How to Collaborate on Instagram: A Guide to Great Collab Posts

Two creators are better than one on Instagram! Collaborating on Instagram uses the Instagram collab feature to allow two different accounts to co-author a single post, publishing the collaborative post to both accounts under both of their usernames.

This process allows the collaborating users to share the posts to all of their respective followers, with both accounts sharing post engagement. This greatly widens the reach of both accounts - meaning your post gets seen much farther and wider than it would have as a single post.

The most effective way to do this is to collab with a fellow content creator in a similar niche to yours. For instance, a makeup content creator collaborating with a woodworker probably isn’t going to get either of you much traction (unless you’ve found a very unique angle); but pairing up a makeup creator with a fashion influencer will make for a successful post party! Instagram collabs are also the perfect way to align yourself with a brand, for sponsored posts that really pop.

Speaking of popping - a fuse, that is - Airbnb teamed up with the new Beetlejuice movie for a haunted house Instagram collab across both of their accounts, just in time for Halloween.

Understanding Instagram Collaborations

Expanding upon the basics above, an Instagram collab post takes the same post or reel and shares it on the Insta accounts of both you and your collaborator. Both posts/reels have the same title, tags, and images/videos - and also share likes, comments, and stats - but all of the collaborators are credited on both sides. 

Collaborating isn’t the same as tagging, which is just adding another collaborator’s Instagram name onto a post; Instagram’s collaboration feature is the process of purposefully sharing your collab post on multiple accounts.

How to Do a Collaboration Post on Instagram

Ready to try an Instagram collab post? Grab a content creation pal (or a brand you’re working with!), and we’ll show you how to enable collaboration in Instagram, and how to make a collab post on Instagram in four easy steps. (This process is basically the same for a regular Instagram feed post and for an Instagram Reel.)

1. Make Sure Both Accounts Are Public

Before you do anything, check to ensure that both of your Instagram accounts are public; if one or both are private accounts, then all of your collab work is going to be pointless, because shared followers won’t be able to see anything. Womp-wah.  

(Some creators may also not have collaborations or tags switched on, so make sure those settings are a go on both sides before you get the ball rolling.)

2. Create Your Post!

Now just create a new post or reel on the Instagram app as you normally would, adding your content, captions, tags, etc. This is where it’s smart to post a targeted video or image that you created with your collaborator (or with your collaborator in mind, if you’re not both planning to be on camera) to add recognition for both sets of followers.

3. Correctly Invite Your Collaborator

Underneath “new post,” click the Tag People button, but instead of creating tags on the photo or video, click the button that says “Invite Collaborator,” typing in the Instagram username of the creator or brand you’re collaborating with. Select their name, and then hit post. (Make sure you’re not using “Add Tag,” because then the post won’t appear in both feeds!)

4. Get Collaborator Approval

Once you post on your side, your collaborator will get an invitation from Instagram to collab with you. They now need to accept the invitation to complete the post with the approval of both sides.

How to Add a Collaborator on Instagram After You’ve Already Posted 

To invite collaborators on Instagram after posting, open your Instagram dashboard to view your posts, and select the post you want to add the collaborator to. Tap on the three dots in the right corner and choose “Edit,” then “Add Collaborators.” Tap the photo, and using the option “Invite a Collaborator,” search for your new collaborator’s username, add them to your collaboration list, and save that edit. Done!

3 Quick Tips for Instagram Collabs

1. Make Smart Choices

Choosing who you’re collaborating with is your number one priority. Each brand or creator should have something to offer the other in both directions - a shared niche/style, or at least a complimentary subject matter and/or vibe - so you’ll share the benefits of your collab fairly equally. 

If you’re straining to figure out what to collab on, then it might not be a good match, and may not benefit your respective audiences. A similar target audience and follower count is also helpful between Instagram users.

2. Get Dynamic… 

Creativity is key when creating Instagram collabs! Don’t hesitate to try something new or more colorful that highlights the strengths of both parties in the collaboration.  

Whether you’re just putting together a regular feed post or diving right into reels and stories, the point of the collab is to make a noticeable splash on social media - making it fun and eye-catching will also create more of a buzz! Be sure to include CTAs (calls to action) to encourage your audiences to check out both accounts, as well as products or services from the brands you’re working with.

3. … But Be Consistent

We did just say to be creative, but here comes the voice of reason: know your account’s limits, and don’t go jumping too far off the deep end with your collab. While it’s great to try something different and a little edgy, going too far afield risks alienating your existing audiences. Try to find a middle ground that lets you notch up those social style points, while still playing to your respective crowds.

Inventive and Inspiring Insta Ideas! 

Doing the usual type of shared post is perfectly fine. But to truly grow on Instagram, you’ve got to really make your collab posts memorable ones! Here are 6 impressive, innovative, interesting post ideas to get you inspired (okay, we’ve run out of “Is” now.)

1. Photobomb Each Other

Easy but effective: shoot some fun photos together when you and your collaborator are in the same place. This is a great way for each account to showcase the other person and pique the curiosity of the opposite account’s followers! You could also effectively do this with some smart green screening, if you’re not in the same location.

2. Team Up for a Video

This one is also location (or green screen) dependent, but lends itself to loads of creative ideas. Try putting together a short comedic skit, a mini fashion show, a dual Get Ready With Me, or a double snack break - anything that shows you both interacting with each other will be fun for your audience.

3. Take Over Each Other’s Accounts 

If you want to really go BIG with your collab, try taking over each other’s Instagram accounts! You could do this for just a few hours, or even a full day - just make sure you correctly link and mark every post or reel as a collab (as outlined above), so your feeds stay consistent and you can maximize the entertainment value from this fun publicity stunt.

4. Kick Off a Challenge

Get your viewers involved by holding a challenge through your collab post or reel! You could require them to repost using a specific hashtag, tag friends, follow both of your accounts, or post photos of their own that line up with your collab post theme.  

5. Hype a Big Announcement

If you’ve got an important event or announcement coming up between you and your collaborator (especially good for brand events), create a collab post to show it off! As with all collab posts, this doubles the attention on your announcement, and can really raise the hype on your upcoming event.

After all, Hype is the Point!

Double the hype, that is! Instagram collaborations are an excellent way for content creators, their colleagues, and the brand they work with to expand their reach, get fresh eyes on their content, boost engagement like crazy, and shake up their accounts in the best possible way.

When you partner up for a collab with a content creator pal, you’re also endorsing your collaborator’s content, and they’re endorsing yours; this equals publicly recommending a creator or a brand. So Instagram collaborations have a lot to offer both sides! 

Your audiences win, too - they get to see their favorite creators interacting with other great creators, and get introduced to new products, services, or happenings they might not be aware of otherwise. Instagram collabs FTW!