Instagram is the juggernaut of traffic and audience building. With over 2.4 billion monthly active users (out of which 158.4 million are based in the US), the platform offers you a chance to find customers that you might never reach with a brick-and-mortar store.
However, you can’t solely rely on Instagram ads to do all the heavy lifting! To stay ahead of the competition, you also need to have creative and engaging posts on your profile. Simply posting motivational quotes or company offers isn’t the way to go.
Here are some trending Instagram post ideas that might help you get started and bring more eyeballs to your profile. These Instagram content ideas will help you stand out from the Instagram feed noise, get noticed, and leverage the algorithm to expand your reach and build an engaged audience.
Here are 10 tried and tested creative Instagram content ideas that will boost your profile’s engagement –
Instagram introduced reels in August 2020 and has emerged as the platform’s favorite content type ever since then.
That’s not just our opinion but a data-backed claim. If you check latest Instagram statistics, you will find that users are 22% more likely to engage with reels than standard video posts.
While creating Instagram reels, here are a few things to keep in mind: follow the latest IG trends, maintain consistency, and create content that users will be compelled to save.
For example: check how this creator builds hype and motivates users to save the Instagram reel.
Want more tips and tricks? Check our Instagram Reels Views Hack: How to get more views on Reels guide for the same.
Out of all the newly launched Instagram features, shoppable posts are unmatched in their importance for brand marketing. After all, more than 130 million users end up tapping on shoppable posts every month.
To begin with, you can create a beautiful image of somebody using your products and spice it up with shoppable tags. Mobile customers will be able to access the website right away and make the purchases you mention.
Look at Sephora promoting the new shade of their Lip Oil with a shoppable post.
Did you know that 84% of people trust reviews as much as their friends when buying a product? A post that features a customer review is not only interesting but also social proof for the consumers out there.
You can request customers to share feedback and convert the same into engaging content for the profile.
Consider Bim Bam Boo Toilet Paper — they occasionally create text-based posts to highlight user reviews.
User-generated content can help build authority and persuade customers to make a purchase. According to data, 56% of users find UGC more trustworthy then brand-promoted content.
To create UGC, ask your users to send some content like a photograph or a testimonial video.
To make the deal interesting, you can promise something for each piece of user-generated content received. Here’s how Aerie, a women’s clothing retailer, ran the #AerieREAL campaign and donated $1 for every post.
We’ve all come across “tag your friends in giveaway contests” on Instagram. (PS: I’ve even participated in some of them!)
As a marketer, you shouldn’t really miss any chance of gathering user activity on your profile. Fun contests are a good way of putting it into action. Make a contest, then pitch it. Encourage consumers to share pictures of your products on social media by giving them a great reward.
Here’s how IKEA took it to another level with so a simple but powerful contest.
Stop the scrolling and get them swiping with a Carousel post. Users (and brands!) can upload many images or videos into a single post using carousel posts.
You have a lot of options with this post format, as you might expect. Options are:
Check how Vaizle uses carousels to promote its connector tool and compare it with other competitors in the market.
Asking an odd question to your audience will help you connect with them. It can be created as a light-hearted quip to start a conversation and maybe anything (and lift your engagement rate).
McDonald’s never shies away from this strategy as its customers are more than happy to share what’s on their minds.
Nope, BTS here doesn’t stand for the Korean pop group.
We’re talking about Behind-the-Scenes content that can help give your Instagram followers a glimpse of the hard work and creativity that goes into creating your product or service.
BTS posts allow you to share a more personal and authentic side of your brand, which in turn can help to build trust and strengthen relationships with your audience.
Here’s how Socialmediaweek made their behind-the-scenes snapshot interesting for their users:
Memes are always trending and a good bet for social media branding. However, you need to use them wisely to receive a ton of likes and comments. If you push too hard, all you’ll get from your subscribers is a reprimand.
To get ahead in meme marketing, you will need to appeal to younger audiences and post when the trend’s running hot.
Have a look at Netflix using memes to promote one of their well-known characters — Joe Goldberg.
When it comes to live streaming, Instagram has left behind YouTube! Out of all US live viewers falling in the age range of 18-34, 45% prefer Instagram Live.
Instagram Live is a great way for you to connect with the audience in real time. You can broadcast events, host Q&A sessions, conduct interviews, or even post instructional videos.
Here’s an example of a smitten kitchen making an Insta post to invite followers to watch their cooking broadcast.
Brainstorming Instagram post ideas can be an overwhelming task. You need to stay relevant, post consistently, and make the content engaging and exciting for the audience.
Also, you must monitor the performance of IG posts to know how well the audience is responding. Free Instagram Page Analysis tool by Vaizle can help you streamline this process by offering:
There’s a lot more to explore! You can now get exclusive access to the complete marketing analytics suite for $1 only. Start your 7-day trial now and cancel or change plans anytime you want.
Mamta is an SEO Analyst with 2 years of experience. Currently, she is spending her time on content roadmapping to drive organic growth and engagement for SaaS businesses. Mamta is also an avid cinephile who spends her spare time watching latest action and sci-fi flicks from around the world.