Tips for selling paintings on Instagram in 2025

Instagram, the world’s foremost photo-sharing app, has become the leading online art marketplace in 2025.

Since 2021, Instagram has had over 2 billion monthly active users, according to Statista. 60% of Instagram users find new items and 90% follow brands, businesses, or influencers.

This is wonderful news for art sellers using social media to reach global buyers. You’ve found the correct spot online to learn how to become an Instagram celebrity.

Here are some amazing Instagram suggestions for artists and four stages to selling art on Instagram:

1. Create an Instagram Creator Account.
2. Link to your site.
3. Showcase your art on Instagram.
4. Marketing and selling paintings on Instagram.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and become an Instagram top-seller? Let’s begin!

Step 1: Create Instagram Creator Account

If you already have an Instagram Creator Account, go to step #2 to sell art.

A professional profile improves marketing and connects followers to your work. Instagram recommends the Creator Account for celebrities, content creators, artists, and influencers.

With the Creator Account, you can:

• Instagram Insights (your top posts and videos, audience demographics, reach, and other information).
• Extra profile details (contact info, category label, etc.).
• Advanced DM sorting (main, general, message requests).
• Branded content, promotions.

As you can see, professional profiles provide more than personal ones.

How to create an Instagram Creator Account for art sales:

1. Tap the hamburger menu on the top right of your profile.
2. Select Settings from the top menu.
3. Tap Account in Settings.
4. Scroll to bottom and hit Switch account type.
5. Select Switch to Creator Account for Business Accounts.
6. Switch to Professional Account and pick Creator from the following option if you have a personal account.

After switching to the Creator Account, enhance your profile!

Also check: Advantages of Buying Instagram Followers

Design your Instagram look

Your Instagram profile must stand out to attract new followers. First-time viewers rate a profile in seconds, with up to 90% based on color. Instagram recommends a unified account appearance.

This feature is crucial for artists whose profiles are work portfolios. Treat your Instagram profile like your homepage and focus on:

• Feed is ideal for showcasing artwork and behind-the-scenes film.
• Choose a username that symbolizes your work.
• Choose Art, Artist, Designer, or Graphic Designer.
• Use your art icons as cover pictures for story highlights (FAQ, resources, commissions, wallpapers, reviews, tools, Q&A).
• You can use your work, logo, or username as your profile picture.
• Bio — use appropriate emojis or a custom typeface to create an appealing bio.
• Your account should represent your individuality and creative style.

Finally, link your Instagram account to your art Facebook page:

• Use Edit Profile.
• Under Profile, tap Page.
• Choose your Facebook Page.

Step 2: Link your site

Establishing a site for buying and downloading artwork becomes necessary for artists who want to sell through Instagram. Images displayed on Etsy provide visibility yet their fees are high and the competition remains intense.

The addition of your activity store hyperlink in your profile description will direct users to your products.

It is essential to use your Instagram bio effectively to draw users to your content. To add your store link:

• Go to Edit Profile.
• Access the Website section and paste your online store address.
• Incorporate “link in bio” within your captions as a direction to inspire followers.

Pro tip: Linkin.bio provides the perfect solution for sharing numerous links that will escalate your store’s traffic.

Step #3: Promote your art on Instagram

Use these Instagram tactics to promote your art and acquire organic followers:

1. Use the Best Hashtags for Artists:

Post up to 30 hashtags, concentrating on low-density (under 1M) and a few high-density (over 1M) hashtags. This keeps your art from being buried amid posts. See what hashtags comparable accounts use.

2. Tag Up to 20 Accounts:

Tag up to 20 accounts: Include other artist accounts in posts to increase exposure and reach. Search popular hashtags for specialized accounts that may republish your art.

3. Add Instagram Alt Text:

Utilize Instagram alt text to enhance picture description and Google ranking. From the post creation page, click Advanced settings and create a short (100-character) description.

4. Create Engaging Content & Offer Freebies:

Create engaging content and offer freebies for consistent development. Share art lessons, personality tests, and behind-the-scenes video on Stories, Reels, or IGTV. Freebies like downloaded wallpapers with your IG account might attract new followers.

Integrating these methods may boost your art’s exposure and grow organic Instagram followers.

Step 4: Sell your painting on Instagram

How can you sell your goods to over 1 billion Instagram users who browse through limitless content? Use some tried-and-true marketing methods. Please note that before proceeding, you must:

1. Choose things to sell.

Selling art on Instagram promotes your work and drives followers into your sales funnel.

Most Instagrammers sell.

• Print-on-demand merchandise (t-shirts, hoodies, etc.).
• Items like notebooks, diaries, stickers, and prints.
• Digital files (wallpapers, logos, fonts, pictures, Instagram Highlights icons).

Now, you may be wondering: What is the best way to make money on Instagram? How can I use Instagram to market my artwork?

Making money as an artist depends on consistency and the things you sell, but Instagram marketing is equally vital.

That may be done with paid advertisements or free marketing tools. Both should be examined.

2. Social proof and word-of-mouth marketing

90% of consumers and artists purchase from trusted brands. Fans, friends, and family praising your stuff on Instagram are proof enough!

You should urge them to tag you in their:

• Product reviews and feedback (e.g., blogs or videos about unpacking your box, inspecting the quality, expressing their delight, etc.)
• Product promotion (wearing your goods in images or videos)

Pro tip: Watch every social media post and video about your art items to maximize social proof! Repost everyone’s reviews in your tales and store them in a highlight. For instance, you might emphasize “Reviews” or “Happy Fans” to show how many buyers adore your work.

3. Get the most from Instagram Stories, IGTV, and Reels

It sounds like a broken record, but video content is crucial. Videos can promote and sell your work online and help you remain on Instagram’s algorithm. As an example:

• Reels may provide fans a preview of a product debut.
• Launch your product and communicate crucial news live.
• Share discounts and great deals in Stories.
• Add your shop link to tales if you’re verified or have over 10,000 followers.

Links in Instagram Stories are one of the best methods to boost shop traffic.

4. Instagram art commissions

Mostly interested in selling digital products? Do Instagram art commissions. While it takes longer than selling items, it guarantees sales and fan satisfaction.

The majority of top-selling Instagram artists undertake commissions, including:

• Small company, blogger, and YouTube channel logos.
• Book cover and business card illustrations.
• Custom fan, entrepreneur, and social media influencer pictures.
• Gamer and Twitch streamer animations.

5. Shop and advertise on Instagram

Instagram advertisements are another proven strategy to boost traffic and purchases. An Instagram ad campaign involves publishing sponsored content to attract a wider, more focused audience.

First, choose a campaign aim and budget, then one of the following options:

• Promote your art with a photo ad.
• Video advertising for merch or other things.
• Stories advertisements (500M+ accounts use Stories everyday).
• Carousel advertisements (many pictures or videos).
• Collection advertisements (picture or video of your items).
• 200M+ daily Explore users see ads.
• Slideshow ads.

Want to sell paintings on Instagram?

We’ve covered almost every Instagram strategy to promote and sell art — it’s up to you! If you’ve wanted to sell art on Instagram for a long time, now’s the moment. The money is huge.