• Reel Shoutouts: Reels currently get the most reach on Instagram. Creating a short video featuring a brand can deliver massive exposure. If you wonder how much does Instagram pay for 1000 views, Reels are your best bet because they attract non-followers and can go viral .
• Collaborative Posts (Instagram Collab): Instagram now lets two accounts co-author a post or Reel. The content appears on both profiles and shares engagement. This looks more organic than a traditional shoutout and helps both accounts grow together. You can use this feature to create mutually beneficial promotions with other creators.

How to Make Money on Instagram Without Followers?

Maybe your account is still growing. You can still earn. You do not need thousands of followers to start making money from shoutouts. You can offer shoutouts to smaller brands or local businesses in your area. They often value authentic recommendations from real people over massive reach. You can also learn how to make money on instagram without followers by offering to manage shoutouts for others. If you understand the platform, you can help businesses find creators to promote them. Some platforms, like Shoutcart, allow you to hire influencers on behalf of brands. You could act as a middleman, connecting brands with creators and taking a fee.

Using Instagram’s Built-In Money Tools

Shoutouts are external income. Instagram also offers ways to earn directly on the platform, which complements your paid promotion strategy.

How to Enable Badges on Instagram 

Badges let your followers support you during Live videos. Viewers buy badges that highlight their comments and show they support your content. To use this feature, go to your professional dashboard, find the badges section, and follow the setup instructions. You need at least 10,000 followers or to be part of Instagram’s tested programs. When you go live, you can encourage your audience to earn money from Instagram after 10k followers by purchasing badges. This creates another income stream alongside your paid shoutouts.

How to Get Paid by Instagram as a Creator 

Instagram’s creator payout programs include Reels bonuses and subscriptions. The Reels Play Bonus pays you based on your Reel performance. Subscriptions let you charge a monthly fee for exclusive content. These programs require you to meet eligibility criteria, usually including a minimum follower count and adherence to policies. You can earn money from Instagram by post through these native tools, especially as your account grows.

Pricing Strategies for Instagram Shoutouts

Setting the right price matters. Price too low and you leave money on the table. Price too high and brands look elsewhere. Use your engagement rate as your guide. If you have high engagement, you can charge premium rates. For example, an account with 20,000 followers and an 8% engagement rate (1,600 engaged people) might be more valuable than an account with 50,000 followers and 1% engagement (500 engaged people). When considering how much earn money from Instagram shoutouts, think about the value you provide to the brand. You are giving them access to people who trust you. That trust is worth protecting and pricing fairly.

You can also offer package deals. A brand might pay for a Story shoutout, a feed post, and a Reel at a discounted bundle rate. This encourages larger commitments and recurring income.

Where to Find Paid Shoutout Opportunities?

You do not have to wait for brands to find you. Go find them.

Direct Outreach 

Make a list of 20 to 30 brands you genuinely like or that fit your niche. Follow them, engage with their content, and then send a professional pitch. Mention specific things you appreciate about their products. Brands receive dozens of generic messages daily. Personalization helps you stand out.

Instagram Shoutout Marketplaces 

Platforms like Social Spot and Shoutcart connect creators with buyers. You create a profile, list your rates, and brands book shoutouts directly. These marketplaces handle payments and provide some protection for both parties. They answer the question of how to make money from Instagram shouts by creating a structured marketplace where buyers actively look for promoters.

Creator Networks and Agencies 

As you gain experience, you might join an influencer marketing agency. They represent you to larger brands and negotiate deals on your behalf. They take a percentage of your fee but save you time and connect you with higher-paying clients.

Create Content That Attracts Brands

Your content acts as your portfolio. Brands scroll through your feed before they decide to pay you. Make sure your content shows you in the best light.

Show Your Personality 

People follow people, not generic pages. Let your unique voice come through in your captions and videos. Brands want to work with authentic creators who connect with their audience.

Mix Promoted Content with Regular Posts 

If every post is a paid promotion, your audience stops trusting you. Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% valuable, engaging content for your followers, and 20% paid partnerships or promotions. This keeps your community engaged and eager to see your content. You will also learn how to earn money from Instagram after 10k followers by maintaining the trust that got you there in the first place.

Highlight Past Collaborations 

Create a story highlight or a dedicated section in your bio showcasing brands you have worked with. This social proof makes you more attractive to future clients.

Combining Shoutouts with Other Income Streams

Paid shoutouts work well alongside other monetization methods.

Affiliate Marketing 

Share products you love and include an affiliate link. You earn a commission on sales. You can mention these products in your shoutouts or regular content. Check out Spocket affiliates.

Selling Products 

If you have your own products, shoutouts become a two-way street. You can pay other creators to promote your items. You can find trending dropshipping products to promote or sell directly. Platforms like Spocket help you source products to sell, and their dropshipping model means you do not hold inventory. You can also explore print-on-demand options to create custom merchandise. Spocket has no MOQs, so you can start small without financial risk. Once you have products, you can promote your Instagram shop through your content and paid shoutouts from other creators.

User-Generated Content (UGC) 

Brands increasingly hire creators to make content for them, even if the creator does not post it on their own page. If you enjoy creating videos and photos, you can get paid to produce content that brands use in their own ads. Many brands look for UGC influencers to create authentic promotional material.

Track Your Shoutout Performance

To keep getting paid, you need to prove your value. After you post a shoutout, send the brand a simple report. Include screenshots of your insights showing reach, likes, comments, and any follower growth they received. This professionalism encourages them to book you again. When they search online for answers to how to get paid for Instagram shoutouts, your reliable service will make you their first choice.

Conclusion

Getting paid for shoutouts on Instagram turns your social media presence into a real income source. You do not need a massive following. You need an engaged audience, a professional approach, and the confidence to ask for fair payment. Start with smaller brands, deliver excellent work, and build your reputation. Over time, you will attract better clients and earn higher rates. Whether you are just starting or looking to grow your existing income, paid shoutouts offer a flexible and accessible path. Remember to track your results, protect your audience’s trust, and always look for ways to improve your content. Your Instagram account is an asset. Treat it like one.