Instagram is not just a photo-sharing app anymore — it’s one of the biggest marketing platforms in the world. Brands are spending billions every year on influencer partnerships because they know people trust recommendations from creators they follow.
A report by Influencer Marketing Hub shows that the influencer marketing industry hit $21 billion in 2024 (source). Out of all the social platforms, Instagram remains the top choice for influencer campaigns, with 81% of brands using it for their collaborations.
So, why do brands love working with Instagram creators?
Because people actually listen to influencers they trust. A study by Sprout Social found that 69% of Instagram users engage with branded content and 61% use the platform to discover new products.
This guide will show you how to get sponsored on Instagram, even if you’re just starting out or have a small following.
What Does It Mean to Get Sponsored on Instagram?
Getting sponsored on Instagram simply means that a brand pays you or gives you free products in exchange for promoting them on your page. The promotion can be through a post, story, reel, or even your bio link.
But sponsorship is not the same as being an influencer for hire. It’s not just about taking pretty pictures and tagging brands. Sponsorships are partnerships — they happen when a brand believes your audience matches their ideal customers.
Types of Instagram Sponsorships You Can Get
- Paid Sponsored Posts: You post content about the brand, and they pay you a set fee.
- Affiliate Partnerships: You promote a product and earn a commission for each sale made through your link.
- Gifting/Free Products: The brand sends you free products in exchange for honest reviews or posts.
- Long-Term Brand Ambassadorship: You become a regular face for the brand and may sign a contract to work with them over time.
Quick Example:
If you are a fitness creator, a brand like Gymshark or MyProtein might sponsor you to showcase their workout gear or supplements. If you’re into skincare, brands like The Ordinary or CeraVe may want to collaborate.
Sponsorship is not always about follower count. It’s about how well you can influence your audience to trust your recommendations.
How Many Followers Do You Need to Get Sponsored on Instagram?
One of the first questions I get from people is:
“How many followers do I need before brands will sponsor me?”
The simple answer is: You don’t need a huge following to get started.
Thanks to the rise of nano- and micro-influencers, brands now understand that smaller accounts often have stronger engagement than larger ones. They care more about how active and connected your audience is, not just the numbers.
Influencer Levels by Follower Count:
| Type of Influencer | Follower Range | Why Brands Like Them |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Influencer | 1,000 – 10,000 followers | Highly trusted, very personal engagement |
| Micro Influencer | 10,000 – 100,000 followers | Good engagement, niche audience focus |
| Macro Influencer | 100,000 – 1 million followers | Larger reach but slightly lower engagement |
| Mega/Celebrity | Over 1 million followers | Mass reach, less personal connection |
Why Engagement Rate Matters More Than Follower Count
According to a study by Influencer Marketing Hub, nano influencers have the highest engagement rate at 5% to 10%, while mega influencers often drop below 1.5%.
Example:
Two creators — one with 5,000 followers and 300 likes per post (6% engagement), and one with 50,000 followers but 500 likes per post (1% engagement). Brands are likely to go for the smaller creator with higher engagement because their audience is more active.
How to Check Your Engagement Rate:
You can calculate your engagement rate using this simple formula:
Engagement Rate = (Likes + Comments) ÷ Number of Followers × 100
Or use free tools like:
- Phlanx Engagement Calculator
- HypeAuditor Free Engagement Tool
How to Get Sponsored on Instagram: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting sponsored on Instagram is not just about waiting for brands to come to you. You have to position yourself well, create the right content, and actively reach out. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step #1: Define Your Niche and Know Your Audience
The first thing brands want to know is:
- Who are you talking to?
- What kind of audience do you have?
If your page talks about everything and anything, it confuses both your followers and potential sponsors. But if your page focuses on a clear niche like fitness for beginners, skincare for dark skin, or remote work tips for moms, it helps brands see if your audience matches their product.
How to Choose Your Niche:
- What do you love creating content about?
- What are you excelling at or known for?
- Which audience group responds most to your posts?
Pro Tip:
Niche pages usually get better engagement because they attract people who are really interested in that topic.
Step #2: Optimize Your Instagram Profile
Your Instagram bio is your first impression. Brands will check it to see if you look like a serious creator or just someone posting for fun.
What to Fix on Your Profile:
- Use a clear profile picture (your face or logo).
- Write a short, clear bio explaining what your page is about. Example: “Sharing easy workout tips for busy moms 💪 | DM for collabs”
- Add your contact email (business inquiry button).
- Include a link (to your media kit, Linktree, or website).
Why This Matters:
Brands will quickly move on if they find it difficult to reach you.
Step #3: Create Valuable and High-Quality Content
Brands want to sponsor creators who can make their product look good and feel natural. This means your content needs to stand out.
