Instagram is a global hub for creativity, connection, and collaboration. Whether you’re a content creator, a brand, or someone who loves sharing moments, one of Instagram’s most exciting features is the Collab post. Think of it as the ultimate team effort: two creators, one post, double the impact.
With a single upload, your shared content appears on both profiles, reaching not only your audience but also theirs. It’s perfect for everything from partnerships and shoutouts to simply having fun. Best of all, creating a Collab post on Instagram is easier than it sounds. Keep reading for all the tips and tricks you’ll need to create buzzworthy Collabs in no time!
Table of Contents
What is a Collab Post on Instagram?
A Collab post on Instagram is a shared piece of content—whether it’s a reel, post, or carousel—that appears on the feeds of two accounts simultaneously. By becoming co-authors of the post, both accounts share views, likes, and comments.
This feature is a powerful way to grow your audience, whether you’re collaborating with a friend, a brand, or another creator. While some Collab posts may be part of a paid partnership, they don’t have to be. You can invite any Collab partner to join your post for free with just a few taps.
Why Should You Do Collab Posts on Instagram?
On Instagram, teamwork truly makes the dream work. When two creators come together, they combine not only their ideas but also their audiences. Collaborating allows you to extend your reach and benefit from the trust and loyalty someone else has already built. To further boost engagement, you can know about automatic Instagram likes, which can enhance interactions and help your posts reach a broader audience. Here’s how Collab posts can transform your Instagram strategy:
1. Expands Audience Reach
When one post appears on the feeds of two accounts, it doubles its exposure. Your content reaches two audiences instead of just one, gaining instant credibility since it’s shared by someone your audience already trusts. This organic visibility is invaluable, whether you’re sharing lifestyle content, memes, or product launches.
2. Grows Follower Count Faster
Collaborating helps you access new audiences who already follow and admire your partner. Instead of depending only on your own efforts to attract new followers, a collaboration speeds up discovery for both sides, helping you to grow your follower base faster than focusing just on content shared beyond your own feed.
3. Boosts Engagement Rates
Collaborative posts naturally encourage interaction. Twice the followers mean twice the potential for likes, comments, and shares. People are more likely to engage when they recognize familiar names or see exciting partnerships. Additionally, the algorithm often favors collaborative feed posts, increasing your chances of appearing on the Explore page.
4. Builds Stronger Brand Connections
Partnerships demonstrate that you’re actively engaged in your community. Collaborating with brands or other creators highlights your professionalism and creativity. Audiences view these collaborations as authentic endorsements or innovative storytelling, fostering trust and strengthening the relationship between you and your viewers.
Steps to Create a Collab Post on Instagram
Creating a Collab post on Instagram is quick and straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Begin by tapping the “+” icon and select the “Post” option.
- Next, choose the photo which you want to post from the feed.
- After selecting the photo, tap the “Next” button to proceed.
- Then, click the “Tag People” option.
- On that, tap the “Invite Collaborators” button.
- Search for the name and select the one who you want to collaborate.
- After that, you can see the profile of the person in the collaborators list.
- Finally, tap the “Share” button to proceed.
Once they accept the invitation, the post will appear on both profiles, seamlessly sharing views, likes, and comments across your audiences. Collaboration made easy!
Want to boost your Collab’s performance even more? Learn the pros and cons of buying automatic Instagram likes.
Pro Tip – How to Accept a Collaboration on Instagram
To accept a Collab invite on Instagram, make sure your settings allow collaborations by enabling tags and mentions for everyone. You can do this by heading to Profile > Settings and Privacy > Tags and mentions and selecting “Allow from everyone.”
When someone sends you a Collab invite, you’ll receive a notification. Tap “Review” to preview the post. If everything looks good, hit “Accept” to turn on your co-author status and share the post.
How to Do a Collab on Instagram Reels
Collaborating on Instagram Reels is as straightforward as teaming up for a regular post. Here’s how you can do it:
- Begin by tapping the “+” icon and select the “Reel” option.
- Next, choose the video which you want to post from the feed.
- After selecting the video, tap the “Next” button.
- Then, click the “Tag People” option.
- On that, tap the “Invite Collaborators” button.
- Search for the name and select the one who you want to collaborate.
- After that, you can see the profile of the person in the collaborators list.
- Finally, tap the “Share” button to proceed.
Once the collaborator accepts the invitation, the Reel will appear on both accounts, sharing views, engagement, and reach. It’s a simple process that makes your creative content even more impactful.
How to Collab on a Story on Instagram
Collaborating on Instagram Stories works a bit differently, as there isn’t a direct way to share one story across two accounts. Instead, you can use the following steps to create a seamless, interactive collaboration:
- First, tap the “+” icon and select the “Story” option.
- Next, choose the one which you want to put into your story from the feed.
- After selecting the post, tap the “Sticker” button.
- Then, choose the “Mention” sticker.
