How Much Do Social Media Content Creators Make (Tips to Make Money on Social Media)

Understanding what social media content creators earn is crucial for developing effective strategies and generating fresh content ideas for social media that actually resonate with your audience. Just like knowing the average salary of a job you’re applying for can help you negotiate your offer, understanding creator compensation can help you foster productive relationships with influencers — and tools like Crayo's clip creator tool can make managing this process easier.

How Much Do Social Media Content Creators Make
10 Best Niches to Make Money on Social Media
15 Ways to Make Money as a Social Media Content Creator
7 Tips to Make Money as a Content Creator
Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo

How Much Do Social Media Content Creators Make

What Do Professional Content Creators Make? Exploring Salaries in Traditional Roles

Content creators working in established roles at companies or agencies typically earn competitive salaries. In the United States, annual earnings for these professionals average around the mid-$60,000 range, with most salaries falling between the low $50,000s and the low $80,000s. Entry-level positions generally offer wages in the mid-$40,000s, while creators with over 15 years of experience can earn upwards of $70,000.

Education influences salaries as well; those with bachelor’s degrees earn in the low $60,000s, while master’s degree holders average closer to $70,000. Location and industry also play significant roles in compensation, with creators in tech hubs or larger media companies often earning above average.

Independent Creators: How Much Do They Make? Stages of Earnings

For independent creators building personal brands, income depends on audience size and monetization strategy. Beginners with fewer than 1,000 followers typically earn little to nothing, often under $100 per month. As creators grow their audiences to between 1,000 and 10,000 followers, monthly earnings can range from $100 to $1,000 through ads, affiliate sales, and small brand deals. Established creators with over 10,000 followers can earn from $1,000 to over $10,000 a month, especially if they diversify their income streams. However, only about 4% of creators make over $100,000 annually, with most earning much less.

Platform-Specific Earnings: Where Do Creators Make the Most Money?

Earnings vary significantly based on where creators post. YouTube creators earn between $3 and $5 per 1,000 views, although this amount can vary considerably. TikTok pays much less, around 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views. Instagram relies heavily on sponsored content; smaller influencers might charge $100-$500 per post, while larger ones can command $10,000 or more.

Podcasters make about $20-$25 per 1,000 downloads from sponsorships, while bloggers may see $5-$30 per 1,000 pageviews. Membership platforms, merchandise, online courses, coaching, and consulting can significantly boost earnings once a creator has built trust with their audience.

Factors That Shape Earnings: What Determines How Much Creators Make?

Many factors influence creator earnings, including audience size and engagement, niche, geographic region, content quality, consistency, and the diversification of income streams.

10 Best Niches to Make Money on Social Media

woman making a video - How Much Do Social Media Content Creators Make

1. Traveling

The travel sector is among the world’s largest industries. Today’s travelers don’t just enjoy exploring new places; they seek to document and share their adventures on social platforms. Picture this: 60% of travelers, including 97% of Millennials, post their travel images online. Moreover, 87% utilize social media for travel ideas, and 40% of those under 33 prioritize a destination’s ‘Instagrammability’ when planning trips.

This means Instagram is a goldmine for aspiring travel influencers and bloggers. If travel is your passion, there are numerous ways to monetize your Instagram presence. Consider the example of the blog Salt In Our Hair, where a couple travels the world and earns income through travel writing, brand photography, and YouTube videos. Their stunning Instagram feed showcases their photography skills, which they leverage to sell custom photo filters through the platform.

2. Beauty

Social media has a profound impact on the beauty market. Currently, 65% of teenagers discover and purchase beauty items via influencers and social platforms, so it’s no surprise that 96% of beauty brands maintain a presence on Instagram. Today’s consumers seek beauty tutorials, product reviews, and makeup hacks online before making purchases. This niche presents numerous opportunities for brands and influencers to connect with their target audiences, promote products, and drive e-commerce sales.

