Need to increase growth on Instagram? Begin leveraging the collaborator feature. It allows you to co-create posts and reels, expanding your reach, engagement, and authority, particularly when collaborating with brands or influencers.
Struggling to Grow on Instagram Alone?
Let’s get real: posting and reach are no longer synonymous. With Instagram’s constantly changing algorithm, getting noticed is hard even when posting trends.
That’s why:
- Participation goes down when you’re not collaborating.
- Collab posts, according to a 2024 Social Insider survey, are viewed 2.5x more and engaged with 3x more than a standalone post.
- Old-fashioned reposting is outdated. People yearn for authenticity, and collaborative posts appear more authentic and indigenous.
- So if you’ve been observing your reels’ stall or carousel’s tank, you’re probably not interacting with co-creators.
You’re Missing Out on Growth by Not Using Collab:
Each day you skip the collab feature, you’re missing:
- Access to a second pool of audience
- Increased virality potential
- Enhanced brand trust and recognition
Let’s imagine this:
You’re a gadget creator who gets paid to review devices (like the readers of BeSureTechno). Another creator, on the other hand, another creator partners with 2 other reviewers on the same subject, getting three times their engagement.
How to Add Collaborators on Instagram the Right Way (2025 Edition)
Now let’s take you through adding collaborators on Instagram like a pro, either using the newest app version or an older one.
What Is the Instagram Collab Feature?
Collab lets two accounts collaborate on a shared post or reel. That content appears in both users’ feeds and logs likes, comments, and shares, making it a collaborative engagement source.
Ideal for:
- Influencer-brand collaborations
- Co-owned content (photographers, designers, etc.)
- Giveaways and UGC campaigns
- Collaborative Reels and memes
Bonus Fact: Instagram confirmed that collaborative content is prioritized in discovery feeds, particularly Reels (source: Meta Business Blog, 2024).
How to Add Collaborators on Instagram (2025 Method)
Below is a step-by-step walkthrough with a few pro tips incorporated.
For New Posts (Feed or Reels):
Create Your Content:
- Record your Reel or upload your photo/video.
- Edit it, add music, stickers, or filters as normal.
Want to make your Reels stronger before you collaborate? Find out how to save Instagram reels with music so that you can reuse popular sounds and create high-engagement content.
Tap on ‘Tag People’:
- Instead of tagging within the image, find the “Invite Collaborator” option.
Search for the Collaborator’s Username:
- They need to have a public account or manually accept your collaboration request.
- Instagram supports a maximum of 3 collaborators for each post (Meta Update, April 2025).
Press ‘Done’ → Share the Post:
- The collaborator will get a prompt to accept or reject.
After accepting, the post will be shown on both accounts, and all the engagement will be shared.
Existing Posts?
Sorry, but you can’t add a collaborator to a post once it has been published.
Tips: Always prepare your collab and verify usernames. Errors can sabotage your collaboration potential and professionalism.
Pro Tips to Use Instagram Collabs Like a Growth Hacker
Use Collabs Strategically:
Every post does not have to include a collaborator. Make it worthwhile by using collabs along with viral content strategies. In case you’re going after reach, don’t miss our complete guide on how to viral reels on Instagram — perfect when you’re looking for the maximum amount of exposure through collabs.
Time It Right:
Later’s 2025 Instagram Report states that posts from 9:00 AM–11:30 AM (IST) have the highest potential for collab post approval and early engagement.
Monitor Collaborator Performance
Monitor with Instagram Insights:
- Reach per collab
- Follower growth post-collabs
- Clicks on your bio/website
As a tech creator, read our Best Mobile Phones Under ₹5000 article for good collaboration post ideas.
Instagram Collaboration Post Best Practices:
Implement these expert-recommended tips for maximum benefit from the collab feature:
Collaborate with the Right Person
Choose someone whose niche is a complement to yours. Example:
- If you share tech tutorials, work with a mobile accessory brand.
- Check out our tutorial on Best Gaming Headphones Under ₹500 — think of a collab with a headset reseller!
Post When They’re Active
Utilize Instagram Insights to understand when your and your collaborator’s followers are most active.
Promote It Together
Share the collab post on Stories and tag each other again. This increases reach by 30% (source: Later.com, 2024 study).
Always Follow Up
Some creators don’t follow up on collab invites. Send a DM before and confirm the deal.
How to Use This Feature Like a Pro in 2025?
As a reliable source of tech content, we recommend that all creators and brands be strategic about collaborations.
Identify your audience and select collaborators that fit your niche + intent.
Tag and collaborate with recognized brands or creators within your industry to build trust.
Be honest with followers. Mention the collab in captions if necessary. Do not spam or tag-bait.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Using Instagram Collaborators in 2025?
It’s no longer a choice if you want social growth.
Suppose you’re a brand looking to reach new audiences, a creator collaborating for giveaways, or even a student launching a side hustle. In that case, Instagram Collabs are your ticket to gaining more views, followers, and credibility.
Just keep in mind: it’s not merely a matter of clicking “invite collaborator” — it’s about doing so strategically, the way experts do.
FAQs:
Ans: While the invite button on Instagram seems to be available everywhere, there could be times when you can not send a collaborator invite to someone. This can happen if they have a private account or are using an out-of-date app version and if the post type (such as Reels or Carousel) is ineligible for the feature. First, make sure that both accounts respect Instagram’s requirements for collaboration.
Ans: Yes, A private Instagram account can still collaborate by adding collaborators to the post or reel, but it will be seen only by its followers unless the collaborator is a public account.
Ans: You do not need a professional account to collaborate on Instagram. The collaboration feature can be used for both personal and professional accounts, provided that the account settings permit it and the feature is available in your area.
Ans: Your account must, of course, be public; you need to produce quality content consistently and engage with your audience to grow a genuine following. Accounts that post regularly, stick to their niche, and have a professional bio are more likely to be followed by businesses.
Ans: That follower count would probably change, depending on what type of collaboration it is. Micro-influencers (those with 1,000–10,000 followers) are an option for certain brands, while others need a wider reach. Followers are ephemeral but the content is forever.