Last Updated on January 20, 2025 by Val Razo

In today’s digital landscape, Instagram collabs have revolutionized the way creators, influencers, and brands work together. The collab feature allows two users’ profiles to share a single Instagram post or reel on Instagram, making collaboration more effective than ever. Whether you’re a freelance creator, an influencer, or a brand trying to reach a new audience, knowing how to use the Instagram collab feature can help you boost engagement, grow your Instagram account, and elevate your content marketing efforts.

This guide covers everything you need to know about creating and managing Instagram collab posts — from inviting a collaborator to leveraging tools like analytics, original audio, and third-party resources such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Whether you’re using a personal account or managing a branded content campaign, it’s time to take your reels to the next level with seamless collabs. So, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create an Instagram collab post, improve your engagement on Instagram, and unlock new growth opportunities!

What is an Instagram Collab Post?

Instagram collab posts are a feature that allows two or more users’ profiles to share a single Instagram post or reel on Insta. This means that the post appears on both the collaborator’s profile and the original creator’s Instagram account, sharing likes, comments, and views. This unique tool is ideal for brands, influencers, and creators looking to increase their reach and engagement by tapping into another account’s audience.

How Does the Instagram Collab Feature Work?

The collab feature works by inviting a collaborator to share ownership of an Instagram post or reel. When creating a post, users can select the invite collaborator option from the menu icon, search for a username, and send an invite. Once the invite is accepted, the post will be automatically added to the collaborator’s profile.

Here’s how to use the feature:

1. Create a new post or reel on Instagram.
2. Tap Tags and Mentions, then select invite collaborator.
3. Search for the username of your desired collaborator.
4. Send the invite.
5. Once the collaborator accepts, the post will appear on both accounts.

This feature also allows for better tracking of metrics. Since both accounts share the same post, you can monitor reach and engagement through analytics dashboards on your Instagram profile.

Benefits of Collaboration on Instagram Reels

Using Instagram collabs for reels has several benefits:

1. Increased Reach and Engagement
   Collaborating with another brand or creator helps you connect with a new audience, boosting your Instagram account’s visibility.
2. Streamlined Content Creation
   Instead of creating separate posts, a collab post on Instagram combines efforts, saving time and making it easier to publish high-quality content on Instagram.
3. Stronger Brand Relationships
   Whether working with an influencer or a partner, collaboration fosters stronger relationships that can result in future campaigns, giveaways, or projects.
4. Improved Analytics
   With shared analytics, both collaborators can monitor metric performance and adjust their content marketing strategies accordingly.
5. Trending Opportunities
   Tapping into trends by integrating original audio or cross-promoting with TikTok content can help your reels go viral.

Last summer, I partnered with a beauty brand to create an Instagram collab post showcasing their new skincare line. We used the Instagram collab feature to share the reel on both my profile and the brand’s profile. I made sure to include trending audio that aligned with the brand’s aesthetic and used a captivating caption to engage viewers. The reel not only boosted engagement by over 30% but also helped me grow my followers by tapping into the brand’s audience. What stood out was how easy it was to tag them as a collaborator and track the post’s performance in my analytics dashboard.

Why Use Cross-Platform Audio for Instagram Reels?

Incorporating cross-platform audio into your Instagram reels is a powerful way to create dynamic, engaging content that resonates with a new audience. By integrating audio from platforms like TikTok, or using original audio, you can align with popular trends and elevate your reels to the next level. Let’s explore why this approach is essential for creators and brands alike.

How Cross-Platform Audio Boosts Reels Engagement

Using cross-platform audio in your Instagram collab posts has several advantages:

1. Tapping into Viral Trends
   By importing original audio from trending platforms like TikTok, you can keep your content relevant and align with what users are already engaging with. This strategy increases your chances of being prioritized by Instagram’s algorithm and reaching more people.
2. Creating Emotional Connection
   Audio is a key element of storytelling. Whether it’s a catchy song or a relatable soundbite, incorporating the right audio into your reel can establish an emotional connection with your audience, leading to higher engagement on Instagram.
3. Boosting the Visibility of Instagram Collaboration
   When combined with the collab feature, trending audio ensures that your collab posts receive more views and interactions. It also makes your post’s content more shareable, helping you reach a wider audience.
4. Driving Performance Metrics
   Analytics often show that reels using popular audio tend to perform better in terms of reach and engagement. By syncing audio from other platforms or using third-party tools, you can measure the impact through your dashboard and refine your approach.