Prominent beauty figures, such as Huda Kattan, boast millions of followers, allowing them to market their beauty lines on the platform effectively. When Instagram launched IGTV, it provided another avenue for beauty influencers to share long-form content, such as tutorials and reviews, further enhancing their reach and engagement. Kattan’s IGTV posts garner millions of views, highlighting the impact of video in the beauty industry.

3. Fashion

As a visual platform, Instagram has transformed the fashion industry, allowing designers, influencers, and brands to showcase their products and aesthetics to a global audience. Users flock to Instagram for fashion inspiration, trend discovery, and product exploration. The fashion niche is thriving, with revenues projected to reach $746.8 billion by 2024. To illustrate the fashion niche’s influence, consider Camila Coelho, an influencer with 8.4 million followers.

Coelho’s extensive reach makes her a valuable partner for brands seeking to promote their items to engaged audiences. With an Instagram creator account, Coelho can utilize shoppable tags that streamline the purchasing process for her followers. These features also provide valuable insights into post-performance, helping brands refine their influencer marketing strategies.

4. Health and Fitness

Today’s consumers are more health-conscious than ever, and the fitness sector is booming, generating $244 billion in 2023. Instagram users seek inspiration for workouts, nutrition, and wellness, making the platform a natural space for fitness brands to connect with potential customers. For example, fitness tracker Whoop shares valuable content on optimizing performance, helping position the brand as an industry leader, and driving subscriber growth.

Additionally, the company’s referral program, which offers existing users free service in exchange for new sign-ups, highlights the platform’s value in supporting sales initiatives. The health and fitness niche is flourishing on Instagram, creating various monetization opportunities for influencers, including affiliate marketing, program sales, and brand partnerships.

5. Lifestyle

Surprisingly, we enjoy discussing ourselves. Research shows that 80% of social media content focuses on personal lives, thoughts, and preferences. This tendency to compare ourselves to others drives engagement on platforms like Instagram, where the average user spends 53 minutes daily. Influencers like Oliver showcase their lifestyles, captivating their audiences and attracting brand collaborations. While today’s social media landscape offers more than just selfies and food pics, the lifestyle niche remains popular and lucrative.

6. Parenting

Modern parents are more connected than ever. Research indicates that 68% of Millennial mothers use Instagram daily, checking the app an average of six times per day. Additionally, 78% of moms report taking action after viewing inspiring content on Instagram. Dads are also active on the platform, with nearly half following brands and 69% engaging with content that drives purchasing decisions.

This connection presents significant opportunities for parenting influencers to reach and engage their audiences. For example, Naomi Davis, known as Taza on Instagram, shares her experiences raising five children. Her content resonates with parents worldwide, creating opportunities for brand partnerships and monetization.

7. Business

Today’s entrepreneurs have countless online resources at their fingertips, making it easier than ever to launch ventures and generate income. As a result, business-minded social media users seek tips, inspiration, and strategies for success, from startup advice to marketing and management insights. Prominent figures like Gary Vaynerchuk utilize Instagram to share valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Vaynerchuk creates a variety of content types, including videos, stories, and static posts, that offer actionable insights for his followers. This approach also helps him promote his personal brands while establishing authority and trust with his audience. Additionally, Vaynerchuk’s high profile allows him to collaborate with major brands, further monetizing his social media presence.

8. Music

Almost everyone enjoys music in some form, whether it’s listening to favorite artists or playing instruments. Research indicates that 20% of people feel music is like a friend. Unsurprisingly, some of the most-followed accounts on Instagram belong to musicians, including Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, and Beyoncé. This popularity creates various opportunities for artists to monetize their platforms through tours, merch, and brand partnerships.

For example, Adam McInnis, a music entrepreneur, utilizes Instagram to promote his products and expand his reach to new audiences. McInnis sells various music-related items through Sellfy, earning significant revenue in just two months. His success illustrates how Instagram can drive sales for creators across industries.

9. Photography

As a visual-first platform, Instagram is built on photography, with users sharing 95 million images and videos daily. This focus on visuals makes Instagram an essential tool for brands and influencers. High-quality, eye-catching photos are necessary for creating a cohesive feed, boosting engagement, and establishing credibility.

