How To Make Money On Instagram In UK (Without Selling Anything)

IG is still the king!

With over 31 million Instagram users in the United Kingdom (UK) as of December 2022, it is the platform you need to be if you’d wish to make money online!

Fortunately, it’s still possible to make money on Instagram in UK without having to sell anything.

This article will outline how exactly this is possible, and give readers a few ideas on how to get started.

Instagram statistics in the UK

But before we look at these ideas, let’s crunch some numbers.

According to a report by CyberCrew, Instagram is used by 19.4% of people aged 35-44 years old and 11.78% of people aged 45-54 in the UK.

In 2020, 24% of UK Instagram users aged 18-24 used Instagram as a news source regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

In August 2021, 8.4 million (30.8%) of UK people aged 25-34 used Instagram.

There were almost 31 million Instagram users in the UK in 2020.

In July 2021, there were approximately 28.81 million Instagram users in the UK.

In 2021, 23.1% of individuals aged 18-24 years old used Instagram in the UK.

Instagram revenue in the UK stands at £3.59 billion.

Instagram reports that the platform can reach 31.75 million people with ads, translating to about 47.4% of the UK population aged 13 and over.

Instagram’s digital advertising reach has increased by 12.6% in the last quarter.

This means businesses are actually spending lots of quid on this platform!

And if they are, it means they are getting something out of it.

Why is Instagram popular in the UK?

If you are thinking this, Instagram is popular in the UK because it is used by a large number of people.

According to a survey by Statista, a quarter of the UK’s male population are on Instagram, and almost 30 percent of females.

The highest proportion of Instagram users in the UK are females under 25 years old.

Instagram has changed our world by allowing people to share their lives with others through photos and videos.

It has become a platform for people to connect with others and share their experiences.

How Instagram algorithm works

Now, to actually make money on Instagram in the UK, you need to post.

But before you do, understand how the platform works!

An algorithm is a set of rules that a computer program follows to solve a problem or complete a task.

The Instagram algorithm studies user behavior on the app and uses your previous activity to decide what content you see on your feed and explore page and how others on the platform see your content.

Essentially, the algorithm controls your organic reach.

The Instagram algorithm isn’t a single algorithm but rather a combination of algorithms, processes, and classifiers that work to personalise the individual user experience.

Instagram initially used a simple chronological algorithm that displayed posts in order of how they were created.

However, this changed in 2016 when Instagram introduced an algorithm that prioritised posts based on users’ interests2.

The Instagram feed algorithm has changed a lot over the last five years, pivoting to a model that favors interest.

It takes into consideration the likelihood of five main interactions when deciding how to rank a post on someone’s Home feed.

And they are:

How much interest an account has generated in the past
How recently the post was shared
How long people spend viewing the post
How many likes and comments the post has received
How likely people are to share the post with others.

How can you use this to your advantage?

You can take advantage of the Instagram algorithm by creating high-quality content and encouraging more interactions.

This is because Instagram prioritizes signals like content popularity.

If you want to improve your ranking with the Instagram algorithm, the best thing you can do is drive as many interactions (likes, comments, saves, and clicks) as possible.

And by building momentum with your existing community, you’ll soon find your content surfaced to new audiences.

Publish sponsored posts as an influencer

One way to make money on Instagram in UK is by publishing sponsored posts as an influencer.

Brands are always looking for ways to get their products or services in front of the right audience, and influencers have become a popular choice for them.

As an influencer, you can leverage your social media following to promote these brands and earn money at the same time.

To get started with sponsored posts, first identify the types of brands that align with your niche and values.

Reach out to them directly or sign up for influencer marketing platforms that connect brands with influencers.

When creating sponsored content, be sure to disclose it clearly as an ad or sponsored post per FTC guidelines.

While this can be a lucrative opportunity, it’s important not to sacrifice authenticity or credibility for a quick paycheck.

Only work with brands you truly believe in and ensure that your followers know that you only promote products or services you stand behind.

By staying true to yourself and your values while also earning income from sponsorships, you’ll be able to create a successful revenue stream on Instagram without selling anything directly.

Become an Instagram consultant or coach

Instagram has become a powerful tool for businesses and individuals to grow their audience, build brand recognition, and make money without selling anything.

As an Instagram consultant or coach, you can help others achieve success on the platform by sharing your expertise on how to optimize content, increase engagement, and attract more followers.

One way to get started as an Instagram consultant is by creating a comprehensive social media strategy for clients.

This can involve analyzing their current presence on the platform, identifying areas for improvement, and developing a plan that aligns with their business goals.

You could also offer coaching services where you work one-on-one with clients to provide personalized advice on how they can improve their profile.

As an Instagram consultant or coach, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in social media marketing.

Attend industry conferences and webinars, network with other professionals in the field, and actively engage with your own followers to demonstrate your expertise.

By helping others succeed on Instagram, you’ll not only be able to make money but also contribute positively to the digital ecosystem.

Become a brand ambassador

One way to make money on Instagram in UK without selling anything is by becoming a brand ambassador.

As a brand ambassador, you can promote products or services from companies that align with your values and interests.

