Are you hoping to land your first paid brand deal on Instagram? Wondering how others are getting free products, sponsorships, or even money from brands while you’re still trying to figure it all out?
Good news — things are different in 2025. You don’t need millions of followers to start earning. If you know the right steps, you can turn your Instagram into a real source of income.
In this easy-to-understand guide, I’ll show you how to get brand deals on Instagram with simple tips and proven strategies. Whether you’re just starting or already posting regularly, this guide will help you become someone brands actually want to work with.
Why Getting Brand Deals on Instagram Matters in 2025
Instagram is still one of the top platforms for influencer marketing, and it’s only getting bigger. The best part? In 2025, brands are focusing more on micro and nano influencers than ever before. That means even smaller creators have a real shot at working with big names.
Here’s why brands love Instagram creators:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| High Engagement | Creators build real connections with their followers, which leads to better results |
| Visual Platform | Instagram’s visual nature makes it perfect for showing off products in a natural way |
| Authentic Influence | People trust creators more than traditional ads—they feel more genuine and relatable |
| Performance Insights | Instagram provides insights so creators can show how well their content performs |
If you’re consistent and know how to present yourself, 2025 is a great time to start landing brand deals—even with a small following.
Step 1: Learn the Basics of Getting Brand Deals on Instagram (Start from Scratch)
If you want to get brand deals on Instagram, it takes more than posting nice pictures. In 2025, brands are looking for creators who are:
- Consistent with their content
- Focused on a specific niche (like fashion, fitness, beauty, etc.)
- Skilled at creating content that’s high-quality and keeps people interested
So, where do you begin?
Start by thinking of your Instagram as your digital resume or portfolio. Every post should show off your style, personality, and what you’re good at. When brands look at your profile, they should instantly see what you’re all about and what kind of value you bring to the table.
How to Rank Reels on Explore Page 2025
Step 2: Create a Profile That Attracts Brand Deals
Before brands reach out—or before you pitch to them—you need to make sure your Instagram profile clearly shows that you’re open for business. It should instantly say: “I’m professional, active, and ready to work with brands!”
Here’s a quick checklist to help you make your profile brand-friendly:
| Element | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Username | Keep it short, clear, and easy to remember |
| Bio | Mention your niche and what kind of content you create |
| Profile Picture | Use a clean, friendly, and high-quality headshot or logo |
| Highlights | Add highlights to show past brand work, reviews, tutorials, or testimonials |
| Link in Bio | Use tools like Linktree or Beacons to share your best content or media kit |
Pro Tip: Add niche-specific keywords to your bio. For example, writing “Travel Creator | Budget Trips & Honest Reviews” helps brands quickly understand what you do—and if you’re the right fit for their campaign.
Step 3: Switch to a Creator or Business Account
If you’re truly serious about landing brand deals on Instagram, this step isn’t optional—it’s a must.
By switching to a Creator or Business account, you unlock powerful tools that help you look professional and track your growth. Brands expect to see these insights when deciding who to work with.
Here’s what you get with a Creator or Business account:
- Audience Insights – See who follows you (age, gender, location)
- Post & Story Stats – Track reach, likes, saves, comments, and more
- Contact Buttons – Add email or call buttons right on your profile
- Partnership Tags – Officially tag sponsored posts and disclose brand collaborations
Bonus Tip: If you’re building a blog or media kit, linking your Instagram to a professional site (using tools like Rank Math SEO) helps boost your profile in both search results and brand credibility.
Step 4: Focus on Reels and Story Engagement
In 2025, if you want to grow and attract brand deals, you need to focus on Reels and Stories. Instagram is pushing these formats more than ever, and brands love them because they show off your content style, creativity, and how well you connect with your audience.
Here’s a breakdown of content formats that catch brand attention:
| Format | Why It Works | Example Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Reels | Unboxing, tutorials,and product reviews | Unboxing, tutorials, and product reviews |
| Stories | Real, raw, and interactive | Polls, Q&As, behind-the-scenes, daily use |
| Carousel Posts | Great for storytelling and education | “My Skincare Routine with X”, step-by-step guides |
Tip: Use trending audio in Reels, but make it your own. A fresh, creative twist can help you go viral—and that visibility makes brands take notice.
Step 5: Boost Your Engagement Rate
Having a lot of followers is nice, but if they’re not interacting with your content, it won’t impress brands. In 2025, engagement rate is what really matters when it comes to landing brand deals on Instagram.
Here’s how you can increase your engagement:
- Ask questions in your captions to spark comments
- Share carousels with useful tips, steps, or tutorials
- Post when your audience is most active (check your Insights!)
- Use interactive Story features like polls, emoji sliders, and quizzes
- Reply to DMs and comments—show people you’re present and care
Ideal Engagement Rate Goals by Follower Count:
| Follower Range | Target Engagement Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 5,000 | 8–12% |
| 5,001 – 25,000 | 5–8% |
| 25,001 – 100,000 | 3–5% |
Keep in mind: Brands aren’t always looking for the biggest creators—they want influencers with active, loyal communities. A smaller following with strong engagement is often more valuable than a large one with low interaction.
Step 6: Create a Standout Media Kit
If you want to look professional and get taken seriously by brands, you need a media kit. Think of it as your influencer resume—it shows brands who you are, what you offer, and why they should work with you.
What to Include in Your Media Kit:
- Short Bio – A quick intro about who you are and what kind of content you create
- Audience Insights – Share details like follower count, age, gender, and location breakdown
- Engagement Stats – Highlight average likes, comments, reach, and story views
- Previous Brand Work – Add screenshots, testimonials, or links to past collaborations
- Pricing/Packages – (Optional) Share your rates for posts, Reels, Stories, or bundles
You don’t need fancy software to make one—use Canva, Notion, or even Google Slides to create a clean and eye-catching PDF or webpage.
Step 7: Know Where to Find Brand Deals
Here’s what most new creators don’t realize: you don’t have to sit around waiting for brands to message you. In fact, you can go out and find brand deals yourself, and there are platforms built just for that.
Top Platforms to Find Instagram Brand Deals in 2025:
| Platform | Best For | Sign-Up Type |
|---|---|---|
| Collabstr | Micro-influencer gigs & fast payouts | Free |
| AspireIQ | Premium brands & high-budget work | Invite-only |
| Creator.co | Easy-to-join, beginner-friendly | Free |
| BrandConnect | Google-run, trusted campaigns | Free |
| Upfluence | eCommerce & product-based deals | Paid plans |
These platforms connect creators with real brand opportunities. You can apply to open campaigns, pitch yourself, and build your portfolio—all while getting paid or receiving products in exchange.
Step 8: Master the Art of Pitching Brands
If you want to take control and land brand deals faster, you need to reach out first. Pitching brands the right way shows confidence, professionalism, and initiative—qualities brands love.
How to Pitch the Right Way:
- Do Your Homework
Before reaching out, research the brand.- Have they worked with creators in your niche?
- Does your audience align with theirs?
- Engage Genuinely
Don’t just cold DM.- Like, comment, or share their posts a few times.
- Build a little connection before making your ask.
- Send a Personal Message
Keep it short, friendly, and to the point. Here’s an example: Hi [Brand Name],
I’m a beauty creator and a huge fan of your [product name]. I create honest, creative Reels and would love to explore a collaboration with your team. Let me know if I can send over my media kit. Thanks for your time! - Follow Up
No reply? That’s normal!- Wait 7–10 days, then send a polite follow-up.
- Keep it simple: “Just checking in to see if you had a chance to look over my message. I’d love to connect if there’s an opportunity!”
Pro Tip: Save a few pitch templates, but always tweak them to fit the brand. The more personal and relevant you make your message, the higher your chances of getting a yes.
Step 9: Deliver High-Quality Sponsored Content
Landing the deal is just the beginning—now it’s time to impress the brand. The better your sponsored content performs, the more likely they are to work with you again or recommend you to others.
What Brands Expect in 2025:
- High-Quality Visuals
Clear, well-lit photos or videos that match your usual style and aesthetic. - Authentic Messaging
Speak in your voice. Don’t sound scripted—your audience should feel it’s a natural recommendation. - Timely Delivery
Stick to agreed-upon deadlines. It shows you’re reliable and professional. - Ad Rule Compliance
Always tag your post as a “Paid Partnership”, and follow FTC/Instagram ad guidelines. Transparency builds trust.
After You Post:
- Send the brand your performance insights—like reach, saves, shares, and engagement.
- Mention any positive comments or feedback you received from your followers.
Bonus Tip: Go beyond the usual. Brands love when you pitch creative ideas like tutorials, skits, transformations, or themed Reels instead of just basic unboxings. It shows initiative and creativity, both major green flags for repeat partnerships.
Step 10: Avoid Fake “Brand Deals”
As you start growing, you’ll likely get messages that look like brand deals, but not all offers are real. Some are scams pretending to be legit collaborations.
To protect yourself, stay alert and know the red flags.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
- They ask you to pay upfront
Real brands give you products or pay you—they don’t charge you to join. - No official contract or email communication
If the conversation stays only in DMs with no clear terms, be cautious. - Generic “ambassador” offers from sketchy accounts
“Hey, babe, want to be our brand ambassador?”—These are usually spam or scams. - They ask you to post without disclosing it’s a paid ad
Any legit brand will support following Instagram’s rules.
Pro Tip:
Real brand deals never make you pay to participate.
If a company offers “exposure” instead of real compensation, it’s not a fair deal, especially if they want you to buy something first.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Always protect your brand, your audience, and your credibility.
Final Thoughts: How to Get Brand Deals on Instagram
You don’t need 100,000 followers or a viral video to start working with brands. What truly matters is:
- Having a clear niche
- Posting consistently
- Building real engagement
- Having the confidence to pitch yourself
Learning how to get brand deals on Instagram is just the beginning. Now it’s time to take action—clean up your profile, create value-packed content, and start reaching out to brands that align with you.
Remember: your next paid collab could be just one good Reel away. Keep showing up, keep improving, and the deals will come.
FAQs About Getting Instagram Brand Deals
Q1. Can I get brand deals with 1,000 followers?
Yes! Many nano influencers get deals by focusing on strong engagement and niche content.
Q2. How do I price my content for brands?
Start with simple packages (e.g., ₹1,000–₹5,000 per Reel, depending on reach and engagement), then adjust as your page grows.
Q3. Should I tag the brand before I get a deal?
You can! It shows initiative, but always make it clear it’s not a paid partnership yet.
Q4. Is a media kit necessary?
Yes. It makes you look professional and helps brands understand your value quickly.
Q5. What kind of brands work with small influencers?
Local businesses, D2C brands, skincare, fashion startups, gadgets, and even food delivery services.
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