ByInstagram’s collaboration feature lets you team up with other users to co-create content that appears on both profiles. Unlike a simple tag, a collaboration shares your Post, Reel, or Story directly on your collaborator’s feed, allowing you both to reach each other’s audiences and grow engagement.
However, knowing how to use this feature is essential for anyone looking to increase visibility and connect with new audiences.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about collaborating on Instagram, including how to collaborate on Posts, Stories, and Reels so that you can make the most of each opportunity.
How to Collaborate on Posts, Stories, and Reels on Instagram
The process for collaborating on Instagram Post, Reel, and Story is quite similar across all these features but has slight differences. You can collaborate on Instagram Posts and Reels before and after publishing the content but for Story, you can only add a collaborator (mention) after publishing it.
Here’s how to do it:
A. Steps to Collaborate on Instagram Posts and Reels Before Publishing the Content:
1. Create and Enhance the Content:
- Log in to Instagram and tap the “+” sign to start creating a new Post or Reel.
- For Posts: Upload your image or video from your gallery and tap next. Now, use Instagram’s editing tools to add filters, adjust brightness, or crop your image for a professional look. Once done, tap next for the next step.
- For Reels: Record a new clip directly through Instagram or upload an existing video from your device and tap next. After that Add transitions or effects to make your Reel visually engaging. Tap next once you are done.
Note: We are showing the whole process of adding collaborators for Posts in the images, but the steps are the same for Reels as well, read the instructions and just give it a try!
2. Customize the Post or Reel and Invite Collaborators:
- Enhance Your Content:
- Posts: Add a captivating caption (for instance, a soccer caption), include relevant hashtags, and use emojis to make your post relatable and searchable.
- Reels: Include trending music, creative stickers, and text overlays to maximize engagement.
- Invite Collaborators:
- For both Posts and Reels, Below the caption field, you will see an option called “Tag People”, simply tap on it.
- Once tapped, you’ll find an option to “Invite Collaborator.” Tap it.
- Now, search for your desired collaborators by typing their usernames and select up to five accounts.
- Tap the “Okay” sign from the top right corner to confirm your choices.
3. Publish and Notify Collaborators:
- Once you have added your collaborators, hit the “Share” button to publish your Post or Reel.
- The collaborators you invited will get an Instagram notification to join the collaboration.
- Once they accept, the Post or Reel will appear on their profiles, with all engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares, and views) being shared across all accounts.
Okay, so that’s how easy it is to invite collaborators on your Instagram posts and Reels before you publish it.
But what about collaborating on posts and reels that you have already published? I mean, if you receive a paid partnership offer or want to collaborate with a friend after the content has already been published, can you still make it happen?
The good news is, that Instagram allows you to add collaborators to your existing Posts, and Reels even after they’ve been published.
Now, let’s dive into how you can add collaborators to your already-published Posts, and Reels, and then we will discuss how to do the same for Instagram stories as well.
B. Add Collaborators on Your Insta Posts and Reels After Publishing
1. Add Collaborators to Your Published Posts
- Go to your Instagram profile and select the Post you want to add collaborators to.
- Tap the three-dot icon on the top right corner of the Post.
- Once you click the three-dot, it will open up a new menu.
- From the dropdown menu, select “Edit”.
- On the edit screen, tap “Add Collaborator” at the top.
- Search for collaborators by typing their usernames and select up to five accounts.
- Tap “Done” to confirm.
- After following the steps, your collaborators will get a notification.
- Once collaborators accept your request, the content will appear on their profiles with shared engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares, and views).
1. Add Collaborators to Your Published Instagram Reels
- Select the Reel you want to add collaborators.
- Tap the three-dot icon on the bottom corner form the Reel screen.
- From the dropdown menu, select “Manage” and then “Edit”.
- Now, tap on “Tag People” in the “Edit” options.
- After that, you will see an option to Invite Collaborators.
- Now, select “Invite Collaborator” and search for your collaborators.
