In the ever-evolving social media landscape, Instagram continues to push boundaries with its innovative features. One such gem is the Collab feature, a powerful tool that empowers users to unlock the potential of collaboration and forge connections that transcend individual efforts.
Whether you're a content creator seeking to join forces with like-minded individuals or a brand looking to amplify your reach, understanding how to create Collab posts on Instagram can be a game-changer.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you how to use the Collab feature on IG so you can get more engagement and reach on your posts.
What is an Instagram Collab post?
An Instagram Collab post is a jointly created Feed Post or Reel that appears simultaneously on two profiles. It involves one IG user initiating the post and inviting another IG user to collaborate, resulting in shared visibility of the post, along with its comments, likes, and shares, on both accounts.
It's important to note that each post can only have one collaborator, excluding yourself. Also, the inclusion of Lives and Stories is yet to be integrated into this new Collab feature on Instagram.
Why Should You Create Instagram Collab Posts?
By partnering with other creators, you can create impactful content that benefits both parties and amplifies your message. Here are the key reasons why you should consider creating Instagram collab posts:
1. Increased Discoverability
Creating Instagram Collab posts enhances the discoverability of your content, making it easier for users to find and engage with your posts.
When you collaborate with another user to create a Collab post, it simplifies both your audience’s process of navigating that post and seeing each other’s profiles.
Unlike tagging someone in an IG Feed post where users have to tap multiple times to access the tagged user's profile, Collabs allows users to tap just once on the profile name shown in the header.
2. Boost Reach
Perhaps the most obvious reason is capitalizing on increased reach for your product brand or influencer brand account. If it feels like you’re always fighting the Instagram algorithm, Collabs can help you get into people’s Feeds through the accounts they are already following and engaging with regularly.
3. More Engagement
With more people discovering your content through Collabs, you create greater opportunities for engagement.
Even if you and your collaborator share a similar audience, a significant portion of their followers is likely outside your regular circle. Therefore, a collab post provides a larger pool of new audiences potentially interacting with your content. Likewise, posting your Instagram content at strategic times can further amplify engagement.
4. Better Follower Growth
Instagram users who follow creators and influencers they know, like, and trust are easily convinced to follow someone they endorse.
When your Collab posts appear in people's feeds with the implicit seal of approval from a brand or creator they already follow, they are more inclined to click on your profile and hit the “follow” button compared to appearing randomly on their Explore page.
5. Increased Relevance in Users' Feeds
With Instagram's evolving feed organization, having your content appear under two profiles can help your brand maintain relevance. Users can now create custom lists of posts from chosen accounts, and collaborating on a post with another account increases the chances of your content appearing in users' custom feeds.
6. Reduction of Duplicate Content
Instagram Collab posts effectively minimize the duplication of content promoting your brand. If your collaborators are reposting the same content as that of your account’s, it creates competition for views and likes. However, with Collabs, a view from one account benefits everyone involved, eliminating the need to compete with your own content.
7. Increase Sales from Instagram Shopping
The Collab feature can yield even greater results especially if your brand already utilizes posts that include purchase links. By integrating Collabs with Instagram shopping, you not only enjoy the aforementioned advantages but also increase the likelihood of converting viewers into buyers when they land on your Collab post.
How to Create an Instagram Collab Post
To create an Instagram Collab post and ensure it goes live, follow these two phases:
Phase 1: Post Creation
- Begin by creating a Feed Post or Reel in the usual manner, adhering to your typical process.
- Include any desired customizations and specific details to enhance the post.
- Access the post details menu and choose “Tag People.”
- From the menu, select “Invite Collaborator.”
- Utilize the search bar to locate the user you wish to collaborate with, and then tap “Done.”
- Finalize all post details before proceeding to tap “Share.”
By following these steps, you can successfully initiate an Instagram Collab post and bring it to life, allowing you to collaborate and share engaging content with your chosen collaborator.
Phase 2: Accept an Instagram Collab Post
When an Instagram collab creator sent you an invitation for a Collab post, you need to accept it to proceed with the collaboration.
Follow these steps to accept the invitation:
- Navigate to your activity page on Instagram.
- Look for the notification indicating the Collab post invitation and click on it.
- Tap “Review” to access the post details.
- Finally, choose “Accept” to confirm your participation in the collaboration.
By completing these steps, you will successfully accept the Instagram Collab post invitation and become an active collaborator, allowing the shared post to appear on both your profile and the creator's profile simultaneously.
6 Collab Post Ideas You Can Use For Instagram Marketing
The Collab feature on Instagram is a versatile tool that opens up a world of possibilities for various types of campaigns. Here’s how you can use this feature to make the most of Instagram marketing:
1. Partner with Complementary Businesses or Fellow Influencers
The Collab feature on Instagram presents a compelling opportunity to promote a complementary business and unlocks synergistic benefits. By collaborating with other businesses or influencers in your niche, you can tap into their existing audience and expand your reach organically.
Partnering with a complementary brand allows you to create engaging and mutually beneficial content that resonates with both audiences. Consider joint product giveaways, co-create content featuring your products or services, or cross-promote each other's accounts.
Instagram influencers Liane (@lianev) and Andrea (@andreaespadatv) embraced the Collab feature to co-create captivating pregnancy content.