Tips for Better Content:
- Use bright, clear photos or high-quality videos.
- Focus on good lighting and clean backgrounds.
- Tell a story in your captions — don’t just post photos.
- Stay consistent with your color theme or editing style.
- Use Reels and Stories regularly (they get more views than regular posts).
Types of Content That Attract Sponsorship:
- How-to videos or tutorials.
- Product reviews or demonstrations.
- Behind-the-scenes content.
- Personal success stories.
Example: Instead of “This protein powder tastes nice,” say, “I’ve been using this protein shake for two weeks after my morning runs, and it’s helped me feel less tired during the day.”
Step #4: Build and Grow Your Engagement
Your engagement rate (likes, comments, shares, saves) shows brands how active and loyal your audience is. Even if you have 1,000 followers, a high engagement rate makes you valuable.
How to Increase Engagement:
- Ask questions in your captions to start conversations.
- Use Instagram’s interactive stickers in Stories (polls, Q&A, quizzes).
- Reply to every comment and DM.
- Host small giveaways to encourage shares and comments.
- Be active — comment on other creators’ posts in your niche.
Step #5: Tag and Mention Brands Organically
One smart way to get brands’ attention is to use their products and tag them naturally in your posts, without asking for anything at first.
Example:
If you’re a fitness creator using a particular yoga mat, post a workout and tag the brand. Say something like, “Loving my morning flow on this mat from @yogabrand — super comfy and non-slip!”
Why This Works: It shows the brand that you are already using their product and that your promotion would feel authentic.
Step #6: Use Hashtags Wisely to Get Discovered
Hashtags help people outside your current followers discover your posts. This includes brand managers and influencer coordinators who often search by hashtag.
Tips for Hashtags:
- Use a mix of broad and niche-specific hashtags.
- Look at the hashtags that your favourite influencers and brands are using.
- Examples for fitness: #HomeWorkout, #FitMoms, #WellnessJourney, #FitnessCollab.
- Don’t spam — use around 10 to 20 relevant hashtags.
Step #7: Join Influencer Platforms and Marketplaces
These platforms help brands find influencers based on location, niche, follower count, and engagement. Sign up and create a profile on these sites to increase your chances:
Popular Influencer Platforms:
- Instagram Creator Marketplace
- AspireIQ
- Heepsy
- Influencity
- Upfluence
- Famebit (YouTube’s BrandConnect)
Bonus Tip: Some platforms may ask for your engagement rate, so be ready with your stats.
Step #8: Craft and Send a Professional Pitch to Brands
Don’t always wait for brands to come to you. Take the lead.
What to Include in Your Pitch:
- Short introduction about who you are and your niche.
- Key audience data (follower count, engagement rate, audience demographics).
- Why your content is a good match for the brand.
- Suggest a few collaboration ideas (like sponsored posts, giveaways, product reviews).
- Include your contact info and link to your Instagram.
- Optional: Attach your media kit if you have one.
Sample Pitch Message:
Hi [Brand Name],
I’m Peace, a fitness creator helping busy moms stay active at home. My audience is mainly women aged 25–40, and I have an engagement rate of 6%. I love your products and often share my daily workout routines with my followers. I believe a collaboration could be a great fit for both of us. Please let me know if you’d like to explore partnership options.
Thanks for your time. I look forward to hearing from you!
Absolutely! Here’s the full detailed write-up from Section 5 to the end of your article on How to Get Sponsored on Instagram:
✅ 5. What Type of Content Attracts Sponsorships on Instagram?
Getting sponsored is not about randomly showing products. Brands look for creators who can tell stories and connect with their audience. The right type of content makes your page stand out to potential sponsors.
Content That Gets Brands Interested:
- Educational Content
Teach your audience something useful while naturally including the brand.
Example: “3 Easy Yoga Poses to Start Your Day — Using my favorite eco-friendly yoga mat.” - Personal Stories and Experiences
Share your journey, struggles, and wins. Brands love real-life stories.
Example: “How switching to this skincare brand helped my sensitive skin.” - Tutorials and Demos
Show how the product works, not just how it looks.
Example: A makeup tutorial using the brand’s products or a cooking demo with their ingredients. - Results-Based Content (Before & After)
If the product delivers results, show them! But always be honest.
Example: “Before and after using this fitness app for 4 weeks.” - Interactive Content (Polls, Q&A, Giveaways)
Use Instagram’s features like polls, quizzes, and giveaways to boost engagement.
Where to Find Sponsorship Opportunities
Sometimes, it can take too long for brands to notice you. Here’s how to find sponsorship deals actively:
#1. Join Influencer Platforms and Marketplaces:
These platforms connect brands with creators based on location, niche, and engagement rate.
