Money Off Instagram: The Models Making It For Real

Laugh and make memes all you want about “Instagram models” but some are actually cashing in on it. While professional models are still for the most part discovered at casting calls, pageants and malls (we need to go shopping more), agencies and clients are looking at their social media influence, especially on Instagram. Director of TV & Film at Elite Model Management in Miami, Allee Newhoff, says “clients that are asking this are primarily out of Los Angeles, from apparel companies to big advertisers…they are interested in branding with someone who has a base of followers.” She adds, “It can make the difference.”
Here are some successful selfie ladies (and gent!) who have made that difference for themselves.

Jen Selter

The workout maven with a derriere all the ladies want and all the guys want to touch is cashing on her Insta-fame. With over 2.5 million followers on Instagram, Selter has become an endorsement queen making between $50,000 to $60,000 for only a month or two of work. Sometimes even for just a tweet. And if you’re wondering what that “work” is, it’s posting a few pictures on her Twitter and Instagram pages pairing her badunk-a-dunk with a product.

But she has loads of these endorsements pouring in and has signed with The Legacy Agency, a top management agency for athletes (and she has no formal workout training). The 20-year-old has a lot of money set to come her way after public appearances, a book, and fitness videos.

You’re welcome for the bootylicious photo.

If you’re not that into the whole tight yoga pants thing, models of the high fashion world have also been discovered on Instagram. Like 18-year-olds Rufus De Garrio and Hannah Curtis from London.

Hannah Curtis

Rufus de Garrio

The duo beat out over 5,000 entrants for high fashion modeling agency Next Models’s Instagram competition where they star in the promotional campaign at the Sundown Festival and are offered a chance to sign with the agency, which boasts a roster of fashion stars like pop singer Rita Ora, actress Jessica Alba and model Molly Sims.

Small Scale Success

But being discovered on Instagram doesn’t have to be as high-profile as you may think. Many users with large followings, especially females, are cashing in as well. A female Instagram model (who has asked to remain anonymous) tells us she makes about “$5,000 to $7,000 per month” from advertisers that Instagram sends leads to. “From energy drinks to technology product companies,” all she has to do is pose with the various objects, upload the photos to her social accounts and…cha-ching.

Moral of the story: You don’t have to worry about finding a job even though your parents just paid for six years of college. You’re just a #SelfieSunday or two away from attracting even more perverts to your account. Just have a nice butt.