When you think of Instagram influencers, you typically think of women posing against rainbow backdrops toting a new designer handbag.
However, there’s another pretty lucrative dimension to Instagram #sponcon: pet influencers, who often make thousands of dollars per post.
According to a study by OnBuy Pets Suppliers, top tier animal influencers are expected to earn as much as $32,045 for a single sponsored post. Using data from an Instagram earnings calculator from Influencer Marketing Hub as well as the latest posts from a selection of animal Instagram accounts, OnBuy revealed the pets making the most money on social media.
Jiffpom, a cloud-like Pomeranian puppy, topped the list with his staggering 9.6 million follower count. Earning as much as $32,045 per sponsored post, brands including TikTok, Target and Nature’s Recipe have turned to the canine for adorable endorsement. A cat called Nala the Cat, who also has her own cat food line and was recently recognised by Guinness World Records, came in second place with estimated earnings of $12,851 per post.
Dog Instagram accounts made up half the list, with other pets including Doug the Pug making $12,851 while Shiba Inu Marutaro was estimated to earn $8,517.50 per post.
Four cats placed in the top ten, including two cats who passed away this year: Lil Bub ($8,205) and Internet meme Grumpy Cat ($9,100).
A single fox also made the list. Called Juniper the Fox, Juniper came in fourth place with estimated earnings of $9,970.
Brands which collectively approached the pet influencers included those mentioned earlier, Litter Genie, Outward Hound, West Elm and the film The Secret Life of Pets.
There was also an emerging trend of CBD products for pets, as several CBD companies including cbdMD, Paw CBD and Veritas Farms sponsored posts promoting their cannabidiol ranges.
On top of sponsored posts, many of the pets also had their own merchandise lines or had collaborated with brands including Sketchers and Walmart on products.
Highest earning pet influencers on Instagram
1. Jiffpom
Handle: @jiffpom
Following: 9.6 million
Earnings: $32,045 per sponsored post
2. Nala the Cat
Handle: @nala_cat
Following: 4.3 million
Earnings: $14,253 per sponsored post
3. Doug the Pug
Handle: @itsdougthepug
Following: 3.8 million
Earnings: $12,851 per sponsored post
4. Juniper the Fox
Handle: @juniperfoxx
Following: 2.9 million
Earnings: $9,970 per sponsored post
5. Grumpy Cat
Handle: @realgrumpycat
Following: 2.7 million
Earnings: $9,100
6. Marutaro
Handle: @marutaro
Following: 2.5 million
Earnings: $8,517.50
7. Lil Bub
Handle: @iamlilbub
Following: 2.4 million
Earnings: $8,205
8. Smoothie the Cat
Handle: @smoothiethecat
Following: 2.2 million
Earnings: $7,286.25
9. Tucker
Handle: @tuckerbudzyn
Following: 2.1 million
Earnings: $7,114 per sponsored post
10. Tuna
Handle: @tunameltsmyheart
Following: 2.1 million
Earnings: $7,078.75 per sponsored post