The photography niche thrives on Instagram, creating opportunities for monetization through various channels, including affiliate marketing, program sales, and brand partnerships. For example, photographer Keydrin Keylo Franklin uses Instagram to showcase his work and promote tutorials for aspiring photographers. Additionally, Depositphotos, a stock image provider, shares engaging content that highlights its offerings and drives brand awareness.

10. Food

Food is a fundamental part of life, and many people are passionate about it. Research shows that half of Millennials identify as “foodies.” This obsession with culinary experiences has transformed Instagram into a powerful platform for food bloggers, restaurants, and chefs. For example, Melissa Hie combines her love of travel and food on her blog and Instagram account, where she shares stunning visuals and engaging content.

Hie’s following presents opportunities for brand partnerships and monetization, while her content resonates with audiences. Instagram has also influenced how we share and discover food online, with users utilizing specific hashtags to find related images. Popular food hashtags include #food, #foodporn, #instafood, #foodphotography, and #yummy.

15 Ways to Make Money as a Social Media Content Creator

social media apps - How Much Do Social Media Content Creators Make

1. Create Sponsored Content for Brands

Initial Investment: $0
Skill Level Required: Intermediate
Potential Earnings: $50 - $10,000 per post (depending on the level of an influencer).

Nano-influencers (1K-10K followers) can earn $50 - $300 per post.

Companies often seek influencers to promote their products and services. The reason? Sponsored content allows brands to connect with potential customers through the authentic voices of influencers. As such, it’s a highly effective way for creators to monetize their channels. From nano-influencers to top-tier creators, sponsored content earnings can vary significantly. For example, the average cost of an Instagram post is around $1,300, but rates vary based on the industry, campaign type, and platform.

Brands often consider social media marketing a critical part of their strategy, with budgets ranging from $500 to $20,000 per month or $500 to $50,000 per project. Your influence and engagement will be crucial when negotiating rates for sponsored posts. Establishing your value clearly can help you secure fair compensation for your work, making sponsored content a sustainable source of income.

2. Promote Affiliate Products in Your Posts

Initial Investment: $0
Skill Level Required: Beginner
Potential Earnings: $50 - $10,000 or more

Promoting affiliate products is one of the simplest ways to monetize your social media accounts quickly. Affiliate marketing works by sharing a unique affiliate link or code provided by the company you partner with. When your followers purchase through your link, you earn a commission.

The earning potential with affiliate marketing varies widely, depending on your audience size and engagement. Some creators earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others generate thousands or more with the right products and consistent promotion. Your success depends on how well you connect your audience with products they truly value.

3. Develop and Sell Your Own Digital Products

Initial Investment: $0 - $300
Skill Level Required: Beginner
Potential Earnings: $100 - $2,000

Get creative and start selling your own digital products. Digital products are goods or services that exist entirely online, such as online courses, downloadable art, templates, ebooks, and more. This growing market presents a significant opportunity to generate income by leveraging your skills and creativity.

According to Thinkific, the average US adult spends between $120 to $130 per month on digital products. By leveraging social media, you can promote these products to a broader audience than a traditional storefront would allow. Transactions can be completed directly on social media platforms or through third-party sites like Etsy or Shopify, guiding the customer from your posts to purchase.

Places To Sell Your Products:

Instagram
Shopify
Facebook
TikTok
Etsy

The digital product industry evolves rapidly, so staying on top of trends is crucial to avoid investing in saturated markets. Keep an eye on what's popular and adjust your offerings to meet demand, ensuring your digital products stand out and attract buyers.

4. Offer One-On-One Coaching Sessions to Your Followers

Initial Investment: $100
Skill Level Required: Intermediate
Potential Earnings: $0 - $2,000 per month

Are you an expert in a particular field or industry, like graphic design, website content writing, or video editing? One-on-one coaching is an excellent way to transform your expertise into a source of income while fostering meaningful connections. From career advice to specialized guidance, coaching lets you provide personalized support to clients who value your skills—all while monetizing your social media presence.

