Pet Social Media: Can You Make Money on That?

Have you noticed that pet social media content is beloved by many in digital spaces? According to a 2022 survey, 35% of global cat and dog owners had set up social media accounts for their pets. Running a pet social media account can be a fun way to show their love and affection for their furry companions. However, it can also be a way to earn extra or passive income. There are pet accounts with sponsors and deals to advertise pet accessories, pet food, and more. For some people, it can even be a full-time job, especially if they’ve managed to garner a significant following and fan base for their pets.

So, do you think you can earn money from that with your pet?

Top pet influencers in the world

Pet and animal content is hugely entertaining. And with the digital age we’re currently in, it’s no surprise that there are a number of pets who have achieved superstardom, virality, and internet fame in recent years. These famous pets are now considered celebrities and influencers, each with their own unique personalities and brands.

Here are some of the top pet influencers in the world:

Grumpy Cat (@realgrumpycat)

2.6M Followers

Grumpy Cat is perhaps one of the most famous and iconic cats in the world and is known to have started the era of internet pets. Her signature grumpy face, caused by an underbite and feline dwarfism, propelled her into internet stardom. This unique facial expression, along with a sassy attitude, made her an internet celebrity cat and led to numerous media appearances, merchandise deals, brand sponsorships, and more. While Grumpy Cat (real name: Tardar Sauce) passed away in 2019, there are still millions of memes and funny reactions made with her face.

Doug the Pug (@itsdougthepug)

3.7M Followers

Doug the Pug is a lovable and photogenic pug with a massive following on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms. He is known as the most famous celebrity dog and is now a pet celebrity dog. He has won awards following his rise to internet fame in 2014. He has also made numerous appearances with celebrities, at festivals, in books, commercials, and in movies. Doug’s humorous and relatable content has won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

Loki the Wolfdog (@loki)

1.9M Followers

Loki is a husky/arctic wolf/malamute mix known for his stunning outdoor adventures and the breathtaking photography of his owner, Kelly Lund. With a large following on Instagram, Loki inspires people to explore the great outdoors with their pets. They post various outdoor scenes, adventures, and funny moments together with Loki’s other dog brother, Raven. As a pet social media account, they also sell various merchandise for both humans and their furry companions.

Nala Cat (@nala_cat)

4.5M Followers

Nala Cat is a rescue cat turned social media sensation, known for her distinctively adorable appearance, large cat eyes, and charming personality. With millions of followers, Nala Cat has become one of the most influential cats on the internet. Now, Nala has her own cat food brand and merchandise. She even holds the Guiness world record for having the most followers among pet influencer cats on Instagram!

Felix the Samoyed (@wanderlust_samoyed)

990K Followers

Felix is a 7-year-old Samoyed, famously known for his travels and trips as a travel dog influencer from Germany. His adorable appearance and wanderlust personality have attracted a lot of attention on the internet. With over 36 destinations and travel adventures along with his human family, Felix shares travel highlights and tips for other dog owners and travelers alike.

How can pet social media accounts make money?

Established pet social media accounts and influencers with a huge following and a significant reputation can start earning money in a number of ways. Here are some avenues for earning money for pet influencers:

Sponsored Posts: Brands may pay pet influencers to create content featuring their pets using their products. This could include sponsored photos and videos that promote the brand’s products or services.
Affiliate Marketing: Pet social media accounts can earn commissions by promoting products or services through affiliate marketing programs with pet brands and retailers. When followers make a purchase through a unique affiliate link provided by the pet influencer, the influencer earns a percentage or commission from the sale.
Paid Partnerships: Collaborating with other brands or businesses on joint campaigns or projects is also a common practice. These can help generate revenue for pet social media accounts.
Advertising Revenue: Platforms like YouTube or websites associated with pet influencers can generate ad revenue through display ads, video ads, or other sponsored content.
Events and Appearances: Pet influencers may be invited to attend events, make appearances, or participate in meet-and-greet sessions with fans. These can result in appearance fees or other opportunities for revenue generation.
Brand Ambassadorships: This is another way to earn money for pet social media accounts. Establishing long-term partnerships with specific brands as a brand ambassador can provide steady income and opportunities for collaboration.
Pet Modeling: Certain pets may have opportunities to work as models for pet-related brands, advertisements, or even in the entertainment industry. This means they can earn money through modeling fees.
Content Licensing: Selling the rights to use photos, videos, or other content featuring the pet to media outlets, brands, or other businesses. The sold content can be used in advertisements, articles, or other promotional materials.
Product Merch and Sales: Some pet influencers may also create and sell their own merchandise. This can include all kinds of merchandise for their fanbase or other pets, such as branded pet accessories, clothing and apparel, or other pet-related products.
Donations/Patronage: Some followers may choose to support their favorite pet influencers through donations or by becoming patrons on platforms like Patreon. Patreon is a platform where users can access exclusive content or perks in exchange for their support.
Pet Influencer Agencies: Some pet influencers may also work with agencies that specialize in representing animal talent. This can help pet influencers secure partnerships, negotiate contracts, and manage their careers, often in exchange for a percentage of their earnings.