Popular Platforms to Join:
- Instagram Creator Marketplace (free for creators)
- AspireIQ
- Heepsy
- Upfluence
- Famebit (now YouTube BrandConnect)
- Influenster
#2. Directly Contact Brands:
Make a list of brands you love and reach out through their PR email or Instagram DM. Please send a concise and friendly pitch that introduces yourself, describes your audience, and explains why you would be a suitable match.
#3. Network with Other Creators:
Collaborate with other influencers. Many brand deals come through recommendations from fellow creators.
#4. Attend Events or Online Webinars:
Some PR teams host online sessions where they meet influencers. Look out for these in your niche.
How to Write a Perfect Pitch for Sponsorship
The way you approach brands matters. Your pitch needs to show that you’ve done your homework and you know how to add value.
What to Include in Your Pitch:
- Who you are and what you create.
- Your follower count and engagement rate.
- Audience insights (like age range, location, interests).
- Why you love the brand and why it matches your audience.
- Ideas for how you can collaborate (posts, reels, giveaways, etc.).
- Contact information and link to your Instagram.
Sample Pitch Email Template:
Subject: Collaboration Opportunity — Reaching Active Moms Audience
Hi [Brand Name],
I’m Peace, a fitness creator focused on helping busy moms stay active and healthy. My audience is 85% women aged 25–40, and my engagement rate is 6%.
I admire how your brand supports wellness and would love to explore how we can work together. I have a few content ideas (Instagram reels, daily routine posts, or product reviews) that I believe will connect well with my audience.
Please let me know if this is something you’d be interested in discussing further. Thank you for your time!
Best regards,
Peace Umeh
[Your Instagram handle] | [Your email] | [Link to media kit if available]
Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Sponsored
Avoid these common errors that can ruin your chances of getting brand deals:
- Waiting for brands to find you — Take the first step!
- Sending the same generic message to every brand — Always personalize your pitch.
- Working with too many random brands — Stick to brands that truly fit your audience.
- Overcharging without showing your value — Be realistic but confident in your pricing.
- Not disclosing sponsorships — Always be transparent with #ad, #sponsored, or the paid partnership tag.
How Much Should You Charge for Sponsored Instagram Posts?
There’s no fixed price, but here’s a simple guide:
| Influencer Type | Followers | Average Rate Per Post |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Influencer | 1,000 – 10,000 | $50 – $150 |
| Micro Influencer | 10,000 – 100,000 | $150 – $1,000 |
| Macro Influencer | 100,000 – 1 million | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Mega Influencer | Over 1 million | $10,000 and above |
Other Factors That Affect Your Rate:
- Post type (Story, Reel, Post, Carousel)
- Usage rights (Will the brand use your content in ads?)
- Exclusivity (Are you agreeing not to work with competitors?)
Tip: Don’t underprice yourself, but back up your rates with real numbers (engagement rate, audience insights).
How to Track the Success of Your Sponsored Posts
Showing brands that your content worked makes them want to work with you again.
Metrics to Track (Using Instagram Insights):
- Reach (how many people saw the post).
- Impressions (how many times it was viewed).
- Likes, comments, shares, and saves.
- Link clicks or sticker taps (for Stories).
- Website traffic from your bio link (use UTM links or tools like Bitly).
How to Report to Brands:
- Share screenshots of your post performance.
- Put the results into a simple Google Doc or PDF.
- Keep the report clear, honest, and to the point.
FAQs About Getting Sponsored on Instagram
Q: How many followers do I need to get sponsored?
You can get sponsored with as low as 1,000 followers if your engagement is strong and your audience is clearly defined.
Q: Do I need a media kit?
A media kit is not a must, but it makes you look more professional. It should include your bio, audience stats, engagement rate, and content examples.
Q: Should I use hashtags to get noticed by brands?
Yes! Use relevant hashtags that brands in your niche follow. It helps with discoverability.
Q: How soon should I follow up if a brand doesn’t reply?
Wait about 5 to 7 business days before sending a polite follow-up message.
Q: Can I work with multiple brands at once?
Yes, but make sure the brands don’t compete directly. Stick to brands that fit your niche and audience.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need millions of followers to get sponsored — engagement and niche clarity matter more.
- Always optimize your profile, content, and engagement to attract brands.
- Be proactive — reach out to brands directly or use influencer platforms.
- Stay honest and transparent about your partnerships.
- Track your results and build long-term brand relationships.
Conclusion
Getting sponsored on Instagram is not about luck — it’s about strategy, consistency, and knowing how to present yourself. When you focus on creating content that adds value, builds trust, and speaks directly to your audience, brands will see you as a great partner.
Are you prepared to take the next step and secure your first Instagram sponsorship deal?
