February 28, 2025
Instagram has grown beyond just a social platform; it’s now a place where content creators can turn their passion into profit.
In Kenya, Instagram does not directly pay users, but there are several ways to earn income through the platform.
This guide explores the monetization options available to Kenyans on Instagram, from brand partnerships to affiliate marketing and more.
Unlike YouTube, Instagram doesn’t pay creators directly for content views or followers.
Instead, users earn money through monetization strategies like brand collaborations, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, selling products, and Instagram’s in-app features.
These income sources allow creators and businesses to tap into Instagram’s large audience in Kenya and beyond.
Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to make money on Instagram in Kenya:
Brand partnerships are one of the most popular ways to make money on Instagram. Kenyan businesses and international brands are keen to work with influencers who align with their brand values and have an engaged audience.
How brand partnerships and sponsored content works on Instagram:
Having a clear niche, like fashion, beauty, fitness, or food, attracts brands interested in your specific audience.
Brands will either reach out to you directly, or you can reach out to them, proposing a collaboration.
A brand will pay you to create and post content showcasing their product or service. Sponsored posts can be photos, videos, Reels, or Stories.
Earnings vary based on your follower count, engagement rate, and niche.
Small influencers (around 5,000-10,000 followers) may earn between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 15,000 per post, while larger influencers with tens or hundreds of thousands of followers can charge significantly more, sometimes up to Ksh 100,000 or more per post.
Affiliate marketing is another way for Kenyan Instagrammers to earn. By promoting products and sharing affiliate links, you earn a commission on sales made through your links.
How Instagram affiliate marketing works:
Sign up for affiliate programs such as Jumia Affiliate Program, Amazon Associates, or Impact.
Share products that align with your audience’s interests, and include your unique affiliate link in your Instagram bio or Stories.
Every time a follower makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you earn a commission, typically between 5-15% of the sale value.
Pro Tip: For best results, focus on products that resonate with your niche and audience, and share honest reviews or personal experiences with the products.
If you own a business, Instagram is a powerful platform to sell products or services directly to your followers.
This method is popular among Kenyan entrepreneurs in fashion, handmade crafts, beauty products, and digital services.
How selling products and services works on Instagram:
Use the Instagram Shopping feature to set up a shop directly on your profile, enabling followers to browse and purchase products within the app.
Use posts, Reels, and Stories to showcase your products or services, providing followers with easy access to what you’re selling.
Many Kenyan sellers use M-Pesa to facilitate transactions, while some integrate online payment methods like PayPal or credit cards for international customers.
Popular Business Ideas on Instagram:
Sell clothes, jewelry, shoes, and other fashion items.
Skincare, makeup, and hair products are highly popular categories.
Offer freelance services like photography, design, coaching, or fitness training.
While IGTV Ads and Instagram Live Badges are not yet widely available in Kenya, Instagram has been rolling out these features gradually, and they may become accessible to Kenyan users in the future.
Here’s a brief overview of how these monetization features work:
Instagram places ads within your IGTV videos, and creators earn a share of the ad revenue.
To qualify, you generally need to have a certain follower count and a high engagement rate.
Once eligible, you can apply within the Instagram app.
When you go live on Instagram, viewers can purchase badges to support you financially.
Badges appear as small heart icons, and viewers buy them in exchange for a mention during the live session.
While these features are not yet accessible to everyone in Kenya, they may be available in the near future, providing additional income streams for local creators.
If you have a strong understanding of Instagram growth strategies, content creation, or social media marketing, you can offer your expertise to help other Kenyans or businesses grow their presence on Instagram.
How earning as a coach or consultant works on Instagram:
Showcase your own success on Instagram or share case studies of accounts you’ve helped grow.
Use your Instagram bio and posts to market your coaching or consulting services.
Many Instagram coaches charge by the hour or offer packages that range from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 30,000+ depending on experience and the services offered.
This method is ideal if you have a background in digital marketing or social media and enjoy working directly with clients.
The Reels Bonus Program pays creators based on the performance of their Reels.
While this feature is currently only available in select countries, Instagram occasionally expands these programs to other regions, so it may become available in Kenya in the future.
How to leverage on Instagram’s Reels Bonus Program:
Instagram pays creators for Reels that perform well and receive high engagement.
Eligible creators are notified by Instagram about joining the Reels Bonus Program.
Though this feature may not be available in Kenya yet, staying updated on Instagram’s announcements can help you leverage it as soon as it arrives.
Brands value accounts with high engagement rates. Prioritize authentic interactions over just follower count to attract partnerships and opportunities.
Use analytics to understand your audience’s preferences, engagement patterns, and the type of content they enjoy.
This data is useful when negotiating with brands or adjusting your content strategy.
A consistent posting schedule and quality content can boost your visibility and attract more followers, making you more attractive to potential collaborators.
High-quality images, videos, and thoughtful captions go a long way.
Using simple editing tools and creating visually appealing content helps keep followers engaged and interested.
There’s no strict follower requirement, but having at least 5,000 engaged followers improves your chances of attracting brand partnerships and earning through other methods.
Currently, Instagram does not directly pay users in Kenya. However, monetization options like brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and selling products allow Kenyan users to earn indirectly through Instagram.
Yes, switching to a Business or Creator Account provides additional insights, analytics, and contact options that make your account more attractive to brands.
Instagram offers Kenyan content creators numerous ways to earn money, from brand partnerships to affiliate marketing and selling products.
While Instagram doesn’t pay directly in Kenya, building a loyal following and a clear niche can open doors to collaborations and paid opportunities.
Focus on creating valuable content, engage with your audience, and explore these monetization options to maximize your earning potential on Instagram.