How to become a content creator on Instagram

Get the right equipment

Tailor your set-up to the kind of content you want to make. Budget mirrorless cameras such as the Nikon Z30 or Zfc are perfect for this and come with multiple kit options on the affordable side. Both are crop sensors, also known as DX, but still deliver good stills and 4K video.

If you can invest more into your set-up and go full frame, the Z5 and Z6III are good places to start. The Z5 can film in 4K, and the Z6III can record in up to 6K for some seriously crispy Instagram reels.

All the cameras mentioned above come with very capable kit glass, but you’ll eventually want to upgrade. If you have a smaller DX set-up, the NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 or NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 prime lenses will let you step up your content.

For full-frame (FX) users there are plenty of good prime lenses to choose from. If you don’t have a ton of cash upfront you can’t go wrong with the classic 35mm or 50mm focal lengths – they’re both versatile, workhorse lenses you’ll keep for years. Likewise, for a powerful zoom that covers wide angle to tele, add NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S to your basket, or, if you’re looking for a f/2.8 aperture the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S will deliver exceptional bokeh, every time.

Read more: How many NIKKOR lenses do I need?

Learn to use your gear

The more you know your camera, the better content you’ll be able to make, even on a budget set-up. Learn the different elements of the exposure triangle and how they work together, how to frame and compose a good photo, and how to find good light. Consistent, high-quality content pulls people in.

Don’t neglect editing! A good edit can bring out the best in an OK photo and make an excellent one even better. Learn the difference between RAW and JPEG file formats, and when it’s best to use each. RAW images give you more data and more room to edit. JPEG images don’t provide as much data, but their smaller file size makes them easier to snap and post on the go. Next, download Nikon’s SnapBridge app to transfer your photos or videos to a smartphone device through Bluetooth^®. I use this feature with my Nikon Z6II and edit with Adobe Lightroom mobile.

Have a plan

Brainstorm the type of content you want to post and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your niche and your audience. Once you’ve built an active account that reaches people, you can focus on things such as brand collaborations. 

Until then, take it slow and steady. Instagram interviewed successful creators for its blog and many of them said some variation of the same thing: don’t jump in all at once. 

Have other sources of income to backstop you while things are slow. Save up, build up over time. It’s a good idea to tally your monthly expenses, including the fun stuff such as eating out or going to shows, and see how much you need to cover those bills and save. Don’t quit your day job until you regularly bring in that amount – or more. 

Take it seriously

Organise your time, money and effort towards concrete goals. Schedule time to work on specific aspects of the job, e.g. film videos on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3pm. Figure out what you will make and why and strategise your posts for the greatest impact. 

Study trends on Instagram. The algorithm is constantly changing, and nobody knows exactly what it wants, but following trends and trending hashtags can be a good way to push your content to a wider audience. 

There’s a rule some creators go by: ‘One for me, one for the algorithm’. This means they make one piece of content for them and one to (hopefully) boost their page with the algorithm. Find a balance between these content types while remaining true to yourself and your style. And don’t forget to consistently stay on top of trends – research is part of a content creator’s job.

Doing what you want, when you want sounds like a dream job. And, in many ways, it is. But it also requires more discipline to stay on track. Think of this as a beginner’s guide to being an Instagram content creator and tweak it as needed to suit your situation and experience level.

Nicolas Jaegergaard: How I became a content creator

It all started in 2019 for photographer, aerial and video content creator Nicolas Jaegergaard who has, to date, amassed more than 24,000 followers, and now the Danish Nikon Creator shares his top tips with us below. Fair warning, though: a quick scroll through his travel and landscape photographs and you’ll be scrambling to the airport…

Picking the right gear 

Camera 

My go-to camera is the Z9, but for longer walks or my travels I take the Z6II as its lighter. If you’re looking for your next big camera, I’d recommend the new Z6III. You can film 6K 60fps, it has internal RAW video capabilities, and a flip screen makes it perfect for vlogging. Or, if you’re on a tight budget, the Z30 has a great crop-sensor and video capabilities, too.

Lenses  

I have the ‘trinity of lenses’: the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S & NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S. My 24-70mm is on my camera 90% of the time, as I can capture most of the scenery at 24mm and get close to my subject at 70mm.

Microphones 

For crisp audio, you’re going to need a mic. I use the Sennheiser MKE 200 and it’s great for vlogging, it captures my voice and my surroundings, too. But if you want a microphone that can do a bit of everything on a budget, a Shotgun microphone is good.

Read more: What sound captures do I need for professional videography? 
 

Tripods 

A light and steady tripod is a must. I’ve been using a Manfrotto for nearly ten years now and it still does the job wonderfully.  

ND filters 

For creating video, a Variable ND filter will always come in handy. If it’s too bright outside, use the ND filter and you can lower your shutter speed to 1/125 sec. 

Read more: The essential guide to filters: what to use for snow, water and effects

Apps 

SnapBridge is helpful for when your camera is not in your hand. It can start and stop recordings, and you can see the footage on your smartphone or tablet.

Camera video settings 

Filming resolution  

4K 60fps is my go-to when recording video. Using 60fps means I can slow down the footage to create slow motion and remove minor vibration when recording. If you’re making Instagram Reels or anything else in 9:16 (1080x1920p), 4K can come in very handy. With 4K you can choose the whole area of footage or scale/crop your footage to your liking.

Top Tip: Instagram changes uploaded videos to 30fps or 60fps automatically so, before uploading your content, check the fps is already in these parameters to avoid further changes.

Shutter speed  

The general rule is double your shutter speed to your frame per second. For example, with 60fps you should aim for 1/120 sec (closest would be 1/125 sec on your camera). Achieving the perfect double shutter speed means you will get a motion blur that looks more natural.”

White Balance

There are no specific rules for White Balance and Nikon cameras have great White Balance options to choose from. For content filmed outdoors, I set my camera usually around 5000-6000K.

How to monetise  

There are a few ways to make money on Instagram. There are clients looking for content creators, collaborations, affiliations, and then there’s getting directly paid from Instagram, the latter being more difficult for beginners as you need lots of followers and views.

Something I learned when I was a beginner is that there is no perfect start. Reach out to people for work and don’t be afraid if they say no. There is always someone else out there who will love your work.  

I’ve had many jobs through Instagram. Both private individuals and companies have reached out to me after seeing my Instagram and said I would be a perfect match for them.

Upload the content you love, build your profile, reach out to new opportunities and, after all that, there is a good chance someone is looking for a content creator with your abilities. 

Years in numbers

2019 – Starts posting professionally on Instagram

2020 – Reaches 1,000 followers

December 2021 – Reaches 10,000 followers while building a photography community with friends and sharing photos two to three days a week

2022 – Deprioritises Instagram for client work

2023 – Reaches 15,000 followers

2024 – 24 for ’24: Nicolas hits 24,000 followers