Instagram Subscriptions, Explained

What are Subscriptions on Instagram?

Answer: Instagram Subscriptions are a feature that allows creators to offer exclusive content and benefits to their followers for a monthly fee.

This subscription model is designed to help creators monetize their content while building a closer relationship with their audience.

Key Features:

1. Exclusive Content: Subscribers receive access to content that is not available to the general audience, such as special posts, stories, and live streams.
2. Subscriber Badges: Subscribers get a unique badge displayed next to their username, signaling their support to the creator and fostering a sense of community.
3. Direct Messaging: Creators can send exclusive messages or content directly to subscribers, enhancing engagement and interaction.
4. Customizable Perks: Creators can set their own subscription price and determine what exclusive benefits to offer, tailoring the experience to their audience’s preferences.
5. Increased Engagement: By providing subscribers with unique content and interaction opportunities, creators can enhance engagement and build a loyal fan base.

Overall, Instagram Subscriptions create a new way for creators to monetize their content while offering their followers a more personalized experience.

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How to Enable Subscriptions on Instagram

You can enable Instagram subscriptions through your “Professional Dashboard”. You’ll see the “Set up subscriptions” if you have at least 10k followers.

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Go to the “Professional Dashboard“
3. Tap “Set up subscriptions” > “Next“
4. Agree to the terms > Tap “Next“
5. Select your monthly membership prices
6. Tap “Publish” > “Create“

Essentially, these are the steps you need to take to enable subscriptions.

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Benefits of Instagram Subscriptions

Instagram Subscriptions offer creators a way to monetize their content while providing exclusive perks to their subscribers.

Here are some key benefits:

1. Monetization Opportunities: Creators can earn recurring revenue through monthly subscription fees, providing a stable income stream.
2. Exclusive Content: Subscribers gain access to unique content, such as behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive live streams, and special posts, which can increase engagement and loyalty.
3. Stronger Community: Subscription features foster a closer connection between creators and their audience, as subscribers feel more valued and part of an exclusive group.
4. Improved Engagement: Subscribers are often more invested in the creator’s content, leading to higher engagement rates through likes, comments, and shares.
5. Customizable Benefits: Creators can tailor subscription perks, such as badges or direct messaging, allowing them to cater to their audience’s interests and enhance their overall experience.
6. Increased Visibility: Subscription content can help creators stand out in the crowded Instagram space, attracting more followers who are interested in supporting their work.

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Instagram Subscription vs Patreon

The main difference is that Instagram Subscriptions monetize content directly on the platform, while Patreon offers a broader membership system with multiple tiers for exclusive content and community engagement.

Whether an Instagram subscription is better than Patreon depends on the creator’s goals, audience, and content style.

Here are some factors to consider:

Feature	Instagram Subscriptions	Patreon
Audience Integration	Leverages existing Instagram followers	Requires directing audience to a separate platform
Content Access	Exclusive content within the Instagram app	Variety of content types (videos, podcasts, etc.)
Monetization Flexibility	Fixed monthly fee for subscribers	Multiple tiers with customizable pricing and perks
Community Interaction	Subscriber badges and direct messaging	Discussion boards and private messaging features
Visibility Control	Subject to Instagram’s algorithms and policies	More control over content distribution
Payment Processing Fees	Typically lower fees, taken from Instagram	Percentage fee on earnings
Creator Tools	Limited customization options for perks	Extensive tools for community engagement
Engagement Potential	High due to direct interaction within the app	Varies based on tier offerings and community size
Ease of Use	Seamless experience for existing Instagram users	Requires additional onboarding for new users

Let’s take them one by one.

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1. Instagram Subscriptions

Advantages:

1. Built-In Audience: Creators can leverage their existing Instagram followers, making it easier to convert them into subscribers without needing to drive traffic elsewhere.
2. Integrated Experience: Since it’s part of Instagram, subscribers can easily access exclusive content within the app they already use.
3. Engagement: Features like badges and direct messaging enhance community interaction, fostering a sense of belonging among subscribers.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Features: Instagram subscriptions may not offer as many customization options or tiered subscription levels compared to Patreon.
2. Content Control: Creators are still subject to Instagram’s algorithms and policies, which can impact visibility.

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2. Patreon

Advantages:

1. More Customization: Patreon allows creators to set different subscription tiers with varying perks, offering more flexibility in monetization.
2. Diverse Content Types: Creators can offer a wider range of content, including podcasts, videos, and downloadable resources, appealing to different audience preferences.
3. Community Building: Patreon includes features like discussion boards and private messaging, which can enhance community interaction.

Disadvantages:

1. Separate Platform: Creators need to direct their audience to a different platform, which may lead to some potential subscribers dropping off.
2. Payment Processing Fees: Patreon takes a percentage of subscription fees, which can reduce overall earnings.

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FAQ

1. Who is eligible for Instagram Subscription?

You need to have at least 10k followers and be 18+ years old to use Paid Subscriptions on Instagram.

Read more about the requirements.

2. Is Instagram Subscription like OnlyFans?

Yes, but without the adult content.

Instagram Subscriptions is similar to OnlyFans in that it allows creators to monetize their content through a subscription model. Both platforms enable creators to offer exclusive content to paying subscribers. However, Instagram is primarily a social media platform focused on visual content, while OnlyFans is more associated with adult content and a broader range of monetization options.

3. Do people actually pay for Instagram Subscriptions?

Yes, people do pay for Instagram Subscriptions. Creators have reported success in generating revenue through this feature, particularly those who offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, or personalized interactions.

The subscription model appeals to fans who want more direct engagement with their favorite creators, making it a viable income source for many.

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Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort