If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram wondering how people sell custom products without keeping stock, here’s your answer: print-on-demand. And in 2025, Instagram is one of the best platforms to build a profitable POD business with little to no upfront cost.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover how to start a print-on-demand business on Instagram in 2025, from finding your niche to making your first sale.
1. What is Print-on-Demand and Why Instagram is Perfect for It
Print-on-demand (POD) is a low-risk eCommerce model where you design products, and a third-party supplier prints and ships them only after a customer places an order. No storage, no bulk orders, no upfront manufacturing costs.
Why Instagram is ideal for POD in 2025:
- Visual-first platform for showcasing designs.
- Reels and Stories boost discoverability.
- Built-in Instagram Shops for direct purchases.
- Easy influencer collaborations for brand growth.
Example:
Ritika, a college student, launched quirky tote bags via POD on Instagram. By posting behind-the-scenes Reels of her design process, she gained 18K followers and made ₹1.5 lakh in 6 months—without ever touching the products herself.
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2. Choosing Your Niche for Instagram POD
Picking a profitable niche is the first step in learning how to start a print-on-demand business on Instagram in 2025.
Trending niches in 2025:
- Pet-themed accessories
- Minimalist lifestyle apparel
- Anime or gaming merch
- Motivational quotes
- Travel-inspired items
| Niche Type | Example Products | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Lovers | Custom pet mugs, T-shirts | Pet owners, animal lovers |
| Fitness Enthusiasts | Gym wear, shaker bottles | Gym-goers, health-conscious |
| Pop Culture Fans | Meme hoodies, posters | Gen Z, millennials |
| Travel Addicts | Luggage tags, tote bags | Frequent travelers, wanderlust |
Pro Tip: Pick a niche you enjoy—your passion will reflect in your content.
3. Setting Up Your Instagram Business Account
To sell effectively, switch from a personal to a professional Instagram account.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account.
- Choose “Business”.
- Add a keyword-rich bio (e.g., “Custom Tees | Global Shipping | DM for Orders”).
- Use a professional logo or product image as your profile picture.
- Add your POD store link in the bio.
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4. Designing Your Products
Your designs are the lifeblood of your POD business.
Best design tools in 2025:
- Canva Pro – Easy templates for apparel/merch.
- Adobe Illustrator – Advanced vector designs.
- Kittl – Great for vintage/retro style.
- MidJourney & DALL·E – AI-generated creative ideas.
Pro Tip: Research Instagram hashtags and Pinterest boards to spot trending design styles.
5. Picking the Right Print-on-Demand Supplier
A good supplier ensures high product quality and fast shipping.
| Supplier Name | Key Features | Shipping Time (Avg) | Instagram Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printful | High-quality products, global reach | 5–10 days | Yes |
| Printify | Multiple print partners, affordable | 7–12 days | Yes |
| Gelato | Local printing in 30+ countries | 4–8 days | Yes |
| Teespring (Spring) | Built-in social selling tools | 7–12 days | Yes |
Pro Tip: Always order samples before listing products.
6. Creating an Instagram Content Strategy for POD
Your content is your storefront. Without it, your products remain unseen.
Content types to post:
- Reels – Design process, product unboxings.
- Carousel posts – Multiple product shots.
- Stories – Limited offers, polls, behind-the-scenes.
- User-generated content – Customer photos and reviews.
| Day | Content Type |
|---|---|
| Monday | Reel: Design creation |
| Wednesday | Carousel: Bestsellers |
| Friday | Reel: Trending audio clip |
| Sunday | Story: Q&A session |
7. Setting Up Instagram Shops for POD Sales
Instagram Shops lets buyers purchase directly in the app.
Setup steps:
- Connect POD store to Facebook Commerce Manager.
- Upload your product catalog.
- Tag products in posts and Reels.
8. Using Hashtags and Keywords for Discoverability
Instagram’s search in 2025 is keyword-driven, making SEO important.
Hashtag examples:
- #PrintOnDemand2025
- #CustomTShirts
- #MotivationalMerch
- #InspoWear
- #PODBusiness
9. Collaborating with Influencers to Boost Sales
Micro-influencers (5K–20K followers) often have higher engagement rates.
Example:
A POD store selling custom pet mugs partnered with 15 pet accounts. Each influencer posted a Reel showcasing their mug. Sales tripled in 2 weeks.
10. Running Instagram Ads for Faster Growth
Even a small ad budget can generate sales.
Ad formats for POD:
- Reels Ads – Show products in action.
- Collection Ads – Display multiple items.
- Story Ads – Add urgency with limited-time deals.
11. Creating Scarcity with Limited Editions
Urgency drives purchases. Offer:
- Flash sales
- Seasonal designs
- Limited-edition runs
12. Tracking and Improving Your Instagram POD Strategy
Use Instagram Insights to monitor:
- Reach and impressions
- Engagement rate
- Top-performing products
13. Mistakes to Avoid in Your POD Instagram Business
- Low-quality mockups
- Ignoring customer messages
- Inconsistent posting
- Not testing product samples
14. Scaling Beyond Instagram
Once your POD store is profitable:
- Add more product types.
- Sell on Etsy or Amazon.
- Build your own eCommerce site.
- Hire content creators.
Conclusion: How to Start a Print-on-Demand Business on Instagram in 2025
Learning how to start a print-on-demand business on Instagram in 2025 can open the door to a low-cost, scalable income stream. With the right niche, supplier, and Instagram marketing strategy, you can turn designs into a full-time business without holding any inventory.
Instagram is your shop window—make it attractive, keep it fresh, and most importantly, make it feel personal. People don’t just buy products; they buy the story and brand behind them.
FAQs on How to Start a Print-on-Demand Business on Instagram in 2025
Q1. How much does it cost to start a print-on-demand business on Instagram?
Almost nothing upfront—you pay the supplier after each sale.
Q2. Can I run POD on Instagram without a website?
Yes, Instagram Shops allows direct in-app sales.
Q3. How long until I see results?
With consistent posting, some sellers see sales within a month; others take 3–6 months.
Q4. Do I need to know graphic design?
No—tools like Canva and AI art generators make it beginner-friendly.
Q5. Is Instagram better than Etsy for POD?
Instagram is better for brand-building; Etsy offers built-in search traffic.
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