How I Accidentally Started Making $500 a Day on Instagram
(And How You Probably Can Too)
The Birth of an Accidental Influencer
I never planned to become someone who made money online. I’d always been skeptical of the phrases like “passive income” and “financial freedom,” usually delivered by unnaturally energetic people on YouTube, surrounded by stacks of cash or rented Lamborghinis. My ambitions were modest: fund my expensive oat-milk latte habit and justify the amount of time I spent scrolling mindlessly through social media.
My journey began innocently enough. While most people try to monetize fitness routines, exotic travel, or aspirational lifestyles, I took a different path. I started an Instagram account dedicated entirely to squirrels doing yoga. Why squirrels? Why yoga? Honestly, because I’d tried everything else, and I figured if I couldn’t succeed, at least I’d amuse myself.
Squirrels, Yoga, and SEO Keywords
At first, it was slow going. My initial strategy of hastily Photoshopped squirrels posing in sun salutations barely attracted more than a handful of confused followers. But then, something unexpected happened. Apparently, the Internet loves squirrels—especially squirrels pretending to meditate or perform warrior poses. My following ballooned overnight, and suddenly I found myself with thousands of people demanding more squirrel-related yoga content.
Within months, brands reached out, asking if I’d “monetize my followers.” I wasn’t entirely sure what they meant by “monetize”—did it involve squirrels carrying tiny, branded yoga mats? Could squirrels legally endorse supplements? Regardless, I agreed enthusiastically, and soon enough, sponsored posts poured in faster than I could create them.