You can now make money by Instagramming your revision notes (2024)

Revision doesn't just have to be long days in the library – you can now use your notes as a way to gain more social media followers (and cash!).

You might be used to snapping photos of your food in restaurants, but have you considered that it may be your revision notes that are your ticket to Instagram fame?

Studygrams (that is, Instagram accounts dedicated to studying) have been quite popular for a while. One Law student has gained tens of thousands just by posting pictures of her revision notes.

Her pictures of highlighters, gel pens, note cards and revision snacks have racked up thousands of likes. And best of all, her social media following has allowed her to earn some extra cash.

So, how does she do it? And how can you do it too?

When we first wrote this guide, the account we focus on was known as Legally Studies (@legallystudies). It's had a rebrand since then, but it's still a studygram!

How to start a studygram

If you're an avid highlighter collector or a sucker for a colourful mindmap, then this could be right up your street.

That said, while super neat handwriting and some calligraphy skills might be handy, creating a successful studygram also relies heavily on finding your own style and posting consistently.

Whether you go for typed-up notes or scrap paper is up to you – it's all about building your unique style and growing your followers.

As Han, the person behind the account formerly known as Legally Studies, told us:

Anyone studying can start a studygram, regardless of their methods of studying.

Don't forget that, depending on what style you go for, you may also need to invest in some colourful stationery and pens to make your account really pop.

And one skill you can't do without is the eye for what makes a good Instagram photo. Crisp clean lines, an eye-catching colour scheme and a strong caption are all important.

You'll also need to know how to build a following and start doing sponsored content. Everything you need to know about this is over on our guide to making money from social media.

If you're making Instagram reels for your studygram, make sure to upload them on TikTok too. Reusing your content is an easy way to make money on TikTok!

Running a successful studygram account

Han set up the account to combine her love of photography with something that she was going to be doing a lot at university – studying.

Along with posting bright and colourful desk snaps on a daily basis, she worked hard to engage her followers and build an audience. She asked questions, responded to comments and linked to similar accounts.

Her account was also full of top revision tips, from the best brain foods to her pick of the top apps for students.

Speaking to Legal Cheek, she said:

It’s fascinating to see how many people are influenced just from pictures of my study space and anecdotes in my captions.

I’m not so great with networking in person, so I do feel more at ease engaging with people via Instagram.

It's not all about Instagram, though. Legally Studies also has thousands of followers on YouTube where she vlogs about studying and exam season.

Making money from studygrams

Of course, having thousands of followers is more than just an ego boost – it can also be a great way to make money if you know how.

Han has featured giveaways and sponsored content in her Instagram posts which helped to turn her studygram account into a money-making venture.

Using her skills in organisation and revision planning, Legally Studies also made timetables, plans and calendars which you could buy from her website.

It takes some hard work and dedication, but Instagram can be a great, if not slightly unusual, way to make money at university.

If you find yourself struggling to get out of bed and knuckle down to do some serious revision, the prospect of earning some money from it ought to do the trick.

Listen to our interview with Rachel, another successful studygrammer.

Successful studygrammers to inspire you

Legally Studies isn't the only student turning pretty revision notes into a thriving studygram.

Although she's not as active as before, Emma Studies was a Communications student in Australia who still has an impressive following of nearly 300,000 followers with her colourful revision pics.

You don't need to wait until university either, as some A Level and GCSE students start studygram accounts too.

As an A Level student, Sophie from myhoneststudyblr gained thousands of followers with her super neat handwriting and sparkling revision notes. Now, as an international relations and social anthropology student, she has over 200,000 followers.

So, no matter what stage of your education you're at, get selling your revision notes on the hashtag #studygrammer!

You can also make pretty good money from selling your old books – our guide talks you through the best places to do it.