Instagram’s Exciting New Feature: Subscriptions
Instagram just rolled out their newest feature: subscriptions. This is the newest way for creators to make money online. With this move, Instagram follows other social media platforms as they continue to build structures for money to be exchanged on their platform.
These subscriptions are also another way to attract new users to the platform and keep existing users engaged. It also encourages new creators to join the platform and existing creators to create more because they will make money. Which makes Instagram grow too. This all contributes to building a bigger and healthier online ecosystem.
So, how do Instagram subscriptions work and who can use them? Let’s get into it.
How it Works
An Instagram user who has the ability to offer subscriptions can choose the dollar amount they want to charge at a monthly rate. A creator can charge anywhere from a minimum of $0.99 to a maximum of $99. Meta stated they are not taking any share of this at the moment. Time will tell what their cut may look like in the future.
When a user subscribes to an Instagram creator, they get access to exclusive content. This could be daily Instagram stories or lives created only for subscribers. Additional exclusive content includes access to already created content such as Instagram highlights.
In addition to this exclusive content access, subscribers will get a purple badge that appears by their name whenever they comment on the creator’s content or send them a direct message. This can be seen as bragging rights and attract others to subscribe. Or be noticed more by the creator and increase their potential to get a shout out or a reply.
The Announcement
Instagram announced this feature as a test for now. This feature is currently live for only 10 United States-based creators. You can try out this feature right now with these 10 to see what the subscriber experience feels like. Some of these 10 include Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and content creator Lonnie.
How Can You Prepare?
Developments like this continue to demonstrate the incredible value in having a large social media following. The influencers chosen to test this feature were in the right place at the right time thanks to their hard work and dedication building their platform. You never know what opportunities may come your way simply by having an active, engaging, and thriving online social media profile.
You can prepare for the mass release of Instagram subscriptions, as well as any other new monetization, by cultivating an active Instagram account. Social media platforms like Instagram are strong marketing tools to send people to buy your products and services. But they are also developing into in-app money making opportunities as well.
The Future of Social Media
Social media’s money making opportunities grow stronger and stronger every year. If you aren’t currently active on social media, you need to be. Instagram has all kinds of influencers from gymnasts and personal trainers to corporate companies and personal brands. There is great power behind having a large follow behind you on these platforms.
As it takes off, Instagram’s subscription feature will begin to finally give back to the people who have worked hard to be an active and engaging social media account. They didn’t know subscriptions would be available when they began building their platform. And now they reap the rewards. If this new update tells you anything about the current trends and what you should be doing, it’s this: expand your opportunities to make money online by building an active and engaging social media platform.