- Select up to 5 collaborators and tap “Done” when you finish adding.
Your collaborators will receive a notification. Once they accept your request, the content will be displayed on their profiles.
So, that’s how you invite collaborators on your Insta posts and Reels even after publishing it. Now, let’s talk about Instagram Stories.
C. Steps to Collaborate on Stories After Publishing the Content
- Create and Publish Your Story:
- From the Instagram home screen, tap the “+” icon and select “Story.”
- Record a Story video or upload an existing media file. Once done, tap “Next.”
- Select your audience. You can choose “Your Story” (Public) or share it with your Close Friends list.
- After setting your audience, tap “Share” to publish your story.
Note: Publishing a story is easy that’s why not showing how to do it!
2. Add a Collaborator After Publishing:
- Go to your Instagram Profile (or Homepage) and tap your profile picture in the top left corner to open your story.
- Once your story is visible, tap the three-dot menu (More) in the bottom corner.
- From the dropdown menu, select “Add Mention.”
3. Search and Add the Collaborators:
- In the search bar, type the name of the person you want to collaborate with.
- Select their profile from the list to mention them in your story.
So, this is all about how you add collaborators to your Posts, Reels, and Stories before and even after publishing them. I hope this whole guide will help you understand and master the Instagram Collaborate feature like never before.
However, let’s answer some of the basic questions you might have regarding the Instagram Collaboration feature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Instagram Collaboration Feature
1. Is it safe to collaborate on Instagram?
Yes, Instagram prioritizes user safety in its collaboration feature. You can only collaborate with people who accept your invitation or those you invite directly. To enhance safety, always verify the legitimacy of the accounts you collaborate with. Avoid engaging with suspicious or unfamiliar profiles to prevent misuse or scams.
2. How to Collaborate on Instagram Live?
Open the Instagram app and swipe left to access the camera. From there, select “Live” at the bottom of the screen to begin broadcasting. Once you’re live, you’ll see a “Join” button at the bottom of the screen. Tap this button, and search for a user you’d like to collaborate with. After finding the user, tap “Invite” to send them a request. When the invited user accepts, they will appear alongside you in a split-screen format, allowing both of you to interact with the viewers. After your live session concludes, tap the “End” button at the top-right corner to stop the broadcast.
3. Does Instagram Collab work for private accounts?
Yes, but there are limitations. Private accounts can initiate collaborations, and their approved followers can see the content. However, if the other collaborator’s account is public, the content will be visible to a broader audience on the public profile. This makes it crucial to consider audience access when collaborating with private accounts.
4. Can you remove collaborators from an Instagram post after publishing?
Yes, you can remove collaborators from a post or Reel even after it’s published. To do this, go to the post or Reel on your profile, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and select “Edit.” From there, you can click “Remove Collaborator” to untag them. Keep in mind that once a collaborator is removed, they will no longer appear on the post or Reel, and engagement metrics (such as likes, comments, and shares) will no longer be shared across their account.
5. Do you get paid for Collabs on Instagram?
Yes, but payment depends on the collaboration type and the agreement between the parties involved. While Instagram doesn’t directly facilitate payments through the Collab feature, many brands use it to partner with influencers and creators for paid sponsorships. For such campaigns, ensure all terms, including payment, deliverables, and timelines, are agreed upon in writing before starting the collaboration.
Final Words
The Instagram collaboration feature is a transformative tool for creators, influencers, and businesses. It not only simplifies co-creating content but also maximizes exposure by reaching audiences across multiple profiles.
Whether you’re crafting engaging Stories, Reels, eye-catching Posts, or dynamic Lives, mastering this feature can lead to impactful creative partnerships and stronger brand visibility.
As you explore this feature, remember to collaborate thoughtfully—choose partners whose vision aligns with yours, establish clear expectations, and leverage this tool to amplify your reach. Instagram’s potential is vast, so take advantage of this feature to elevate your creative journey and professional goals!
