What is an Instagram Model?

If you’re confused about what an Instagram model is, you’re in the right place. Find out what being an Instagram model means, and the benefits of being an Instagram model.

We’ll also cover some famous Instagram models and give you some tips if you’re wanting to become an Instagram model. 

Definition Of An Instagram Model

There are two different definitions of an Instagram model. The first, broader one, is that you are an Instagram model if you post modeling photos to Instagram. 

However, when the term is used, it normally refers to people with a large following who post modeling photos. 

That’s what we are going to focus on today, but it’s important to remember that every big Instagram model once started out with zero followers. 

Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the prospect of gaining thousands or millions of followers. Start small, be consistent, and you too could become a famous Instagram model. 

Something that separates Instagram models from other influencers is that Instagram is their primary platform and the source of their career. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t also be active on other social media sites like TikTok and YouTube, but Instagram is at the heart of your business model. 

Instagram Modeling Requirements

One of the great things about Instagram models is that the industry is a lot more inclusive than traditional modeling. When it comes to traditional modeling, there has historically been a very specific look that agencies look for: Tall, skinny, hourglass figure.

Now, traditional modeling agencies are starting to recognize the importance of diversity in modeling. People are not all tall and thin, and they want to see models that look like them. However, even when it comes to plus-sized models, there is a very particular look that agencies go for.

On the other hand, no one can stop you from creating an Instagram account and modeling. Anyone can do it. 

The only factor that you need is a large following. Now, this is easier said than done, but we’ll give you some tips later on. 

Unlike traditional modeling, where you are scouted and then get gigs and gain popularity, Instagram models start by building popularity and then start working with brands and agencies. As such, there is more responsibility on you to grow and manage your own brand. 

The Benefits Of Being An Instagram Model

Being an Instagram model creates a lot of opportunities for you. Let’s look at some of the top benefits of being an Instagram model. 

Brand Deals

If you have a sizable following, brands and companies will start to approach you with brand deals and sponsorships. This can be a great way to make money by being an Instagram model.

It can be a slow process though as you work to grow a following and won’t make you a lot of money right off the bat. However, you will get to choose what brands you partner with, unlike traditional models. 

Greater Freedom 

If you work as a traditional model with a modeling agency, they have a lot of control over how you live your life. You have to align with their values and normally have to maintain your weight and measurements.

They decide which jobs you audition for and they are responsible for promoting you. This can be very helpful, but it can also limit you and stifle your individuality. 

As an Instagram model, you have creative control over your brand. You can decide what sort of content you want to post, and what kind of person you want to be seen as. 

Exposure

Instagram modeling is fairly easy to get started with, and, if you become successful, you receive a lot of exposure. This could help you to expand your brand into something else.

Many Instagram models branch out into traditional modeling after being scouted on Instagram. In fact, IMG even has an Instagram campaign to scout models. 

Another thing that many Instagram models end up doing is starting their own businesses, often clothing lines. This is because they have built up a brand around themselves and a following who supports them.

Examples Of Popular Instagram Models

While there are many popular models on Instagram, we’re going to focus on models who started on Instagram and then became famous. 

Jordyn Woods

Jordyn Woods is a model with over 12 million Instagram followers who was discovered because of her Instagram account. She has modeled for many big names and runs her own clothing line called Woods by Jordyn.

Cindy Kimberly

Cindy Kimberly became famous when Justin Bieber reposted an Instagram photo of her, which shows the kind of reach that Instagram models can have. She has also now transitioned into modeling, but still focuses on her social media presence, being active on both Instagram and YouTube. 

Elizabeth Bishop

With almost half a million Instagram followers, Elizabeth Bishop is making waves with her account. She moved from Tumblr to Instagram and was scouted there, and now works on international campaigns.

Winnie Harlow

While we might know Winnie Harlow from her time on America’s Next Top Model, she was scouted for the show based on her Instagram. Her unique beauty and advocacy for people with vitiligo have skyrocketed her to success.

And Many More…

There are many other successful Instagram models, like Anok Yai, Matthew Noszka, and Yoon Young Bae.

Tips For Becoming An Instagram Model

Don’t Do It For Fame

Some people want to become Instagram models just so that they can become famous. While Instagram modeling can lead to fame, that can’t be your only goal. If it is, your account can feel hollow and inauthentic.

Wanting to be famous is not a bad thing, but you also need to have other interests, like sport or fashion. Instagram models need to have more personality than traditional models so that their audiences can relate to them and want to follow them. So, you need to decide what sort of person you want to be – the opportunities are endless.

Be Authentic

One of the key features of Instagram models is that they are more relatable than traditional models. You are closer to your audience and rely more directly on them for your success and income.

Never lie about things, and make sure that your brand aligns with you and your actual values. This authenticity is what people are looking for in influencers and social media personalities. One example of this is an increase in discussion of mental health on social media. 

This means that you need to be selective about the partnerships you do. You want to work with companies that align with your brand and be authentic in your reviews. Don’t promote products that you don’t think are good. 

Take Control Of Your Social Media

Becoming a successful Instagram model requires a lot of work, and you need to constantly be on top of managing your social media. This includes things like having a posting schedule.

A posting schedule ensures that you plan your content, and post regularly at the optimal time of day. It can be hard to get all these things right, but being an Instagram model is a learning process. 

Reach Out To Companies

Especially at the beginning, you need to be creating opportunities for yourself. While growing your following, don’t wait for companies to reach out to you. Email companies with products that align with your brand.

When you’re still a new and small Instagram model, it’s a good idea to do brand deals for free as a way to get exposure to that brand’s audience. If your followers buy the things you advertise, then this incentivizes brands to keep working with you and eventually pay you to advertise for them. 

Conclusion

So now that you know more about the world of Instagram modeling, you can take the first steps to make your dream come true. Start posting modeling photos, and level up your social media with ShoppableSocial.