Using AI to Create Trend-Worthy Audio

AI-powered tools are becoming essential for creating and editing audio for Instagram reels. Here’s how AI can help you create trend-worthy audio that aligns with your brand:

1. AI Audio Generators
   Tools like AIVA or Soundraw can help generate royalty-free, unique tracks that can be paired with your reels. This is especially useful for branded collaboration campaigns.
2. Audio Editing Made Easy
   AI tools simplify editing by automatically syncing audio to your video’s aspect ratio, trimming clips, and optimizing sound quality. This is particularly helpful when creating polished collab posts with other users’ content.
3. Importing Audio From Other Platforms
   With AI-powered tools, you can import original audio from platforms like TikTok and adjust it to fit Instagram’s requirements. This ensures seamless integration and better algorithm performance.
4. Trend Predictions
   Some AI platforms analyze data to predict upcoming trends, giving you a head start on integrating audio that will soon gain popularity.

Using AI-driven techniques and leveraging cross-platform audio, you can create content that is not only engaging but also optimized to thrive in Instagram’s ever-evolving landscape.

How to Create an Instagram Collab Post with a Reel

Creating an Instagram collab post with a reel is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the right steps to maximize your engagement on Instagram. By using the collab feature, you can work with another account to share a post that appears on both profiles, giving you access to a new audience and increasing your content’s reach. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Instagram Collab Feature

Follow these steps to create an Instagram collab post with a reel:

1. Create a New Post or Reel
   • Open the Instagram app on your mobile phone and tap the menu icon to select the “Create” option.
   • Record or upload your video and edit it to fit the aspect ratio for Instagram reels. You can also use third-party tools like Google Drive or Dropbox to import high-quality footage.
2. Invite a Collaborator
   • After editing your post, tap on the tag option.
   • Select Invite Collaborator and search for the username of the person or brand you want to collaborate with.
   • Send the invite, and the collaborator will receive a notification in their inbox.
3. Accept the Invite
   • The invitee must accept the request for the post’s content to appear on their profile. Once accepted, the collab post on Instagram will be visible to both audiences.
4. Add a Caption and Hashtags
   • Write a compelling caption that incorporates keywords, hashtags, and a clear call to action. This will help improve engagement on Instagram and ensure the algorithm favors your post.
5. Publish the Reel
   • Once everything is finalized, tap publish to make the post live. The reel will now appear on both accounts’ feeds, combining likes, comments, and views.

A few months ago, I created a reel using a trending audio clip that I had initially found on TikTok. After importing and editing it for Instagram, I teamed up with another content creator to make it a collab post. We both promoted the reel on our Instagram stories to drive additional traffic. The algorithm picked up on the engagement, and the reel ended up gaining over 50,000 views in just a few days. By repurposing audio across platforms, we were able to connect with a broader audience.

Tips for Seamless Collaboration

To ensure your collaboration is successful, keep these tips in mind:

1. Communicate with Your Collaborator
   Discuss the goal of the collab post and ensure both parties are aligned on the content, tone, and target audience. Using tools like DMS or email can help you streamline communication.
2. Check Settings and Privacy
   • If you or your collaborator use a private account, make sure to enable settings that allow public sharing of the reel.
   • Ensure both accounts allow tags by enabling the allow tags from everyone option in the settings and privacy menu.
3. Leverage Original Audio
   Choose original audio or trending sounds to align with Instagram’s algorithm and increase the likelihood of your reel being featured in the Explore tab.
4. Track Metrics with Analytics
   Use Instagram’s dashboard to monitor key metrics such as views, reach, and interactions. This will help you measure the success of your Instagram collab posts and refine your strategy for future collaborations.
5. Schedule Instagram Posts
   Use scheduling tools to plan and schedule and publish your reels at optimal times. This ensures your content gets maximum visibility and engagement.
6. Experiment with Creative Formats
   Test different styles, such as single posts, branded content, or even giveaways, to see what resonates best with your audience.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll master how to collaborate on Instagram, making your content more impactful and appealing to a wider new audience.

Publishing Your Collab Post on Instagram Reels

Once you’ve created your Instagram collab post and finalized the details with your collaborator, it’s time to focus on publishing it effectively. The process of publishing a reel on IG goes beyond simply hitting the “post” button. It requires strategic planning to maximize your reach and engagement and ensure your content resonates with your new audience.