Earnings from one-on-one coaching can vary depending on your niche and pricing. Many coaches charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per session, with top-tier experts earning even more. With a steady flow of clients, coaching can become a lucrative income stream that grows in tandem with your social media following.

5. Design and Sell Custom Merchandise

Initial Investment: $0 for Print on Demand
Skill Level Required: Intermediate
Potential Earnings: $2,000 - $3,000

With the growth of social media, online shoppers are increasingly turning to platforms like Instagram and Facebook to make clothing purchases, such as t-shirts and other merchandise. This shift has made social media a powerful tool for selling custom merchandise. Selling merchandise online typically occurs in two ways: partnering with a print-on-demand service and dropshipping. Print-on-demand services help reduce upfront costs and simplify the fulfillment process by handling everything from printing to packing and shipping your products.

This option enables you to focus more on design and marketing without the hassle of managing inventory. DIY Approach: Alternatively, if you prefer more control, you can manage your own inventory and handle the shipping yourself. This method allows you to oversee every aspect of the production process, from sourcing materials to packaging, but it requires more time and effort. Using social media to promote your merchandise is crucial for success. Enhance your brand’s visibility by consistently showcasing your products on your social media channels. Additionally, consider exploring other marketing strategies, such as offering affiliate links or partnering with influencers to expand your reach and attract more customers.

6. Join Platform-Specific Monetization Programs

Initial Investment: $0 - $10,000
Skill Level Required: Beginner
Potential Earnings: Varies

Monetized platforms provide creators with unique opportunities to earn money. Each platform, such as YouTube and TikTok, offers different monetization options, so it's essential to understand which one aligns best with your goals and content style. Creators can earn through various methods, including views, shares, ads, memberships, and direct sales. YouTube is a prime example of a platform with diverse monetization opportunities.

Whether you’re interested in affiliate marketing, paid promotions, or ad revenue, YouTube offers multiple income streams for video creators. You don’t need expensive video equipment to get started. With smartphones and basic editing tools, you can produce content that resonates with your audience and performs well. The key to success on these platforms is connecting with your target audience. The more engaging your content is, the more views you’ll get and, ultimately, the more income you can generate.

7. Become a Long-Term Brand Ambassador

Initial Investment: $0
Skill Level Required: Advanced
Potential Earnings: $1,000 - $5,000+ per month

Brand ambassadors are crucial in helping businesses increase brand awareness and connect with their target audience. As a brand ambassador, you publicly represent and promote a company's products, often using your influence within a specific industry or community. If you already have an established presence or influence in a particular niche, consider brands or products you regularly use as potential partners.

These companies could be great starting points for securing long-term ambassador opportunities. The partnership is mutually beneficial: the company gains a trusted spokesperson, while you receive compensation through payments, free products, or other incentives.

8. Host Paid Webinars or Virtual Events

Initial Investment: $0 - $1,000
Skill Level Required: Intermediate
Potential Earnings: $500 - $3,000 or more

With the rise of technology and remote work, virtual events have become a popular means of reaching a wider audience. Hosting webinars or virtual events allows you to monetize your expertise while engaging with your community. Start by identifying a topic or industry that aligns with your skills and knowledge. Once you have a clear focus and plan, and have prepared the content you want to deliver to your audience,

The next step is to choose the right platform for hosting your event. Options vary, so research different software to find the best fit for your needs. Determine a registration fee that accurately reflects the value of your content and covers your associated costs. Pricing your event appropriately is crucial, so consider your audience's willingness to pay, your production expenses, and the competitive landscape when setting your price.

9. Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign for a Specific Project

Initial Investment: $0 - a few thousand
Skill Level Required: Beginner
Potential Earnings: $100 - $10,000

Crowdfunding is a powerful way to bring your ideas to life and generate income through social media. If you’re passionate about a project and believe others will be, too, launching a crowdfunding campaign could be a great option. To increase your chances of success, research existing crowdfunding campaigns, both successful and unsuccessful, on platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or Indiegogo. Study what worked well and where others fell short to help refine your approach.

