How To Add Collaborator on Instagram: Grow Your IG Together

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Karen Lin

Instagram 101 | Nov 21, 2024

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

Do you want to know how to add collaborator on Instagram? This article will walk you through everything about the Instagram Collabs feature. So, read on!

Instagram is among the most popular social media networks worldwide, where people post millions of videos and photos daily. With abundant content on the platform, it’s increasingly difficult for brands and influencers to expand their reach to new audiences. This is where the Instagram Collabs feature can come in handy. It allows you to co-author Instagram posts with other users to increase engagement rates and reach. 

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What Is a Collaborator on Instagram?

If you’re a regular Instagram user, you may have encountered the terms Instagram Collab or collaborators. But what is a collaborator on Instagram and collaborative Instagram posts?

Instagram Collab is an IG feature that allows users to team up. With this feature, you (a collaborator) can co-author reels or feed Instagram posts with another person. The post will appear on each collaborator’s profile and handle, enabling more Instagram users to view it. 

You’ll get collective and better engagement rates, such as shared likes, comments, and views from one another’s communities. 

A person using their mobile phone to film another person.

Why Use a Collab Post on Instagram?

Both content creators and influencers use this Instagram feature. However, they’re not alone; brands are jumping on this bandwagon, too. 

This is typically because what’s good for creators also proves good for the brands. 

In addition to creating single Instagram posts (and preventing duplicate content), here’s why you should leverage collab Instagram posts:

  • Expand Your Reach: You can easily tap into a broader audience by collaborating with accounts your target audience already follows. This can help you effectively fight the Instagram algorithm to increase reach and followers. For brands, collaborating will introduce their products/services to new potential customers. 
  • Improve Engagement: More eyes on your content means more opportunities for engagement, such as more likes, comments, shares, etc. Collaborating with others brings in their audience and diversifies your interactions. However, post at optimal times to skyrocket your engagement further.
  • Gain More Followers: Endorsement from a familiar and trusted source goes a long way. This makes users more likely to follow you than if they see you on the Explore page. Trust and credibility are one of several ways to gain more Instagram followers. 
  • Boost Sales Through Instagram Shopping: If your business already uses shoppable posts, integrate this sales-friendly feature with collaborations. This provides the benefits above and increases your chances of converting post viewers into buyers.

Two women in front of a mobile phone taking a selfie.

5 Things You Should Know Before Making an IG Collab

Are you thinking about collaborating with someone on Instagram? And are you wondering how to collaborate on Instagram? First of all, make sure you go through these key points for a smooth partnership:

  • Privacy Check: Not every account can join collaborations. Ensure you have public accounts, as you can’t tag the collaborator with private profiles. In addition, collaboration features might be region-specific. 
  • Align Business Values: Find Instagram accounts and collaborate with brands or influencers that share your values, mission, and style. A mismatch can confuse or alienate your audience. So, it’s best to research your collaborator’s Instagram posts and feeds before sealing the deal.
  • Prioritize Engagement Rates: Besides follower count, you should check the engagement rates of your prospective collaborators. High engagement signals a dedicated audience, which is often more valuable than just having a lot of followers. Remember, quality is more important than quantity!
  • Set Clear, SMART Expectations: Communicate clearly about content, tags, mentions, post timings, and other promotional strategies before finalizing your collaboration. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures both parties benefit.
  • Know Instagram’s Rules: Instagram has guidelines for paid partnerships or ads. Make sure your Instagram collab posts follow these rules. If required, you can use appropriate tags such as #sponsored or #ad to keep things transparent with your audience.

Three people filming in front of a mobile phone on a tripod set-up.

Let’s Start: How To Add Collaborator on Instagram

Now you know why it’s such a good idea, you may be wondering how to collab on Instagram. Creating an Instagram collab post involves a few easy steps. Although a large part follows a similar posting process, there are some extra steps you need to take for collaboration. 

You should know that you can only invite collaborators before publishing a post. The post’s creator, not the collaborator, can make the necessary edits. Also, a collaborator can delete or stop sharing Instagram posts at any time. 

Here’s a breakdown of the required steps for various post types:

How To Make Collab Feed Instagram Posts

Follow the steps to collab a post on Instagram and invite collaborators:

  1. Open your Instagram app and tap the  ‘+ ‘ sign on the bottom of your screen. Now, choose the “New Post” option.
  2. Choose the content you wish to share: a solo picture, a collage of pictures, or a video. Then, click the ‘->arrow key.
  3. Select filter options. You can also edit the post if required. 
  4. Once your post is ready, include a caption and hit the  “Tag People” option.
  5. Tap Invite Collaborator.”
  6. Enter the individual’s username you intend to do Instagram collabs with and tap on their account in the list.
  7. Adjust the Instagram collab tag’s placement on your post by dragging. When satisfied, tap Done.”
  8. Make additional settings for the post and then tap Share” to make it go live.

How To Make Collab Instagram Posts for Reels

Here’s how to create a collab post for Instagram reels:

  1. Open Instagram and click the “Create” button at the top right corner. Choose “Reel” from the options.
  2. You can make a new Instagram Reel or pick a video from your phone gallery for collaboration.
  3. Tap the  “Next” option to preview your Reel.
  4. Add a captivating caption and tap Tag People.” Enter the person’s username and select their account.
  5. Now, tap Done.”
  6. Make any extra edits, then press “Share.”