Staying on Trend with Instagram Collabs

When publishing your collab post on Instagram, staying relevant and on trend is key. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Incorporate Trending Audio
   Make use of original audio or viral tracks to align with Instagram’s algorithm. This helps your reel appear in users’ Explore feeds and increases the chances of your content being shared.
2. Publish at Optimal Times
   Use Instagram’s analytics dashboard to identify when your audience is most active. Then, schedule and publish your reel during these high-engagement windows to ensure maximum visibility.
3. Utilize the Right Format
   Ensure your reel on Instagram is optimized for the platform’s aspect ratio (9:16) and high-resolution quality. A well-formatted video catches attention and encourages users to engage.
4. Use Relevant Tags and Mentions
   • Add appropriate tags and mentions, including the username of your collaborator and any relevant brands or accounts.
   • Don’t forget to allow tags from everyone in your settings and privacy options if you’re using a personal account.
5. Craft a Compelling Caption
   Write a caption that highlights the collaboration and gives context to your audience. Consider including a call-to-action, such as asking viewers to share the post or leave a comment.

Optimizing Your Reel for Maximum Reach

Even after publishing your Instagram collab posts, there are several strategies to ensure it performs well:

1. Engage with Your Audience
   Reply to comments and DMs to foster a sense of community. Engaging directly with viewers helps boost your post in Instagram’s algorithm.
2. Share Your Reel Across Platforms
   Promote your reel on other channels, such as Instagram stories, TikTok, or even newsletters, to drive more traffic to your content.
3. Run a Giveaway
   Collaborate with your partner on a fun giveaway that requires users to like, comment, and share your reel. This can dramatically increase engagement on Instagram.
4. Monitor Performance Metrics
   Track your post’s success using Instagram analytics to evaluate key metrics such as views, likes, and shares. This data will help you refine your content marketing strategy.
5. Repurpose Content
   If your reel performs exceptionally well, consider repurposing it as a single post, carousel, or even a blog entry. This ensures your high-quality content reaches additional audiences.

By following these steps, your collab post on Instagram will stand out and achieve its full potential. Whether you’re collaborating with an influencer, a brand, or another creator, optimizing your post for reach and engagement ensures your efforts pay off.

According to Hootsuite’s 2023 Instagram Trends Report, Instagram Reels generate 22% more engagement than traditional video posts on the platform.

Instagram Collaboration Tips for Content Marketing Success

Collaborating on Instagram is more than just a way to share content — it’s a powerful content marketing strategy to expand your Instagram profile’s reach, connect with a new audience, and build lasting relationships with other creators or brands. By using the Instagram collab feature, you can unlock a wide range of benefits, but success depends on how effectively you plan and execute your collaboration.

Leveraging Instagram Reels for Brand Growth

Here’s how to use collars to grow your brand and engage your followers:

1. Partner with the Right Collaborator
   Choose a collaborator whose audience aligns with your target demographic. For example, if you’re a beauty brand, working with a beauty influencer or a makeup artist can introduce your products to a highly relevant new audience.
2. Create Content with Shared Goals
   Before you create an Instagram collab post, align with your collaborator on the objectives of the project. Whether it’s to boost engagement, promote a product, or run a giveaway, having a clear goal ensures both parties are working toward the same outcome.
3. Optimize the Post for Discovery
   Use keywords and hashtags strategically in your caption, and make sure to use trending original audio to increase the reel’s discoverability. Pairing this with creative visuals and a strong call-to-action will encourage your audience to interact with the post.
4. Experiment with Content Formats
   Don’t limit your collaborations to Instagram reels. Experiment with branded content, single posts, carousels, and even Instagram stories to keep your collaborations fresh and engaging.
5. Use Analytics to Measure Success
   After the collab post on Instagram is live, track its performance using Instagram’s dashboard. Focus on metrics like reach, engagement rate, and impressions to see what worked and where improvements can be made for future collabs.

