Are you an Instagram enthusiast who spends hours creating captivating IGTV content? If so, how can you turn your passion for creating videos into a source of income? In this blog post, we’ll explore the strategies and methods to help you how to monetize Instagram IGTV and turn your hobby into a profitable venture.
Understanding how to monetize Instagram igtv
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of monetization, let’s clarify what IGTV is and how it differs from regular Instagram posts. IGTV (Instagram TV) is a standalone video platform within Instagram that allows users to upload and share longer video content, typically ranging from 1 to 60 minutes.
Unlike regular Instagram posts, IGTV videos are designed for more extended, engaging content. This presents a unique opportunity for creators to monetize their videos and earn revenue while delivering valuable content to their audience.
How IGTV Monetization Works
Instagram offers various methods for creators to monetize their IGTV videos:
IGTV Ads: Creators can earn a share of the revenue generated from ads that appear in their IGTV videos. Instagram Booster places ads at various intervals during the video, and creators receive a portion of the ad revenue based on factors like video engagement and viewership.
Sponsored Content: Creators can partner with brands or businesses to create sponsored IGTV content. Brands pay creators to feature their products or services in their videos. This can be a lucrative way to monetize IGTV channel if you have a substantial following and niche audience.
Affiliate Marketing: By promoting products or services in your IGTV videos and using affiliate links, you can earn commissions on sales generated through your unique affiliate links. Be transparent with your audience about affiliate partnerships to maintain trust.
Sell Digital Products: If you have valuable knowledge or expertise to share, consider creating and selling digital products, such as e-books, online courses, or presets related to your content. Promote these products in your IGTV videos and direct viewers to purchase them.
Offer Exclusive Content: Implement a subscription model where your followers can access exclusive IGTV content by paying a monthly fee. This can provide a steady stream of income for creators with dedicated audiences.
Steps How to Monetize Instagram IGTV
IGTV ads are one of the many ways to monetize your Instagram account. As previously mentioned, one of them is partnering with brands and promoting their products or services in exchange for cash. This method is the legacy way of monetizing your Instagram account, and it can be cumbersome. As such, Instagram has a Brand Collabs Manager connecting creators to potential brand partners. Instagram has also recently introduced badges in live sessions, which creators can use to make money. To incentivize users to purchase these badges, Instagram gives them access to additional features in return.
A user who has purchased a badge will have their name with a heart icon next to it in the live comment section. Additionally, their name will also appear on the list of names visible to the creator during the live session. Besides, those who purchase a badge access a special heart emoji to chat with during the session. One heart badge cost $0.99; two go for $1.99 and three for $4.99. This is an easier way to create money from Instagram by receiving support from your loyal fans.
Now that you understand the avenues available for IGTV monetization, let’s explore the steps to get started:
- Build Your Audience
A significant following is crucial for successful monetization. Focus on creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. Use relevant hashtags, collaborate with other creators, and engage with your followers to grow your audience.
- Optimize Your IGTV Channel
Create an attractive and organized IGTV channel. Use a clear profile picture, write a compelling bio, and organize your videos into playlists to make navigation easier for viewers.
- Apply for IGTV Monetization
To enable IGTV ads and monetization features, you must meet certain eligibility criteria set by Instagram. Typically, this involves having a minimum number of followers and consistently posting high-quality content. Once eligible, you can apply for monetization through your Instagram settings.
- Experiment with Content
Diversify your content to cater to a broader audience. Consider tutorials, how-to guides, product reviews, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process. Experiment with different video lengths and formats to see what resonates with your viewers.
- Promote Your Monetization Strategies
Be transparent with your audience about your monetization methods. Let them know when you’re featuring sponsored content, using affiliate links, or offering exclusive subscriptions. Building trust with your audience is essential for long-term success.
- Analyze and Adapt
Regularly analyze your IGTV analytics to understand viewer behavior, engagement metrics, and video performance. Use these insights to adapt your content and monetization strategies for better results.
How IGTV Ads work
The IGTV monetization program is under the so-called Instagram Partner Program. It lets influencers partner with Instagram to place short ads in the videos and give back some advertising money to the influencer. According to Instagram, IGTV ads will be shown when a user clicks to watch IGTV videos from previews in their feed. Initially, these ads will be primarily targeted at mobile versions of the app, iOS and Android, and they will be up to 15 seconds long.
For now, there are no definite guidelines on the metrics the platform will consider a creator eligible to be part of the Instagram Partner Program. However, the company previously said they are committed to supporting creators “of all sizes,” both emerging and established.
The only caveat is that the IGTV ads program is not available widely. In May, Instagram started testing IGTV ads, a small batch of creators, and advertisers in the United States to help fine-tune the program for a complete rollout. In the future, Instagram plans to improve the program and expand it to more creators and influencers slowly.
In the future, Instagram will add more monetization ways, including Live Shopping, and expand the existing shopping feature that lets creators sell their merchandise directly without having a personal website. Through the upcoming Live Shopping feature, creators will be able to showcase their merchandise below the video during a live session. The feature will enable users to buy the product directly on Instagram. These are just a few ways on how to monetize Instagram
Final Thoughts
Monetizing your Instagram IGTV videos can be a rewarding journey that allows you to combine your passion for content creation with a potential income stream. Remember that success may take time, so stay patient, stay creative, and stay true to your audience. By consistently delivering value and exploring various monetization methods, you can turn your IGTV channel into a profitable endeavor while doing what you love.