A part of being profitable on Instagram — whether or not you are a creator or a small enterprise — means posting persistently. However what occurs whenever you run out of concepts?
It occurs — which is why it by no means hurts to get impressed by the good work different creators and types are doing on Instagram. Listed here are 29 nice Instagram publish concepts, with real-life examples, to remedy your author’s creator’s block. Somewhat inventive immediate can do wonders in opening up new potentialities in your Instagram advertising technique.
First, let’s zoom out and check out the form of content material that performs nicely on the platform, then dig into some tried-and-tested examples from small companies and creators alike.
Seize a handful from this checklist, put your personal spin on them, and voilà — a jam-packed Instagram content material calendar that entertains and evokes your followers.
What content material performs nicely on Instagram?
Since Instagram is such a visible platform, high-quality imagery sometimes performs nicely, however uncooked footage has its place. It simply depends upon the kind of content material you are posting.
Excessive-resolution, well-lit content material with beautiful imagery will allow you to showcase the outcomes of a artful venture or the great thing about your merchandise.
However some much less refined digicam work will do for those who’re exhibiting behind-the-scenes footage or opening as much as your followers a couple of private difficulty.
You will see a wide range of a lot of these content material within the examples on this article to offer you a clearer thought.
You’ve got bought 5 choices to publish on Instagram:
In a latest Buffer evaluation, we discovered that Instagram Reels carry out finest on the subject of attain. They’re the top-performing Instagram content material sort for reaching new audiences — and rising your Instagram following — adopted by carousels after which photographs, each by way of likes and feedback.
Carousels, then again, are likely to get extra engagement, adopted by reels, then single-image posts.
The platform could also be visible, however Instagram captions are nonetheless vital. Curiously, posts with tremendous quick (lower than 20 characters) and super-long captions obtain probably the most engagement.
Relating to hashtags, the social media platform recommends not more than 5, however the analysis from HubSpot discovered that posts that used over 11 hashtags appear to resonate probably the most with Instagram customers.
On the finish of the day, although, there aren’t any ensures about what’s going to take off on the platform. One of the best factor to do is take a look at out completely different sorts of Instagram posts and see what your target market enjoys.
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While you’re stumped for inventive Instagram publish concepts, draw inspiration from small companies and creators like those under who’re nailing their Instagram content material.
1. Share your experience
Construct belief and create further worth in your followers with content material on topics you’re significantly educated about.
One creator I really like who creates academic content material is Alexis Nikole, who nerds out on all issues foraging. On this video, she teaches her followers a couple of particular mushroom and make jerky out of it:
Web site builder Marie Brown of Past the Kitchen Desk makes use of this sort of publish typically, too. On this video, she shares how your web site could be stopping you from attracting new purchasers:
For those who’re not a fan of speaking to the digicam (it’s not for everybody!), share your ideas in a well-formatted publish caption or as textual content over a video, like Marie has finished on this video:
2. An inventory or round-up
Whether or not it’s an inventory of ideas, prime merchandise, your enterprise choices, or favourite content material from the previous yr, a round-up video or carousel will work nicely on Instagram.
Briauna Conino is a gifted hair colorist, who used a trending audio to showcase three of her latest dye jobs:
In the meantime, Lifetree Assortment’s reel rounds up breathtaking pictures from a few of their lodges and motels, which might encourage bookings.
3. Earlier than-and-after transformations
Everybody loves transformation story. For those who’re a model, it helps showcase the outcomes of your services or products. For those who’re a creator, it provides to your story by exhibiting simply how massive of a change you made.
Aspect-by-side comparisons, carousel posts, and reveal movies are all nice methods to share these transformations.
Netherlands-based tattoo artist Mymy exhibits how she brings new life to pale tattoos in before-and-after pictures:
Residence decor and DIY creator Cristen Perks information a before-and-after video of her three-year-old’s bed room:
Bonus thought: Do not simply present the before-and-after — individuals love seeing the method, too. So you could possibly embody progress pictures, behind-the-scenes clips, or time lapse movies. You could possibly attempt constructing suspense by exhibiting the method first, then posting the ‘reveal’ quickly after.
4. Share your routine or a part of your day
Sharing your routine or a glimpse into your day may help your followers really feel extra related to you and humanize your content material. That would imply sharing your morning routine, taking followers by means of your inventive course of, or exhibiting what occurs throughout a typical day serving clients.
Enterprise mentor and content material creator Jereshia Hawk exhibits snapshots of her day on this carousel publish:
And health coach Adrian Williams exhibits a mild motion routine to begin the day:
5. Tutorials and how-to’s
How-to content material is nice for uplifting your followers and exhibiting them the way you do what you do.