Understanding these examples can provide valuable insights into what resonates with backers and how to present your idea effectively. Be mindful of all costs involved—both upfront and in the long term. Proper planning can help you avoid unexpected expenses that could derail your project. Clearly outline your budget for online marketing and ensure you know what you’re getting into before launching. This preparation will help you navigate potential roadblocks and set you up for a successful crowdfunding campaign.

10. Provide Social Media Management Services to Businesses

Initial Investment: $0
Skill Level Required: Intermediate
Potential Earnings: Varies

Businesses at all levels—from local startups to national brands—are eager to maintain a strong online presence but often lack the time or expertise to manage social media effectively. Social media is a powerful tool that helps companies build brand awareness, foster customer loyalty, and support broader marketing goals, ultimately driving more sales. This gap creates a significant opportunity for freelancers and social media managers.

By offering social media management services, you can help businesses develop and execute content strategies, create engaging posts, and manage their online communities. This not only serves as a valuable income stream but also enables you to build a portfolio, which can open the door to more freelance opportunities. If you have a knack for crafting content and enjoy helping businesses grow their digital footprint, social media management could be a lucrative service to offer.

11. License Your Viral Content to Media Outlets

Initial Investment: $0
Skill Level Required: Beginner
Potential Earnings: $70 - $200

If you create a video or other viral content, licensing it to media outlets can be a great way to monetize your success. While going viral isn’t guaranteed, having a plan when it happens can help you maximize the opportunity. News networks, entertainment accounts, and other media platforms are constantly searching for engaging content to share with their audiences, and viral content provides them with proven, attention-grabbing material.

Licensing your content can offer multiple benefits, including monetary compensation. You can earn money by granting exclusive rights to your content. Increased Exposure: Licensing your content to platforms with a broader reach can help you grow your following and increase your brand visibility. Before licensing your content, it’s essential to understand the legal aspects of the transaction. Consider seeking legal advice to ensure your rights are protected and that the terms of the agreement are clearly defined.

12. Design and Sell Photo or Video Presets

Initial Investment: $100 - $500
Skill Level Required: Intermediate
Potential Earnings: $1,000s monthly

Selling photo and video presets is a popular way to monetize your social media presence. Presets are customized editing settings that can be applied to images or videos, allowing users to achieve a specific aesthetic with just one click. These presets are highly sought after by both individuals and businesses looking to elevate their visual content, as styles and trends are constantly evolving. If you have a unique editing style, there’s likely a market of people searching for exactly what you offer.

Use your own videos or photos to showcase the look and feel of your presets, demonstrating how they can transform ordinary content. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are ideal for promoting and selling these presets. To succeed in this space, develop strong photo or video editing skills. Consider showing your followers how you create your presets through tutorials or behind-the-scenes content. This approach not only adds value but also helps you build a loyal community of aspiring creators eager to learn from you.

13. Create and Sell Custom AR Filters or Effects for Social Platforms

Initial Investment: $0
Skill Level Required: Beginner - Intermediate
Potential Earnings: $100+

Augmented reality (AR) is an exciting technology that allows creators to generate income by designing custom filters and effects for social media platforms. AR filters are digital overlays that can be applied to photos or videos, altering the appearance of users with effects like sunglasses, facial adjustments, or other creative enhancements.

These filters have surged in popularity recently, making them a valuable tool for content creators. To earn money from AR filters, you need to create these effects yourself using AR development tools. Once designed, you can sell your creations directly on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, which support and promote AR content.

14. Offer Personalized Video Shoutouts or Messages to Fans

Initial Investment: $0
Skill Level Required: Intermediate
Potential Earnings: $100 - $1,000s

Offering personalized video shoutouts or messages is a fantastic way to connect with your fans and monetize your social media presence. This service allows you to engage with your followers in a personal and meaningful way, making them feel appreciated and valued. Fans often request personalized videos from their favorite influencers or celebrities for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to say hello. There are several third-party platforms, such as Cameo and Memmo, that specialize in connecting creators with fans looking for these personalized experiences, making it easy for you to start offering this service.

