Ever wondered if you could actually make money with social media instead of just doom-scrolling? Spoiler: you absolutely can. From Vancouver to Halifax, Canadians are turning their feeds into side hustles and full-time gigs. According to DataReportal, in January 2025, there were 31.7 million active social media user identities in Canada—so why not leverage that flood of eyeballs?
And considering the average Canuck spends just under two hours a day on these platforms, you’ve got a built-in audience just waiting to discover you.
A quick reality check: this isn’t some overnight-get-rich-scheme. It’s a craft, a puzzle, a slow-burn project that could pay off if you stay consistent, authentic, and a little bit scrappy.
Charting Your Course
Before you can make money with social media, pick your niche. What lights you up? Fitness tips, makeup tutorials, quirky French-Canadian cooking experiments—whatever it is, focus on something you love, because passion shows. Dive deep: research what similar creators are doing and find your own twist. Remember, audiences can sniff out inauthenticity in a heartbeat.
Influencer and Content Creator Paths
Becoming an influencer might sound lofty, but you don’t need millions of followers to cash in. Micro-influencers (1,000–10,000 followers) frequently partner with local brands for product reviews or sponsored posts. Brands will pay you anywhere from $50 to $500 per post, depending on engagement.
Wondering how to stand out? Tell real stories. Your “failures” can be just as magnetic as your successes.
Affiliate Marketing: The Passive Stream
Affiliate marketing is like being a tour guide: you show followers a product they might need, and if they buy through your unique link, you earn a slice of the pie. All you need is an online affiliate account—Amazon, Shopify Collabs, or any niche-specific program—and platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share your links.
Pro tip: pair genuine testimonials with a special discount code to nudge reluctant buyers. And pay attention to Instagram SEO, the practice of researching fitting keywords to increase your exposure in in Instagram’s search engine.
Selling Your Own Products & Services
If you’ve ever daydreamed about launching an online store, social media is your showroom. From handmade jewellery to downloadable meal plans, there’s a way to monetize nearly any skill. Set up a Shopify store or integrate Instagram Shopping and let your followers click “add to cart” without ever leaving the app. Oh, and if you’re a coach, consultant, or freelancer, use your platform to showcase your expertise—short how-to clips or bite-sized tips can funnel clients to your booking page.
Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content
Once you’ve built a decent audience, brands might slide into your DMs. Sponsored content deals can range from a one-off post to long-term ambassadorships. Always negotiate fair rates—if you have metrics (engagement, click-throughs, sales conversions), that gives you leverage. And a heads-up: transparency is key. Canadian advertising standards require clear disclosure (think “#ad” or “Sponsored by…”).
Digital Products & Memberships
Got deep expertise? Package it into digital products: e-books, online courses, or exclusive webinars. Platforms like Teachable or Patreon let you offer tiered memberships—behind-the-scenes footage, Q&A sessions, community chats. It’s a win-win: your superfans access more of you, and you lock in predictable monthly revenue.
Real Talk: Patience & Persistence
It’s a challenging task, no, perhaps I should say it’s an intricate puzzle—yet remarkably rewarding if you stick with it. Growth rarely follows a straight line; one month you’ll see a surge in followers, the next you might tumble.
Adjust, experiment, and above all, engage. Reply to comments, ask questions, and treat your feed like a conversation over coffee.
So, what’s your first step? Maybe posting that tutorial you’ve been mulling over, or reaching out to a small Canadian brand for a collab. Whatever it is, take action today—your future self will thank you.
Let us know: Are you starting a side hustle on social media? Drop a comment or share your biggest takeaway below!
