How to Add a Collaborator on Instagram (Step-by-Step Guide) 

Instagram continues to evolve as a powerful platform for creators, businesses, and everyday users who want to connect with their audience in unique and interactive ways. One of the most exciting features Instagram has introduced recently is the Collaborator post feature. This new function helps users increase reach and engagement by allowing two accounts to co-author a post or Reel. But how exactly do you add a collaborator on Instagram?

If you’ve been curious about how to utilize this feature effectively but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adding a collaborator on Instagram, and how to make it work to your advantage.

What Is a Collaborator Post on Instagram?

First things first—what is a collaborator post? A collaborator post or Reel is a single piece of content that appears on both the profile grid and feeds of two users. It allows both accounts to share likes, comments, views, and even the caption. It’s essentially a co-branded piece of content, making it ideal for:

• Brand and influencer partnerships
• Content collaborations between creators
• Business partnerships
• Team announcements and projects

This shared visibility can significantly amplify your content’s reach, creating a win-win scenario for both collaborating parties.

Benefits of Using the Collaborator Feature

Using the Collaborator feature provides numerous benefits, especially if you’re looking to grow your presence or amplify a campaign. Here are some of the major advantages:

• Increased Visibility: Your post will appear in the followers’ feeds of both accounts, expanding your content’s reach.
• Shared Engagement: Likes, views, and comments are mutual, which creates higher engagement numbers.
• Brand Synergy: Collaborator posts are great for showcasing partnerships or co-created content in an official, seamless manner.
• Professional Presentation: It looks cleaner than tagging another account and provides a more polished feel for collaborations.

How to Add a Collaborator on Instagram: Step-by-Step Guide

Adding a collaborator is simple once you know where the option is hidden. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough so you can begin co-authoring posts today:

Step 1: Create a New Post or Reel

Start by tapping the + icon at the top of your Instagram homepage. Choose whether you want to create a Post or a Reel. Upload your media, add filters, edit as desired, and then tap Next.

Step 2: Add Your Caption and Tags

Compose your caption as normal. This will be the caption that both you and your collaborator will share. Make sure it’s appropriate for both your audiences, and feel free to use mentions, hashtags, and emojis to boost engagement.

Step 3: Click on “Tag People”

Right below your caption box, you’ll see an option to Tag People. Tap this to move to the tagging screen where you’ll add your collaborator.

Step 4: Tap on “Invite Collaborator”

Underneath the standard tagging options, you’ll see Invite Collaborator. Tap it, and then search for the user you’d like to collaborate with on the post. Once you’ve found them, select their account and tap Done.

This sends them an invite to co-author the post. Your post will only go live on both profiles after the collaborator accepts your invite.

Step 5: Share Your Post

Once you’re satisfied with your post and have invited your collaborator, continue to the Share screen and publish it as usual. The post will initially appear only on your profile. It will show as “invitation pending” until the collaborator accepts the invite.

Step 6: Collaborator Accepts the Invite

Your collaborator will receive a notification to accept the invite. Once they do, the post will start appearing on both profiles. Both usernames will be visible at the top of the post or Reel, and all engagements (likes, comments, views) will be shared across both users.

Tips for a Successful Collaboration

Adding a collaborator on Instagram may be easy, but making it effective takes some strategy. Here are a few useful tips to ensure your collaboration hits the mark.

• Communicate Clearly: Talk with your collaborator before the post goes live. Align on the caption, tag placements, and posting schedule.
• Choose the Right Collaborator: Make sure your collaborator shares similar audience interests. This ensures your content is engaging and relevant to both follower bases.
• Use High-Quality Visuals: Visuals matter more than ever. Make sure your media is clear, well-lit, and eye-catching.
• Monitor Engagement Together: Since analytics are shared, review performance together to learn and optimize future posts.

Can You Add a Collaborator to Existing Instagram Posts?

One common question users have is whether they can add a collaborator after the post has already been published. Unfortunately, you cannot retroactively add a collaborator once a post is live. You’ll need to delete and repost the content if you forgot to add a collaborator before posting.

So, triple-check your collaborator settings before hitting that “Share” button!

Privacy and Collaboration: What You Should Know

There are a few limitations you should be aware of when using the collaborator feature. Not all Instagram accounts can be added as collaborators. Specifically:

• The invited collaborator must have a public account if you are sharing from a public profile.
• Accounts that have privacy restrictions or blocked interactions might not be eligible for collaboration.
• Only one collaborator can be invited per post at this time.

Additionally, if your collaborator declines or removes themselves from the post later, it will no longer appear on their profile and their username will be removed from the post heading.

Using Collaborations in Reels and Business Strategy

The collaborator option isn’t limited to static posts—it also works beautifully with Reels, which is great news given how popular short-form video has become. Whether you’re running a product demo, behind-the-scenes sneak peek, or a trending challenge, collaboration on Reels can boost your visibility even further.

For businesses and creators, integrating collaborator posts into a content calendar can double your reach and strengthen brand relationships. Be sure to include clear calls to action, cross-promote the post on stories, and respond to comments to drive engagement.

Wrapping Up

Instagram’s Collaborator post feature is a game-changer for co-marketing and joint content promotions. It’s a streamlined, professional way to showcase partnerships and double your content exposure without needing to create separate posts for each account.

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can add a collaborator on Instagram effortlessly and begin leveraging this powerful tool to elevate your presence. So go ahead—start that creative partnership, connect with your audience, and watch your content soar.

Ready to post your first collab? Start now and see the difference a shared spotlight can make!