I am obsessive about Abe the Nail Babe’s distinctive nail appears, so I cherished watching this step-by-step tutorial video with particulars within the caption:
For manufacturers, it is an effective way to point out what’s potential together with your merchandise and encourage your followers to purchase them — or get extra use of the merchandise they have already got!
Thrive Market posts drool-worthy recipes, like this vegan pumpkin loaf, utilizing meals gadgets you should buy on their web site:
6. Comparability content material
Comparability content material may help your followers perceive the distinction between issues like merchandise, methods, or expectations vs. actuality.
Make-up artist Dominic Skinner exhibits followers how completely different make-up tones could make an individual’s eye colour look completely different.
Studio Neat, an organization that produces precision-crafted workplace provides, exhibits how their new pen weighs twice as a lot as the unique for individuals who need a heavier pen of their hand:
7. Tackle a problem
Becoming a member of in on a viral problem (or creating your personal) can present your viewers a playful aspect. You will wish to select challenges that make sense in your area of interest, however assume outdoors the field and get inventive. You can also make your self stand out with an surprising take.
Slime firm Peachybbies has a ton of enjoyable content material, and so they’re value a observe for different contemporary concepts. On this one, an worker tries to beat a report for the variety of slimes packed in seven minutes:
Visible artist Temi Danso took on a 30-day problem to create mini work utilizing gouache, a new-to-her medium, on Pantone postcards.
Inventive limitations like this could open up new inspiration and likewise give route in your content material for a time period.
8. Run an experiment
I really like seeing what occurs when somebody I observe tries one thing out to see the way it impacts them.
For those who’re a creator, you could possibly attempt a science-backed morning routine or a “no-buy” month.
Sarah Chan shared how waking up at 5 am every single day made her day higher:
For those who’re a enterprise, you could possibly experiment with a brand new manufacturing course of or supplies.
Like Kikiz Cosmeticz, who tried out new lip gloss tubes:
Posting this sort of content material may help you gauge your viewers’s curiosity earlier than committing to manufacturing.
9. Draw inspiration from the calendar
Official and unofficial holidays alike (we’re taking a look at you, Donut Day!) can information your subsequent Instagram publish whereas protecting your content material related.
On Earth Day, Pricey Brightly shared how their thoughtfully designed merchandise assist scale back environmental affect:
You’ll be able to honor particular private moments, too. Animal rescuer Henry posted a candy photograph on the anniversary that he discovered his canine Finn:
10. Reply viewers questions
Your feedback part is one other nice supply for contemporary Instagram publish concepts. Do not simply reply to the questions within the feedback. If there’s one thing fascinating or a query you get requested quite a bit, make a publish of it!
Metallic and woodworker John Malecki answered a follower’s query about epoxy sturdiness on this latest publish with a playful experiment:
It’s also possible to supply followers’ questions extra actively by posting a query field sticker in your Instagram Tales, like model designer Joel Sousa did right here:
11. Enjoyable polls and interactive content material
Posting polls or asking questions in your tales is an effective way to spice up engagement whereas getting suggestions out of your followers. You’ll be able to ask about their opinions (e.g., a “this or that” publish) or what content material they wish to see subsequent from you.
Make-up artist Laura Hohua posted a survey giving her viewers a say in her make-up search for an upcoming dwell occasion. It is promotion and engagement multi functional!
Katja, a pole dance coach, used the “Add Yours” sticker to immediate followers to share their first pole movies in her Instagram Story. This can be a nice solution to actively incorporate your viewers into your content material.
12. Micro-interviews
Micro-interviews is usually a enjoyable solution to share information your viewers would possibly discover useful or put a human face to your model. This may very well be an interview with you, a fellow creator, a member of your staff, or a buyer.
EvolveYou shared this interview with one in every of their trainers, which doubled as a behind-the-scenes have a look at a enjoyable photoshoot.:
In the meantime, the podcast Chew On This creates bite-sized interviews with useful ideas for his or her viewers:
If ‘lights, digicam, motion’ will not be one thing you’ve gotten the price range or time for, no downside. You could possibly flip your interviewee’s solutions right into a graphic carousel. On this publish, we share snippets from our Creators Unlocked interview sequence on Instagram:
13. Hints and sneak peeks
Use Instagram to generate buzz for upcoming content material or thrilling enterprise updates with a cheeky preview.
It may imply a black-and-white or partially obscured snap of a brand new product or a easy publish that signifies that massive updates are coming, like Transfer with Blue did right here:
Vegan chef Ben Rebuck posted a sneak peek of his upcoming recipe in his Instagram Broadcast Channel:
What’s extra, he posted an extra teaser in his tales to encourage followers to affix his broadcast channel for this unique content material — genius!
