Instagram Collabs – how to use the collaboration feature to reach a new audience?

Organic reach is declining, algorithms are changing, and you still want to reach new audiences without paying for ads? Instagram Collabs is one of the few ways that truly works – and it does so overnight. No hacks, no paid campaigns. Just a well-chosen partner, an idea, and a single click. How to use the co-authoring feature on Instagram to not only gain reach but to genuinely build a brand, community, and… offering? More on this later.

What are Instagram Collabs anyway – and why should every creator use them as often as possible?

Instagram Collabs is a feature that allows you to publish the same post (or Reels) on two different profiles simultaneously, as joint authors. This means that one post is seen not only by your followers but also by your partner’s followers – and all metrics (likes, comments, saves, shares, reach) are counted together.

It’s a huge difference compared to a regular tag – because instead of “guest appearing” on someone’s profile, you’re there with full rights. What’s in it for you?

• Reach x2, x3, or even x5 without spending a dime.
• New followers who are actually in your niche.
• Greater engagement = better results in the algorithm.
• A real chance for more collaborations with brands.

If you’re just starting – it’s the simplest way to showcase yourself to new people. If you’re already active – it’s a way to scale content without extra effort.

Not just tagging – how does the collab feature work step by step and where to click so you don’t mess up the publication?

Collabs is not a tag. It’s co-authorship. To launch it properly, you must do it consciously. It takes 2 minutes overall, but it’s worth knowing where to click – otherwise, the post won’t appear on your partner’s account.

What does it look like?

1. You create a post or Reels as always. You add graphics/video, description, hashtags.
2. Before publishing, you click on “Tag people”, and then select “Invite collaborator”.
3. You enter the username and send the invitation.
4. Your partner accepts – and only then does the post appear on their profile.

And that’s it. Now the same post appears on both of your profiles – with a note that you are co-authors. This is important because every interaction goes into one pot. This, in turn, signals the algorithm that something valuable is happening.

Instagram Collabs in practice – real examples that work and increase earnings

The best part about Collabs? They can be tailored to every type of content and every stage of business. Whether you are a course creator, offer services, have e-commerce, or are just building a community – you can dive in. The key is a good idea and a valuable partner.

A few examples that simply work.

• Expert duo: You and someone from a similar niche (e.g., coach + strategist) create a guide post or Reel with role division.
• Case study: you jointly showcase the result of collaboration (e.g., copywriter + graphic designer, trainer + dietitian).
• Mini-challenge or series: e.g., “7 days of productivity” with a daily Reel on both profiles.
• Joint tutorial: each person shows their element – e.g., “How to create a landing page that sells”.

It works because you combine two communities – and each sees value, instead of a dry promo. Plus: Instagram likes Collabs and often promotes them better in the feed. So besides reach and followers, you also gain a higher chance of going viral.

How to find the ideal partner for a collab – and not waste this opportunity on a random account?

Not every collab is a good collaboration – the key is who you do it with. If you approach it strategically, your post can perform dozens of times better than average. But if you invite a random account from a completely different field? Well… you’ll waste time and opportunity.

What to consider before inviting someone to a Collab?

• Niche – the partner must be in the same or a related field for your content to make sense.
• Account size – ideally, they should have as many or slightly more followers than you.
• Engagement rate – at least 5%, otherwise it will just look nice but won’t deliver.
• Authenticity – check if the content is real, followers aren’t bought, and the account isn’t inactive.
• Complementarity – don’t compete directly, but complement each other.

There’s nothing wrong with a partner having 3x more followers than you – as long as their audience can genuinely be interested in your offer. It’s these choices that build a network that earns.

Do it right – how to write a collab post that gets reach, comments, and clicks?

It’s not enough to just post together. If you want it to work – you need to prepare it thoughtfully. Description, hook, CTA – all of these influence reach and results.

Checklist for an effective collab post.

• Hook – the first sentence that stops scrollers (e.g., “We both make money on Instagram – and we have 5 lessons that changed everything”).
• Value – what the audience will get from this post (e.g., checklist, tips, story, case).
• CTA – tell them what to do (“Save, share, comment, click link in bio”).
• Format – Reels travel further than a post, but a carousel can hold attention longer.

A good collab post should look like something everyone wants to save, then show to a friend. If you don’t feel that after reading – improve the description or change the format.

Do you have 3 months? Here’s a collab plan that will give you growth, new followers, and real money

Want to see results from Collabs? Treat it like a strategy, not a random shot. Here’s a real action plan for 3 months – ready to implement immediately.

Month 1 – Preparation.

• Define your niche and ideas for joint posts.
• Make a list of 20 potential partner accounts.
• Reach out with a specific proposal (not a DM “hey collab?”).

Month 2 – Publication.

• Release 1–2 Collabs per week.
• Promote each in Stories, DMs, pin to profile.
• Respond to comments, comment on your partner’s posts.

Month 3 – Scaling.

• Increase to 2–3 Collabs per week.
• Select the best partners for long-term collaboration.
• Analyze results and make a summary.

It can be done, even if you have 1000 followers. But you need to act consistently.

Instagram Collabs are only one element. If you want to really earn from recommending products, even if you’re just starting out – set up your own Space in RefSpace.

In RefSpace you don’t need a store or your own products. You choose others’ (e.g., ebooks, courses, tools), and your Space acts as a landing page that earns for you.

FAQ

Does Instagram Collab work on private accounts?

No – both parties must have a public account for the Collab to be visible on both profiles.

Can I invite more than one person to a Collab?

Currently – you can only add one co-author per post. But you can create series with different people.

Does Collab also work on Stories?

Yes – the feature was introduced in 2024. You can invite someone to a joint Story, but not every option is available globally yet.

Do I need a large number of followers to do a Collab?

No! Even with 500 followers, you can reach an account with 10K – if you have value to add and a good idea.

What if the partner does not accept the Collab invitation?

The post will be published only on your profile. You can delete it and try again, but it’s best to agree in advance.