Can social media replace the security of a regular salary? For many people, turning content creation into a full-time career comes with questions about income, expenses and financial stability. Mumbai-based content creator Shubh Sarang faced these concerns before leaving his corporate job. After building an audience on Instagram and receiving high-value brand offers, he decided to make content creation his primary source of income. He now says he earns up to Rs 2.5 lakh a month.
How Instagram helped him earn his first Rs 1 lakh
Sarang said he had considered leaving his job for a long time but was unsure whether Instagram could cover his expenses. His first payment of Rs 1 lakh from a brand collaboration gave him the confidence to explore content creation as a full-time career.His Instagram audience also grew quickly. Starting with around 10,000 followers, he reached 1 lakh within one or two months.“I was just a regular content creator with 10,000 followers. I don’t know how, but people suddenly started liking my content, and within just one or two months, I reached 1 lakh followers. That changed my life,” he said.He later reached 2 lakh followers, with one of his videos helping him attract a larger audience. According to Sarang, brands began offering between Rs 1.3 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh for a single video.
Content creator says he earns Rs 2.5 lakh a month
Sarang said his monthly income from content creation now ranges between Rs 2.2 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh. He decided to resign after his earnings from social media became three to four times his corporate salary.However, leaving a salaried job also meant considering his financial commitments, including monthly EMIs.“I am not encouraging anyone to quit their job and follow their passion because it can be risky. I also had EMIs to pay and was worried about how I would manage them,” he explained.Sarang’s experience highlights the financial risks involved in relying on content creation for a living. His decision was based on the income he had built through brand collaborations, but he cautioned others against assuming that the same path would work for everyone.
He worked in an office and edited videos until 4 am
Before quitting, Sarang had to fit content creation around his corporate schedule. He said he worked from 9 am to 6 pm, then went out to shoot videos after a short break.Editing often kept him busy until 4 am, even though he had to return to work at 8 am. He said the lack of sleep sometimes left him falling asleep at the office.The demanding routine was one of the challenges he faced while managing both responsibilities. Since leaving his job, he has moved away from that schedule.
‘No more targets, no pressure from the boss’
Reflecting on his new working life, Sarang said he no longer has to deal with the same office targets and pressures.“No more targets, no pressure from the boss, and no more Microsoft hassles,” he said.Disclaimer: The Times of India has not independently verified the claims made in the social media post. The views expressed by users are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication.Thumb image: Instagram