14. Behind the scenes content material
For those who sometimes publish extremely polished content material, add a human aspect by sharing the goings-on behind the scenes. The probabilities are close to infinite with this sort of content material.
Musician Kayko shares a video of himself practising earlier than a present after which the identical second throughout the efficiency:
Krissy Cela, founding father of EvolveYou and Oner Lively, shares behind-the-scenes snaps and movies from each private and model Instagram accounts, giving followers an inside have a look at what it takes to run not one however two profitable companies concurrently.
“Prepare with me” (#grwm) movies like this are a enjoyable solution to deal with behind-the-scenes appears and a simple publish format to observe for those who’re comfy on digicam.
15. The way it’s made: Your manufacturing course of
Creators and companies alike can present what it takes to get to a last product.
Painter Christopher Remmers exhibits his portray course of on this Reel whereas asking his viewers a thought-proving query:
And inventive content material producer Nini Creatives showcases the video modifying course of on this video:
16. The way it works: Your providing in motion
For small companies, you may give your potential clients an inside have a look at how your services or products works.
Enterprise coach Noé Khalfa saved an Instagram Story Highlights album to his profile that describes what it is wish to work with him. It is a fast, partaking solution to perceive his providing — significantly for brand new followers.
Supply: @noewtj
17. Product pictures
One other thought for all of the manufacturers on the market: function your merchandise! Whereas high-quality product pictures will look nice in your IG feed, some extra genuine snaps or clips you are taking in your telephone will do exactly superb — significantly in Instagram Tales for those who’re cultivating an aesthetic feed.
Cleaning soap maker Skunk has curated a ravishing feed of each polished product pictures and extra spontaneous snaps of their wares in shocking areas, just like the one under.
Bonus: Unpolished product pics will assist construct belief together with your Instagram followers and potential clients with an unedited, unfiltered view of your providing.
18. Check and assessment merchandise
Sharing your trustworthy tackle a product can construct belief together with your viewers whereas serving to them discover one thing they’re going to love.
As a creator, this is usually a gateway into model partnerships. Simply bear in mind: your viewers needs to know what you actually assume. They’re going to belief you extra for those who give a balanced assessment that notes drawbacks (if there are any).
Magnificence influencer Golloria assessments out Jordana Ticia’s bronzer on this video:
19. Meet the staff
Manufacturers: Highlight the individuals who make your product potential and present your appreciation for his or her arduous work as Rize Up Bakery does:
Like behind-the-scenes posts, this could additionally humanize your model and construct belief together with your viewers.
20. The present of giveaways
There’s nothing that may drum up engagement fairly like a giveaway. Positive, there’s the usual “observe us, touch upon this publish” method. However you could possibly additionally shake issues up like Huel did on this video:
They pinpointed a previous remark from one in every of their Instagram followers and bought in contact to share their appreciation with a present. Sharing a video of the method inspired different followers to work together with their content material in the identical manner, with out explicitly telling them to take action.
For those who’re a creator, you possibly can companion with a model on a giveaway or provide up gadgets you have examined or obtained in PR.
Health creator Emma Flynn companions with LARQ to present one in every of her followers a water bottle:
21. Popular culture mash-ups
Draw inspiration from the information that is making waves within the broader world and faucet into that pleasure. Final yr, Barbie fever took over, and types and creators all over the place painted their Instagram pages pink — proverbially talking — to get in on the motion.
Right here’s how the Fiit app turned one in every of their trainers, Gede, right into a Barbie-inspired doll:
Equally, on the creator aspect, when Netflix launched the present Is it Cake?, bakers all over the place had been hopping on the problem to create desserts that seemed like actual objects.
Cake artist Celine cannot get sufficient of this development — and neither can her viewers. Enjoying the “actual or cake?” recreation whereas watching her movies is tremendous enjoyable:
22. Trending sounds
Trending audio could be an effective way to get impressed about what to publish subsequent.
For those who discover a Reel with audio you want, faucet on the prime of the Reel (proper beneath their Instagram deal with), the place you will see the title and artist of the music or sound. You’ll be taken to an audio web page exhibiting how different Instagrammers have used the sound chunk. From there, hit the “Use audio” button, and you’ll create your personal video with that sound because the background.
That is how equipment model Emily + Me made this enjoyable Reel that includes their cross-body luggage:
Lip-syncing somebody’s phrases from their authentic publish in a brand new context is a popping Instagram development, too.
Kayla Noel borrowed a sound chunk from a motivational speech for her video:
23. Templates
Ever battle to time your video edits completely with the music? Much like trending sounds, you should use a reel’s whole template — that means their sound and clip edit timing — if a creator has made it accessible. No must fuss round together with your timing.
