How to Sell Presets on Instagram & Make Money | 2025 Guide

How To Sell Presets On Instagram and Actually Make Money

If you've spent any time on Instagram, you've seen it. That flawless, cohesive aesthetic that makes you wonder if certain influencers are living in a permanent state of golden hour. The secret isn't magic, it's presets.

So, what the hell are they? Presets are basically photo-editing settings that are used to customize and transform photos to fit a specific vibe with a single click. Think of them as a super-powered, custom filter. Brands, influencers, and even professional photographers use these Lightroom presets to create their signature look, which is a core part of their brand.

This is why you see so many creators selling them. They encourage their followers to purchase these presets with the promise of transforming any photo and, in turn, elevating their Instagram account.

But let's be real: while a good preset can make your photos look stunning, it's not a silver bullet. True instagram marketing is more than just a pretty picture. In fact, studies show that carousel posts can generate 12% more engagement than Reels, and videos achieve 49% more interactions compared to static images.

So, does that mean selling presets is a bad idea? Hell no. It means you have an opportunity to be honest. You can sell a fantastic digital product and educate your audience on how to use it as part of a bigger content strategy. Selling digital products on instagram is a brilliant way to make money on instagram.

If you’ve been thinking about this but feeling a bit unsure, that's totally normal. It's natural to feel a bit hesitant when you're exploring a new process, especially one that opens up new possibilities. Just seeking out information is a brave first step.

So, if you're ready to learn how to create and sell presets, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide.

How to Sell Presets on Instagram in 6 Steps

1. Choose Your Weapon (aka Software)

First things first, you need the tools to actually create your presets. There are plenty of photo editing apps out there—Luminar, VSCO, you name it. But let's be honest, the undisputed king of this jungle is Adobe Lightroom.

It's the go-to for everyone from professional photographers to the social media famous. Why? Because it's an Adobe product, and its mobile app is surprisingly intuitive, even for those who don't know their aperture from their elbow.

So, should you just jump on the bandwagon? Picking software for your "unique" Lightroom presets based on what everyone else uses is certainly… a choice. Just be prepared to work extra hard to make your style stand out from the crowd.

Ultimately, if you're serious about learning how to create and sell presets, Lightroom is the industry standard for a reason. Master it.

2. Create Your Magic and Price It Right

Presets are a shortcut, but that doesn't mean they should be dirt cheap or ridiculously expensive. You're selling value, not just a filter. So how do you price it?

Some top photographers give away freebies, and pricing too high will scare people off. But pricing too low screams "I don't believe in my own product."

Here's a beautifully cynical but effective strategy: give away a few presets for free, like a street dealer's first hit. Get them hooked. Once they've had a taste, they'll be more willing to pay for your premium packs.

You could offer a basic pack for a small amount, say $5, and then an exclusive, more comprehensive pack for a higher price. It's about finding that perfect balance where their desire for a beautiful feed outweighs their desire to save a few bucks. That's how you make money on Instagram.

3. Market Your Presets Like a Pro

Nobody buys a pig in a poke. Your followers need to see what your presets can do. The best Instagram marketing tactic here is the classic before-and-after.

Create a lookbook. This is just a fancy term for a collection of photographs showcasing the products you're selling. For presets, this means a side-by-side comparison showing a dull, unedited photo transformed into a work of art by your preset.

Show variety. Use your presets on different types of photos—portraits, landscapes, indoor, outdoor. Prove that your presets are versatile. An Instagram carousel post is the perfect format for this. This visual proof is essential for selling digital products on Instagram.

4. Set Up Your Digital Storefront

To get paid, you need a place to process transactions. You have two main options for setting up an online shop.

Option 1: Use an Ecommerce PlatformIf you want to build a broader brand as a digital creator, using a platform like Shopify, Etsy, or Sellfy is the way to go. Setting up a Shopify store is quick, and you can link it directly to shoppable posts on Instagram. These platforms have a built-in customer base, which means more competition but also more potential for long-term growth.

Option 2: Sell Directly on InstagramInstagram Shop lets you sell directly within the app to its massive user base. Customers can add your preset pack to their cart and check out without ever leaving the platform. Tag your posts with your products, and add a clear call-to-action link in your Instagram bio, like "Transform your photos here!"

5. Engage With Your Community

This is more than just customer service; it's about building a loyal following. When you're selling on Instagram, engagement is everything.

Remember, not everyone knows what a preset is or how to install it. Be prepared for questions. When you take the time to answer and offer clear guidance, you're not just sharing information. You're building trust and creating a space where people feel seen and supported. This process of engaging and sharing knowledge is fundamental to building a strong community.

That willingness to help is a quiet strength. Create a dedicated post or a Story Highlight with step-by-step installation instructions. It saves you time and empowers your customers.

6. Use Hashtags That Don't Suck

Yes, hashtags still work. But only if you use them correctly. Don't be the person who spams their post with 30 irrelevant tags.

If you're selling presets, using anything other than relevant hashtags (like #essentialoils or #skincare) is just annoying. It's a desperate move, and it won't attract the right audience.

Stick to what's relevant. Use only relevant hashtags that your ideal customer is actually searching for. Think like them.

Good examples include:

• #lightroompresets
• #photofilters
• #photoediting
• #instagramtheme
• #creativepresets
• #yourbrandnamepresets

Now, Go Forth and Monetize

So, there you have it. The roadmap for how to sell presets on Instagram is laid out before you. But creating the product is just the opening act. The real work—the part that actually leads to sales—is in the relentless, creative marketing.

Never stop promoting your presets. Seriously. The world needs more digital noise, but make sure yours is the kind that adds value, not just volume.

Your Instagram marketing strategy needs to be dynamic. Utilize every tool in the shed:

• Instagram Stories: A fantastic way to build awareness. Data shows that 62% of users become more interested in a brand after seeing it in their Stories.
• Instagram Reels: Don't sleep on these. Reels can generate a whopping 22% more engagement than regular video posts. Use them for quick tutorials or dramatic before-and-afters.
• Instagram Live: Want to build trust? Go Live. Host a Q&A or a live editing session. This is your chance to connect directly with your audience.

But beyond the features, think about how you build belief. Credibility is the light by which others see your path. It's not built on claims, but on demonstrated truth.

Showcase reviews from happy customers. Create in-depth tutorials. Host workshops. When you openly share your knowledge, you're not just selling digital products on Instagram; you're building a reputation as a credible expert.

This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Best of luck, and may your presets find their way onto the feeds of creators everywhere, helping you make money on Instagram in a way that feels authentic to you.