- After mentioning the person you want to tag and tap the “>” button to proceed.
- Next, choose either “Your Story” or “Close Friends” and tap the “Share” button.
- On the DMs section, you can find the chat of the person you’ve mentioned in your story – click on their chat.
- There, you can see the mentioned story message, which is displayed on the mentioned person’s chat section, also with a button “Add to Your Story”.
- Once they click the option and put the story, it will be displayed on your story feed.
- Tap the icon and view the story.
This back-and-forth method fosters an engaging, interactive experience for both audiences, boosting your overall reach and engagement.
Best Practices for Successful Instagram Collab Posts
Collaborative posts on Instagram are more than just tagging another creator and hoping for the best. Like any other content, their success depends on thoughtful planning, effort, and execution. Here’s how to ensure your Instagram Collab posts stand out:
1. Define Clear Goal Objectives
Before starting a collaboration, ensure you and your partner align on the purpose. Are you aiming to gain more followers, promote a product, or raise brand awareness? Agree on key details like timing, number of posts, and desired outcomes. Clear objectives create direction and transparency, ensuring both parties benefit equally and effectively.
2. Grow Your Post Engagement
Likes do more than enhance appearance—they signal to Instagram that your content deserves a broader audience. While building engagement manually is great, one quick way to ensure traction is to buy automatic Instagram Likes for your Collab posts. This approach ensures a steady stream of interactions, increasing visibility and potentially landing your post on the Explore page for an instant reach boost.
3. Create Attractive Content
Whether you’re sharing stunning photos, vibrant Reels, or compelling storytelling, your content should be scroll-stopping. Consider leveraging UGC (user-generated content) for authenticity or designing a fresh, cohesive look that reflects both collaborators’ aesthetics. Pair strong visuals with engaging captions to drive shares and impressions.
4. Collaborate with Brands for Giveaways
Exciting promos, like giveaways, can engage audiences from both accounts. Encourage users to like, follow, or tag a friend to participate. This not only boosts engagement but also introduces both creators to new audiences. Partner with brands willing to join in and offer creative prizes, such as exclusive products or follower shoutouts, for maximum impact.
5. Track and Adjust in Real-Time
Success doesn’t end with the post—it’s also about tracking performance and learning from it. Use Instagram Insights to monitor engagement rates, reach, and follower growth. Real-time adjustments ensure your collaboration achieves its maximum potential. Metrics like click-through rates and saves can reveal how well your audience connected with the content.
Pro Tip
While both private and public accounts can participate in Instagram collaborations, visibility depends heavily on account settings. If one or both collaborators have private accounts, the post will only be visible to the followers of the private account(s). This can significantly limit reach and engagement, as the content won’t appear on the Explore page or be accessible to wider audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Boost a Collab Post on Instagram?
Yes, boosting works for Collab posts as long as both parties have professional or business profiles and have enabled the option to promote posts.
2. Can I Send a Collaboration Request on Instagram After Posting?
Yes, you can send collaboration requests after posting your photo, reel, or story on Instagram.
3. How Do I Resend a Collaboration Request on Instagram?
To resend a request, go back to the post settings, cancel the original request, and send it again. This ensures your collaborator receives another notification to accept.
4. Where Can I See My Collaboration Requests on Instagram?
You’ll find pending Collab requests in your DMs or within your notifications tab. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss any exciting partnership opportunities.
5. Can You Schedule a Collab Post on Instagram?
Yes, through scheduling tools like Sprout Social, you can schedule posts that use the Collab feature. Just ensure both parties agree on the time.
6. How Many People Can I Collab With on Instagram?
Up to five accounts can team up on a single Collab post, making it perfect for group projects, campaigns, or creative mashups across multiple profiles.
7. How Long Do You Have to Accept a Collaboration Invite on Instagram?
There’s no set time limit, but acting quickly is ideal to avoid delays. Invitations could expire if changes are made to the posts, so sooner is always better.
8. What Happens If I Stop Sharing a Collab Post on Instagram?
If you leave, the post remains live on your collaborator’s (original sharer’s) profile. Your name and presence will be removed, but the engagement will still benefit them.
9. Can I Pin a Collab Post on Instagram?
Yes. Pinned Collab posts can stay at the top of your grid, showcasing your best partnerships and creative efforts for followers to see immediately.
10. How Can I Archive a Collaboration Post on Instagram?
Simply archive it as you would any post. Go to the three-dot menu on the post and choose “Archive.” It will disappear from your feed without being deleted.
11. What is Barter Collaboration on Instagram?
A barter Collab involves trading skills or services instead of money. For instance, a creator might promote a brand in exchange for free products or perks.
12. How Many Followers Do You Need to Collab on Instagram?
There’s no set number. Micro-creators and big influencers alike can collaborate; what matters is authentic content, a good niche fit, and mutual value for both parties.
