Introduction: Real Stories of Creators
In the evolving world of digital content, LinkedIn Reels have emerged as a surprising yet powerful tool for creators and professionals alike. While TikTok and Instagram Reels dominate the entertainment space, LinkedIn Reels are carving a niche in the professional content ecosystem, offering real revenue opportunities. In this article, we dive deep into real stories of creators making money through LinkedIn Reels, exploring strategies, insights, and how you can replicate their success.
Table of Contents
What Are LinkedIn Reels?
LinkedIn Reels are short-form vertical videos, generally under 90 seconds, designed to deliver quick, engaging content on professional topics. Launched to tap into the increasing popularity of vertical video content, Reels on LinkedIn aim to highlight industry insights, job hacks, motivational bites, and career stories.
Unlike Instagram or TikTok, the audience on LinkedIn is professionally inclined, making it a goldmine for B2B content creators, career coaches, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
Why LinkedIn Reels Matter for Monetization
Here’s what makes LinkedIn Reels a game-changer:
- High Organic Reach: Early adoption means more reach without paying for ads.
- Professional Audience: Better targeting for high-value services and collaborations.
- Niche Influence: Less competition makes it easier to stand out.
- Monetization Potential: Through sponsorships, services, digital products, affiliate links, and speaking gigs.
Let’s explore real creators who have monetized their presence using LinkedIn Reels.
1. Justin Welsh – $2M Business Built on Personal Branding
Niche: Solopreneurship, Marketing, Content Creation
How He Makes Money:
Justin Welsh, often called the “solopreneur whisperer,” generates over $2 million in revenue annually. His Reels are short clips offering LinkedIn tips, solopreneur insights, and personal branding advice.
His Strategy:
- He repurposes long-form posts into Reels.
- Calls-to-action in Reels drive viewers to his paid newsletters, templates, and digital products.
- Offers behind-the-scenes business advice that resonates with solo creators.
LinkedIn Reels Impact:
He says, “A single viral Reel can lead to thousands of new followers and dozens of product sales.”
2. Leila Hormozi – CEO, Investor & Educator
Niche: Business Growth, Investments, Women in Leadership
How She Makes Money:
Leila uses LinkedIn Reels to share startup scaling advice and promote her companies. While she doesn’t monetize directly through LinkedIn, her visibility helps her attract acquisition targets, investors, and consulting clients.
Her Strategy:
- Professional yet relatable Reels.
- Storytelling around failures and turnarounds.
- Strong hooks like “Here’s how we scaled to $100M…”
Results:
Her Reels routinely hit 100K+ views. The visibility has translated into multiple 6-figure consulting contracts and business opportunities.
3. Chris Do – Founder of The Futur
Niche: Design, Branding, Creative Business
How He Makes Money:
Chris uses Reels to drive attention to his online courses, books, and live coaching programs. A single well-performing Reel often leads to a spike in course enrollments.
His Strategy:
- Reels focused on value-packed design tips.
- Visual storytelling with motion design elements.
- Ends each Reel with an invitation to join his community.
Success Metrics:
He’s seen 30-40% growth in leads directly attributed to LinkedIn Reels engagement.
4. Natalie Elizabeth Ellis – Co-founder of BossBabe
Niche: Women Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle Business
How She Makes Money:
Natalie uses LinkedIn Reels to talk about women in business, attracting a large community that purchases digital courses, joins masterminds, or buys into affiliate offerings.
Her Strategy:
- Reels focus on mindset, growth hacks, and startup culture.
- Includes subtle CTAs (calls-to-action) to her email list and coaching programs.
Result:
She claims LinkedIn Reels drove a 30% conversion increase in one of her product launches in 2024.
5. Dave Gerhardt – B2B Marketing Pro
Niche: B2B SaaS, Marketing Strategy, Personal Branding
How He Makes Money:
Dave uses Reels as bite-sized content from his podcasts, newsletters, and coaching sessions. They feed into his funnel for online courses and consulting gigs.
His Strategy:
- Repurpose content from other channels.
- Includes opinionated takes, which spark engagement.
- Strong branding on every Reel with a consistent hook.
The Result:
His Reels helped him double his LinkedIn following in under a year and 10x his consulting requests.
How Creators Are Monetizing Their LinkedIn Reels
So what exactly are the money-making paths?
1. Selling Digital Products
From eBooks and templates to masterclasses, creators drive Reel traffic to Gumroad, Teachable, or personal sites. Reels are the hook, products are the catch.
2. Service Promotion
Freelancers and coaches use Reels to showcase their skills, testimonials, and transformation stories. One good Reel can land high-ticket clients.
3. Sponsorships
As LinkedIn’s video platform grows, brands are now paying for sponsored Reels – especially in niches like B2B tech, HR, finance, and health.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Creators promote tools or services (like Notion, Calendly, or SaaS products) using personalized links. Reels drive traffic and passive income follows.
5. Lead Generation
Consultants use Reels to funnel viewers into email lists, webinars, or free guides – all building toward paid offers.
Best Practices for Monetizing LinkedIn Reels
1. Start with Value
Don’t sell right away. Start by giving away free, helpful content. Think: “3 mistakes I made in my first startup.”
2. Use Visual Hooks
Grab attention in the first 3 seconds. Use bold text overlays, motion graphics, or ask an unexpected question.
3. Optimize for LinkedIn
Keep your content professional and actionable. Avoid dance trends; this is LinkedIn, not TikTok.
4. Include a Call-to-Action
Always end with a CTA. Whether it’s “DM me the word ‘ebook’” or “Check the link in my profile,” give the viewer a next step.
5. Be Consistent
Post Reels regularly – 2–4 times a week works well. LinkedIn’s algorithm favors consistent creators.
Common Challenges (And How Creators Overcome Them)
Low Engagement
LinkedIn Reels are still new. Early content might not get huge traction. Creators suggest:
- Cross-promoting to followers via regular posts.
- Asking for comments or opinions in captions.
Lack of Monetization Strategy
Posting without a clear offer won’t lead to income. Successful creators define what they’re offering (course, call, product) and drive viewers toward it.
Professional Judgment
Some creators worry about being “too casual.” But authentic storytelling still wins – as long as it’s tied to value.
Future of LinkedIn Reels: What’s Next?
Experts predict that LinkedIn will soon:
- Roll out monetization tools, similar to TikTok Creator Fund.
- Improve Reel analytics for performance tracking.
- Launch creator incentives like badges and boosts.
And for early adopters? There’s a first-mover advantage.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn Reels are proving that short-form video has a place in professional storytelling. From multi-million dollar businesses to solo freelancers, creators are using these Reels not just for views—but for real income.
If you’ve ever considered building a professional personal brand, now is the time to jump on this trend. The creators above aren’t just lucky—they’re intentional, strategic, and consistent. And if they can do it, so can you.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn Reels offer organic reach and professional visibility.
- Creators are making money through services, digital products, sponsorships, and more.
- Top strategies include value-first content, visual storytelling, and consistent CTAs.
- There’s still space for new voices to rise.