They decided to showcase their unique journeys by making a delightful Reel that featured both of them during their pregnancies, and eventually with their precious babies after birth.
This creative collaboration allowed their audiences to witness the parallel experiences, share in the joys and challenges, and celebrate the beautiful transformations of motherhood.
2. Host a Contest or Giveaway
The Collab feature on Instagram presents a golden opportunity to leverage the power of collaboration for hosting an enticing contest or giveaway.
This initiative encourages participants to follow both accounts and tag their friends in the comments to enter. That way both collaborators can grow their IG account organically.
Meghan (@meghanyuriyoung) and TwentyTwenty Arts (@twentytwentyarts) collaborated to host an exciting giveaway on Instagram using the Collab feature.
With a heartfelt caption, they announced their partnership and shared their deep appreciation for art and its impact on their well-being.
The giveaway aimed to support TwentyTwenty Arts' Life on the Line fundraiser, raising awareness and funds for Toronto youth mental health programs. It featured special limited-edition pieces donated by talented artists like @songdahae.
To enter the giveaway, participants were encouraged to share the post, donate, and tag the person they turn to for support during challenging times.
The giveaway not only promoted a great cause but also created a sense of community and support among the participants.
3. Launch a New Product
If you're launching a new product or service, leverage the Collab feature to involve your audience in the process.
By collaborating with influencers or loyal customers, you can create anticipation and build a buzz around the product.
Utilize the Collab feature to showcase sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and involve collaborators in the product development or testing phases.
Encourage collaborators to share their experiences and reviews, amplifying the reach and credibility of your product. By leveraging the Collab feature, you can generate pre-launch interest and create a sense of excitement, ultimately leading to a successful product launch.
Leveraging the star power of Jennifer Lopez, who plays a lead role in the movie, Netflix collaborated with her using the Collab feature to create engaging content.
Through joint posts, they effectively showcased snippets of the film, behind-the-scenes moments, and exclusive interviews with JLo, captivating the attention of their followers.
This collaboration allowed Netflix to tap into JLo's massive fan base, increasing the reach and visibility of “The Mother” and generating anticipation among viewers.
4. Support a Cause
Using the Collab feature on Instagram to support a cause is a powerful way to raise awareness and inspire action. By collaborating with influencers, and nonprofits or like-minded organizations, you can amplify your reach and establish credibility.
To utilize the Collab feature, start by identifying partners aligned with your cause. Create compelling content that educates, engages, and encourages your audience to take action.
This can include sharing impactful stories, organizing fundraisers, or promoting volunteer opportunities.
Blair Imani, a prominent activist and advocate for intersectional feminism, recently collaborated with FEMINIST – a digital platform to further support the cause.
This collaboration served as a platform to emphasize the need for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard and recognized in cinema. It contributes to the ongoing dialogue on equality and social change.
5. Showcase Your Products
Creating Collab posts on Instagram is also an effective way to engage your audience and boost sales by showcasing your products or demonstrating their uses.
When creating Collab posts, you can focus on highlighting the unique features and benefits of your products through creative content, such as demos or tutorials.
Choose influencers who have expertise in your industry and a genuine interest in your products to ensure authentic and impactful content. Utilize the Collab feature to tag and promote each other, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that resonates with both your audiences.
Revolve (@revolve) and Amyle (@amyle.nails) exemplify how Collab posts on Instagram can effectively showcase products. In a recent post, they featured stunning fall nails created by Amyle using the Nails Inc Keep It Tonal Quad Set, available for purchase at Revolve Beauty.
The caption invited followers to save the post for their next nail appointment, providing inspiration and a CTA to shop the products.
The showcased reel offered a glimpse into her comedic prowess, leaving viewers eager to witness her live performance. Through this collaborative approach, Jesse effectively promoted her upcoming show, engaged her audience, and encouraged ticket sales.
6. Make Announcements
If you want to make impactful announcements about upcoming shows or events, creating Collab posts on Instagram is a powerful strategy. They can effectively create anticipation, drive ticket sales, and ensure a successful turnout for your shows or events.
Comedian Jesse Kirsan harnessed the power of the Collab feature on Instagram to showcase a hilarious reel from her recent show at the New York Comedy Club.
In her post caption, Jesse announced her upcoming performance in Raleigh, NC, and encouraged her followers to grab tickets from her website.
Ready to Use the Collab Feature on Instagram?
In conclusion, the Collab feature on Instagram has revolutionized the way creators and brands connect, engage, and expand their reach. By leveraging the power of collaboration, you can unlock new opportunities, increase your brand's visibility, and build meaningful partnerships.
As you embark on your Collab journey, remember to stay authentic, be open to new ideas, and foster genuine connections with fellow creators.
And if you're looking to take your Instagram collaborations to the next level, be sure to check out our comprehensive article on, “How to Improve Your IG Growth Strategy.”
Start collaborating, create remarkable content, and watch your brand thrive on Instagram. The possibilities are endless!
Related Articles
25 Best Instagram Marketing Tools to Achieve Your Goals in 2023
How to Monetize Your Instagram Account [Examples+Tools]
15 Best Instagram Analytics Tools to Track Your Success
How to Grow Your Instagram Account in 2023 [Free Tool Inside]
Your Guide to Using Instagram Hashtags in 2023
Want to Buy Instagram Followers? Beware of These Risks [Free Tool Inside]