How to Collab on Instagram with Influencers and Creators

Working with influencers and creators is one of the most effective ways to amplify your brand’s message. Here are some tips for smooth and impactful collaborations:

1. Build Long-Term Relationships
   Rather than working with an influencer on a one-off campaign, consider building long-term partnerships. Consistent collaborations are more authentic and allow you to engage with your collaborator’s audience over time.
2. Offer Creative Freedom
   Give creators the flexibility to express their personal style when creating collab posts. Authentic content is more likely to resonate with their followers and will ultimately benefit your brand’s visibility.
3. Utilize Cross-Promotion
   Don’t just rely on Instagram to share your collaboration. Use platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and email newsletters to promote the reel and drive more traffic to your Instagram profile.
4. Incorporate User-Generated Content
   Encourage your audience to participate in your campaigns by creating and tagging your brand in their posts. You can then share this user-generated content in your Instagram stories, boosting engagement and fostering a sense of community.
5. Plan Collaborations with the Instagram Algorithm in Mind
   Timing is key. Use Instagram’s insights to schedule posts during high-activity hours and select trending original audio to ensure the platform’s algorithm prioritizes your content.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to use Instagram collab posts as a powerful tool for content marketing. From selecting the right collaborator to optimizing your reel on Instagram, effective collaborations can help you unlock new opportunities, drive growth, and establish meaningful connections with both creators and audiences.

In early 2023, Adidas launched a campaign leveraging the Instagram collab feature to partner with fitness influencers for promoting its new eco-friendly sneaker line. Each influencer created reels that incorporated Adidas’ branded audio and tagged Adidas as a collaborator. By doing so, the posts appeared on both the influencer’s and Adidas’ profiles.

• Results:

  • The campaign achieved a 45% increase in engagement compared to their previous non-collaborative posts.

  • Adidas gained 10,000+ new followers within the first week.

  • The most successful reel hit 1.2 million views, driven by a combination of trending audio and the use of Instagram stories to cross-promote the content.

     

Conclusion

Collaborating on Instagram Reels using the collab feature is a game-changing way to expand your reach, connect with a new audience, and enhance your content marketing strategy. By inviting a collaborator to share ownership of a reel or Instagram post, you not only increase your visibility but also tap into the power of shared creativity and combined audiences.

From understanding how to create an Instagram collab post to using original audio and staying on trend, this guide has covered everything you need to know to take your collab posts to the next level. Whether you’re an influencer, a brand, or a freelance creator, using tools like analytics, AI, and cross-platform integrations can help you optimize your posts and drive meaningful engagement on Instagram.

It’s time to start planning your next collaboration! By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can schedule and publish impactful Instagram collabs, build stronger relationships with your audience, and grow your presence on the platform. So, grab your phone, choose a collaborator, and use this feature to bring your vision to life!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make sure you’re using Instagram’s latest collaboration tools effectively?

To ensure you’re using Instagram’s latest features, make sure you’re always updating the app to its latest version. Regular updates introduce improvements like the collab feature, audio tools, and analytics dashboards. You can check for updates in the App Store or Google Play Store. Additionally, follow Instagram’s official blog or IG help center for feature announcements and tutorials.

What do you need to get started with an Instagram collab post?

To create a successful Instagram collab post, you’ll need a few essentials:

• A collaborator with a public account (if the content is meant to reach a broad audience).
• A well-edited reel or post ready for sharing.
• A strategy that aligns your goals with your partner’s to maximize results.
• Permissions to tag and swipe collaborators, especially if you’re working with a private or branded account.

Can two users edit a collab post after it’s been published?

No, once a collab post is published, the content itself cannot be edited by either of the two users involved. However, either collaborator can edit the caption, tags, or location of the post. If there’s a significant error, the post must be deleted and reposted with corrections. Always double-check before hitting the publish button to avoid this issue.

How can you export Instagram reels for sharing on other platforms?

To export a reel for cross-platform use, follow these steps:

1. Open the reel on IG.
2. Tap the menu icon (three dots) and choose “Save to Device.”
3. The video will download to your mobile phone, but note that it may include a watermark if downloaded after posting.
4. Use tools like Dropbox or Google Drive to store and share the reel.
   This makes it easy to repurpose content for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or other platforms.

What is the next Instagram trend for collab posts?

The next Instagram trend for collab posts seems to be focused on hyper-personalized content. This includes leveraging AI to create unique reels, incorporating interactive features like polls or quizzes, and aligning with trending audio across platforms. To stay ahead, use tools like table of contents in project planning, experiment with storytelling formats, and engage with your audience through IG stories.

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