15. Develop and Sell Social Media-Themed Digital Assets

Initial Investment: $0
Skill Level Required: Intermediate
Potential Earnings: $100 - $5,000

Create and sell social media-themed digital assets like templates, graphics, illustrations, and presets to generate income. These ready-made tools are in high demand, helping individuals and businesses save time and skip the hassle of outsourcing or hiring designers. For companies without the resources to produce fresh content regularly, your digital assets can be an outstanding solution. Platforms like Etsy and Creative Market are excellent places to market and sell your digital assets. These marketplaces allow you to reach a broad audience and capitalize on the demand for high-quality social media content.

7 Tips to Make Money as a Content Creator

1. Tap Into Crayo AI to Launch Your Short-Form Video Career

Creating engaging short-form video content can seem daunting. But Crayo AI eliminates the guesswork. This powerful tool generates an unlimited number of unique shorts with the click of a button. Simply enter a prompt, choose your custom style, and watch as Crayo automatically produces your video. You can even pick from a wide selection of free background clips, voiceovers, music, and sound effects.

This is your chance to cash in on the TikTok Creator Fund and other monetization opportunities. With Crayo, you go from idea to finished video in minutes, so you can focus on what matters most: growing your audience and making money.

2. Follow Your Passion to Find Content Creation Success

What do you love? Maybe it’s cooking, fashion, fitness, or travel. Whatever it is, your first step as a creator is to identify your passion and interests. This will help guide your content strategy and keep you motivated. Creating online content can be challenging, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But if you focus on a subject you genuinely enjoy, the process will be much more enjoyable.

3. Build a Dedicated Following by Targeting a Niche Audience

The days of creating viral content to build an audience are over. Success on social media is now about establishing your brand and providing consistent value. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by targeting a niche audience. Focus on a specific interest, whether it’s sustainable fashion, plant-based cooking, or retro video games. This will help you attract a dedicated following and establish yourself as an expert in your field.

4. Create a Unique Brand to Stand Out From Other Creators

What makes you different? This is the first question you should ask when developing your content creation brand. Your unique qualities will help you establish your own style and voice, whether it’s humorous, educational, or inspirational. This will make it easier for you to connect with your audience and gain their trust.

5. Research and Choose the Right Platforms for Your Content

There are many social media platforms to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Research the demographics and content styles that perform best on each site to help you determine where to focus your efforts. For example, if you create short-form videos, TikTok and Instagram Reels are likely your best bets. If you’re a photographer or visual artist, Instagram and Pinterest should be at the top of your list.

6. Organize Your Strategy With a Content Calendar

Staying organized and consistent is key to building an audience online. A content calendar will help you plan your posts, so you can focus on creating high-quality content. Your calendar should include daily, weekly, and monthly content goals, such as posting on TikTok three times a week or sharing a newsletter every Friday.

7. Invest in Quality Tools to Elevate Your Content Creation

Great content starts with excellent tools. Depending on your niche, this may involve investing in high-quality camera, microphone, lighting equipment, or editing software. If you create videos, research the best gear for your budget and needs. Consider using a live streaming platform to connect with your audience in real time. This will help you experiment with different types of content and grow your following.

Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo

crayo - How Much Do Social Media Content Creators Make

Crayo AI is the fastest way to create short videos. Create unlimited short videos at once. Crayo even auto-generates captions, effects, background, and music for you. Take advantage of an opportunity of a lifetime and earn easy money with the TikTok Creator Fund program.

Go from ideas to short videos in seconds:

Write an outline/prompt,
Customize the style (select a background video, voice narrator, and music from Crayo’s free templates),
Finish and export! Go viral, make money, and make clips in seconds with Crayo.

Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today — just click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account required! Go from prompt to viral short videos in minutes with Crayo.

How Much Do Social Media Content Creators Make (Tips to Make Money on Social Media)

Table Of Contents