These are just some of the ways pet accounts on social media and internet pets can earn money. Through consistent content, unique branding, and a close connection with the audience, pet social media influencers can have a reputation and achieve internet fame.

What you need to start your pet influencer journey

If you’re thinking about starting a social media account for your pet in the hopes of earning money, you need to understand that it also takes dedication. It requires creativity, careful planning, and essential resources. Here’s an overview of what you need to start your pet influencer journey:

1. Pet with a Star Personality

First and foremost, your pet should have a unique and appealing personality, look, or talent that will make them stand out on social media. Whether it’s their cute appearance, quirky behavior, or impressive skills, your pet should have that special something that will capture the attention of the audience. Otherwise, your pet is less likely to get in front of the camera and charm people on the internet.

2. Connection and Mutual Understanding with Your Pet

Of course, you should also have a strong bond and understanding with your pet. Remember that they are your companions. You should understand better how your pet acts and reacts, their personality, their interests and hobbies, and more. This will help you forge a pet influencer journey and ensure that your furry pets are the priority.

3. Social Media Platforms and Equipment

Of course, you should also think about the social media presence you will create. Create accounts for your pet on popular social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Make sure to choose platforms that align with your target audience and the type of content you plan to create.

You also need to invest in good equipment to make your content. A good camera or smartphone with a decent camera can capture high-quality photos and videos of your pet. A stable internet connection is also necessary. Programs and software for photo and video editing are also paramount. Remember that quality content is crucial for attracting and retaining followers on social media platforms.

4. Consistent and Unique Branding

Develop a consistent brand identity for your pet’s social media accounts. This includes a catchy username, profile picture, and bio that reflect your pet’s personality and niche. It’s also best to think about what kind of content and brand you are building for your pet. Will you be documenting your outdoor adventures? Will you be showing cute costumes and dress-ups? Will you be posting funny and silly moments about your pet? Consistency is key for building brand recognition and attracting followers.

5. Space and Time

Building a successful pet influencer presence takes time, patience, and persistence. This means you will need a lot of space and time to bond with your pet, create moments, document them, and share them on social media platforms. Stay consistent, adapt to changes in algorithms and trends, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slow growth.

6. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Of course, there are also legal and ethical elements to starting your pet influencer journey. Familiarize yourself with the crucial considerations of being a pet owner and pet influencer. Ethics of pet influencer marketing include general animal welfare, image rights, disclosure requirements for sponsored content, and privacy concerns. Your pet’s safety and well-being must be prioritized, whether it be in private or in social media content.

Creating an online brand for your pet

Creating an online brand for your pet involves establishing a unique identity, engaging with your audience, and building a strong presence across various online platforms. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an online brand for your pet:

