How to Get Brand Deals on Instagram: Complete Guide for 2026
Learn exactly how to get brand deals on Instagram, from optimizing your profile to pitching brands. Includes rates by follower count, email templates, and deal management tips.
Getting Brand Deals on Instagram: The Complete Playbook
Instagram remains one of the most lucrative platforms for creator monetization. With over 2 billion monthly active users and 91% of brands using the platform for influencer marketing, the opportunity is massive — but competition is fierce.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to get brand deals on Instagram in 2026.
Can You Get Brand Deals on Instagram with a Small Following?
Yes. The days of needing 100K+ followers are over.
Brands are increasingly working with nano-influencers (1K-10K followers) and micro-influencers (10K-100K followers) because:
If you have 1,000+ engaged followers in a specific niche, you can start landing brand deals.
Step 1: Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Brands
Before you pitch anyone, your profile needs to scream "I work with brands."
Switch to a Creator or Business Account
This unlocks:
Write a Bio That Converts
Bad bio: "Living my best life ✨ NYC 📍 Coffee addict ☕"
Good bio:
Tech reviewer helping you find the best gear 📱
500K+ people trust my recommendations
📧 partnerships@yourname.com
⬇️ Media kit in highlights
Your bio should include:
Create a Media Kit Highlight
Add a Stories highlight called "Work With Me" or "Media Kit" that includes:
Step 2: Know Your Numbers
Before pitching brands, you need to know your key metrics.
Engagement Rate Calculation
Engagement Rate = (Likes + Comments) / Followers × 100
Good engagement rates by follower count:
| Followers | Good ER | Excellent ER |
|---|---|---|
| 1K-10K | 4-6% | 7%+ |
| 10K-100K | 2-4% | 5%+ |
| 100K-1M | 1.5-3% | 4%+ |
| 1M+ | 1-2% | 3%+ |
Other Metrics Brands Want
Step 3: Build Your Media Kit
A media kit is a one-page PDF that sells you to brands. Every Instagram creator needs one.
What to Include
Page 1 - About You:
Page 2 - Audience:
Page 3 - Content & Services:
Free Media Kit Tools
Step 4: Find Brands to Pitch
Don't wait for brands to find you. Proactive outreach is how most creators land their first deals.
Where to Find Brand Contacts
How to Find Email Addresses
Step 5: Write a Pitch That Gets Responses
Most creator pitches get ignored because they're generic. Here's how to stand out.
The Anatomy of a Great Pitch
Subject line: Be specific, not clickbait
Opening: Lead with value, not yourself
Body:
Close: Clear call to action
Email Template
Subject: Reel concept for [Brand]'s [product/campaign]
Hi [Name],
I recently tried your [product] and my audience loved when I shared it in my Stories — I got 50+ DMs asking about it.
I'd love to create a dedicated Reel showing [specific concept] that would resonate with my audience of 32K engaged beauty enthusiasts (mostly women 18-34, 5.2% engagement rate).
My style would be [authentic/educational/entertaining] — similar to [link to relevant content you've made].
Here's my media kit with more details: [link]
Would you be open to a quick chat about a potential collaboration?
Best, [Name]
Follow Up (But Not Too Much)
Instagram Brand Deal Rates in 2026
Pricing varies widely, but here's what to expect:
| Follower Count | Feed Post | Reel | Story Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1K-10K | $50-$250 | $100-$500 | $30-$150 |
| 10K-50K | $250-$1,000 | $500-$2,000 | $150-$500 |
| 50K-100K | $1,000-$3,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | $500-$1,500 |
| 100K-500K | $3,000-$10,000 | $5,000-$15,000 | $1,500-$5,000 |
| 500K+ | $10,000+ | $15,000+ | $5,000+ |
Factors That Increase Rates
Types of Instagram Brand Deals
Sponsored Feed Posts
Single photo or carousel featuring the brand. Usually includes:
Instagram Reels Partnerships
Short-form video content. Higher rates because:
Stories Packages
Usually 3-5 Story frames including:
Instagram Live Collaborations
Real-time content with brand. Common formats:
Brand Ambassador Programs
Ongoing partnerships (monthly/quarterly). Usually include:
Managing Your Instagram Brand Deals
Landing deals is only half the battle. Managing them is where creators often struggle.
Common Problems
The Solution: A Dedicated Deal Tracker
Once you have 3+ active deals, spreadsheets and notes apps break down. You need a system built for tracking brand partnerships.
Tasuki is designed specifically for creators managing brand deals:
Stop losing deals to disorganization. Start tracking free with Tasuki.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Disclosing Sponsored Content
Always use #ad, #sponsored, or Instagram's paid partnership label. The FTC requires it, and not disclosing can get both you and the brand in trouble.
2. Accepting Every Deal
Brand fit matters. Promoting products you don't believe in damages your credibility with your audience — your most valuable asset.
3. Undercharging
Research rates. Don't accept the first offer. Brands expect negotiation and often have more budget than their initial offer.
4. No Contract
Always get agreements in writing. Cover deliverables, payment terms, usage rights, and timelines.
5. Ghosting After Posting
Send results after the campaign. Screenshot engagement, thank them, and ask about future opportunities. This is how you get repeat deals.
Quick Start Action Plan
This week:
Next week:
Ongoing:
Ready to Land More Brand Deals?
Getting brand deals on Instagram is a skill you can learn. The creators who succeed are the ones who:
Tasuki helps with #3 — giving you a dedicated workspace to manage every brand partnership from first pitch to final payment.
Start tracking your Instagram brand deals free →
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FAQs
How many followers do I need for brand deals on Instagram?
You can start getting brand deals with as few as 1,000 followers. Many brands specifically seek out nano-influencers (1K-10K) for their high engagement rates and authentic recommendations.
How do I find brands to work with?
Start with brands you already use and love. Check what brands work with similar creators in your niche. Use LinkedIn to find influencer marketing contacts. Join influencer platforms once you're at 10K+ followers.
Should I DM brands or email them?
Email has a higher response rate. Brands receive hundreds of DMs daily, but partnership emails get routed to the right team. Only DM as a last resort if you can't find an email.
How much should I charge for Instagram posts?
A common starting point is $100 per 10K followers, but engagement rate matters more than follower count. A 10K account with 8% engagement can often charge more than a 50K account with 1% engagement.
When do I need to use #ad?
Always disclose when you receive payment OR free products in exchange for content. Use #ad, #sponsored, or Instagram's paid partnership label. Place it clearly — not hidden among 30 other hashtags.
Ready to organize your brand deals?
Tasuki helps creators track partnerships, manage deadlines, and close more deals.
Try Tasuki Free