Everything You Need to Know About Instagram’s Subscription Feature

Instagram is one of the best social media platforms for creators and brands. It provides various tools and features that make it easy to share your passion and earn a living. One of these is the subscription feature, allowing both big and small creators to have a reliable source of income.

You don’t have to use external subscription platforms anymore. You can monetize your craft and earn directly on the app. Here’s everything you need to know about the Instagram subscription feature to help you take full advantage of it.

What Is the Instagram Subscription Feature?

With the subscription feature, Instagram creators can make exclusive content for their followers and earn a stable income. You can set your subscription fee anywhere from $0.99 to $99.99.

Once you’ve set it up, a “Subscribe” button will appear on your profile. Your subscribers will pay a monthly in-app fee for exclusive access to your in-feed posts, live broadcasts, Stories, and Reels.

They will have a purple badge next to their name to help you identify them. You can also filter your inbox to see only the messages from your subscribers and prioritize replying to them.

How Can Creators Benefit From the Instagram Subscription Feature?

Instagram is great for sharing content, but it wasn’t until the launch of the subscription feature that creators could earn through their craft. Still, it’s not just about the money. It carries other benefits for both creators and their audiences. Here’s how the subscription feature adds value to the Instagram experience.

• Peace of Mind for Creators

  While creators have flexible work schedules, the biggest drawback of the job is the lack of financial certainty. It can be challenging for them to secure monthly paychecks, especially for those just starting in the industry. But fortunately, the Instagram subscription feature can give them greater peace of mind.

  Creators, even the smaller ones, can have a reliable monthly income aside from the money they earn through brand collaborations. The trick is to keep creating high-quality content your subscribers love. That way, they’ll be happy to support you and your brand.

• Deeper Relationships With Followers

  As your following on Instagram continues to grow, it can be more challenging to maintain a close connection with everyone. But with the subscription feature, you can ensure your biggest supporters get the attention they deserve. You can filter their comments and DMs so you never miss them and can make them feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

  Creators can also deepen their relationships with their subscribers through exclusive content. Ask them what they want to see from you and deliver their needs. Nothing will solidify your bond with your subscribers more.

What Exclusive Features Can Subscribers Enjoy?

When Instagram first launched subscriptions, its three main features were badges and exclusive subscriber Stories and Lives. But along the way, it added more features for subscribers to enjoy. Here are the perks that come with the Instagram subscription feature.

• Exclusive In-feed Posts and Reels

  Instagram creators wanted to make exclusive content for their subscribers that wouldn’t expire after 24 hours. Instagram listened and included in-feed posts and Reels in the subscription plans. Subscribers can revisit these posts you created for them whenever they want to.

• Subscriber Chats

  While exclusive content is the main attraction of Instagram subscriptions, subscriber chats are a nice bonus. When a creator makes a subscriber chat, up to 30 subscribers can join. They can discuss various topics with their subscribers, answer their questions, or tell them behind-the-scenes stories. It's a helpful tool that creators can use to build their community.

• Subscriber Badges

  Instagram gives all subscribers a special badge that differentiates them from regular followers. It will appear next to a subscriber’s name every time they comment or message. Badges come with two main benefits. They let creators identify their subscribers so they can give them special attention.

  In addition, badges help promote a creator’s work. When others see you have subscribers, they’ll become intrigued and want access to your exclusive content.

• Exclusive Stories

  Subscriber stories are similar to the stories you post for your close friends. They’re only visible to your subscribers and will disappear after 24 hours. While the green circle is for close friends, you tap on the purple one to post exclusive Stories for your subscribers. It’s a great way to engage with them, get candid, or ask for their feedback.

• Exclusive Lives

  Creators can choose to turn on Instagram live exclusively for their subscribers. When they do, their subscribers will receive a notification, and they can tune in if they want to. There are countless ideas to execute with this format. If you want to get personal with your subscribers, you can host Q&A sessions so they can ask you questions directly. If you’re an art teacher or a yoga instructor, you can hold exclusive classes for them.

How to Grow Your Subscriber Base

You have to give your audience a reason to want to subscribe to you. So instead of doing what everyone else is doing, stay true to yourself and give your subscribers unique content. They’ll want to keep up with you if you provide value they can’t get anywhere else.

Aside from sticking to your brand, it’s also vital to be transparent with your audience. To avoid disappointment, tell them exactly what they’ll get if they subscribe to you. And when you do lay down these expectations, make sure to push through with them.

Lastly, you must make your subscribers feel special if you want them to stick around. They’re your loyal supporters, so thank them in whatever ways you can. Reply to their comments and messages, ask for feedback, and give them what they want.

The Bottom Line

Instagram’s subscription feature comes with several benefits for creators and subscribers alike. Creators can continue doing what they love and get paid for it. It also removes the pressure to keep collaborating with brands and influencers. Meanwhile, subscribers can gain access to their favorite creators’ exclusive work. It’s a win-win for everyone.