Your Instagram collabs post is now live. Once you tap share, your collaborator gets an invite. If they accept it, the post appears in their feed with their username alongside yours.

A woman in front of her mobile phone on a tripod.

How To Add Collaborator on Instagram After Posting

Are you wondering how to add a collaborator on Instagram after posting? The Instagram Collab feature lets you showcase Instagram posts on collaborating pages, visible to followers on both accounts. Unfortunately, you can’t add collaborators to your IG posts, reels, and videos after posting. You can only invite them before hitting the “share” button.

Can you add collaborator after posting on instagram? Do not fret if you missed the pre-post collaboration invite! Here are some effective workarounds that can help get similar engagement and reach like collab Instagram posts:

1. Ask for a Repost

One effective way to get more reach to your photo, reel, or video after posting is to ask for reposts. You should request the Instagram collaborator to repost your content on their account and tag you.

This workaround is handy if you forget to send the invite before posting, especially when collaborating through Instagram paid partnerships.

2. Tag in Post and Caption

You can also tag the collaborators in your Instagram posts, feed posts, or reels, and captions. 

This method helps direct some of your audience to your collaborator’s page, which is especially useful for a large following.

3. Encourage Collaborators To Share Instagram Posts on IG Stories

Ask collaborators to share your Instagram posts on their stories. This will help redirect their audience’s attention to your Instagram posts, reels, or videos and get more reach. 

If none of the above solutions fit your needs, the last thing you can do is delete your old post. Now, create a new post or Reel and invite the person you wish to collaborate with before posting.

While Instagram currently doesn’t allow adding collaborators after posting, this might change. So, you should always check for new Instagram updates.

How To Accept Collaborator’s Invitation on Instagram

Do you often receive an IG collaboration request but don’t know how to respond? Follow these three simple steps to either accept or decline the invite:

  1. Open Direct Messages” and select View Request” to see the Instagram collab request.
  2. A pop-up with “Accept” and “Decline” options will appear on the screen.
  3. Click “Accept”.

If you decline, the post stays on the original poster’s profile and won’t appear on yours.

6 Ways To Employ Collab Instagram Posts

Do you want to know how and when to use IG collab posts? We’ve created six ideas to help you reach more people and followers. 

Partner With Other Brands

If you have working relationships with other brands with similar audiences, consider them for collaboration. Look for ways to promote each other’s content or host a joint sale. Think about what content would interest both your audiences. Then, make a plan to develop and share it.

Promote a Discount or Giveaway

A discount or giveaway campaign can work even better when two accounts combine. If you want more engagements and conversions, having twice as many followers partake can significantly expand your campaign’s footprint. 

Collaborate With Influencers

Influencers usually have highly engaged followers. Collaborating with an IG influencer for a series of Instagram collab posts can help build excitement for your brand. You can use influencer marketing software to partner with them and leverage their enthusiastic audience. 

New Product Launches

Boost your next launch by partnering with another influencer or brand to promote your new product or service. Like your everyday Instagram Collab Post, partnering with other accounts helps amplify your efforts. It’s an easy way to add a collaborative touch to your existing content without much extra effort. 

Promote Other Accounts

Many brands have multiple accounts per platform. You may have one for a product or a highly popular personal account. Instagram collab posts enable you to share similar content with your audience simultaneously. Moreover, if someone already follows one of your accounts, they’ll likely follow the others.

Support a Charity or Nonprofit

Consumers want brands or influencers to share their values. According to a report from Sprout Social, 21% of people follow a business on social media due to shared values. Influencers and brands should share the values people care about to increase loyalty and engagement. 

You can demonstrate your beliefs through an Instagram Collab and raise awareness for important causes. It’s a win-win situation.

Leverage Path Social for How to Collab Post on Instagram

The Instagram Collab feature is a great tool to enhance your brand’s visibility on Instagram. Whether you share Instagram posts or Reels, this tool can double your reach and increase engagement.

We recommend influencers and brands try this strategy and see how beneficial it can be for IG growth. Do you want to know how to add collaborators on Instagram and increase followers and likes? 

Choose Path Social. We can help you identify the most efficient method to engage and interact with followers who respond. Our experts use tailored strategies and tools to help influencers or brands connect with their target audience. We guarantee consistent and long-term growth. So, sign up today to start growing and gaining Instagram followers!

FAQs

Have a few further questions about how to add collaborators to Instagram? Check out our frequently asked questions to find out more.

Can a collaborator see the insights of a post?

Yes, collaborators can view insights on a post. This means that both you and the collaborator can see the number of likes, comments, shares, saves, and reach. It’s a useful feature for brands and influencers who want to track the success of their collaboration.

Can a collaborator see my direct messages or comments on the post?

No, a collaborator on Instagram does not have access to your direct messages or comments. They will only be able to see and interact with the post’s insights and public interactions. Each individual will manage their own messages and comments.

Can I collaborate with someone who has a private account?

Yes, you can collaborate with someone who has a private account. However, the post will only be visible to their followers and your followers. In addition, the collaborator with a private account will have to accept the collaboration request beforehand.