Define Your Pet’s Personality and Niche: Identify what makes your pet unique and what sets them apart from others. Consider their personality traits, talents, interests, and the type of content they enjoy creating. This will help you define your pet’s niche and brand identity.
Choose a Memorable Username: Select a catchy and memorable username or channel name for your pet’s social media account that reflects their personality or niche. Use this name consistently across all your pet’s social media accounts, and make sure it aligns with your brand identity.
Know Your Target Audience: Learn more about the audience you want to target. Are they animal lovers in general? Are they middle-class pet owners looking for other fur parents to relate to? Are they rich pet owners who can afford to fly and travel? Are they hardcore cat loyalists? Appeal to the audience’s interests so you can create relevant and engaging content.
Create Compelling Content: Produce high-quality photos, videos, and other content featuring your pet. Make sure they showcase their unique qualities and resonate with your target audience. Experiment with different types of content with your pet, storytelling techniques, and creative ideas to keep your audience engaged and entertained. You can even check on other pet influencers and pet accounts to see what kind of content they’re posting.
Establish Brand Visuals: Develop a cohesive visual identity for your pet’s brand. This includes a logo, color scheme, and aesthetic style that show their personality and niche. Use these brand visuals consistently across your pet’s social media accounts, website, and other online platforms.
Choose the Best Platforms: Choose the best platforms where your audience will be more active and your pet’s personality will suit them best. From there, make sure to optimize your profiles with engaging bio descriptions, profile pictures, and cover photos that capture your pet’s brand identity and invite people to follow along.
Consistently Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your followers regularly by responding to comments, messages, and mentions. You can even engage with other pet influencers and social media accounts in your niche. Foster a sense of community and connection with your audience, and give them the kind of content they want.
Collaborate with Others: Once you start gaining a reputation and a significant following, you can start collaborating with others. This includes other pet influencers, brands, and businesses that will help expand your reach and exposure. Look for opportunities for sponsored posts, product reviews, giveaways, and other collaborations that align with your pet’s brand, niche, and values.
Monetize Your Brand: You can then start to explore various monetization strategies, such as sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, advertising revenue, merchandise sales, and brand partnerships, to generate income from your pet’s online presence. Remember to be transparent and authentic in your partnerships and collaborations to maintain trust with your audience.
Track Your Progress and Adapt: It’s also important to monitor your pet’s online performance metrics, like follower growth, engagement rate, and content reach, to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Stay up-to-date with trends and changes in social media algorithms, and adapt your content strategy accordingly to maximize your brand success as a pet social media personality.

Marketing your pet’s brand

Of course, part of having a pet social media account and being a pet influencer means having to market your pet’s brand. This involves promoting their unique personality and content to attract and engage the target audience.

Here are some considerations and effective marketing strategies for your pet’s brand:

Aggressive branding – Do you want to market your pet’s branding aggressively, moderately, or conservatively? It’s better to set a rating, which will help you form a standard as you go along your pet’s social media journey.
Your goals – What is your target number of followers? Who are your target sponsors? What’s your target deadline for these goals? Base this on your aggressive rating.
Social media content plan – Think about what types of content you are planning to post. How often will you post? Base this on your aggressive rating and branding. Creating high-quality and consistent content with a social media calendar will help boost your pet’s brand.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Are your platforms optimized? Are you updated with SEO trends? Make sure to optimize your pet’s online content or website (if you have one) to improve visibility and attract organic traffic from search engines. Use relevant keywords, meta tags, and descriptive titles and descriptions to optimize your content. You can also regularly update your website with fresh, high-quality content to improve your search rankings and follow trends.
Influencer partnerships: Influencer marketing can be a gateway to earning money and gaining recognition for your pet’s brand. Collaborate with other pet influencers, brands, and businesses to expand your reach and exposure. Look for opportunities to collaborate on sponsored posts, product reviews, giveaways, and other joint campaigns that align with your pet’s brand and values.
Community and Audience Building: Engage with your audience regularly and grow them by responding to comments, messages, and mentions, and participating in conversations and discussions related to your pet’s brand and niche. The sense of community and connection you will build with the audience will help boost your pet’s brand and help you find online success.

These are just some of the examples of marketing strategies for your pet’s social media account. Of course, you can entrust a digital marketing agency that can help you keep track of your progress, adapt to new algorithms, engage with the audience, and develop compelling marketing materials that will put your pet out there.

Whatever you do, remember that your journey to pet social media takes dedication and consistency, so your pet can shine bright in digital spaces.

References:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1423969/pet-owners-setting-up-social-media-accounts/

https://www.brandwatch.com/blog/pet-influencers/#

https://izea.com/resources/top-pet-influencers/