Learn the Secrets Behind a Successful Instagram Influencer's Career

Instagrammer Shares Secrets to Earning $100K for Hiking Mountains Around the World

Photo: YouTube

Since launching in 2010, Instagram has become a platform that has given rise to a whole new job sector. Instagram influencers are making their mark, with Bloomberg estimating that they're working in a $1.6 billion market. Making up to six figures by collaborating with brands on sponsored posts, these influencers are subtly shaping the way we view the world.

But what does being an Instagram influencer mean? And how do these influencers start down this cutting-edge career path? In a new profile with Bloomberg, rising Instagram star Meghan Young takes us behind the scenes of her career as an influencer. She successfully transformed a passion for mountaineering—which started as a hobby to escape the stress of law school—into a full-time job thanks to collaborations with major brands on Instagram.

The short profile is an in-depth look at the positives and negatives of her chosen profession. Setting boundaries to retain a good work/life balance and obsessing too much about likes and engagement are a constant battle. But the tradeoff is Young's ability to travel to new places and experience the great outdoors in a way many can only dream about.

For every negative comment, there are many more rewards. Young receives countless messages from young women who have been inspired to get out and hike thanks to her work. And while Young sometimes worries about what will happen when the influencer bubble bursts, for now, these rewards make it all worthwhile. “You have the ability to inspire people and actually touch their lives offline,” she shares, “And that's pretty cool.”

Meghan Young is an Instagram influencer who shares mountaineering adventures with her audience.

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A post shared by Meghan (@missmeghanyoung) on Nov 28, 2018 at 12:14pm PST

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A post shared by Meghan (@missmeghanyoung) on Oct 31, 2018 at 2:24pm PDT

Working with many brands, she charges $1,500 for a post in her Instagram feed.

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It was too cold to make breakfast so I ate a @theprobar live bar and watched the sun dance over the Cascades. The show more than made up for a night of freezing temps, gusting winds, and shivering! I’m calling it an absolute win! #fueledbyprobar

A post shared by Meghan (@missmeghanyoung) on Oct 30, 2018 at 8:20pm PDT

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Ringing in Fall the best way I know how: in the North Cascades with @sassbridge and some tasty brews from @10barrelbrewing! What did you do to celebrate this weekend? #drinkbeeroutside #10barrelpartner

A post shared by Meghan (@missmeghanyoung) on Sep 30, 2018 at 6:25pm PDT