There are two methods to do that:
Create a brand new reel by hitting the “+” on the backside of the display screen, deciding on reel, and selecting “Templates” on the prime of the display screen. There, you possibly can browse trending choices.Alternatively, for those who come throughout a video you want throughout your each day scroll, faucet the ellipsis button within the backside proper of the display screen to see if the “Use as template” choice is out there. If that’s the case, faucet it, and also you’ll be taken to a web page the place you possibly can substitute the video clips with your personal.
I discovered this one utilizing the primary methodology:
24. Inexperienced display screen
With Instagram’s inexperienced display screen impact, you possibly can superimpose your self over one other photograph or screenshot, making it simple to point out what you are speaking about with out shedding your expressive face and gestures.
To do this, faucet the “+” on the backside of the display screen to create a brand new Reel and faucet the “Digicam” button on the prime. Then, on the left-hand aspect of the display screen, click on the down arrow to open up extra choices. Faucet “Inexperienced Display”.
From there, you possibly can select the picture you wish to seem within the background and report your self with the front-facing digicam.
Private styling service Fashivly leans on this function quite a bit, to nice impact:
25. Repurposed content material
Work smarter, not tougher, and reuse your most partaking content material from different platforms. Instagram’s Threads makes it significantly simple to repurpose textual content posts again on its main platform by tapping on the paper airplane icon beneath every thread, then “Add to Story” or “Put up to Feed.”
To share textual content content material from elsewhere, a easy screenshot of a publish on X or LinkedIn atop an aesthetic background (we advocate Canva) makes for an awesome Instagram feed publish.
Relating to short-form movies, the alternatives for repurposing are too good to be ignored. We advocate creating your video utilizing an exterior video editor (Veed.io, Canva, and Capcut are all nice choices). Then, cross-post it on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts concurrently with Buffer. You’ll be able to even tweak the caption for every platform to tailor it to the precise viewers you’ve gotten on every.
Here is a publish we created in Capcut and shared throughout Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Artist Kim Krans has been making the podcast rounds currently and shares clips of those interviews on her Instagram Feed for some low-lift content material:
26. Consumer-generated content material (UGC)
For manufacturers, showcase how a lot your clients love your work once they tag you of their content material — aka UGC. That is significantly simple once they tag you of their Instagram posts or Tales.
If their profiles are public, you possibly can repost their content material by going into your DMs (any tales you’re tagged in will seem there) or hitting the paper airplane button under the publish.
It’s at all times good to ask permission earlier than posting, however it’s a should if their profiles are personal and you propose to screenshot their content material.
Bacon Bikinis recurrently reshares content material from their clients (and is fortunate sufficient to have some influencers with sizeable followings sharing their wares, too).
27. Honorable mentions
For those who’re fortunate sufficient to be featured in any media or win an award, share the excellent news!
For PR firm Tori Porter Communications, press options for her purchasers are a prime precedence. Within the Reel under, she shares her achievements with snippets from the varied newspapers, web sites, and magazines her clients have been featured in.
In the meantime, content material creator Chase Reeves celebrated his milestone of reaching 100k YouTube subscribers together with his Instagram followers:
28. Success tales
For manufacturers, social proof advertising is hard to beat — and it makes for some nice Instagram content material. When clients share constructive suggestions, think about turning it right into a publish (once more, with their permission, particularly for those who’re naming them).
You could possibly use their feedback as a caption in an everyday publish or flip them right into a graphic that can be utilized because the publish itself. Alternatively, screenshot critiques and share them through Instagram Tales like Courageous Little Child has.
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Professional tip: Create an Instagram Tales Spotlight album of buyer suggestions to offer your clients easy accessibility to real-life references.
29. Add to another person’s content material
If the unique creators opt-in, you possibly can add to their content material with the Remix or Sequence options.
Remix allows you to add to their content material with a side-by-side, inexperienced display screen, or your personal textual content or audio. Sequence allows you to add content material to the top of a Reel.
This will assist you to construct on (or, for those who really feel like stirring up a debate, problem) another person’s content material.
Faucet the three dots on the Reel or publish, then faucet “Remix” or “Sequence.” The unique video will seem in your modifying window as another clip, so you possibly can add your personal spin to it.
Work forward so you are not posting last-minute
And there you’ve gotten it: 29 concepts for scroll-stopping content material to share on Instagram.
Now that you’ve loads of Instagram publish concepts to work with, plan forward and create your content material prematurely so you are not left scrambling on the final minute to maintain up your posting cadence.
Buffer makes it simple to schedule posts on Instagram — and throughout your different social media accounts. You could find the very best occasions to publish in your profile — somewhat than whenever you randomly bear in mind to publish throughout dinner. And you may observe your analytics to see what sort of content material is working and double down on it.
Attempt managing your social media content material with Buffer so that you’re by no means left with an empty queue.
