In 2022, Meta introduced Instagram Subscriptions to help content creators make a living by monetizing content.
Using Subscriptions, creators can establish a stronger connection with audiences. At the same time, they can increase their monthly income by giving subscribers access to exclusive content.
In this post, we’ll cover how Instagram Subscriptions work and the steps for setting them up. We’ll also cover restrictions to keep in mind and other aspects. Based on this information, you can decide if the Instagram Subscription feature will benefit you.
How Instagram Subscriptions Work
The main goal behind Instagram Subscriptions is to help content creators earn money.
Through Instagram Subscriptions, content creators can encourage audiences to subscribe to them. In exchange for this subscription, audiences gain access to more content and advantages. This gives them more of an incentive to subscribe.
A few of the key features available through Instagram Subscriptions include:
More Predictable Revenue
Users can build more predictable income through monthly subscriptions. With more people paying regularly, you can better determine how much you’ll make from month to month.
Support from Audiences
Instagram Subscriptions offer a great way for content creators to receive audience support. In turn, you’ll show your audience that you truly value them by rewarding them for contributing to your channel.
Added Benefits
Instagram Subscriptions also give you the chance to better connect with your community.
For example, you can build a group exclusive to subscribers. You can also offer exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes footage or Lives content.
As you build a following of fans with an Instagram subscription, you’ll see many benefits.
More predictable income helps gauge the lucrativeness of your content campaigns. Meanwhile, you can build a unique brand around your Subscription experience. For your subscribers, you can tailor content that speaks to them and encourages them to keep their Instagram followers subscription. In the process, you’ll set yourself apart from other creators on the platform.
How to Set Up Instagram Subscriptions
The Instagram Subscription feature is easy to set up. All you need to do is choose how much to charge per month on the app. Then, all a user needs to do is tap “Subscribe.”
To get set up, you’ll need to:
- Open the professional dashboard on Instagram.
- Choose Set up subscriptions, which you can also achieve through settings.
- Select Next.
- You can read through the terms and agree to them. Then tap Next again.
- Choose publish and then create.
After you set up Instagram Subscriptions, your Instagram followers will receive a notification. This notification will let users know they can subscribe to access more benefits. This will help boost subscriptions and your earnings.
Instagram Subscription Restrictions
As of 2022, the main restrictions for Instagram Subscriptions revolve around location. Now, only users in the U.S. can incorporate the Instagram Subscription feature. And only select creatives.
This may change in the future, but only American content creators can use it in the meantime. This is due to the fact that Instagram is still testing the feature.
What Are Subscriber Lives, Stories, and Badges?
Depending on the subscription type, content creators can offer different content types. These include Subscriber Lives, Stories, and Badges. The following is a breakdown of each of these benefits.
Subscriber Lives
Content creators can use Instagram paid subscriptions to showcase Lives exclusive to subscribers. These are live streams that drive more engagement with audiences.
Subscriber Stories
Creators can create stories for Instagram followers. This enables creators to share more exclusive content. Additionally, you can use interactive story stickers with only your most engaged followers.
Subscriber Badges
These are badges that appear next to subscribers’ comments and messages that let creators see who their subscribers are. This makes it easier to thank them personally, give shoutouts, and recognize in other ways.
Examples of Subscriber-Only Content
You can use various types of content to connect with subscribers. With the right kind of content and experiences, you’ll give people plenty of incentive to stay subscribed.
Depending on the type of content you create and your industry, here are some content ideas:
Private Coaching
If you coach or believe you can do so, private coaching is ideal to offer. Business, social media, and life coaches often offer private coaching to subscribers. This would encourage more people to subscribe if they like your services. You can also learn from your experience to continue improving these skills.
Private Classes
Another way to engage subscribers is to offer private classes. Creators can teach many skills they specialize in to educate audiences.
Some examples of classes could include painting, dancing, fitness, or photography courses. Teaching these classes will show that you’re willing to share your skills with others. In the process, you’ll help them reach your level of expertise.
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes
Whether you’re an individual content creator or part of a team, behind-the-scenes footage is appealing to audiences.
There are many ways to go about creating this footage. For instance, you could show you and your crew setting up a set in time-lapse footage. This could be impressive if you develop unique and elaborate set pieces.
If you’re a business owner, you can show employees at work and highlight staff members or departments.
VIP Event Passes
If you’re hosting or attending a live event and streaming it, offer subscribers VIP passes. You’ll attract more subscribers if you can convince them they’ll be missing out.
When promoting an Instagram event, connect with all audiences and highlight the specifics. This could get more people to become loyal through an Instagram followers subscription.
Of course, feel free to test different types of exclusive content and benefits. You may find that your followers are more responsive to specific types of content. Also, you may want to make sure you update with more frequency for your followers to keep them subscribed.
The Cost of an Instagram Subscription
The Instagram Subscription model offers plenty of price points to make it versatile. This ensures that there’s a plan suitable for every content creator and follower.
Creators can choose from eight different price points. The initial price for an Instagram-paid subscription is $0.99 per month, which goes up to $99.99. The key is to determine the value of the content you offer and what audiences are willing to pay. And the price-specific price points include $0.99, $1.99, $2.99, and $4.99 below the $9.99 threshold. Plans then go up to $19.99, $49.99, and $99.99. Keep in mind that all plans are monthly subscriptions.
If you’re worried that Instagram may collect a fee, it won’t. Instagram has made it clear that creators won’t need to pay a fee until at least 2023. This makes Instagram Subscriptions great for maximizing profits from Instagram.
The Pros of Using Instagram Subscriptions
Instagram Subscriptions offer several advantages that benefit both content creators and subscribers. Here are the specific reasons why you should consider using Instagram paid subscriptions.
As a Subscriber
The main benefit for subscribers is access to exclusive content. Many subscribers have become loyal to their favorite content creators. As such, they want to get as much content as they can. Regardless of genre, subscribers can find what they want with an Instagram paid subscription. Support also inspires creators to generate more content, which further benefits loyal fans.
As a Content Creator
Content creators benefit from the Instagram Subscription feature in a few ways.
The first is the ability to increase online revenue through Instagram. Having regular subscribers also makes revenue streams more predictable. In addition, Instagram paid subscriptions make it easier than ever to connect with audiences. Ensure your followers remain engaged with your profile with high-quality exclusive content. You can also draw even more traffic to your website with links in Instagram content.
With high-value subscriptions, everyone benefits. Whether you’re a subscriber or a content creator, the Instagram Subscription feature is a great addition.
Mark Zuckerburg Discusses Instagram Subscriptions
Decide Whether Instagram Subscriptions Are Right for You
If you’re a content creator who wants to make more money and attract a loyal following, consider Instagram paid subscriptions. On the other hand, you may not find it to be of value for certain reasons. For instance, your following might be too small at the moment. This might not make it worth offering exclusive content. You may also want to use the platform for occasional posts and don’t have time to produce exclusive content.
When it comes down to it, the Instagram Subscription feature offers certain benefits that make it worthwhile. It’s up to you to determine whether it’s worth implementing it as a content creator.