To become a brand ambassador, start by creating quality content that represents your personal brand and attracts followers.

Once you have built a strong following, reach out to brands that you would like to work with and offer your services as an influencer.

As a brand ambassador, it’s important to establish trust with your followers by being honest and transparent about your partnerships.

Make sure to only promote products or services that you truly believe in and have tried yourself.

Be creative with how you showcase these products through your content – use engaging captions, high-quality photos or videos, and interactive stories to catch the attention of your audience.

While becoming a successful brand ambassador requires time and effort, it can be a lucrative way to monetize your Instagram account while maintaining authenticity and staying true to yourself as an influencer.

Give a paid shout-out

ANOTHER way to make money on Instagram in UK without selling anything is by giving a paid shout-out.

Shout-outs are a popular feature on Instagram that involves promoting someone else’s account or product to your followers.

You can charge for these shout-outs and make some extra cash.

To give a paid shout-out, first, you need to identify the accounts or products that align with your brand and have a similar target audience as yours. Then, reach out to them and offer your services.

Once they agree, create an engaging post featuring their account or product and share it with your followers.

It’s important to note that you should only promote something that aligns with your values and beliefs – otherwise, it could come across as inauthentic and misleading to your followers.

Giving paid shout-outs only when it makes sense for both parties involved can build strong relationships with other brands while also making some extra income on the side.

Become an affiliate

My faveorite ways to make money on Instagram in UK without selling anything is by becoming an affiliate marketer.

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services on behalf of another company and earning a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link.

To become an affiliate, you need to find companies that offer affiliate programs in your niche.

Once you have found a suitable company, sign up for their program and start promoting their products or services on your Instagram account.

Be sure to disclose that you are an affiliate in all of your posts as it is required by law.

You can promote the products through product reviews, sponsored posts, or even through Instagram stories.

The key to success with affiliate marketing is choosing products that align with your audience’s interests and needs.

By providing value and genuine recommendations, you can build trust with your followers and increase the likelihood of them making a purchase through your link.

With time, patience and dedication, becoming an affiliate can be a great way to earn passive income from Instagram without selling anything directly yourself.

Become a virtual assistant for an influencer

Another way to make money on Instagram in UK without selling anything is by becoming a virtual assistant for an influencer.

Influencers are individuals with a large following on social media who have established themselves as experts in a particular niche.

As their popularity grows, so does their need for help managing their online presence.

As a virtual assistant, you could be tasked with scheduling posts, responding to comments and messages, researching new content ideas, and collaborating with other influencers or brands.

This role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

To become a virtual assistant for an influencer, start by identifying your areas of expertise and the types of influencers you would like to work with.

Reach out to them through direct message or email with your pitch and include any relevant experience that could set you apart from other candidates.

And with hard work and dedication, becoming a virtual assistant for an influencer can be a lucrative opportunity in the world of social media management.

Create, grow, and sell Instagram accounts

Flipping Instagram accounts can be a lucrative business.

With the right approach, you can turn this hobby into a full-time income stream.

And you don’t need any money to start!

The first step is to find a niche that resonates with your target audience. This could be anything from fitness to fashion to food.

Once you have chosen your niche, it’s time to start building your account.

To grow your Instagram account quickly, you need engaging content and plenty of followers.

Use hashtags and collaborate with other accounts in your niche to increase visibility and reach new audiences.

You may also want to consider using paid advertising on Instagram or other social media platforms.

Once you have built up a significant following on your account, you can start thinking about selling it for profit.

There are several online marketplaces where you can list your account for sale, such as FameSwap or ViralAccounts.com.

Remember that an Instagram account’s value depends on various factors, including its size and engagement rate.

And with some effort and patience, creating and selling Instagram accounts can become profitable for anyone willing to do the work.

Rent out your Instagram account

Another one of unique ways to make money on Instagram in UK is by renting out your account.

This involves allowing businesses or individuals to use your account to promote their products or services.

The amount you can earn from renting out your Instagram account depends on factors such as the size of your following, engagement rate, and niche.

To get started with renting out your Instagram account, you will need to identify potential clients who are looking for influencers in your niche.

You can do this by searching for relevant hashtags or using platforms that connect influencers with brands.

Once you have found a client who is interested in working with you, negotiate a fee that reflects the value of your audience.

Note that when renting out your Instagram account, you should only work with reputable brands and companies whose products align with your values and interests.

Ensure that any content posted on behalf of the client is clearly marked as sponsored or promoted to comply with UK advertising regulations.

Which one should you try first?

Instagram is a powerful platform to make money without selling anything.

There are several ways to monetize your Instagram account, such as sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and collaborations with brands. But which one should you try first?

If you have a relatively large following on Instagram, sponsored posts might be the easiest way to start making money.

Brands pay influencers to post about their products or services on their Instagram accounts.

You can negotiate the payment based on your follower count and engagement rate.

Affiliate marketing is another great option for those who want to make money from their Instagram account.

You promote products or services using unique links provided by the brands, and when someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission.

Collaborating with brands can also be profitable if done right. Reach out to brands that align with your niche and values and pitch them ideas for collaborations that will benefit both parties.

Experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you!