Did you know that more than 2.35 billion people use Instagram? Yup, Instagram has billions of monthly active users. One of the biggest reasons for its immense growth over the years is growth. Starting as a humble photo editing and sharing app, Instagram has now evolved into a social platform where users can share images, videos, send messages, shop and… The list goes on.
Now, Instagram has released a new feature that is going to completely change the game. Instagram has taken it up a notch with its subscriptions feature. This feature allows creators to have a predictable, sustainable and scalable income all inside of Instagram without having to do anything externally. The feature was first announced in 2022 by Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, and this is what he had to say about it:
“We want Instagram to be the best place online for creators to make a living. And a really important thing for creators everywhere is sustainable income…And a great way to establish some sustainable, predictable income is subscriptions.”
Initially, the subscription feature was only available for creators in the US. However, just a week ago, Mosseri announced that subscriptions will now be available worldwide for eligible creators. So, the subscription access will be expanded to creators in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain and Japan in the coming weeks. The platform will continue rolling out access to other parts of the world in the coming months.
So, it is high time that creators learn about Instagram subscriptions and what they have to offer. Let’s fig right in!
What Are Instagram Subscriptions?
What Are Instagram Subscriptions
Instagram subscriptions is a subscription service by creators for their loyal followers. It allows creators to generate a steady income through their Instagram presence by offering exclusive content and special privileges to the most devoted followers in exchange for a monthly subscription fee.
Here’s how it works: creators can add a special “subscription” button on their profile. So, in order to buy a subscription, the follower will head over to the creator’s account and click on that subscription button which will prompt them to buy the subscription.
When a follower becomes a subscriber, they get access to all kinds of amazing privileges. For example, they can enjoy premium content on Instagram Lives and Stories, check out exclusive photos, have private chats with the creators, get behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, get early access to the creators’ upcoming work, etc. You can also offer them coaching, special courses and other valuable content. But that’s not all. Subscribers also get a cool badge next to their comments and messages, so everyone knows they’re part of the exclusive club. It’s like being part of a special community within Instagram.
Exclusive Features Of Instagram Subscriptions
Subscription Features
Instagram subscriptions come with many amazing features that cater to your exclusive content needs and enhance your interaction with the paying subscribers. Let’s check them out:
- Subscriber Posts, Stories, Reels, and Lives: With Instagram subscriptions, you gain the power to create captivating reels, posts, and stories that are only for your subscribers. This means you share content not accessible to other followers. This adds a sense of exclusivity to your subscription offering. Moreover, you can leverage interactive story stickers to engage the subscribers and even host live sessions solely for them. Ultimately, this his will foster a closer and more intimate relationship with your loyal fan base.
- Subscriber Highlights: Your subscribers will never miss out on your latest exclusive stories with this feature. Instagram automatically saves your subscribers stories to a dedicated highlight that remains visible only to your subscribers. This saves your subscribers the hassle of searching through your profile to find the content they need and keeps them informed about your latest updates.
- Subscriber Broadcast and Social Channels: The platform empowers you to grant special access or provide exclusive information to your subscribers through subscriber-only channels. This feature is perfect for offering behind-the-scenes glimpses, early access to announcements, or exclusive content that’s not shared with your wider audience. By offering such unique perks through these channels, you can incentivize more dedicated followers to subscribe.
- Subscriber Badges: Whenever your subscribers interact with you through comments or messages, their accounts will be adorned with a distinct badge. This will help you instantly distinguish them from regular followers. So, you can easily identify and prioritize engaging with your subscribers. This is important because valuing your subscriber’s interaction will keep them as engaged and loyal fans.
Benefits Of Instagram Subscriptions
Benefits of subscriptions
Here are the most prominent benefits of Instagram subscriptions:
- Income
The creator economy has opened up incredible opportunities, but it can still be nerve-wracking, especially for smaller creators, to rely solely on brand collaborations or one-time payouts. This is where Instagram Subscriptions is a game-changing feature. If you’re producing top-notch stuff that people are willing to pay for, you can see your subscribers’ numbers soar, along with your monthly income.
- Mutual Appreciation
Imagine this: your followers love your content so much that they’re willing to support you with their hard-earned money. That’s not just a financial boost; it’s a heartwarming gesture of appreciation. With Instagram Subscriptions, your subscribers get to feel like VIPs, gaining access to exclusive content that others don’t get to see. So, this feature creates a wonderful two-way relationship. As a content creator, you’re motivated to keep producing top-quality stuff, and your subscribers are delighted to be a part of your exclusive club.
- Stronger Community
As your community grows, it becomes harder to interact with everyone. However, with Instagram Subscriptions, you can prioritize your most engaged followers. These loyal supporters become the cream of the crop, and you can ensure that their messages and comments never go unnoticed. Moreover, engaging closely with your most dedicated followers allows you to tap into their valuable insights and feedback. So, by nurturing these deeper connections, you build a strong community of followers that wants to keep coming back for more.
Final Words
Instagram subscriptions provide a great opportunity for creators to generate a stable monthly income. It also comes with an array of powerful tools to tailor exclusive content and experiences for subscribers. Whether it’s sharing personalized posts, stories, reels, or going live with your paying followers, the platform ensures that you can connect with your most devoted fans in meaningful ways. So, start leveraging Instagram subscriptions to make money and grow your digital presence!