3 Easy Ways to Make Money By Posting Photos and Videos on Social Media

Getting paid to post photos and videos on social media sounds like a dream job, but these savvy women have done just that! Read on to learn their secrets to success and how you can make money on social media as well.

“I earn up to $3,000 a month recording videos for women over 50”

“I work full-time as an administrative assistant in a school, but when I turned 50, I wanted to do something creative on the side. My daughter was into YouTube, so I started to look for videos about how the way you feel and look changes in midlife. There wasn’t much, and I realized there were probably other women who wanted the same information. I thought about starting my own channel, but I was clueless about all of it! I took six months to research, and then I launched my channel, Bobbie Koppe.

“My first video, a comparison of products that make it easier for women with arthritis to hold a phone, did surprisingly well. Three weeks later, I reviewed a spin cleaning brush, and it’s still my top video. Now, I post videos about beauty, weight loss (I lost 50 pounds!), home, lifestyle, parenting, and my Christian faith.

“I have a calendar of ideas, but many times, I record videos on a whim or about current events. A few months ago, I posted a video about how to look your best on Zoom, and it was very popular.

“I post videos once a week, and in less than a year, I was able to apply to Google Adsense, a program that places ads on videos, and start making money. I also earn money with Amazon affiliates, and I have a storefront: When people click a link, they see my favorite products and I make a percentage of sales. My channel is my creative outlet. It helps me feel like I have a voice, plus I get to help other women. My income varies, but I’ve made up to $3,000 a month.” — Bobbie Kopek, 54, Montgomery County, PA

“I bring home up to $50,000 a year posting photos of products!”

“When the local newspaper I was working for downsized, I decided to start my own blog (TheStatenIslandFamily.com). As my blog grew, I made money with an ad network, but then I learned of other bloggers who were making money on Instagram by promoting products and decided to give it a try.

“When I find products that I like, such as those that promote a healthy, clean lifestyle, I’ll send the companies a direct message to find out if they’re interested in working together. I also find companies through influencer networks that work with bloggers who have large followings. Public relations firms and companies also reach out to me directly.

“In the beginning, I would receive free products in exchange for writing a review, but then it evolved to getting paid to post about their products. Now, every campaign that I do for a brand includes a blog post and posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I’m also more conscious of the times and finances, and only partner with companies whose products I believe in and are a fit for my audience. I post about the products in a natural way, without focusing too much on ‘selling.’ I add the photos to Instagram stories and a link to the company’s website. My advice for those want to make money on social media is to also have a website because social media changes all the time.

“I earn up to $50,000 a year doing what I love. That money helps pay bills and is donated to charities I support like animal sanctuaries.” — Melissa Chapman, 47, Staten Island, NY

“I make up to $5,000 a month posting videos about my family!”

“I used to work in a courtroom, reading charges to people and selecting juries. Through the years, I also dabbled in media, was hired for commercials and films and worked on a home shopping network. My niece was a YouTuber, and when I appeared on her show, she told me people would ask for more of ‘Auntie Jillian.’ She encouraged me to set up my own channel, but I wasn’t interested in it. She set it up anyway (YouTube.com/user/AskAuntieJillian), and 11,000 people subscribed — even though there weren’t any videos.

“I decided to give it a try, and I started to interview people. I never expected that people would want to watch a woman of my age with older kids, but I quickly discovered that people were more interested in my life and family, so when I made that shift, the channel took off.

“Most of the videos I create are of my family — what we’re doing and problems that come up, and sometimes we’re the butt of the joke. I also post videos about vlogging, cooking, travel, current events, and positivity.

“I make money with Google Adsense as well as paid sponsorships. For example, I worked with a car dealership, a hair-care brand, and a family video game. Brands reach out to me, but I only work with those I believe in.

“I love connecting with people and talking about everyday issues and showing people my life. I make around $5,000 a month doing this — money that pays the bills, including my children’s college tuition, goes back into the business and is used for travel.” — Jillian Danford, 50s, Toronto

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.