Giving Your Audience ‘Front Row Seats’ Through Instagram Subscriptions: Lessons From Lulu

December 14, 2023

Join us as we explore the captivating journey of Taiwanese creator Lulu, who has amassed 1.8K subscribers in just one month through her promotional strategy, and gained a loyal following by sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes into her life. From her humble beginnings as a student sharing snippets of her daily experiences on Instagram to blossoming into a dynamic content creator, Lulu has carved out a unique path to success. In this Q&A, she reveals the evolution of her connection with subscribers as she navigates the world of Instagram Subscriptions.



Instagram: How did you get started as a content creator?


Lulu: My journey took off during my student years around 2013. Back then, I found joy in sharing my life through Instagram. In 2014, I decided to venture into game streaming on Twitch while managing my IG account simultaneously.


What was your initial approach to Instagram subscriptions, and how has it evolved ever since?


When I first became eligible for Instagram Subscriptions in Taiwan, I jumped right in. Over time, I've shifted to sharing more detailed content in my subscription stories like behind-the-scenes to my pranks or travel plans, while keeping my wider audience engaged with content about everyday life.


You have gained 1.8K subscribers in one month, what is your secret to promote your subscription?


Keeping things entertaining is the key. My followers are used to stories about my everyday life, so I focus on a more humorous approach, while leveraging a lower price point to bring in new subscribers. I’ll post something funny on my story, and let followers know that behind-the-scenes content has an exclusive place in my subscription stories.


Which features do you find yourself leaning the most, and why? Has that changed over time?


Interaction is key for me, so I’ve always been a fan of polling and Q&A. It helps me understand my fans. The focus on these features hasn't changed over time because they bring that extra layer of engagement and stickiness to the content.


How do you decide whether the content is for your wider audience or your subscribers?


It’s all about finding that sweet spot. I’ve touched on this already, but a daily dose of life and interesting content go to my wider audience. Now, when it comes to subscribers, they get the VIP treatment with more details and behind-the-scenes exclusive content. Striking this balance ensures that both audiences get to enjoy content they find engaging.


What kind of exclusive content do you share? What has worked well as subscriber-only?


I like to give subscribers something extra and fun, so they’ll sometimes get front-row seats to occasional lucky draws. They appreciate the exclusivity of extra content like this, making the subscription worthwhile for them.


Has subscriptions changed the way you think about community on Instagram?


Absolutely! Subscriptions have been a game-changer in transforming my followers into this tight-knit community where fans feel more connected, similar to a close friends list in Instagram Stories, who genuinely support me. My relationship with subscribers is thriving, with many highlighting the incredible value packed into the modest NT$30 Taiwan Dollars ($0.99 USD) subscription.


Any advice for creators venturing into Instagram Subscriptions?


Share the real and interesting bits of your daily life, regardless of your subscriber number. Build that curiosity, and capture their interest with your authentic content. Consistency with posting is key, and focus on nurturing this new, dedicated audience by interacting with them regularly.


What’s next in store for you and your subscribers?


I plan to consistently offer exclusive content and opportunities (like the lucky draws I mentioned) for my subscribers, giving them something exciting to look forward to on a regular basis.