How to make extra money as an influencer
So, you’re an influencer (or aspiring to be one) and want to make some extra cash? Great news—you’re in the right era for it! Maybe you have a loyal following or just a handful of dedicated fans, but there are still plenty of ways to turn that social media presence into a money-making machine. And no, you don’t have to sell sketchy diet teas or pretend you love a random VPN service.
Brand deals and sponsorships
When you think of making money as an influencer, this is the first thing that comes to mind. Brands are willing to pay (sometimes A LOT) for you to showcase their products. But here’s the catch: don’t just say yes to anything. Only work with brands that align with your vibe and values. If you’re a fitness influencer, promoting a fast-food chain might not sit well with your audience.
How do you land deals? Build a media kit (a fancy way of saying “resume for influencers”) showcasing your stats, engagement, and audience demographics. Then, pitch to brands you love, or sign up on platforms like Aspire, Upfluence, or BrandSnob.
How much can you make? Micro-influencers (1K-10K followers) can earn $50-$500 per post, while larger influencers can command thousands per deal.
Mobile money-making activities
Not all your income has to come from influencing. There are tons of mobile-friendly ways to make extra cash that don’t require you to film your every move.
Do you have clothes you don’t wear anymore? Turn them into cash! Apps like Vinted, Depop, and Poshmark make it super easy.
Play-to-earn crypto games like Axie Infinity, Decentraland, or The Sandbox let you earn real money while gaming.
If you enjoy a bit of casino-based gaming, online casino apps offer real-money opportunities. According to crypto expert Isla Williams, platforms that combine gaming with blockchain can offer you the best security, instant cashouts, a vast choice of games, and valuable promotions and bonuses (Source: cryptocasinosaustralia.com).
You could be freelancing on Fiverr or Upwork. If you’ve got skills like graphic design, writing, or social media management, take on small gigs for extra cash.
Apps like Swagbucks, UserTesting, and Toluna pay for your opinions and reviews.
Get paid for recommendations
This is the “passive income” influencer dream. Instead of getting a flat fee for a post, you earn commissions when people buy products through your unique link. You’ve probably seen influencers say, “Swipe up to shop!” or “Use my code for 10% off!” - that’s affiliate marketing, an industry that is today worth around $16 billion.
What are the best affiliate programs? Amazon Associates, LTK (formerly LIKEtoKNOW.it), and ShareASale are solid starting points.
Promote stuff you actually love. If you’re a tech influencer, sharing links to your favorite gadgets makes sense. If you’re into beauty, link to your go-to skincare products.
Make your audience pay you (nicely)
Your audience loves your content, right? Well, why not give them a chance to support you directly? There are plenty of platforms that let fans tip you, pay for exclusive content, or fund your work.
Patreon and Ko-fi offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, or early releases.
If you’ve got a YouTube channel, once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can start earning through ads.
Also, If you’re big on TikTok, you can get paid based on your video views.
Sell your own stuff
You don’t have to rely on brand deals—sell something yourself!
You could sell merch. Print-on-demand services like Teespring let you create T-shirts, mugs, and hoodies without investing in inventory.
You could write ebooks. Are you a skincare expert, photographer, or fitness guru? Write a short guide and sell it as a PDF.
If you’ve mastered something (e.g., growing on Instagram, photography, or video editing), create an online course using platforms like Teachable or Gumroad.
Make money while you sleep
If you want true passive income, digital products are where it’s at. Create something once, and sell it forever!
If you’re into photography, sell your custom Lightroom presets. Budget planners, social media templates, and digital stickers are hot sellers on Etsy. Also, many influencers sell Notion productivity templates.
Host virtual events and workshops
If you’ve got a strong following, why not charge for your expertise? You can hold live Q&A sessions on Zoom or Instagram Live where people can pay to pick your brain. Virtual workshops can help you teach anything from social media growth to personal branding. Or you can create exclusive VIP groups on Discord or Telegram where fans pay for access.
Get creative with crowdfunding and donations
Ever seen influencers raise money for passion projects? You can do that too. Kickstarter and GoFundMe work great if you have a creative idea that needs funding. Twitch and YouTube donations allow followers to tip you during live streams. Instagram badges let people support you with small donations while watching your live videos.
Offering paid subscriptions and exclusive content
If your audience truly loves what you create, they might be willing to pay for even more of it. This is where paid subscriptions and exclusive content come into play. Platforms like Patreon, OnlyFans, and Buy Me a Coffee let influencers charge a monthly fee for premium content.
What can you offer? Behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive videos, members-only live streams, early access to content, or even one-on-one coaching.
Why does it work? It provides a steady and reliable income stream while deepening your relationship with your most dedicated followers. Plus, it gives you full control over what you create, without relying on unpredictable brand deals.
Get paid for what you’ve already created
Did you know that your photos, videos and even catchy one-liners could make you money long after you’ve posted them? Licensing your content means allowing brands, media outlets, or stock platforms to pay you for the right to use your work.
For instance, you can upload your best photos and videos to stock websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images. If a brand or publication likes your content, they’ll pay to use it–earning you passive income.
Why should you try it? If you create high-quality lifestyle shots, travel photography, or viral-worthy videos, licensing can be an easy way to monetize content you’ve already made. Some influencers even sell their Instagram photos to brands for ad campaigns.
Make that money, but keep it real
Making extra money as an influencer is totally doable, whether you’re partnering with brands, selling digital products, or getting creative with mobile side hustles. The key? Stay authentic. People can smell a cash grab from a mile away, so focus on income streams that align with your content and values. That way, your followers stay happy, your bank account grows, and you don’t have to pretend to love an energy drink you secretly hate.